S) "23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NASB)
O) As we read this whole letter, and we consider the audience and the culture of their time and community, and we bear in mind context (see vv.32-34), it's easy to understand that these Jewish Christians might have had a great deal of discouragements. Given the broad and frequent reminders that the ways of Jesus (His ministry, sacrifice, and covenant) are better in every way, than the old system of temple worship (the old covenant as a whole), it's easy to understand that some Jewish believers were falling away from faith in Jesus as their Christ. But, the writer has plain instructions for maintaining faith, remaining strong. First, they must remember in whom they trust. He is faithful. Second, the gift of the gospel is not only for us. This is a gift to hold with an open hand. Our faith is a faith that loves and a faith that works, and our love and good deeds glorify Christ. They help prove the gospel, as people are able to observe the change in our lives. Lastly, to meet together regularly, because no man is an island. Christianity is a familial life. Jesus said that His disciples are His family, when they are doing His work. Isolation is a tactic of every kind of predator, and our enemy is no different. Being in strong community with brothers and sisters in Christ is the surest way to keep our eyes clear, our hearts open, and our lives devoted to our Lord.
A) The simple application is to obey these words, right? It is noteworthy, that I think the writer of Hebrews was probably talking about the end of the temple, with his closing words of this passage. However, certainly as the end of anything draws near, as time progresses on through seasons or epochs, it is certainly more and more critical that I remain strong in my faithfulness to Christ. Whether it is the end of a trial, the end of my own life, or even the end of this present world. I must keep my mind on Him, in whom and through whom and by whom all my faith, trust, and hope rests. I do not hold to random religious rites. I am not obedient to arbitrary instruction. Christ Jesus has promised that through faith in Him, I have eternal life. He promised that, because I love Him and so obey Him, that He has prepared a place for me. In verse 24, I have two responsibilities. First, I must be willing to lead by example and love and do good deeds. Then, I must have the boldness, the trust and love, to encourage others to do the same. This is all to His glory, and to further the reach and impact of the gospel. Lastly, meeting with believers, both in attending church service and corporate worship, and also in meeting throughout the week and being in community and fellowship, I need to be involved in the lives of other believers. I also need to invite them into my life. Relationships can be hard, and messy, and scary, and vulnerable. But, they are absolutely vital.
P) Father God, above all elseC I want to honor You. In every way, You are worthy of all my worship. My whole life, every part of it, is Yours. Help me to keep my mind focused on You. Stir me up, let the Holy Spirit churn within me, to love and good deeds. Then, may I be bold and caring enough, to stir up fellow believers to do the same. Lastly, help me to open up with other believers. Help me to be intentional with my relationships. Help me to be consistent and reliable, when it comes to corporate worship, and sitting under the teaching of Your word. Help me to be more inviting, and more involved, in the lives of brothers and sisters around me. Help me to set this culture in my own house, first, Help me to have an impact in the culture of my local church, to take these commands seriously. There is an end date coming, and even if that's hundreds of years away, still, I know we're still running out of time. Help me to be more and more faithful in these things, especially as I see the day drawing near. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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