Unit 1, Choice 3

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

Paul counseled us to ‘let brotherly love continue.’  We should have as much compassion, love, and kindness toward those who are imprisoned as we do for those who are not. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is honorable, always.  Sexual relationships outside of marriage are never permissible to the Lord.

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We should refrain from expressing our feelings of jealousy in our conversations, and should likewise simply not be jealous of others.  When we are content, there is no room in our hearts for desiring wwhat others have.  We are so much happier.  There are some dangers in coveting that go beyond simple feelings of jealousy.  These simple feelings can lead to regrettable actions such as debt or worse, stealing.  President Hinckley said this, ”Debt can be a terrible thing. It is so easy to incur and so difficult to repay. Borrowed money is had only at a price, and that price can be burdensome. Bankruptcy generally is the bitter fruit of debt. It is a tragic fulfillment of a simple process of borrowing more than one can repay.”  When we learn to be content, we keep ourselves free from the bondage of greed and debt.

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Jesus Christ is the same “yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  His gospel never changes, His Atonement is perfect and eternal.

• How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ.  His was the sacrifice to end all sacrifice.  Through Him, we can be cleansed and justified from our sins.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We should obey those who rule over us.  We submit ourselves to them, for the watch over our souls and have responsibility over us.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

He asked the people to pray for their leaders.  What a burden they carry. We too must pray for our leaders that they may have the strength needed to do the Lord’s work.