1. Hebrews 13 contains a number of instructions that are designed to help the Lord's people remain faithful to Him, including: a. showing love and hospitality to others (vs.1-3) b. maintaining faithfulness and purity in marriage relations (vs.4) c. avoiding covetousness and being content (vs.5-6) d. remembering faithful instructors from the past (vs.7) e. following the Lord's example of steadfastness (vs.8-9) f. offering sacrifices (vs.10-16) g. obeying and submitting to spiritual leaders (vs.17). 2. (vs.18-25) The writer made several concluding requests that relate to faithfulness.
Discussion:
I. (vs.18-19) THE WRITER REQUESTED THAT PRAYER BE OFFERED FOR HIM
A. (vs.18) He had written the letter with the purest of motives -- he had written the letter in good conscience, and he was living by the things he had written. B. (vs.19) He desired to be reunited with the Hebrew Christians soon (vs.23). 1. Perhaps this would encourage them to practice the instructions he had written. 2. How would they feel if he visited them and they were not practicing these instructions? C. This request for prayer is similar to those made in Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Philemon 22.
II. (vs.20-21) THE WRITER ASKED GOD TO BLESS THE READERS OF THE LETTER
A. He prayed that God would make them perfect in every good work to do His will. 1. He did not pray for these people to remain in a weak and discouraged state. 2. He prayed that they would be busy doing the Lord's work. B. This request for God's blessing is similar to the one made in Ephesians 3:14-21.
III. (vs.22) THE WRITER REQUESTED THAT HIS LETTER BE PROPERLY RECEIVED
A. He referred to his letter as "the word of exhortation." B. This letter would not benefit anyone unless it was received properly.
IV. (vs.24) THE WRITER REQUESTED THAT LEADERS AND ALL SAINTS BE SALUTED
A. Salute: greet, give regards to B. The people of Italy sent their regards.
V. (vs.25) THE WRITER REQUESTED THAT GRACE BE GIVEN TO THE READERS OF THE LETTER
