Bible Studies

---

Sacrifices Pleasing to God Part 17

Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

The writer of Hebrews continues and concludes his prayer for the Hebrew converts to Christ. The writer of Hebrews after he had finished praying for God the Father's Divine blessing and protection over them now wants the Father to grant to each and every one of them/us 💪 strength and ⛮ power within their/our innerman and innerwoman, as it is written with these words, "Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:21) (KJV). The little English phrase that 🔰 begins this verse, 'Make you perfect', is translated by the Greek word katartizō meaning to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, make perfect, join together, prepare, restore. The English phrase 'that which is wellpleasing' is translated by the Greek word euarestos meaning fully agreeable: - acceptable, wellpleasing. The 📝 writer of Hebrews is praying now for their/our future success in letting nothing stop them/us from declaring the truth of the Gospel of Christ as the only way of sinful humanity to be reconciled, redeemed, and right with God, because all other ways of being religious or spiritual are 🤥 lies that will lead to eternal separation from God/hell. The 📝 writer of Hebrews wants them/us to be eqipped for the intense and relentless spiritual battles that they/we will be engaged in for the remainder of their/our pilgrimage on the 🌎 earth. The great Psalmist King David knew not only of the spiritual battles with the enemy, but he also was privy to, part of, and prevailed in many actual physical battles with the enemies of God the Father as he wrote about in many of his 🌴 Psalms included these words, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thine Hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy Right Hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy Mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine Own Hands." (Psalms 138:7-8) (KJV).

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of Hebrews 13:21, "The Apostle here does not affirm that they were then perfect, or that they would be in this life. The word used here - καταρτιζω katartizō - means to make fully ready; to put in full order; to make complete. The meaning here is, that Paul prayed that God would fully endow them with whatever grace was necessary to do His will and to keep His commandments. It is an appropriate prayer to be offered at all times, and by all who love the Church, that God would make all His people perfectly qualified to do all His will. Working in you - The idea here is, that the only hope that they would do the will of God was, that He would, by His own agency, cause them to do what was well-pleasing in His sight. It is not from any expectation that man would do it himself. Through Jesus Christ - The idea is, that God does not directly, and by His own immediate agency, convert and sanctify the heart, but it is through the Gospel of Christ, and all good influences on the soul must be expected through the Saviour. To whom be glory forever and ever - That is, to Christ; for so the connection evidently demands. It is not uncommon for the Apostle Paul to introduce doxologies in this way in the midst of a letter. It was common among the Jews, as it is now in the writings and conversation of the Muslims, when the name of God was mentioned to accompany it with an expression of praise." Here also is what Matthew Henry had to say of Hebrews 13:21, "The mercy prayed for: Make you perfect in every good work, etc. Observe, (1.) The perfection of the saints in every good work is the great thing desired by them and for them, that they may here have a perfection of integrity, a clear mind, a clean heart, lively affections, regular and resolved wills, and suitable strength for every good work to which they are called now, and at length a perfection of degrees to fit them for the employment and felicity of heaven. (2.) The way in which God makes His people perfect; it is by working in them always what is pleasing in His sight, and that through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Observe, [1.] There is no good thing wrought in us but it is the work of God; He works in us, before we are fit for any good work. [2.] No good thing is wrought in us by God, but through Jesus Christ, for His sake and by His Spirit. And therefore, [3.] Eternal glory is due to Him, who is the cause of all the good principles wrought in us and all the good works done by us. To this every one should say, Amen."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR