Are we pleasing God?
Times change and churches change, we are experiencing those changes right now, but what should never change about the Church? How can the Church be separated from the world, committed to God and pleasing to Him? The Hebrew Church was being taught to worship God without the Temple, the altar and a High Priest that they had been excluded from. The author ends his instructions to the Hebrew Church with three keys to committing to to God and pleasing Him despite changing times. If we obey these instructions the Church will be powerful and pleasing to God no matter what the circumstances.
Scripture
Hebrews 13:15-19 ESV Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. [16] Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. [17] Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. [18] Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things. [19] I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Bible Study Questions
Hebrews 13:15-19 tells us to offer up continual sacrifices of praise through our Lord Jesus Christ. Why should we praise and worship God? (Revelation 4:11, Hebrews 1:2-3)
Does God need our praise and worship? ( Acts 17:24-25)
Hebrews 13:13-14 encouraged us to face exclusion from the world to be included in God’s Kingdom. Can we be commitment to God without sacrifice, and what sacrifices do we need to make? (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Who are we submitting to and obeying when we submit ourselves to the leaders that God has appointed over the Church? (Matthew 10:40, Ephesians 4:11-12)
We are told to obey our leaders joyfully, not because we’re under instruction but because it’s to our benefit (Hebrews 13:17). How are the leaders to have the same attitude? (1 Peter 5:1-3)
Hebrews 13:18 asks for prayer for the author and those who seem to have been slandered and persecuted with him. How is the role and responsibility of the author of Hebrews different to the role of any of the current leaders of the Church (2 Peter 1:20-21)
What does the author believe about earnest prayer in Hebrews (13:19), and how should we be praying (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2)
Prayer
Dear Father God in Heaven, Thank You for giving us the ultimate sacrifice of love, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that through Him we can be devoted and committed to You. Please help us to leave the world and it’s distractions behind and commit ourselves to You and Your Kingdom. Please forgive us when we sit in our comfort zones and only do what makes us feel good. Thank You for all Your servants who have given their lives so that we can know and love You. Please help us to have the same passionate attitude as we serve You and Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
How can I say thanks
For everything You've done
And how can I give praise
Lord You've given me so much
You gave it all
You paid the price
Now I want to give You my life
As a sacrifice of praise
O lift it up to You
Lord I give my heart away
O I give it all to you
Lord make my life an offering
Let me worship You in everything I do
A sacrifice of praise I give to You
In sunshine and in rain
In sorrow and in pain
Lord I will give You praise
And choose to bless Your name
You gave it all
And You paid the price
Now I want to give You my life
As a sacrifice of praise
O lift it up to You
Lord I give my heart away
O I give it all to you
Lord make my life an offering
Let me worship You in everything I do
A sacrifice of praise I give to You
Don Moen
Service
Praise and worship that only focuses on our experience of God can become self-centred. Doing good and sharing with others will always balance and complete our worship by drawing us out of our own comfort zone. Ask our Father to show you who He would like you to share with and do good to this week.