By John Richardson
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 10:23–25
[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 stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
OBSERVATION
Hebrews was written to believers (not a specific church) for understanding the preeminence of Christ. The encouragement the writer gives centers on belief in the gospel. Belief in the gospel propels people to love one another faithfully and gather together purposely. The habit of gathering is part of holding fast to the confessional hope (gospel) as a means of encouragement to the end.
- Believers can cling to the gospel because Christ is faithful. The faithfulness of Christ to believers (Psalm 33:4; 1 John 1:9; Romans 8:38-39) enables believers to faithfully hold on to the gospel. The faithful promise of Christ is delivered to those who believe Him (v. 23).
- The unwavering grip on the gospel produces thought of stirring up one another to love and good works. Notice that the verse doesn’t just say love others and do good works; it states to stir each other up to love and good works. Individual Christians need one another to love and do good works. Christ births love and good works, giving believers one another to continue the work of Christ. Lone Ranger Christians fail to love and do good works in the same capacity/consistency as those who are members of a church (v. 24).
- To hold fast to the gospel and stir one another up to love and good works, believers need to consistently gather together. It’s clear that gathering with the church consistently is not optional for God’s Word. Gathering is needed for everyone to endure to the end. As time continues to spin onward, God says to continue to gather together. To not gather is a negligent action. Believers do not simply “miss church”— they in fact neglect to gather to hold fast to the gospel and stir one another up. Other believers desperately need you to gather with them as the church; people are counting on “you” to be part of the body (v. 25).
OBEDIENCE
As you prayerfully consider the chance to gather with the church, think about how it impacts both your walk with Christ and others’ relationship with Him.
- Assess how difficult it is to continue to pursue Christ when one does not gather with other believers. Write down what you miss about gathering with the church and check to see if the benefits are just for you.
- Ask how you are stirring other believers in your church to love and good works. How is it that people are encouraging you to love well through good works?
- Set a habit of consistently gathering together with other believers until the end.
PRAYER
Ask God to open your eyes to those whom you are called to encourage to love and good works. Thank God for the faithfulness of Christ and the promise of salvation which enables you to trust Him. Confess moments when you’ve made the church about meeting your own needs.
