Question 1

What does it mean to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually?

Accepted Answer

The sacrifice of praise is not an animal or a ritual, but thankful words that rise from a heart that knows God’s mercy in Jesus. The passage calls this “the fruit of our lips,” meaning spoken thanks and praise to God’s name. It is offered “by him,” through Jesus, our mediator and high priest. Because God is always caring for us, we are to praise him not only in good times but also in hardship. This is how worship looks now that the old sacrifices have passed away: thankful, trusting praise that comes through Christ.

Question 2

Why are doing good and sharing called sacrifices that please God?

Accepted Answer

Doing good and sharing with others are called sacrifices because they are part of the new kind of worship God wants from his people. Instead of bringing animals, believers give help, money, time, and care to those in need, especially fellow believers and those who teach the word. These acts do not earn salvation, but when they come from faith and love, God is pleased with them. The passage warns us not to forget this, because we are often slow to give. Loving generosity is practical worship that delights God.

Question 3

What does it mean to obey and submit to those who rule over you?

Accepted Answer

The leaders in view are spiritual leaders who teach God’s word and care for the church. To obey and submit means to listen to their teaching when it agrees with Scripture, to accept their guidance, and to join with them in the worship and life of the church. They are pictured as shepherds and watchmen who “watch for your souls” and will “give account” to God for how they cared for you. When believers are teachable and responsive, leaders can serve with joy, which is good for everyone. Resisting them makes their work heavy and “unprofitable” for the flock.

Question 4

How do church leaders watch for souls and give account to God?

Accepted Answer

Church leaders watch for souls by praying for the people, teaching the truth, warning against sin and false teaching, and helping believers grow in faith. Their focus is not on money or power, but on the spiritual good and salvation of those under their care. One day they must give account to God for how they used their gifts, how they taught, and how they cared for the flock. This sober charge explains why the passage urges believers to obey them, so that leaders can do this work with joy rather than grief, which would harm the people themselves.

Question 5

Why does the writer ask the believers to pray for him and other leaders?

Accepted Answer

The writer asks for prayer because the work of teaching and leading the church is hard and serious. He and his fellow workers want to live with a good conscience and “in all things willing to live honestly,” both as people and as ministers. He believes they are acting uprightly, but he still knows they need God’s help and the prayers of the church. He also asks for prayer so that he may be “restored” to them sooner, meaning that God would open the way for him to be with them again. Their prayers are part of how God cares for his servants.

Question 6

How does this passage show what worship looks like for Christians today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that Christian worship is no longer centered on temple rituals but on spiritual sacrifices. Through Jesus, believers offer continual praise to God with their lips. They also worship by doing good and sharing with others, which God calls pleasing sacrifices. Respecting and obeying faithful leaders, and praying for them, are part of this worship too. All of this is done through Christ, who makes our praise and prayers acceptable. So worship is not just a meeting or a song, but a whole way of life directed toward God in thanks, love, and obedience.

Question 7

What does the phrase “fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Fruit of our lips” is a picture for spoken praise and thanks that come from the heart. Just as a tree produces fruit, a heart touched by God’s mercy in Christ produces words that honor him. Giving thanks “to his name” means praising who God is and what he has done, especially in saving and keeping his people. This kind of praise replaces the old animal offerings. It is not empty talk, but sincere confession, prayer, and song that line up with a life of doing good and sharing. Both the words and the life are part of the sacrifice of praise.

Question 8

Why would it be unprofitable if leaders serve with grief instead of joy?

Accepted Answer

When leaders are weighed down with grief because people resist their teaching, ignore correction, or stir up trouble, their work becomes heavier and less effective. The passage says this is “unprofitable for you,” meaning it harms the very people who cause the grief. Joyful, encouraged leaders tend to teach more freely, care more warmly, and persevere in prayer. Grieving leaders may still be faithful, but the relationship with the church is strained. So the call to obey and submit is not only for the leaders’ comfort but for the spiritual good of the whole church.

Hebrews 13:15

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.

Sacrifice, Obedience, and Prayer

Cross References

Hebrews 13:15

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.

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Sacrifice, Obedience, and Prayer

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