Ed Urzi

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

An old maxim tells us that change is the only constant in life. For example, it is often surprising to see how people change over time. If we happen to meet someone we’ve lost touch with, we may be surprised to find that he or she has grown to become someone who looks and acts differently from the person we once knew. Such examples serve to remind us of the impermanence of life.

There are those who seek to fulfill their longing for permanence in a person or thing. For instance, we might attempt to fulfill that desire through a relationship, a home, a tradition, or a philanthropic endeavor. While such things are often good in themselves, the problem is that relationships eventually end, homes and traditions grow obsolete, and philanthropies inevitably run out of money.

With these things in mind, let’s consider this reference to Jesus from Hebrews 13:8: “…[He is] the same yesterday, today, and forever.” As mentioned earlier, we use the word “immutable” to define this characteristic. This passage thus testifies to Jesus’ eternal, unchanging nature and serves as the foundation for the following insight…

“The great difference between God and us is that we are mutable and he is immutable. In other words, we change, but he does not. How do we change? We grow older, for one thing. We have changing emotions, and we must learn new skills to grow intellectually. But God does not change. He has no weaknesses or defects that demand improvement or lead to decay. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever…” ₍₁₎

In His divine nature, Jesus is unchanging; therefore, He is entirely dependable. We need never be concerned that Jesus will grow tired of us or change His mind about us. He is completely reliable, trustworthy, and will always be gracious, loving, and compassionate to those who accept Him. And since Jesus’ divine, unchanging nature resides with His human nature, He is completely familiar with the struggles and challenges associated with the human condition.

Thus, as we read earlier in Hebrews 4:14-16…

“We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God… Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help” (CEV).

(1) Sproul, R. C. (1992). Before the face of God: Book 1: A daily guide for living from the book of Romans (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries. Page 25.

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Hebrews 13:7).

Hebrews 13:7 exhorts us to remember and consider the conduct of church leaders. Depending on the author’s intent, there are several ways we might understand and apply this passage. For instance, Hebrews 13:7 might serve as a reference to departed ministers, including those who may have perished as a result of persecution. The Good News Bible adopts this perspective in its translation of this passage…

“Remember your former leaders, who spoke God’s message to you. Think back on how they lived and died, and imitate their faith.”

If such was the case, then these leaders served to exemplify our author’s reference to Abel in Hebrews 11:4: “…even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith” (CSB).

Another possibility is that our author had active, living members of the church leadership in view. If so, then Hebrews 13:7 offers several standards we can apply today. First, we can say that good leaders are synonymous with those who speak the Word of God. In short, good leaders teach God’s Word. In light of this, we should be alert to those who substitute their interests, agendas, or opinions for the expository study of God’s Word.

Sermons that routinely stray from a Biblical text (or feature no Biblical text), should thus serve as warnings. In the words of one commentator, “…There are various ways to use the word of God deceitfully, or to tamper with it. Using a Bible text to preach a ‘sermon’ that has little or nothing to do with the Bible is one of the common ways of doing it.” ₍₁₎

Then we have the admonition to consider “the outcome of their conduct.” In every relationship, there are those who lead by example and teach us what to do. There are others who also lead by example and teach us what not to do. The vast majority of us teach both lessons. Therefore, we should emulate those leaders who serve as good role models. But if a leader’s conduct has been poor in certain areas, then we must consider the outcome of their conduct and avoid repeating it.

We should temper this approach with a look at the men whom Jesus chose as His apostles. Those individuals were fallible human beings who made significant mistakes in certain instances. Would they be the type of people you might choose to represent you if you were in Jesus’ position? Perhaps not. But Jesus did.

The same is true for those who rule over us within the church. We might not select certain individuals for leadership positions if given the choice. But Jesus has. Therefore, we should seek to be charitable and gracious as we learn from their successes and failures.

(1) Paul T. Butler, The Bible Study Textbook Series, Studies In Second Corinthians (College Press) [p. 93] Copyright © 1988 College Press Publishing Company https://archive.org/stream/BibleStudyTextbookSeriesSecondCorinthians/132Corinthians-Butler_djvu.txt

“Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NET).

Two sources offer a helpful perspective on the subject of consumerism that relate to our passage from Hebrews 13:5-6…

“Consumerism, for the purpose of this article, is a preoccupation with consuming more and more goods, merchandise, and services. Consumerism’s focus is on having the latest, buying the best, and getting the most. It discards last year’s model in favor of the newest, fanciest, and shiniest. It’s the attitude behind the statement ‘He who dies with the most toys wins.’

Consumerism goes beyond maintaining a healthy economy, which depends upon active trade and the production and consumption of new goods, and enters the realm of materialism. Because a consumerist mentality can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and covetousness, Christians should beware its spiritual impact. ₍₁₎

…God wants us to have a balanced perspective on money. The Bible does not condemn possessions or riches per se. It is not a sin to be wealthy. (Some very godly people in the Bible -Abraham and Job, for example- were quite wealthy.) Rather, God condemns a love of possessions or riches (Luke 16:13; 1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). A love of material things is a sign that a person is living according to a temporal perspective, not an eternal perspective.” ₍₂₎

With these insights in mind, our text from Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us that God will never abandon (GW) or desert (CEV) us. The original language of this passage emphasizes these assurances, thus providing the security that allows us to escape the love of money. Finally, we can meditate upon the following verses to help promote a God-honoring mindset in this area…

“…If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them” (Psalm 62:10).

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

(1) GotQuestions.org, “What does the Bible say about consumerism?” Retrieved 22 June, 2023 from https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-consumerism.html

(2) Ron Rhodes, The Complete Book Of Bible Answers, Copyright © 1997 Harvest House Publishers Eugene, Oregon [pg. 347]

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV).

One of the primary concerns related to the love of money involves idolatry. While idolatry may take many forms, we can associate an idol with anything we love, fear, or depend on more than God. When something takes the place of God in our lives, that thing (whatever it is) effectively becomes an idol. Since the accumulation of financial wealth represents the most important thing in life for many, this may help to explain the admonition we find here in Hebrews 13:5.

In addition to its idolatrous nature, the love of money is much like a race with an illusionary finish line. No matter how much money we make, there is always more to be gained- if we are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to procure it. Those sacrifices demonstrate our true priorities, for we generally make choices that align with the things we desire most.

The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes points to another concern regarding the love of money- we can’t take it with us when we go…

“Once again I saw that nothing on earth makes sense. For example, some people don’t have friends or family. But they are never satisfied with what they own, and they never stop working to get more. They should ask themselves, ‘Why am I always working to have more? Who will get what I leave behind?’ What a senseless and miserable life!” (Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 CEV).

One commentator ties these thoughts together…

“The love of money springs from sinful discontent with one’s status in life, his possessions, the extent of his luxuries and comforts, or his lack of the power money might bring; but there is a corollary of that discontent, namely, a lack of trust in the providence of God. …In the last analysis, covetousness, or the love of money, is idolatry (Col. 3:5). It makes ourselves, or what may be accumulated by us, to be the center of trust, and not the Lord, thus supplanting him in the very center of one’s affections.” ₍₁₎

If we adopt a temporal perspective without regard for God or the afterlife, then our financial priorities will reflect that mindset. If we embrace an eternal perspective that acknowledges God’s provision for our financial success, then our pursuit of monetary riches will find its proper place. That leads us into the subject of consumerism, a topic that we will consider next.

(1) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Hebrews 13”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/hebrews-13.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5).

“Covetousness” is a word that encompasses a wide variety of inappropriate desires. Covetousness is closely associated with the word “greed” and conveys an intense desire to possess someone or something that belongs to someone else. It may also contain an element of exploitation (see 2 Peter 2:1-3).

A person who is driven by a covetous desire to accumulate wealth and possessions is usually motivated to make inappropriate choices that are consistent with that goal. This is why Hebrews 13:5 cautions us to guard against this attitude. This admonition is closely aligned with the Tenth Commandment, and as we’re reminded in the New Testament book of Ephesians, “For this you know, that no… covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

Jesus also provided us with some specific warnings regarding covetousness. Those warnings address the misguided philosophies that often motivate our desire to accumulate wealth and/or possessions:

“…’Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses'” (Luke 12:15).

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34 NIV).

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13 NIV).

Finally, one commentator offers some practical counsel in this area…

“Christians are not to be covetous. They are not to be greedy. They are not to be anxious (double-minded) worrying over food, clothing and shelter (Matt. 6:25-34). They are to remember they brought nothing into the world neither can they carry anything out and so be content with food and clothing (I Tim. 6:6-10).

They are not to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but to do good, be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous (I Tim. 6:17-18). Christians are to provide necessities for their own families (I Tim. 5:8). The Lord expects Christians to maintain their personal lives financially and materially in such sufficiency as permits them to minister to Christ’s kingdom and the needy to the best of their capabilities (I1 Cor. 9: 8-1 3).”₍₁₎

(1) Paul T. Butler. The Bible Study Textbook Series, Studies In Second Corinthians (College Press) [p. 285] Copyright ® 1988 College Press Publishing Company https://archive.org/stream/BibleStudyTextbookSeriesSecondCorinthians/132Corinthians-Butler_djvu.txt

“Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers” (Hebrews 13:4 HCSB).

The Scriptures define an honorable marriage as a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman, who are legally and exclusively committed to one another as husband and wife. But why are sexual expressions in other types of relationships wrong from a Biblical perspective?

To address that question, let’s consider the example of two singles who live and/or sleep together but remain unmarried. If the couple in our scenario is reluctant to commit to one another in marriage, the question becomes, why? One possible answer is that one or both partners are seeking to determine if they are sexually compatible before they commit to one another in marriage.

In this instance, it seems fair to ask how many “tests” will be necessary in order for the couple to reach a conclusion regarding their compatibility. A related question involves the length of time their “research project” will last. And what if one partner finds another person who appears to be sexually preferable during that period? What then?

Of course, those who are engaged in such relationships may like the fact that they are unencumbered by a marriage commitment. They may appreciate the advantage of a sexual relationship without the obligations and responsibilities that go along with a marriage vow. Others many simply enjoy the convenience that accompanies a “friend with benefits.” Unfortunately, those realities unmask a sobering truth that often lies below the surface of such relationships.

Even if one or both partners believe they are in love with one another, those who adopt such attitudes are really engaged in more of a business arrangement. Much like an unwritten understanding between two business entities, the couple may stay together as long as it serves their mutual benefit. At worst, one or both partners may simply be using the other for various reasons.

While many 21st century cultures recognize and accept these types of domestic partnerships, Hebrews 13:4 takes a decidedly different view. This explains why the author of Hebrews reminded his audience that they will be held accountable for their choices in this area. Paul the Apostle issued a similar reminder to the churches of Galatia regarding such behaviors as well: “…Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21 NLT).

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4 AMP).

The creation account from the Biblical book of Genesis expresses God’s intent for marriage relationships by establishing a “one man – one woman” benchmark (see Genesis 2:22). That portion of Scripture thus confirms monogamy as God’s standard and eliminates the possibility of pre-marital, extra-marital, polygamous, or polyamorous physical relationships as legitimate options for a man or woman of God.

Nevertheless, some may validate their decision to engage in those relationships with an appeal to their belief that such partnerships “feel right.” However, “feelings” are a notoriously poor foundation for good decision-making, and it is possible to feel right about something that is far outside the will of God.

In addition to what we read here in Hebrews 13:4, the Scriptures offer several admonitions regarding these types of relationships (see Leviticus 18:20, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, and Revelation 21:8 for some examples). While these alternative relationships fall short of God’s design for marriage, there is another reason to avoid engaging in such behaviors: “Sexual activity in a marriage is pure, but any sexual activity outside marriage brings one under divine judgment” ₍₁₎

Therefore, we would be wise to subject our feelings to these Biblical tenets instead of the other way around. This leads us into a look at the word “immoral” from this passage. That word is a form of the word porneia in the original language of this verse and refers to any type of sexual relationship that takes place outside a Biblically sanctioned marriage partnership. Jesus expanded upon that definition to include internal expressions of sexual immorality as well…

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).

Therefore, the physical aspect of a male/female relationship is reserved exclusively for a man and a woman who have each made a permanent commitment to one other. That commitment is expressed by the act of marriage, where each marital partner publicly vows to forsake all others in favor of one. Since “Marriage is honorable among all” (GNV), it is important to support and encourage this institution, even among those who do not recognize or accept the God of the Scriptures.

(1) John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), Heb 13:4.

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4 NIV).

By endorsing the physical aspect of a marriage relationship, Hebrews 13:4 addresses those who believe that sensuality -in and of itself- is incompatible with Biblical spirituality. This portion of Scripture thus confirms that sexual intimacy is pure and honorable before God within a Biblically valid marital partnership.

This portion of Scripture also serves to protect that aspect of a marriage relationship from the belief that it is somehow more spiritual for husbands and wives to abstain from physical intimacies. Instead, the New Testament epistle of 1 Corinthians endorses the opposite approach: “The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs” (1 Corinthians 7:3 NLT).

The only exception is given to us in 1 Corinthians 7:5: “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” In light of this, we can say that each marriage partner should provide for the others’ needs except as noted above.

Unfortunately, we may become so engaged in the demands of everyday life that we sometimes fail to prioritize such needs. While family concerns, employment obligations, and other responsibilities often permit less time for sexual intimacy than we may desire, each marriage partner should make a genuine effort to recognize his or her spouse’s physical and emotional needs and work to fulfill them.

We can also look to an effective Biblical principle from Romans 14:23 for guidance in this area: “…whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (ESV). This Biblical precept is useful for governing all that takes place within the marriage bed, subject to the couple’s prayerful and mutual consent. As another translation renders that passage, “…whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful” (AMPC).

A couple who finds common ground in this area can often avoid misunderstandings that limit their satisfaction and enjoyment. The husband or wife who is prayerfully willing to study, learn, and accommodate the needs of his or her spouse will surely reap the benefit of a fulfilling and satisfying relationship over time. Since this portion of Scripture assures us that the marriage bed is undefiled, husbands and wives should seek to enjoy God’s gracious provision in this area.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).

In considering our text from Hebrews 13:4, it’s important to note what this passage says, as well as what it doesn’t say. Let’s take the phrase “Marriage is honorable among all…” This tells us that marriage is a reputable institution and should be held in esteem by everyone. In fact, marriage is the oldest human institution, having its origin in the Garden of Eden.

It was there that, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone…'” (Genesis 2:18 NIV). Genesis 2:22 then goes on to tell us how God addressed that deficiency: “…the LORD God made a woman… and he brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:22 NIV). Therefore, we can say that the institution of marriage is not a human construct. Instead, marriage is something that was initiated and ordained by God for the benefit of His creation.

That benefit is identified in Genesis 2:24: “…For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (NIV). Jesus reaffirmed that message in the following teaching from the Gospel of Mark…

“…at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate'” (Mark 10:6-9 NIV).

So Jesus drew our attention to God’s initiative in establishing the marital union. He also established the framework for sexual relationships by way of these quotations from Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24. Those parameters involve a God-initiated, monogamous relationship between one genetic male and one genetic female who have joined in marriage as husband and wife.

The term “one flesh” expresses the fulfillment, satisfaction, intimacy, pleasure, enjoyment, and unity that reflects God’s intent for marital relationships. That intent is further reflected in our passage from Hebrews 13:5: “…the bed [is] undefiled.” Since “the bed” serves as a euphemism for the sexual relationship between a husband and wife, this passage offers Scriptural support for the physical intimacy that should exist within marriage.

That brings us to what our passage from Hebrews 13:4 doesn’t say. Notice that “the bed” is undefiled, but only within the context of a marital relationship. When a physical relationship occurs outside that framework, God no longer accepts it as honorable.

“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them–those who are mistreated–since you yourselves are in the body also” (Hebrews 13:3).

As mentioned earlier in our study of Hebrews chapter ten, the penitentiaries of the New Testament era were not like the prisons that exist in many modern-day societies. A prison of that time did not typically serve as a place of criminal incarceration. Instead, prisons were generally used to confine the accused before they were executed or put on trial.

These penal institutions were usually cold, damp, and dirty. There were no windows, beds, toilets, showers, or meals offered there. The only amenities given to a prisoner were those that were brought by others who came to visit- if there were any. This meant that prisoners who had no external means of support often faced the prospect of death unless someone provided for their needs.

The observations made by the following source regarding these conditions are worth repeating…

“Prisoners who had no means of their own were liable to starve unless their friends brought them food and whatever other form of help they required; throughout the whole age of imperial persecution of the Church the visiting of their friends who were in prison was a regular, though dangerous, duty of Christian charity.” ₍₁₎

Given the worsening political climate that existed for Christians of that era, it was dangerous to be recognized as a known associate of a prisoner. Therefore, these Hebrew Christians took a substantial risk in visiting those who had been incarcerated. Nevertheless, if we can imagine the prospect of sitting alone in a cold, damp prison cell for an extended period, we can appreciate this exhortation.

Finally, one author encourages us to consider this passage in a broader sense…

“The second example of brotherly love is to visit those in prison. Prison is an ugly place today; it was far uglier then. We naturally try not to think about prisoners. It takes discipline to visit saints who are in prison. When the faithful Ethiopian Ebed-Melech visited Jeremiah in prison, he had to go to a pit. Ebed-Melech interceded for Jeremiah, and the prophet was rescued before he expired (Jeremiah 37–38).

Faithful believers in prison need our prayers, but they also need the encouragement of visits. We have other ‘prisons’ today. Convalescent homes and hospitals are two examples. To some extent such institutions are necessary. But how easy it is for us to forget the people who are there. Often they feel imprisoned. The author of Hebrews enjoins us to visit them. It is our chance to play the role of ‘angels’ for other people.” ₍₂₎

(1) The New International Commentary On The New Testament – The Epistle To The Hebrews, F. F. Bruce, General Editor © Copyright 1964, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan [pg. 270]

(2) Sproul, R. C. (1994). Before the face of God: Book 4: A daily guide for living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Ligonier Ministries.