In our every day, practical way of living there are many obstacles that we have to face such as where to live, in what kind of house or apartment, what to eat, what to wear, and many more. Well our writer as we have scene so many times before has included these things once again as stated in the last post and beginning of this chapter. But the over all disclosure is this; Stay away from the worlds many religious systems and form (Egypt's) for they can do great harm to what GOD so loving desires and designed humanity for, fellowship, companionship and very close identity of Oneness, like that of a husband and wife.
Hebrews 13:7-16, 17, 18-19 "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner." (KJV)
Hebrews 13:7-16, 17, 18-19 "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
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.
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner." (ESV)
Hebrews 13:7-16, 17, 18-19 "Be mindful of those who guide you in the revelation of GOD'S word; follow their faith, consider the conclusion of their lives. (Do not follow a counterfeit! This world be someone who fakes faith while actually living the Law.) Take your lead from the man Jesus. He is our reference to the most complete life. In him (incarnation dwelt) yesterday is confirmed today and today mirrors tomorrow. What GOD spoke to us in Christ is as relevant now as it was in the prophetic past and will always be in the eternal future, of which we are in now! (Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever; there is a history to our salvation that carries more authority and relevance than anything that ever happened in our own past, or anything present (our being birthed from above) in time or still to happen in the future. Imagine the enormity of eternity in his sameness before time was; and we were there in him (Genesis 1) all along! Look at Romans 8:34, What further ground can there possibly be to condemn humanity? In his death he faced our judgment; in his resurrection he declared our total innocence; the implications cannot be undone! He now occupies the highest seat of authority as the executive of our redemption in the Throne room of GOD. Look also at Romans 8:1, 4:25. The heavens declare his glory and majesty, night to night exhibits the giant solar testimony that is mathematically precise, revealing that GOD knew before time became, was the exact moment he would enter our history as a man, and the exact moment the Messiah would expire on the cross and be raised from among the already dead! And bring them with him, as recorded in Matthew 27:51-54 and further witnessed to by Paul in 1Corinthians 15:4-8, 20, Colossians 1:15-23.) Do not be swayed by distracting speculations. Any influence foreign to what grace communicates, even if it seems very entertaining and carries the "Christian" label, is to be shunned. Feat on grace; do not dilute your diet with legalism. There is no nourishment left in the Law. What's the use of being busy but not blessed? (Legalism includes any form of self-sacrifice or self effort with the illusion of gaining further favor from GOD or improving your spiritual standing before GOD.) For us there is only one altar and one sacrifice; we can never again confuse him with the rituals of the old redundant system. It seems that some would like to eat meat of their own sacrifices and at the same time indulge in the benefit of grace. This is not possible. (It is like trying to go in opposite directions at the same time.) When it comes to the sin offering, the carcasses of the slain animals were burned outside the camp, city walls. There are two opposing systems; you cannot associate with Christ for your convenience while still hanging on to your Jewish sentiment. If you're going to take your stand for Jesus, go all the way. Break your ties with the old shadow-system. Go outside the destroyed Jerusalem city-system. Be prepared to share his shame when your fellow Jews mock your commitment to Jesus. We are not finding our identity or security in the walled city of popular legalistic religious opinion. Our interest is captured by a different kind of city, much closer to us than the visible one. Praise replaces sacrifice; the harvest we bring is the tribute of our lips acknowledging his Name. (His Name represents the authority of our identity and redeemed innocence, our union of oneness.) GOD delights in good deeds. These deeds are like beautiful poetry giving a voice to our fellowship. (These are inspired by our innocence; rather than offered as guilt-driven sacrifices.)
Trust your guides (in this grace revelation way of life) and yield to their instruction. (Even though it seems different to the Levitical Law, the old system that religion is acquainted with and bond by, as in holding one back.) They are genuinely alert to our well-being. (Just as with Shepherds guarding their sheep, we are to be their total concern.) They have taken official accountability for us. (They represent to us all that grace reveals rather than what the Levitical Law requires.) It is to our advantage to embrace their care with joy; this makes their work a pleasure and not a burden.
Worship prayerfully with us; we believe that our joint seeing inspires a beautiful life. Pray also that I might be able to re-join you speedily; I can hardly wait!" (The Mirror, with editing)
Our next visit bring Hebrews to a close much in the same fashion of Paul's writing way. Now may the LORD bring our understand to light.
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