CLOSING EXHORTATIONS OF HEBREWS

TEXT: Hebrews 13:17-25

INTRODUCTION:
A. Hebrews 13:17-25.
B. Having warned in 9-16 about the danger of new teachings, he now turns to an appeal
for them to obey present leadership.
C. Subversive elements threatened the local church.

I. DUTY TO ELDERS, 17-19. Acts 5:36; Romans 2:8; Galatians 3:1; 5:7; James 3:3.
A. Obey them, 17, and submit to them.
1. Because of the vast importance of their work.
a. “Watch in behalf of your souls”.
b. Is anything greater? Not even job of U.S. President!
c. Eternal vs. temporal.
2. Because of their responsibility to Christ, the Chief Shepherd, 1 Peter 5:4.
a. They must give an account for their efforts, as God’s stewards.
b. “Where is the flock that was given thee?” Jeremiah 13:20.
3. Because of loss of souls if they fail.
a. Their submission will give elders joy in the work.
b.Their rebellion will make his work grievous, perhaps to abandon their work.
c. If with grief, elders dejected, inefficient, much spiritual loss due to lack of
discipline.
d. In such cases, they would be without profit in failing to cooperate.
B. Pray for them, 18,19.
1. Paul’s “us” perhaps epistolary plurals, but can include elders.
2. We must pray for all leaders: elders, deacons, ministers.
3. His clear conscience, acting in best interest of the cause.
a. Often asked for prayers, Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Romans 15:30.
4. He had lived among them and taught them.
a. Now separated, he hoped to be restored to them soon.

II. PRAYER AND FINAL REMARKS, 20-25.
A. The prayer, 20,21.
1. “The God of peace”, peculiar to Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thess 3:16;
Romans 16:20.
2. The resurrection, only reference in Hebrews to it.
3. Jesus, the great shepherd, elsewhere the great High Priest, 4:14; 10:21
4. Blood of the eternal covenant = that which mediated, ratified New Covenant.
5. That readers will have all needed to do God’s will, as 10:36.
B. Last words, 22-25.
1. An appeal for a favorable reception of the epistle, 22.
2. Good tidings and greetings.
a. Timothy is now freed from prison, though circumstances unknown.
b. They would together revisit them.
3. Salute elders and all saints.
a. They of Italy: perhaps author writing from Italy and residents send
greetings.
4. Grace with you all. Amen.

CONCLUSION:
A. The last words are encouraging, exhorting to obey elders, submit, pray.
B. He also prays for them to do God’s will.
C. Inspiration of God edifies, Acts 20:32, and encourages.