Unit one:

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

I really like the clarity in chapter 13. listed are answers to questions that are clarified in chapter 13 of Hebrews.

• How should we treat strangers and those "in bonds?"

We should treat everyone with benevolence and love.  As for strangers, we are taught to treat them with hospitality, which means we should be accepting and friendly toward them.  I have found that when I treat somebody with hospitality, we are more likely to get along well. And finally, we are to have compassion on those 'in bonds."

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is looked upon as honorable.  some synonyms for honorable are:

acclaimed, celebrated, chivalrous, conscientious,dependable, distinguished, eminent, esteemed,ethical, faithful, forthright, high-principled,honest, honored, illustrious, just, knightly, law-abiding, noble, notable, of good repute, on theup-and-up, principled, reliable, respectable,righteous, sincere, sterling, straightforward,trustworthy, truthful, unstained, upright, virtuous (http://thesaurus.com/)

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We are warned to have conversations free from covetousness.  The Lord has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  Therefore we should be content with what we have, if we have the Lord in our lives.   And in reward, we should not fear men.  

• What is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever?" 

Hebrews chapter 13 verse 8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever."  Many people say that change is the the only thing constant.  But, if we are established with Christ, he is constant.  

• How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the symbolism of Jesus Christ blood.  As we come to him we begin to repent.  And when we sacrifice our sins, we are sanctified through Christ. 

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We respond to our church leaders by sustaining them.  To sustain a church leader we must be obedient to the Lord, and heed to their counsels.  And verse 7 says, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God."  I think this is important because sometimes after I have felt impressed during a church meeting or general conference, it is easy to forget what was taught.  And verse 24 says, "Salute all them that have the rule over you." To "salute" means, "to address with expressions of goodwill, respect, etc." (dictionary.com).

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for? 

Paul wanted the people to pray for the apostles, or leaders of the church.  He asked that they pray that they, "may have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."  It is very important that leaders of the church be honest.  That is why Paul asked us to give him more strength by praying for it.  It is also very important for us to pray for our church leaders today.