Hebrews 13:5-7

Cherishing God as the Proper Means of Contentment

Hebrews 13:5 says,

"Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

The New Testament treats covetousness in two ways: its temporary effects and its eternal consequences. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10,

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

A lifestyle of loving money and the things it buys is earthly-minded materialism. It preoccupies you with gaining more, distracting you from your relationship with Christ. It heaps sorrow and grief upon you, opening the door to other evils. The author of Hebrews warns against this because he exhorts his audience to persevere in faith and avoid apostasy.

Other passages reinforce this: In 1 Corinthians 5:11, disassociate from so-called brethren who are covetous. Ephesians 5:3 says greed must not be named among saints. Colossians 3:5 commands considering your body dead to greed. 1 Corinthians 6:10 states lovers of money will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The negative temporary effects include piercing yourself with sorrows, robbing yourself of joy and contentment. Eternally, a continued lifestyle of loving money prevents entering eternal life. Covetousness is a lifestyle of sorrow leading to destruction.

The positive result of being free from the love of money is contentment—happiness and satisfaction, especially with what you have. Recognize shelter, clothing, food as blessings. Godliness with contentment is great gain.

God motivates this lifestyle with His promise:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The Constancy of God as Our Confidence

Verse 6 follows:

"So we may boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"

Embracing satisfaction in God means boldly declaring He is your helper, not timidly. In any circumstance, God helps you endure. Man cannot thwart God's involvement, rob your joy, or crush your spirit.

This quote from Psalm 118:6 follows the psalmist proclaiming God's mercy endures forever and crying out in distress. The psalmist, surrounded by enemies, praises God as his help. Rest in God's promise by crying out to Him.

Difficult situations teach us to despair of self and hope in God's sufficiency, like Paul boasting in weakness because God's grace is sufficient. Turn first to the God who never leaves you, boldly standing fearless.

Cherishing Leadership to Improve Our Conduct

Verse 7:

"Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you. Whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct."

After laying out Christian behavior—love of brethren, hospitality, remembering prisoners, honoring marriage, freedom from love of money—the author points to leaders as examples. Imitate those who accurately speak God's word, considering their conduct's outcome. The Greek for "follow" means mimic their faith.

Many principles here parallel elder qualifications in Romans 12, Titus 1, and 1 Timothy 3. Elders model hospitality, freedom from love of money, and more. If struggling to apply these, observe and mimic faithful leaders' faith-produced conduct. This trains you to live godly, holy, humble lives, experiencing their benefits.