As you are.
The author and pastor of Hebrews was speaking to Jews who rejected Caesar as their king and accepted Jesus as their king. They had already been cast out of their synagogues and rejected by their communities. They were either already facing or about to face extreme persecution for their faith. They knew what they needed to do, but they didn’t feel equipped. That’s the brokenness that the author is speaking into at the end of Hebrews. That’s the brokenness the author is speaking into and in this benediction that ends the book of Hebrews, he’s charging the Jews to carry on with their lives knowing they are already equipped to succeed in the most difficult circumstances.
Scripture
Heb 13:20-25 ESV Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, (21) equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (22) I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. (23) You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. (24) Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. (25) Grace be with all of you.
Bible Study Questions
The author starts by calling the God of peace to a blessing. Where else do we hear of God being referred to as the God of peace? What dies this tell you about His nature? (Rom 16:20, Rom 15:33, Php 4:9, 1Th 5:23, Heb 13:20)
What’s the significance of the eternal covenant discussed in Hebrews 13:21? (Heb 13:21, Luk 22:20, Heb 8:6)
Verses 20 and 21 of Hebrews 13 are providing a sort of testament to God’s power. Why do you think he is doing this? (Heb 13:20-21)
The author is asking that God equip His people with the means to live a life that is pleasing in His sight. What is pleasing in His sight? (Heb 2:1, Heb 9:11, Heb 11:6)
When we think of equipping, we think of getting the right tools to do a certain job. What’s different here? (Heb 13:21, 2 Tim 3:7, Isa 40:28-31)
Verse 21 ends with the most significant statement of all, “….through Jesus Christ.” Why does the pastor close with this powerful statement? (Eph 2:8-9, Heb 1:3)
When we go back to verse 20, it starts by saying “Now…”. How does that impact your understanding of this passage? (Heb 13:20, Php 2:12-13, 1 Cor 15:10)
Prayer
Father, when we are inspired by your spirit to obey you, we are confronted with the strength of our flesh and our sin makes us anxious as to whether we will ever be able to live a life that is pleasing to you. Please help us to understand today, that you are already working within us. Let us take peace from the fact that you are the God of peace, and that you are working in us now. Let us not hold back in our lives due to anxiety of not being able to live up to the example of Christ. Convict us today to go out into the world, regardless of the challenges and temptations there, and to seek you out with all our hearts, in everything we do. Help us to remain steadfast in your love and may we be transformed by it.
Worship
Come out of sadness from wherever you've been
Come broken-hearted let rescue begin
Come find your mercy O sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
(So) Lay down your burdens lay down your shame
All who are broken lift up your face
O wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt lay down your heart
Come as you are
There's hope for the hopeless
And all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure
Come as you are
Fall in His arms
Come as you are
There's joy for the morning O sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Service
We learn from this Hebrews passage that we are good enough as we are. We don’t need to wait till we are holier before we can start living the purpose God wants for our lives. Yes we ourselves are held back, as are so many others, anxious about whether or not we will ever be good enough in God’s eyes. Take a moment of silence and pray to God, and ask Him to help you think of someone who is held back or resistant to walk their journey because of the responsibility on us. Pray for that person and ask God for a way for you to comfort and encourage them to know they are good enough as they are. We need only to believe.