PROMISE #16
I will provide every good thing you need to do
My will. Hebrews 13:20-21
When we make that decision to take up our cross and follow Jesus we are not opting out of the trials and tribulations this world throws at every one of us but we are accepting that God gives us the strength to face them and gives us ‘good things’ to fulfil His plan for our lives, to bring His will for us to enjoy life in abundance to fruition
Background to Hebrews 13:20-21
Hebrews 13:20-21 is part of the closing remarks of the Book of Hebrews, a letter traditionally attributed to Paul, though its authorship remains debated among scholars. This epistle addresses a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and contemplating a return to Judaism. The writer aims to encourage them by emphasizing the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant and reassuring them of God’s unwavering support.
In these concluding verses, the author offers a heartfelt benediction, invoking God as the source of peace and the one who equips believers to do His will. This promise reassures Christians that, despite trials, they are empowered to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives.
Exegesis of Hebrews 13:20-21
Verse 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.”
- God of Peace: This title highlights God’s role as a source of tranquility amid chaos, assuring believers that He is in control, even in difficult times.
- Brought again from the dead: This refers to the resurrection of Jesus, central to Christian faith, affirming that God has the power over life and death.
- Great Shepherd: This metaphor emphasizes Jesus’ care and guidance over His followers, echoing Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd who provides for His people.
- Blood of the eternal covenant: This signifies the New Covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice, which offers forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God.
Verse 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.”
- Equip you with everything good: This phrase assures believers that God will provide all they need—spiritual gifts, strength, and resources—to accomplish His will.
- Do his will: This emphasizes the active role of believers in God’s plan, encouraging them to engage in good works as a reflection of their faith.
- Working in us: This highlights the partnership between God and believers, indicating that it is God who empowers and enables their actions.
- Pleasing in his sight: This underscores the desire for believers to live in a way that honors God, aligning their actions with His desires.
- Through Jesus Christ: This affirms that all good works and efforts are made possible through Christ, reinforcing His central role in the believer’s life.
Relevant Additional Verses
- Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reinforces the promise that God will provide for our needs as we seek to follow His will. - James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
This highlights that all good things in our lives come from God, encouraging gratitude for His provisions. - 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
This verse emphasizes God’s ability to provide everything necessary for us to do good works in His name.
Conclusion
Hebrews 13:20-21 serves as a powerful reminder that, while following Christ does not exempt us from life’s challenges, God equips us with everything we need to fulfill His purpose in our lives. As we embrace this promise, we can confidently face trials, knowing that God provides good things for us to carry out His will, leading to a life abundant in His grace and purpose.