Hebrews 10:19-25

Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. —Hebrews 10:24

Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake of Jamaica made history when they finished first and second respectively in both the men’s 100-meter and 200-meter race in the 2012 London Olympics. Despite their rivalry on the track, Bolt paid tribute to Blake as a training partner: “Over the years, Yohan has made me a better athlete. He really pushed me and kept me on my toes.” It’s clear that the two spurred each other on to greatness on the track.

As believers in Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility of encouraging one another in our faith. The writer of Hebrews said, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).

The church is not just an institution or a mere social club. It is where we, who have been brought near to God and washed from sin, can help one another grow in Christlikeness. The purpose of meeting together as a corporate body is to exhort and encourage one another (vv.19-25).

No believer can function alone. To live as our Lord Jesus wants us to, we need the community of believers. As you meet with other believers, think of who you can come alongside and encourage by your words and actions to be more like the Christ we love and serve. —C. P. Hia

Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares. —Fawcett

A healthy church is the best witness to a hurting world.

Bible in a year: Numbers 4-6; Mark 4:1-20

Insight

In the early church, Jewish Christians (possibly in Rome) were being pressured to abandon Christianity and revert to Judaism. The unnamed writer of Hebrews wrote to encourage his readers to endure and persevere in the faith by affirming the superiority and sufficiency of Christ through His person and position (Heb. 1–4) and His work of propitiation (atoning sacrifice; chs. 5–10). He also warned them against abandoning Christ (2:1-3; 3:7-15; 6:4-6; 10:26-29). In today’s passage, he affirms the completed work of Christ on the cross (vv.19-21) and calls for three commitments based on three confidences: “Let us draw near”—the confidence to come into God’s presence (v.22); “Let us hold fast”—the confidence in God’s promises (v.23); and “Let us consider one another”—the comfort and encouragement of God’s people (vv.24-25).