TEXT: Hebrews 13:18-25

SUBJECT: Exposition of Hebrew #19: Conclusion

Today brings us to the last sermon in our long study of Hebrews. Its theme, you recall, is "Christ over all". He is over the prophets, over the angels, over Moses, over Aaron. "In all things, He must have the preeminence".

These last words are just that: last words. With them, the author is tying up loose ends. But his work, though not particularly organized is "inspired of God" and "profitable". It sheds light on his character and reminds us of our needs. May the Lord teach us from them, for Christ's sake. Amen.

He opens with a prayer request, vv.18-19. "Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner".

The grammar is worth your notice. "Pray for us" is in the present tense and middle voice. Hence, it means something like this: "You yourselves keep on praying for us". The author didn't so much want prayers on his behalf as he wanted their prayers. And he wished for more than a word or two at the weekly prayer meeting. He wanted his friends--each of them--to "pray without ceasing" for him. Unlike many who think prayer is a waste of time, this man saw it as a means of grace. If he must "have not", it won't be because they "asked not".

He adds an incentive. "...for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things, desiring to live honorably". It is easier to pray for a friend than for an enemy. He assures his readers that he is their friend. They may have doubted this. After all, he had sharply criticized them in the letter. But his reproof was not meant to hurt their feelings; it was designed to do them good. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful". He wanted them to know this. This would help them pray for him.

His desire for their prayers is fervently meant. This is no mere courtesy; he wants their prayers more than anything else. He "urges" them to pray for him. The KJV has "beseech". He is pleading with them, begging for their prayers. This says much about his reproof, doesn't it? Had it come from a self-righteous attitude, he wouldn't be seeking their prayers with such fervor, would he? Of course not. He didn't think too highly of himself or too lowly of them. Their relationship wasn't that of master and slave or even teacher and student. They were "brothers". And brothers want each other's prayer.

The request proper: "...that I may be restored to you the sooner". This indicates that he was no longer with them. Where was he? Was he in prison? Was he bed-ridden? Was he in exile? Was he away on assignment? It is unknown. But we do know this. He earnestly wished to be back with his friends in Christ. The sooner the better.

Why? Because they were precious to him. No mention is made of anything he'd like to do for them or something he wanted from them. He wanted to be with them (and they with him) because they loved each another. And love--by definition--seeks its loved one. It's acutely true of romantic love. It is no less true of brotherly love.

By way of application: Do you ask for prayer? You should; you need it. Do you deeply wish for the company of God's people. You should; you need it too. Finally: don't criticize others for not meeting your needs until you get to know them and ask for it.

Next is the blessing, vv.20-21. "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

The help of God is invoked. Who is He? He is the God of peace, power, and care. Has He proven Himself to us? He has. How? In the work of His Son. No believer can look to the bloody cross and the empty tomb and doubt His God.

"He who spared not His own Son,

But delivered Him up for us all;

How shall He not also, with Him,

Freely give us all things?"

What does he want from the LORD? He wants Him to make us holy. He describes this holiness as "complete in every good work". This doesn't mean "sinless", but responsible in every facet of life. He wants them to become people of integrity and maturity at home, at work, at church, in the world. They are done--not to earn salvation--but to become "well pleasing in His sight". They are accomplished only "through Jesus Christ". Why? Because no one may boast in His presence! But to Him alone "be glory forever and ever".

He adds the "Amen". So be it. May God give us this grace--not to make us happy or useful--but to bring praise to the One who "loved us and gave Himself for us".

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

To receive power, and riches,

and wisdom, and strength,

and honor and glory and blessing".

This final prayer relates quite properly to the theme of Hebrews. It is a practical outworking of its theology. For the first ten chapters, a single argument was made: Christ is over all. Here, He is given His rightful place in prayer. He's more than an afterthought; He's more than a complimentary close. His saving work is recalled; His glory becomes paramount. Why should you pray God to "make you complete in every good work to do His will?" Here's why: So that the Lord Jesus Christ will be honored by your life!

This brings the Epistle to a close. But then, he thinks of a few more things he needs to say. Vv.22ff. form the postscript.

First is a reminder of his intent, v.22. "And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words". Some hard things were written, but their goal was exhortation. He wasn't trying to bawl them out or to make them feel guilty or to exalt himself by comparison, but to aid their sanctification.

He proves it by calling them "brethren" which carries the idea of love. And by not laboring his points. He could have said much more--and said it more harshly than he did--but he chose to encourage them.

Secondly, he passes along some news of Timothy, v.23. "Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly". He assumes that the Hebrew believers are interested in Timothy. He wasn't their pastor; he certainly didn't found their churches. Yet he was a servant of Christ, and therefore, worthy of their attention.

Observe also: No trace of envy. No sin besets pastors more than envy. When a man is singled out for recognition, others seethe in resentment. No one was more highly esteemed than Timothy. About him, Paul wrote,"I have no man like-minded". Yet the author of Hebrews thinks highly of the young man. He wants others to, as well.

Thirdly, he sends a personal greeting, v.24a: "Greet those who rule over you, and all the saints". He has a pastoral interest in the Hebrews. But more than pastoral, he has a personal interest in the Jewish saints. He wants them to know that. A greeting is more than a courtesy; it carries the idea of a blessing. In short, he was wishing them "godspeed". Again, this suggests that his rebukes weren't personal attacks. He wants their best.

Fourthly, he writes for others, v.24b. "Those from Italy greet you". The writer was with the Lord's people in Italy. And they too sent their good wishes. This is instructive. Did the people know each other? A few probably did. But most did not. Yet they loved their unmet brethren. We must too.

Lastly, he wishes them what they most need: "Grace be with you all". He wishes them God's favor which is more precious than health or happiness, long life or wealth. More valuable it is than anything. It holds "all things which pertain to life and godliness". "Amen" closes the letter. May God give the grace.