Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13:7 - “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith” (CSB). 

The author of Hebrews encourages readers to remember their leaders.

The context of Hebrews 13 leads us to believe that these leaders in verse 7 have passed away. 

To remember is not just a mental recollection, but embraces the whole person. It is a kind of remembering that changes those who do the recollecting. 

In Hebrews 12, we read how we ought to avoid the example of the wilderness generation and Esau. (12:16-17)

In Hebrews 11, we were told to imitate the saints of the Old Covenant, and even Jesus Himself (12:1-3). 

Similarly, we ought to imitate the lives of godly leaders from the past.

They, and we, should remember our leaders because they have “spoken God’s word to you.” 

The oral preaching of the leaders is emphasized, and God’s word centers on the gospel of Jesus Christ, focusing on His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. 

They are not only to stay true to the teaching of the leaders, but must also imitate their faith. 

The word, “outcome,” could refer to the end of life or more generally the consequence or result of their lives. 

So, as the readers of Hebrews, carefully observe the outcome of their lives (which points to faithful proclamation of God’s Word, potentially even in death), and imitate their faith! 

Join us Sunday evening for a deeper look at Hebrews 13:7-14. 

- Pastor Brandon