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Hebrews 13:21
Verse
Context
Benediction and Farewell
20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Andrew Murray
T. Austin-Sparks
J.C. Philpot
Samuel ChadwickAndrew MurraySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make you perfect - Καταρτισια ὑμας· Put you completely in joint. See the note on Co2 13:9, where the meaning of the original word is largely considered. From the following terms we see what the apostle meant by the perfection for which he prays. They were to do the will of God in every good work, from God working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. 1. This necessarily implies a complete change in the whole soul, that God may be well pleased with whatsoever he sees in it; and this supposes its being cleansed from all sin, for God's sight cannot be pleased with any thing that is unholy. 2. This complete inward purity is to produce an outward conformity to God's will, so they were to be made perfect in every good work. 3. The perfection within and the perfection without were to be produced by the blood of the everlasting covenant; for although God is love, yet it is not consistent with his justice or holiness to communicate any good to mankind but through his Son, and through him as having died for the offenses of the human race. To whom be glory for ever - As God does all in, by, and through Christ Jesus, to him be the honor of his own work ascribed through time and eternity. Amen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Make you perfect--properly said of healing a rent; join you together in perfect harmony [BENGEL]. to do his will, working in you-- (Heb 10:36); rather as Greek, "doing in you." Whatever good we do, God does in us. well-pleasing in his sight-- (Isa 53:10; Eph 5:10). through Jesus Christ--"God doing (working) in you that . . . through Jesus Christ" (Phi 1:11). to whom--to Christ. He closes as he began (Heb 1:1-14), with giving glory to Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "in every good work and word"; as in Th2 2:17 every good work is to be done: a good work is what is done in obedience to the command of God, and in faith, and from a principle of love, in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God; and every such work should be diligently attended to; such as concern God, and are of a moral nature, or of positive institution; and such as concern each other, whether as men or Christians: and the will of God is the rule of every good work, both as to matter and manner; whatever is not agreeably to the revealed will of God, let it have ever such a show of religion and holiness in it, it is not a good work; continuance in the performance of good works, and the perfection of them, are things to be desired of God; it requires grace to perform good works, and more grace to abound in them, and to keep men from being weary of well doing; and though the best of works are imperfect, yet perfection in them is desirable, and it is God alone that can make the saints perfect in any sense; see Pe1 5:10. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions render it, "strengthen you", or "confirm you"; saints need to be strengthened with spiritual strength, to perform good works; for they are weak and feeble, and unable of themselves to do anything spiritually good; without Christ they can do nothing, but through him strengthening them, they can do all things; and they have need to be confirmed in them, that they are the will of God, and that it is their duty to regard them. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "fit you": men are naturally unfit for good works; in order to do them aright, it is necessary that they should have knowledge of the will of God; that they be regenerated and created in Christ; that they be sanctified and cleansed, and so meet for the master's use; that they have the Spirit of God, and strength from Christ; and that they be believers in him: nor is there always a fitness in saints themselves, or a readiness to good works, only when God gives both will and power to do them; wherefore such a petition as this is very proper and pertinent; another follows, or the same carried on, and more largely expressed; though it rather seems to be a distinct one, and that in order to the former: working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; the good work of grace being necessary to the performance of good works; nor can any man do a good work well, unless he has the good work of grace wrought in him: grace is a work not of man, but of God; it is an internal work, something in a man's heart, and not anything without him, or done by him; and it is a gradual and progressive work; it is carried on by degrees, and is not yet perfect, though it will be. God is continually working in his people, carrying on his work, and will at length perform it; See Gill on Phi 1:6, and this is "well pleasing in his sight"; it is in his sight; it is obvious to his view, when it is not to others, nor to themselves, being the hidden man of the heart; and it is very agreeable to him; it makes men like unto him; hereby they become a suitable habitation for him, and are put into a capacity of serving him; to such he gives more grace, and on that grace he entails glory: and all this is through Jesus Christ; all the grace necessary for the beginning and carrying on, and finishing of the good work of grace, and for the performance of every good work, comes through the hands of Christ, in whom all fulness of it dwells; and through the blood and intercession of Christ, by virtue of which it is communicated; and all become acceptable to God through him, as the persons of the Lord's people, so the grace that is wrought in them, and the works that are done by them: to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen; either to God the Father of Christ, and the Father of mercies, and God of salvation; and as he is the God of peace, and the bringer of Christ from the dead; the appointer, provider, and giver of the great Shepherd; the author and finisher of all good in his people: or to Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through whom all grace and good things come; to him does this doxology of right belong; he has a glory both as God, and as Mediator; and the glory of both is to be given to him: the glory of his deity, by asserting it; by attributing all divine perfections and works unto him; by worshipping of him, and by ascribing the efficacy of his mediatorial actions to it: and the glory of salvation and redemption is to be given to him, who alone has obtained it; by discarding all other Saviours; by trusting alone in him; by looking to him alone for peace, pardon, justification, sanctification, and eternal life: and this glory should be ascribed continually, for ever and ever, as it will be by angels, and saints to all eternity, The word "Amen" is added, to show that the apostle assented to it, and wished it might be, and that he firmly believed it, and so asserted that it would be; for it is expressive of assent, asseveration, and prayer.
Hebrews 13:21
Benediction and Farewell
20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Kingdom of God Is Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit
By John Piper1.3K42:57ROM 14:13HEB 13:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the arguments presented in the Bible. The text being discussed is Romans 14, which addresses the relationship between the strong and weak believers. The speaker highlights various exhortations and commands found in the text, all aimed at promoting love and avoiding harm to one another. The sermon emphasizes that both the strong and weak believers are at risk of not loving each other, either through despising or judging.
Embracing God's Glorious Will
By David Wilkerson0Embracing God's WillJoy in ObediencePSA 37:4JER 29:11JHN 5:30JHN 6:38ROM 12:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13COL 4:121TH 5:16HEB 13:21David Wilkerson emphasizes that true followers of Christ often misunderstand God's will as a burdensome obligation rather than a glorious opportunity. He encourages believers to embrace God's will with joy, as it is meant for all, not just the spiritually elite. Wilkerson highlights that knowing and accepting God's perfect will leads to fulfillment and joy, as exemplified by the early apostles and Jesus himself, who always sought to do the Father's will. By embracing God's will, believers can experience a deeper relationship with Jesus and witness His presence in their lives. Ultimately, God's will is a source of hope and completeness for every believer.
All That God Has Begun He Himself Continues
By Andrew Murray0Dependence On GodGod's FaithfulnessJHN 5:19ROM 8:282CO 3:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6PHP 2:13COL 1:291TH 5:24HEB 13:21Andrew Murray emphasizes that God is the initiator and sustainer of all good works in our lives, assuring us that He will complete what He has started. He highlights the importance of recognizing God's active role in our spiritual journey, encouraging believers to depend on Him as Jesus did. By understanding that God works in us to fulfill His will, we can transform our spiritual lives and embody the mindset of Christ, who exemplified complete reliance on the Father. This message calls for a deeper faith in God's continuous work within us, fostering a spirit of yielding and dependence.
The Bringing in of a Man
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 8:6JHN 1:3ROM 8:191CO 15:45EPH 2:15PHP 2:13COL 1:16HEB 13:211JN 3:8REV 21:4REV 22:3T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the lost impact of Christ, the Gospel, and Christianity due to the influence of tradition, theology, and mystical cults. He emphasizes the need to rediscover the real meaning of Christ to experience a new impact personally and to impact the world. The sermon delves into the significance of Christ as the last Adam, a life-giving spirit, and His role in the Divine scheme of things as the answer to the universe, the terminal point between purpose and fulfillment, the climax of Divine energies, the instrument for answering the iniquity of the universe, the channel of life to a world race, and the spiritual head in terms of life through faith and righteousness.
On the Law and the Gospel
By J.C. Philpot0JHN 8:32ROM 7:4ROM 8:2ROM 13:10HEB 13:21J.C. Philpot addresses the believer's rule of life, explaining why the law is not the believer's rule but rather the gospel, which is written on the heart by the Spirit and in the Word of truth. He emphasizes that the law, being a covenant of works, cannot be the believer's guide as it lacks mercy, grace, and the communication of the Spirit. Philpot argues that the believer's rule of life is the gospel, both internally written by the Spirit and externally revealed in the Word, providing a complete code of Christian obedience and holy conduct.
What Christian Perfection Implies
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 139:23MAT 5:48ROM 8:3ROM 12:22CO 13:11PHP 3:12PHP 3:15HEB 10:14HEB 13:211JN 4:18Samuel Chadwick delves into the concept of Christian Perfection, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the term 'perfect' and its various meanings in Scripture and common speech. He highlights that absolute perfection is only found in God, while human perfection is relative, with stages of initial, progressive, and final perfection. Chadwick explores the paradox of Apostle Paul claiming imperfection yet also being perfect, illustrating that truth is often expressed in apparent contradictions that reveal a fundamental unity.
God Himself Will Stablish You in Him.-2 cor.1:21
By Andrew Murray0Faith in God's WorkSpiritual EstablishmentPSA 138:8ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 15:52CO 1:21EPH 3:20PHP 1:61TH 5:24HEB 13:211PE 5:10Andrew Murray emphasizes that it is God who establishes us in Christ, highlighting the importance of faith in allowing God to work in our lives. He encourages believers to cease their own striving and trust in God's omnipotence to maintain their connection with Christ. Murray reassures that through faith, believers can experience peace and rest, knowing that God is actively working to strengthen their spiritual lives. He reminds us that the Holy Spirit aids in our remembrance of God's promises, enabling us to surrender our anxieties about spiritual growth to Him. Ultimately, Murray calls believers to confidently expect God's work in their lives, leading to a deeper union with Christ.
The Sovereignty of God and Prayer
By John Piper0JOS 1:8PSA 119:92CO 1:20EPH 2:1PHP 1:6HEB 6:11HEB 10:23HEB 13:212PE 1:4The preacher delves into the meaning of 'magnificent' in the Bible, emphasizing that it signifies the superlative, denoting an extreme or unsurpassed level. The sermon highlights the incomparable magnitude of God's promises, surpassing any human promise, and encourages believers to diligently seek and meditate on these precious promises. The preacher stresses the importance of actively engaging with God's promises, which are reliable and sure, reflecting God's unchanging character and omnipotence. Believers are urged to expectantly anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises in their daily lives, trusting in His faithfulness and ability to perform what He has promised.
Assurance
By J.C. Ryle0MAT 6:10MAT 7:21JHN 7:17ACT 13:22COL 4:121TH 4:3HEB 13:212PE 1:21REV 4:11The preacher delves into the meaning of 'thelema,' emphasizing that it signifies God's gracious disposition towards something, His heart's desire, and His good pleasure. Thelema conveys the idea of desire and emotion, reflecting God's will as His heart's desire rather than just intention. The sermon explores how doing God's will involves yielding to His designs, praying for His will, and understanding and obeying His will revealed in Scripture. It also highlights the importance of God's sovereignty in fulfilling His purpose, even in difficult circumstances.
Ye Are Complete in Him
By A.B. Simpson0Completeness in ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 1:16ROM 8:321CO 1:302CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:19COL 2:10HEB 13:21JAS 1:171PE 5:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes that in Jesus, we find our completeness, akin to an architect's model that is fully realized in heaven. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transferring the gifts and graces of Christ into our lives, enabling us to embody the life of holy service for which we are called. This process involves receiving grace upon grace, where Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Simpson highlights that this relationship is not just about receiving help but also about enjoying personal companionship with Jesus. He urges us to accept this grace in our trials, leading to our perfection in Him.
Working Out What God Works in You
By A.W. Tozer0Cooperation with GodSpiritual GrowthPSA 37:4ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 8:282CO 3:5EPH 2:10PHP 2:131TH 5:24HEB 13:21JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God initiates the desire within us to seek Him, and it is our responsibility to cooperate with His work in our lives. He explains that the urge to escape spiritual stagnation is evidence of God's action in our hearts, and we should not let doubts or false humility hinder our progress. Tozer encourages believers to recognize that if God has placed a desire in us to change, He will also provide the means to achieve that change when we earnestly seek His help. The sermon calls for an active partnership with God, dismissing any thoughts that suggest we are unworthy of His assistance.
The Practical Improvement of the Watchman's Answer.
By John Gill0Faithful LivingUnderstanding the Times1CH 12:32ZEC 14:7MAT 5:16LUK 21:281CO 16:13EPH 2:10TIT 3:1HEB 13:212PE 2:11REV 3:10John Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding the times and the responsibilities of the people of God, drawing from the example of the tribe of Issachar, who were wise and knowledgeable about what Israel should do. He encourages believers to be watchful and active in their faith, performing good works that align with God's will, and to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and temptations. Gill highlights the necessity of prayer, community, and adherence to the teachings of Christ, especially in times of spiritual decline. He calls for a proactive approach to faith, urging believers to strengthen their resolve and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately, he reassures that despite the darkness, a glorious morning of redemption is promised for those who remain faithful.
Power for You-Today!
By Theodore Epp0God's PowerVictorious LivingGAL 2:20EPH 1:19EPH 3:20EPH 6:10PHP 1:6COL 1:29HEB 13:21Theodore Epp emphasizes the immense power of God available to believers, as described in Ephesians 1:19-23. He explains that God's power is sufficient to overcome sin, deliver from temptation, and enable a victorious Christian life. Epp encourages believers to tap into this divine power, which is made manifest through the indwelling presence of Christ. He reminds us that as new creations in Christ, we can live empowered lives, reflecting God's glory and purpose. Ultimately, God's power works within us to accomplish far more than we can imagine.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make you perfect - Καταρτισια ὑμας· Put you completely in joint. See the note on Co2 13:9, where the meaning of the original word is largely considered. From the following terms we see what the apostle meant by the perfection for which he prays. They were to do the will of God in every good work, from God working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight. 1. This necessarily implies a complete change in the whole soul, that God may be well pleased with whatsoever he sees in it; and this supposes its being cleansed from all sin, for God's sight cannot be pleased with any thing that is unholy. 2. This complete inward purity is to produce an outward conformity to God's will, so they were to be made perfect in every good work. 3. The perfection within and the perfection without were to be produced by the blood of the everlasting covenant; for although God is love, yet it is not consistent with his justice or holiness to communicate any good to mankind but through his Son, and through him as having died for the offenses of the human race. To whom be glory for ever - As God does all in, by, and through Christ Jesus, to him be the honor of his own work ascribed through time and eternity. Amen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Make you perfect--properly said of healing a rent; join you together in perfect harmony [BENGEL]. to do his will, working in you-- (Heb 10:36); rather as Greek, "doing in you." Whatever good we do, God does in us. well-pleasing in his sight-- (Isa 53:10; Eph 5:10). through Jesus Christ--"God doing (working) in you that . . . through Jesus Christ" (Phi 1:11). to whom--to Christ. He closes as he began (Heb 1:1-14), with giving glory to Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "in every good work and word"; as in Th2 2:17 every good work is to be done: a good work is what is done in obedience to the command of God, and in faith, and from a principle of love, in the name and strength of Christ, and with a view to the glory of God; and every such work should be diligently attended to; such as concern God, and are of a moral nature, or of positive institution; and such as concern each other, whether as men or Christians: and the will of God is the rule of every good work, both as to matter and manner; whatever is not agreeably to the revealed will of God, let it have ever such a show of religion and holiness in it, it is not a good work; continuance in the performance of good works, and the perfection of them, are things to be desired of God; it requires grace to perform good works, and more grace to abound in them, and to keep men from being weary of well doing; and though the best of works are imperfect, yet perfection in them is desirable, and it is God alone that can make the saints perfect in any sense; see Pe1 5:10. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions render it, "strengthen you", or "confirm you"; saints need to be strengthened with spiritual strength, to perform good works; for they are weak and feeble, and unable of themselves to do anything spiritually good; without Christ they can do nothing, but through him strengthening them, they can do all things; and they have need to be confirmed in them, that they are the will of God, and that it is their duty to regard them. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "fit you": men are naturally unfit for good works; in order to do them aright, it is necessary that they should have knowledge of the will of God; that they be regenerated and created in Christ; that they be sanctified and cleansed, and so meet for the master's use; that they have the Spirit of God, and strength from Christ; and that they be believers in him: nor is there always a fitness in saints themselves, or a readiness to good works, only when God gives both will and power to do them; wherefore such a petition as this is very proper and pertinent; another follows, or the same carried on, and more largely expressed; though it rather seems to be a distinct one, and that in order to the former: working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; the good work of grace being necessary to the performance of good works; nor can any man do a good work well, unless he has the good work of grace wrought in him: grace is a work not of man, but of God; it is an internal work, something in a man's heart, and not anything without him, or done by him; and it is a gradual and progressive work; it is carried on by degrees, and is not yet perfect, though it will be. God is continually working in his people, carrying on his work, and will at length perform it; See Gill on Phi 1:6, and this is "well pleasing in his sight"; it is in his sight; it is obvious to his view, when it is not to others, nor to themselves, being the hidden man of the heart; and it is very agreeable to him; it makes men like unto him; hereby they become a suitable habitation for him, and are put into a capacity of serving him; to such he gives more grace, and on that grace he entails glory: and all this is through Jesus Christ; all the grace necessary for the beginning and carrying on, and finishing of the good work of grace, and for the performance of every good work, comes through the hands of Christ, in whom all fulness of it dwells; and through the blood and intercession of Christ, by virtue of which it is communicated; and all become acceptable to God through him, as the persons of the Lord's people, so the grace that is wrought in them, and the works that are done by them: to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen; either to God the Father of Christ, and the Father of mercies, and God of salvation; and as he is the God of peace, and the bringer of Christ from the dead; the appointer, provider, and giver of the great Shepherd; the author and finisher of all good in his people: or to Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through whom all grace and good things come; to him does this doxology of right belong; he has a glory both as God, and as Mediator; and the glory of both is to be given to him: the glory of his deity, by asserting it; by attributing all divine perfections and works unto him; by worshipping of him, and by ascribing the efficacy of his mediatorial actions to it: and the glory of salvation and redemption is to be given to him, who alone has obtained it; by discarding all other Saviours; by trusting alone in him; by looking to him alone for peace, pardon, justification, sanctification, and eternal life: and this glory should be ascribed continually, for ever and ever, as it will be by angels, and saints to all eternity, The word "Amen" is added, to show that the apostle assented to it, and wished it might be, and that he firmly believed it, and so asserted that it would be; for it is expressive of assent, asseveration, and prayer.