IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Continually Offer to God the Pleasing Sacrifices

Date: Jul. 24, 2022

Passage

Hebrews 13:9-25 (ESV)

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

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 13:15

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

The Jews had developed religious traditions and rituals over the centuries. Even within the believers’ community, sometimes it was hard to ignore the persistent teachings of the Jewish tradition. But Christians must know that we are saved by the grace of Jesus, not through rituals (9).

Salvation did not happen in the temple where the traditional altar stood. Jesus was crucified outside the city, not in the temple, and that is where we need to go to participate in his work (13). Giving up the old traditions does not mean we stop sacrificing to God. Instead, the author encourages us to continue giving the sacrifices that please God– praising him, testifying of his great work, doing good things, giving blessings, and sharing with others (16).

It is also our Christian duty to follow our leaders as they are responsible for watching over our spiritual lives and are accountable before God (17). A Christian community should support its leader. We can submit to the leaders' authority and pray for them with our confidence in God (18).

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for the sacrifice given through Jesus that lets us freely come and praise you and love others. Please help me to remain in your love and continue to give sacrifices acceptable to you.

One Word: One Word: Our lives as pleasing sacrifices

Daily Bread

Jacob’s Blessings and Prophecies

Genesis 49:1-28

Key Verse: 49:10

  The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
    nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
  until tribute comes to him;
    and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Read More

Intro Daily