“Continue in brotherly love. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.” vs1-3

First, let us pause here and remember the afflicted. Some truly suffer for Christ, being bound with chains and persecuted.

We have fake sufferings in the West, people comparing coronavirus lockdowns to the worst forms of persecution. We also have real saints paying the price with expulsion from families, chased by death, and imprisonment.

Let’s step back from selfishness and look into the interests of others. Let’s be united and recognize that God hears our prayers, and there is SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO.

Pray for them, brothers. Remember them, sisters. Let’s not be of the mind that God will handle it, so it doesn’t need our care. We can be so engrossed with our own things - pursuing husband, wife, and earthly comforts - that we forget the saints beyond ourselves. Let us look more scripturally at life.

Secondly, here is a word from God that is needed. “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” vs4

We live among fornicators, and we are greatly tempted to be silent about this soul damning sin. Men must come out and forsake it to be saved. Do not be so foolish as to live in fornication and expect heaven.

God’s grace produces holiness, and without this change, there is no faith. Let us believe unto good works and worship God with our bodies [Rom 12:1-2]. Let us deny our sinful lusts and be sold-out Christians. Let us never claim His name in vain and also warn others.

Sexual immorality is a cheap sin that destroys men for a little pleasure [Heb 11:25; Heb 12:16]. Give it up, and it will be well with you. Seek God’s Spirit, and He will grant you self control [2 Cor 6:17].

Thirdly, we are not slaves to our spiritual leaders. vs7

“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

They guide us in the word of God and good conduct. We follow their faith, which is in Christ and not man. If it is not written in the Scriptures, then do not bow to it slavishly, as if salvation or peace with Christ depended upon it. It is only man’s opinion to be rejected or accepted as you please. It has no authority over you.

Follow your leaders, but don’t worship them. They don’t have the keys of the kingdom in themselves but in the proper explanation of Scripture. They make known the way of Christ, being gifted by Him to teach. They have the Holy Spirit to serve you with teaching and example, whereby they are judged.