Hebrews 13 - A Better Way of Life

Finishing the Race: Jesus Is a Better Way of Life

Well, church, as always, it is such a gift to get to be with you. My name is Mike, and I’m one of the teaching pastors here on staff at The Well. I get the great privilege of both launching the book of Hebrews and now landing the plane today. After fifteen weeks in this book, we’re going to land the plane.

If my math is correct and I can read an Excel spreadsheet correctly, not only are we finishing the book of Hebrews today, but after today’s message, we will have officially taught every single book of the New Testament at The Well Community Church since 2002! I don’t know what we’re going to do next week! But I say that not to brag, but to say this: I am so grateful for a church that desires a steady diet of the Word of God. You want the meat of the Word. You love to dive into the Scriptures and see what God has for us. Some weeks are easier than others, but this hunger for Scripture is such a beautiful thing. I’m so grateful for God’s presence in your hearts.

As I thought about how to approach this final chapter, I noticed there are thirteen imperative commands in just twenty-five verses. Do this. Do that. It reminded me of when I was a kid walking out the door for school, and my mom would rattle off last-minute reminders: “Wash your hands! Grab your homework!” I did the exact same thing to my kids as they grew up: “Drive carefully! Call me when you get there! Keep your hands off your phone!” Those are commands from a parent to a child saying, “Take all these things we know and believe to be true, and go live them out. Let them show up in your life.”

In a lot of ways, that’s what this last chapter of Hebrews feels like. After twelve chapters of deep theology convincing us that Jesus is better in every regard, the author says, “Now, go live it. Let’s be that church.” Especially in a church struggling with hardship and persecution, he reminds them: you can shrink back, or you can push forward.

As you turn to Hebrews 13—whether you’re live with us at Clovis, at one of our venues, or joining online—let’s approach this text by asking: Lord, what do you have for me in this? Not from a place of legalistic duty or guilt, but asking, “Lord, this is what a believer fleshing out their faith looks like. Is this true of me? And if not, why not?”

Throughout this book, the author has reminded us that Jesus is better. Specifically this week, he shows us that Jesus is a better way of life. This belief shows up in six key areas:

• In verses 1–3, with people.
• In verses 4–6, in your convictions.
• In verses 7–8 and 17, with your leadership.
• In verses 9–14, in your perseverance.
• In verses 15–19, in your conduct.
• In verses 20–25, in a closing benediction.

Love in Action: Loving God’s People, Strangers, and the Suffering

Let’s look at the first three verses to see how Jesus being better transforms our love for three different groups of people.

Hebrews 13:1 (NASB)

Let love of the brethren continue.

Back in Hebrews 6, brotherly love was one of the unmistakable marks the author identified in genuine believers. He said, “I see that you love your brothers and sisters in Christ, and because of that, I know you’re the real deal.” Here, he simply reminds them: keep going. Let mutual love continue to be the defining mark of who you are.

Jesus gave this exact same instruction to His disciples.

John 15:12 (NASB)

’This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

Jesus called His followers to love one another with the same sacrificial love He demonstrated. But our love isn’t meant to stop at our fellow believers. Look at verse 2.

Hebrews 13:2 (NASB)

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

“Hospitality to strangers” means opening our lives to anyone and everyone God puts in our path. In our modern Western culture, we don’t always appreciate how vital hospitality was in the ancient Jewish world—it was near the top of the list of essential virtues. In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, when Paul lists the qualifications for church elders, he explicitly states they must be hospitable.

1 Timothy 3:2 (NASB)

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Titus 1:8 (NASB)

but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

The author of Hebrews references the Old Testament reality where individuals showing hospitality ended up entertaining angels. In Genesis 18, Abraham welcomed three weary travelers into his camp, providing food and rest, only to discover they were divine messengers sent by God, including the Lord Himself announcing the birth of Isaac.

Genesis 18:1-10 (NASB)

Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw [them], he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, and said, ’My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ‘Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.’ And they said, ‘So do, as you have said.’ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, ‘Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead [it] and make bread cakes.’ Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave [it] to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed [it] before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. Then they said to him, ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said, ‘There, in the tent.’ He said, ‘I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him.

Then in verse 3, the author calls us to remember a third group: those who are suffering.

Hebrews 13:3 (NASB)

Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, [and] those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

These prisoners were Christians who had been arrested and persecuted for their faith. When one member of the body suffers, we all suffer together.

1 Corinthians 12:26 (NASB)

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if [one] member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

These suffering saints were known by name within the community. In the West, we have the immense privilege of living where we can openly practice and proclaim our faith without facing prison or death. But throughout the world today, many believers face severe persecution and risk their lives simply for naming Jesus. We must remember them, pray for them, and stand with them as if we were chained right beside them.

Countercultural Convictions: Marriage, Purity, and Contentment

Living the better way of Jesus also radically reshapes our inward moral convictions. Look at verse 4.

Hebrews 13:4 (NASB)

Marriage [is to be held] in honor among all, and the [marriage] bed [is to be] undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

In the first-century Roman world, culture had completely discarded God’s design for human sexuality. Men stepping outside marriage for sexual gratification was culturally accepted and expected. I had the privilege of visiting Pompeii, a city preserved like a time capsule when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Walking through those streets, you see that virtually every neighborhood block had a bar and a brothel, where the “menu” of services was painted directly onto the walls. That was the air the Roman world breathed.

Against that cultural backdrop, God’s Word stands firm: marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, and the marriage bed is to be kept pure and undefiled.

Genesis 2:24 (NASB)

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

The Greek word translated “fornicators” is porneia—the root of our word pornography. In its narrowest sense, it refers to prostitution; broadly, it encompasses any sexual expression outside God’s design for marriage. False teachers were encouraging believers to adopt the sexual ethics of the surrounding culture. God’s Word consistently warns His people against this compromise.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NASB)

Flee immorality. Every [other] sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.

Acts 15:20 (NASB)

but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.

Ephesians 5:3 (NASB)

But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;

Today, the divide between the biblical standard and cultural views of sexuality continues to widen. Over the last twenty years, we have seen this influence seep into the church. Years ago, couples in premarital counseling understood the biblical standard even if they struggled with it. Today, many couples entering premarital counseling are hearing God’s design for marriage and sexuality for the very first time. They aren’t trying to be rebellious; they simply never knew that God spoke into their sexuality and relationships.

Culturally, many think, “Let’s live together first and test drive the car to make sure it works.” Yet secular studies, including data from the CDC, show that cohabitation before marriage correlates with significantly higher divorce rates. God’s design is not meant to restrict our joy, but to protect and bless our lives.

Next, the author turns from our relationships to our wallets.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NASB)

[Make sure that] your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’

Money itself is not the problem; the love of money is the trap. When we idolize wealth, we place our ultimate security in bank accounts and retirement funds rather than in the living God. Scripture calls us to radical contentment rooted in God’s unbreakable promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Timothy 6:10 (NASB)

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Honoring Godly Leaders and Anchoring in Unchanging Truth

In verses 7 and 8, the author points to heroes of the faith who lived out these convictions up close.

Hebrews 13:7 (NASB)

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

These were local leaders who brought the gospel to this church, taught them, and modeled godly living. The believers are told to “imitate” (mimic) their faith.

We all need living examples. When I was in high school, long before I surrendered my life to Christ, I was coached by a man named Coach Blakely. He was a football coach who ended up coaching our soccer team—he didn’t know much about soccer, but he was a godly man of deep integrity. In a culture full of foul language and compromise, his life stood out. When I finally heard the gospel as a freshman in college, my mind instantly went back to Coach Blakely. I thought, “That’s what a Christian is.” Our lives are called to be lighthouses—beacons of hope pointing people through the storm to the true Savior.

These leaders are worthy of imitation because of the one they follow.

Hebrews 13:8 (NASB)

Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus does not change. Theologians call this the immutability of God. He does not evolve, improve, or receive an operating system upgrade. He is perfect from eternity past to eternity future. His character, grace, and promises remain completely steadfast.

Malachi 3:6 (NASB)

’For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Because Jesus is unchanging, we are called to honor and submit to the leaders He places over us. Look down at verse 17.

Hebrews 13:17 (NASB)

Obey your leaders and submit [to them], for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Pastors and elders carry the heavy spiritual responsibility of keeping watch over souls, knowing they will give an account before God. Paul gave this same solemn charge to the elders in Ephesus.

Acts 20:28-30 (NASB)

’Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. ’I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

Watching over souls carries an enormous emotional and spiritual weight. I see our pastoral staff, directors, and elders counsel couples on the brink of divorce, walk alongside people in deep spiritual crisis, answer 2:00 AM phone calls during devastating emergencies, and sit at hospital bedsides reminding dying saints of the glorious eternity ahead. When a church family walks in humility, love, and submission to biblical leadership, it allows leaders to shepherd with joy rather than grief.

Godly leaders also protect the flock from theological drift. Look back at verse 9.

Hebrews 13:9 (NASB)

Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

The word “varied” refers to colorful, shifting novelties—the “flavor of the month” doctrines that promise a new spiritual secret. In the first century, false teachers were trying to drag believers back into legalistic adherence to Old Testament dietary laws. But spiritual strength comes through grace, not rules about food.

1 Corinthians 8:8 (NASB)

But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.

Under the New Covenant, we have something far greater.

Hebrews 13:10 (NASB)

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.

We feast on the unmatched grace of Jesus Christ, something Old Testament rituals could only foreshadow.

Going Outside the Camp: The Call to Endure and Worship

The author illustrates this shift from shadow to substance in verses 11–14.

Hebrews 13:11-12 (NASB)

For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest [as an offering] for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

Under the Old Covenant, the sin offering was sacrificed on the altar, but the animal’s body was carried outside the camp because it bore the sin of the people. In fulfillment of that shadow, Jesus was led outside the city gates of Jerusalem to die on a Roman cross, bearing our reproach and sin.

Hebrews 13:13-14 (NASB)

So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking [the city] which is to come.

To identify with Jesus means being willing to go “outside the camp”—to accept cultural rejection, misunderstanding, and suffering for His name. There is no easy believism in the New Testament. Following Jesus costs something. But we gladly bear His reproach because this world is not our home; we belong to an eternal city that cannot be shaken.

Matthew 6:19-20 (NASB)

’Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ’But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

Because our citizenship is in heaven, our daily conduct becomes an act of worship.

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NASB)

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

As New Covenant believers, our sacrifices are not animals on an altar. Our sacrifices are the praise of our lips, the good we do for others, and the generosity we show to those in need.

The author then asks for prayer for himself and other frontline leaders.

Hebrews 13:18-19 (NASB)

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge [you] all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Hebrews 13:23-24 (NASB)

Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.

Timothy had just been released from prison, and believers as far away as Italy were courageously advancing the gospel. We must pray for all who faithfully represent Christ today—pastors, missionaries, business leaders, government workers, and educators standing firm for truth in a hostile culture.

Benediction: The Great Shepherd and the Eternal Covenant

As we close this fifteen-week journey through Hebrews—and celebrate having taught through every book of the New Testament—let’s stand together as we read this closing benediction over our church.

Hebrews 1:1-3 (NASB)

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

From chapter 1 all the way to chapter 13, the message of Hebrews has been clear and unwavering:

• Jesus is a better revelation.
• He is better than the angels.
• He is better than Moses.
• He offers a better rest.
• He is our better High Priest.
• He provides a better assurance.
• He ministers through a better covenant.
• He establishes a better worship.
• He offered a better sacrifice.
• He is the better object of our faith.
• He produces a better endurance.
• And He calls us to a better way of life.

To every weary, heavy-laden soul: Jesus is better. Look to Him.

Let’s read these words together with faith and conviction.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NASB)

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, [even] Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s pray together.

Father, thank You for our risen Savior, who is truly better in every way. Our hope is anchored in Him alone. As we close this incredible book, remind us daily of His sufficiency and His glory. Thank You for Jesus, who laid down His life on our behalf, who died the death our sins deserved, and who clothed us in His perfect righteousness so that we might be reconciled to You. May our lives bring You glory as You equip us to do Your will. We love You, Lord, and we exalt the name of Jesus. In His mighty name we pray, Amen.