사귐의 소리 2025

<사귐의 소리> 블로그 사용 방법

Hebrews 13:17–25 “For the Community of Grace”

—

6–9 minutes

Hebrews 13:17-25 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Earlier, the author said, “Remember your leaders” (verse 7), referring to the first-generation leaders who had already passed away. The author exhorts the readers to “consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Through their lives and deaths, they demonstrated what it means to live by faith.

In verse 17, the author mentions leaders again, but this time referring to those currently leading the readers. The phrase “have confidence in” is a translation of the Greek word peitho, which means to understand and accept. Therefore, the command to “submit to them” does not mean blind obedience, but rather to listen carefully to their teaching, discern it, and follow it if it is deemed right.

The phrase “they keep watch over your souls” is actually an excessive paraphrase. Translating it as “they must always stay awake for your sake would be more accurate.” The statement “they will give an account to God” means that a leader bears the heavy responsibility not only for their own salvation but also for the salvation of those under their leadership.

While emphasizing the heavy responsibility of spiritual leaders, the author also adds a word about the attitude of those who are led. They should help their leaders “do this work with joy and not with sighing.” For a leader, there is no greater joy than seeing their congregation humbly listen to the Word, grow spiritually, and change. The more they see such transformation, the more passion they have for their calling. However, when they sincerely preach the Word but see little interest or no change in people’s lives, the spiritual leader becomes most discouraged. They feel useless. When that happens, the harm falls upon those who hear the Word. That is why the author adds, “for that would be of no benefit to you.”

After saying this, the author asks the readers to pray for them. He says “us” (verse 18) here because he has spiritual leaders like himself in mind. He is confident that he has “a clear conscience” and believes that he has tried to “act honorably in all things.” He is asking for intercessory prayers so that he may continue to live cleanly and rightly, just as he has done thus far. The author also plans to visit the readers and requests prayer so that this may happen soon (verse 19).

The author then conveys a blessing to the readers. The phrase “our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant” (verse 20) summarizes the teaching he has been seeking to demonstrate throughout the book of Hebrews. God is the one who “brought Him back from the dead.” The author prays that the God who raised Jesus from the dead would equip the readers “with every good thing” (verse 21), fitting them to do His will. In doing so, they will carry out the will of God, and God will see His will accomplished through them. In that, Jesus Christ, who saved them, will be glorified.

The author expresses his hope that the readers will listen well to and put into practice the “word of exhortation” (verse 22) he has given. Additionally, he shares the news that Timothy, who had been with him, has been released from prison (verse 23). He also reveals his plan to visit the readers with Timothy if he returns soon. Finally, the author sends greetings to “all your leaders and all the saints” (verse 24). The “those from Italy” refers to people who had left Italy and were now living with the author. The fact that he sends greetings from them could indicate that the readers were living in Italy. The author concludes the letter with a customary blessing (verse 25).

Meditation:

Believers need to form a community within their faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself established this. The Christian faith is not about solitary cultivation but growing by serving one another within the community. That is why the Apostle Paul often used the adverb “one another” in his letters. Only by being united as members of one body, pushing and pulling one another along, can we grow spiritually.

When people of faith form a community, a spiritual leader is necessary. In the Old Testament era, leaders were appointed according to lineage, but after Jesus, the faith community began to appoint those who were equipped with both faith and character as leaders. Over time, it became a tradition for communities to recommend individuals, educate them for a certain period, and establish them as spiritual leaders. For a community to function properly as the body of Christ, all members must unite around their spiritual leader.

The author of Hebrews offers an important lesson that spiritual leaders must heed. Reflecting on the first-generation leaders who had passed away, he says, “Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (verse 7). Although this is directed toward the congregation, it also carries a significant message for spiritual leaders. A spiritual leader must be able to demonstrate faith through both life and death. A spiritual leader’s most important task is always to remain spiritually awake. Only then can they properly serve the spiritual needs of the congregation. If they remember that a day will come when they must give an account before God for what they have done, they can stay spiritually alert.

The author also gives several commands to the congregation regarding their spiritual leaders. The congregation should listen carefully to the leaders’ teachings and obey when the teachings are sound. When they do so, leaders can fulfill their calling with joy. Nothing delights a spiritual leader more than seeing members humbly listen to the Word, put it into practice, and grow spiritually. On the other hand, if members merely hear the leader’s teachings superficially and show no change in their lives, the leader becomes discouraged. They become overwhelmed with a sense of uselessness. To minister in a state of spiritual helplessness is sheer despair. Moreover, the harm from such ministry falls squarely upon the congregation.

A gracious community can only be built when both leaders and those being led each fulfill their own responsibilities. Conversely, if people neglect their own duties and only criticize one another, the community cannot be established. In the end, heaven and hell on earth are things we create ourselves.

Prayer:

Lord, we thank you for binding us together as the body of Christ. We thank you for establishing various church offices and providing faithful servants to fulfill those roles. We are especially grateful that you have given faithful servants to teach and guide through your Word. Please keep your servants always spiritually awake and grant those who receive the Word a sincere heart and a spirit of obedience. We pray in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God calls us to grow in faith as part of a church community. He gives us faithful leaders to guide us and asks both leaders and members to love, listen, and serve one another so that the whole body of Christ can grow strong and full of His grace.

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • Why do you think God wants us to be part of a church family and not just believe by ourselves?
    • What are some ways we can help our pastors and teachers be happy while they teach us?
    • If you could say “thank you” to a church leader, what would you thank them for?
  • For Youth
    • What is one thing you learned from today’s devotional about how faith grows in a community, not just alone?
    • Why is encouraging your pastors, teachers, and leaders important instead of expecting them to lead perfectly?
    • How can you take responsibility for your faith journey while helping your church community grow stronger?

Leave a comment