Hebrews 13:15 - let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15

Commentary

As seen throughout the book of Hebrews, sacrifices were extremely important under the Old Covenant. Under the New Covenant, God desires the praise and thanksgiving of His people rather than offerings of animals or grain. Since NT believers are all priests (1 Pet. 2:5,9), they have offerings of praise and thanks to God (cf. Rom. 12:1). The "sacrifice of praise" is also mentioned in Lev. 7:12; Ps. 54:8.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Heb 13:15). Nashville: Word Pub.

Sacrifices

There are at least three sacrifices which a believer-priest offers. First, there is the sacrifice of his person (Rom. 12:1). Then, here in verse 15 is the second: the sacrifice of praise. The third sacrifice is the offering of our possessions. We are to use our material resources in doing good, and in sharing with those who are in need.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Heb 13:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Deuteronomy 32:3 - I will proclaim the name of the LORD

I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God!

Deuteronomy 32:3

Commentary

The song (Deuteronomy 32) may be summarized as follows: The universe is summoned to hear the word of the Lord. It is refreshing and nourishing, like the rain and the dew. In verse 3 (which could serve as a title to the song) Moses speaks of ascribing greatness to their God. The song reveals God's greatness in the context of His historical dealings with His people.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Dt 32:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 21:27 - The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable- how much more so when brought with evil intent!

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!

Proverbs 21:27

Commentary

The abomination is in the eyes of Yahweh (as in 20:10), even though He is not mentioned in the sentence. But worse than bringing a sacrifice with wicked heart is to bring the sacrifice with a wicked intent.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 21:27). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Hebrews 4:9-10 - anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.

Hebrews 4:9-10

Commentary

Here the writer uses a different Greek word for rest (sabbatismos), which is related to the word Sabbath. It refers to the eternal rest which will be enjoyed by all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. It is a "Sabbath" keeping that will never end.
Whoever enters God's rest enjoys a cessation from labor, just as God did on the seventh day. Before we were saved, we may have tried to work for our salvation. When we realized that Christ had finished the work at Calvary, we abandoned our own worthless efforts and trusted the risen Redeemer. After salvation, we expend ourselves in loving toil for the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Our good works are the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are often weary in His service, though not weary of it. In God's eternal rest, we shall cease from our labors down here. This does not mean that we will be inactive in heaven. We shall still worship and serve Him, but there will be no fatigue, distress, persecution, or affliction.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Heb 4:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Hebrews 13:5 - be content with what you have

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

Hebrews 13:5

Commentary

Those tempted by the love of money and discontent are particularly people who seek their security in financial resources (Matt. 6:19-21, 24-34). But God's promise to stay with Joshua gives greater confidence: "I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Josh. 1:5). Our confident response reaffirms that the Lord our helper (2:18; 4:16) sets us free from all kinds of fear (2:15; 11:23, 27).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Heb 13:5). Nashville: T. Nelson.

"I will never leave you nor forsake you"
This quotation is one of the most emphatic statements in the NT. In Greek it contains two double negatives, similar to saying in English, " I will never, ever, ever forsake you." Jesus uses the same technique to express the certainty of eternal life for believers (John 10:28).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Heb 13:5-6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Luke 12:15 - a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

Luke 12:15

Commentary

Covetousness, or greed, is based on the foolish belief that what matters in life is how much one has. It may be money (as is the case here), or status, power, intelligence, beauty, even spiritual blessings; it is possible to covet anything that can be acquired. The idea is that having that thing will make us content. But biblically, only God can-and will-satisfy our real needs, as Jesus goes on to show (12:22-31).

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Lk 12:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Covetousness

Covetousness is the selfish desire to have what another person owns, usually material possessions. It indicates ruthless greed, the all-consuming lust to own more, and was a sin. In Ephesians, Paul compared the covetous man with the idolater (Eph. 5:5).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 12:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it.

Proverbs 23:4

Commentary

It is not worth ruining one's health for riches that have the habit of elusively disappearing.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Pr 23:4). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Wealth teachings in Proverbs

The book of Proverbs issues a number of stern warnings about wealth. Wealth cannot give you peace (15:16) or wisdom (16:16), but it can create pride (18:11, 23) and trouble (15:6, 27) and friends who will not last (14:20). You should fear God (22:4) and share with others what God gives to you (11:24-25; 19:17). Watch out when somebody promises to make you rich in a hurry because those schemes backfire and leave you poor (20:21; 28:20, 22). The way to gain wealth is through hard work (10:4, 22) and faithfulness to the Lord.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Pr 22:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Titus 3:14 - Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good ...

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Titus 3:14

Commentary

Titus was to teach the other Christians (our people) to show hospitality, to care for the sick and afflicted, and to be generous toward those who were in need. Instead of working merely to meet their own needs and wants, they should have the distinctly Christian vision of earning money in order to share with the less privileged (see Eph. 4:28b). This would save them from the misery of selfishness and the tragedy of a wasted, unfruitful life.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Tit 3:14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Cretans were known for their laziness. Paul quotes the sixth century b.c. Cretan poet Epimenides who wrote: "The people of Crete always tell lies. They are greedy and lazy like wild animals" (Titus 1:12). To this poetic verse, Paul adds a nod: "That surely is a true saying" (Titus 1:13).

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (407). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Proverbs 10:4 - Lazy hands make a man poor

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Proverbs 10:4

Commentary

Poverty by itself is not evil, unless it is the product of laziness.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 10:4). Nashville: Word Pub.

Psalm 16:2 - apart from you I have no good thing

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good besides You."

Psalm 16:2

Commentary

God not only does good; He is the originator of goodness (Gen. 1:31). We have no innate goodness in ourselves; there is no source of goodness outside God (Ps. 16:2; 119:68). To say God is good is to say that He is absolutely pure. There is not a hint of evil or even neutrality. The moment we call Him less than good, we see Him as less than God. Jesus defines "goodness" in one word-God (Matt. 19:16, 17).

Goodness is not one of God's part-time activities (Ps. 136:1). He abounds in it (Ex. 34:6). It is the drive behind His blessings and the reason for His compassion, kindness, and generosity (Ps. 84:11). God does not give out of obligation, for He is never in anyone's debt. He gives out of His goodness. God's goodness is for this life (Ps. 27:13) as well as eternity (Ps. 31:19). It gives hope (Ps. 27:13), leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4), and produces thankfulness (Ps. 136:1). God has started a good work in each believer and has committed Himself to completing His work (Phil. 1:6).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ps 26:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Peter 2:9

Commentary

In the midst of their troubles, Peter reminded these believers of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ. Instead of seeing themselves as virtual nonpersons in a hostile culture, they needed to focus on their standing in Christ, who had called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (2:9).

They were:
· A chosen generation. They were among the elect of God, chosen according to His foreknowledge and born again to a living hope (1:2-5). God had called each one of them out of sin, to be a part of His redeemed people.

· A royal priesthood. These believers were part of the fulfillment of God's plan to prepare a kingdom of priests for Himself (Ex. 19:6; Is. 61:6; Rev. 1:6). They were to serve and worship God not by offering up the bodies of animals, but by presenting their own bodies as living sacrifices, available for His purposes (Rom. 12:1).

· A holy nation. Like the God who had called them to Himself, these people were to be holy (1 Pet. 1:16; compare Ex. 19:6). Their lifestyles were to reflect the very character of God, and their identity as His people was to be expressed in their character.

· A special people. They were called to a special, intimate relationship with God and each other. As a community, they were the people of God, with unique access to Him (Eph. 2:18).

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 2:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

James 4:15 - If it is the Lord's will ...

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

James 4:15

Commentary

God should be consulted in all our plans, and they should be made in His will. We should live and speak in the realization that our destinies are in His control. We should say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." Thus, in the book of Acts, we find the Apostle Paul saying, "I will return again to you, God willing" (18:21), and in 1 Corinthians 4:19 he wrote, "I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jas 4:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Sometimes Christians employ the letters "D.V." to express this sense of dependence on God. These letters are the initials of two Latin words, Deo volente meaning God willing.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jas 4:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

James 4:13-14 - What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while ...

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

James 4:13-14

Commentary

James does not condemn wise business planning, but rather planning that leaves out God. The people so depicted are practical atheists, living their lives and making their plans as if God did not exist. Such conduct is inconsistent with genuine saving faith, which submits to God.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 4:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

Related Verse

Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)

Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to me and I will answer you

'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

Jeremiah 33:3

Commentary

Call to Me is a sign of the great love of God for His prophet. He invited Jeremiah to pray and then promised an answer to that prayer beyond Jeremiah's present understanding. God's people are invited to do the same (John 15:16).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Je 33:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Background

Jeremiah did not understand how God could restore a nation that was destined for doom (32:24-25), so the Lord challenged the prophet to call to Him for understanding. God said He would then reveal "great and unsearchable things." Only God can unlock the secrets of the future, and He offered this knowledge to Jeremiah.

Dyer, C., Merrill, E., Swindoll, C. R., & Zuck, R. B. (2001). Nelson's Old Testament Survey : Discover the Background, Theology and Meaning of Every Book in the Old Testament (622). Nashville: Word.

Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Romans 12:12

Commentary

No matter what our present circumstances may be, we can and should rejoice in our hope-the coming of our Savior, the redemption of our bodies, and our eternal glory. We are exhorted to be patient in tribulation-that is, to bear up bravely under it. We should continue steadfastly in prayer. It is in prayer that the work is done and victories are won. Prayer brings power in our lives and peace to our hearts. Therefore we do ourselves a great disservice when we neglect to pray.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ro 12:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Romans 13:7 - Give everyone what you owe him

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:7

Commentary

Believers are citizens of heaven, but we must not minimize our responsibilities on earth. We must be exemplary citizens so that the Lord will be glorified (1 Pet. 2:11-17).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Ro 13:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Whatever makes men good Christians makes them good citizens." - Daniel Webster

Romans 13:5-6 - This is also why you pay taxes

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

Romans 13:5-6

Commentary

Believers must obey government not only because it is their civic duty, but because it is their spiritual duty before God. Paying taxes is the most obvious and universal expression of support for civil government.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ro 13:5-6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Taxes

Jesus explicitly taught that taxes are to be paid-even to the pagan Roman government (Matt. 22:17-21). He also set an example by willingly paying the temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 13:6). Nashville: Word Pub.