Spur one another on
Hebrews 10
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews was written amidst a growing number of Jewish Christians forsaking their new found truth and reverting back to the bondage of Judaism.
There is no real way to tell who wrote the letter. Many scholars believe it was Paul for several reasons, but there is no way to be absolutely sure.
Written to jewish Christians who were beginning to abandon their faith, moving back to idol worship as a result of persecution.
Ever think of abandoning your faith?
Every just want to “chuck it all”
Ever just get tired of living the Christian life?
Ever been persecuted, laughed at, made fun of, for being a Christian?
That’s where these Christian jews were at. They were tired and done.
The writer of Hebrews has some good advice for us as Christians to combat these feelings:
1. Spur one another one another toward love
In her book, "Living with Love," Josephine Robertson tells a story. "In 1883, a youthful clergyman, the Rev. Joe Roberts, arrived by stagecoach in a blizzard to minister to the Indians of Wyoming. This great, wild area had been assigned to the Protestant Episcopal Church by President Grant. Soon after Joe Roberts arrived, the son of the chief was shot by a soldier in a brawl, and Chief Washakie vowed to kill the first white man he met. Since this might mean the start of a long, bloody feud, young Roberts decided to take action. Seeking out the tepee, fifteen miles away in the mountains, he stood outside and called the chief’s name. When Washakie appeared, Roberts opened his shirt. "I have heard of your vow," he said, "I know that the other white men have families, but I am alone. Kill me instead."
The chief was amazed and motioned him into his tent. "How do you have so much courage?" he asked. Joe Roberts told him about Christ, His death, His teachings. They talked for hours. When Joe left, the chief of the Shoshones had renounced his vow to kill and resolved to become a Christian. Washakie had seen love in action. Every group which calls itself Christian would do well to decide what it should do to make love visible in the home, church, community, and world. For unless love becomes visible it is not love at all.
Original greek
Spur = Encourage, stimulate
Love = Agape love, brotherly love
Adam Clarke provides a paraphrase of Hebrews 10:24 that should help us to understand what Paul means:
Let us diligently and attentively consider each other’s trials, difficulties, and weaknesses; feel for each other, and excite each other to an increase of love to God and man; and as proof of it, to be fruitful in good works.
Look back over your week.
Can you recall times when you encouraged someone else this week?
Can you recall a time when someone encouraged you this week?
Did you take any time to let someone else know that they are succeeding?
These are hard times and we MUST, as Christians encourage each other to love.
When you see a brother or sister down for whatever reason, minister to them
Encourage them to love one another
So many times, our struggles with church or life revolve around other people
1. Spur one another toward love
2. Spur one another toward good deads.
If we spur each other on, in a sense, we all succeed or fail together.
Remember, if one part of the body is not functioning, it effects the entire body. 1 corinthians 12
By encouraging one another to good deeds we are also helping the entire body because the body is effected.
If one person is a gossip, a troublemaker, a complainer etc, it effects the entire body.
From this consideration, the utmost tenderness and concern should be felt for every one of the Lord’s disciples; and the greatest diligence should be exercised in the cultivation of this community fellowship.
Good deeds are good for the soul
Remember, these were Christians who were falling away. Who were ready to step away from their faith.
Think about someone you can do a good deed for this week.
Is there someone you can encourage to get out and do something for someone else.
1. Spur one another toward love
2. Spur one another toward good deeds
3. Spur one another toward attendance and fellowship
(Sermoncentral.com) A minister was walking to church one morning when he passed one of his members working in his garden. "Can’t you hear those bells calling you to church?" asked the minister.
"Eh, what’s that?" said the member.
"Can’t you hear those bells calling you to church?"
"I’m afraid you’ll have to speak a little louder!" said the member.
"CAN’T YOU HEAR THOSE BELLS CALLING YOU TO CHURCH?!" shouted the minister.
"I’m sorry," said the member, "I can’t hear you because of those darned BELLS!"
Coffman, in his commentary says this about verse 25
“Perhaps there is nothing so much needed in current America as a return to the old-fashioned virtue of church attendance.”
Fellowship is critical today
People will attend where they feel connected.
If there is no connection, if there is no bond with the people of God, other bonds will fill the void.
Church is important!
Fellowship is important!
As for the cliche that "mere church attendance" is without value, this is not about mere church attendance, but of wholehearted, sincere, devout, and faithful public worship of Almighty God through Christ;
and as for the falacy that people can worship God anywhere they are, it is refuted by the fact that they don’t!
When people do not attend worship, they do not give, nor pray, nor sing God’s praise, nor observe the Lord’s Supper, nor study the scriptures.
all of which things are related to the public worship and have practically little existence apart from it.
When was the last time you called someone to encourage them to be in church or Sunday school?
Our church is at its strongest when we, the members, are connected and focused on the prize.
Is it time for you to reconnect?
Is it time for you to focus on the prize?
Is it time for you to recommit your life to Him completely?
