Hebrews 13:5-14 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

Just as we had discussed variations of love in the last week, this week's passage continues on that. However, rather than simply looking at different expressions of love, we wrestle with the object of our love. Is it in the things of this world? Or is it in the Lord? To the Lord, we would trust and be content, but to the things of this world, there is lack and want.

The writer to the Hebrews offers some memory verses. The Lord will neither leave nor forsake you. The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? This becomes the confidence for the believer. Though they suffer hurt and persecution. Though they may be going without in many areas, their satisfaction rests fully on the Lord.

The attention then moves on to the leaders surrounding them. Those that are pushing them forward should have their lives examined. What is the outcome of their faith? What is the conduct of their lives? When we consider this and remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we ought then to see the life of Jesus lived out in our leaders. In seeing this, the call is to imitate their faith. Follow them as they follow Christ.

At last there is a concern for the strange teachings and deceptions that have been going around. The encouragement is a simple one. Stay away from those and cleave to the truth. Be okay with being on the outside of the camp as even Jesus was crucified and put to shame outside. We like to be included. We like to be welcomed. Unfortunately, some of those desires do not align with true biblical Christianity. Our loyalty is not to this world. Our loyalty and love is to God and God alone.

What observations are you making?