SACRIFICES THAT PLEASE GOD

Passage: Hebrews 13:9-16

Key verse: 15

NIV

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.(A) It is good for our hearts to be strengthened(B) by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods,(C) which is of no benefit to those who do so.(D) 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle(E) have no right to eat.(F)

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering,(G) but the bodies are burned outside the camp.(H) 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate(I) to make the people holy(J) through his own blood.(K) 13 Let us, then, go to him(L) outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.(M) 14 For here we do not have an enduring city,(N) but we are looking for the city that is to come.(O)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice(P) of praise—the fruit of lips(Q) that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others,(R) for with such sacrifices(S) God is pleased.

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Source: BibleGateway

ESV

9 Do not be (A)led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, (B)not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar (C)from which those who serve the tent[a] have no right to eat. 11 For (D)the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned (E)outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also (F)suffered (G)outside the gate in order to sanctify the people (H)through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear (I)the reproach he endured. 14 For (J)here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 (K)Through him then let us continually offer up (L)a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, (M)the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and (N)to share what you have, for such (O)sacrifices are pleasing to God.

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Footnotes
  1. Hebrews 13:10 Or tabernacle
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Be strengthened by grace (9-1

)

Real strength comes from God's grace, not from any religious ceremony or activity. Jesus was crucified like a common criminal, outside the city gate. He suffered a shameful death to make us holy. We are forgiven and made holy by the blood of Jesus, so that we may draw near to God. We do not need to fear criticism or disgrace, for Jesus bore our disgrace on the cross. Our hope is not in being recognized, nor in establishing our worldly 'city.' We wait for the enduring city.

2. The sacrifices God accepts (11-16)

God does not want worship that is superficial or ritualistic. He wants the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, offered to him with a pure heart. He wants the sacrifice of selfless service for others, done for Jesus' sake.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen my heart by your grace and help me to offer to you the sacrifice of praise. Cleanse me of selfishness so that I may serve others for Jesus' sake.

One Word: The sacrifice of praise