208. HEB 10:24. MUTUAL CHRISTIAN DUTIES

Heb_10:24. Mutual Christian Duties

"And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works."’97Heb_10:24.

The apostle having urged the believing Hebrews to constancy in their public Christian profession, now enjoins some duties which they owe to each other; especially mutual consideration and affectionate orovocation. "And let us consider one another," &c.

Let us, I. Explain and Illustrate. And II. Enforce the Duties specified in the Text.

Let us,

I. Explain and Illustrate the Duties to the Text.

The first of these is,

1. Mutual consideration.

"Let us consider one another." Consideration is often enjoined upon us in the divine word. We are called to "consider our ways," to "consider our latter end," to "consider the wondrous works of God," and to "consider Christ the Apostle and High-Priest of our profession." But in the text we are directed to consider our Christian brethren.

We should consider them,

(1) In the frailties of our common nature.

We should remember the best of our brethren are but frail, erring creatures. "In many things we all offend." "If we say that we have no sin," &c. The Lord "knoweth our frame, he remembers that we are dust." This would check self esteem, prevent a spirit of censoriousness, cause us to bear and forbear, and increase that true charity that covereth a multitude of sins.

(2) In the oneness of our calling as saints.

We are all members of one body, of which Christ is the head. Here there is mutual dependence. Here one member cannot say to another, I have no need of thee, for we have all need of each other. Riches, talents, learning, graces, influence, do not affect the oneness of our calling. We have all one Father, one Divine Redeemer, one Holy Spirit, one new nature, one gospel, are members of one mystical body, and heirs of one heavenly and eternal inheritance.

A consideration of this should lead to mutual confidence, respect, and complacency. "In honor preferring one another." We should consider one another,

(3) In our common exposedness of afflictions and dangers.

As we have mutual privileges, so have we also mutual enemies and conflicts. All saints have the same common adversaries Satan, the world, and the remains of the carnal mind. Fightings without, and fears within, losses, afflictions of body, bereavements, persecutions, &c., the common to of the followers of Christ.

A consideration of this should produce a spirit of kindness and sympathy. To encourage and pray for each other, &c. Bear one another’s burdens, &c.

(4) In our reciprocal duties both to the church and to the world.

In the human body, every member and part has its specific function’97none without then use; so in the body of Christ’s church every one must be an eye, or ear, or foot, or hand, &c. Jesus says to every one of his servants, "Go and work in my vineyard;" and there is work both in the church and in the world for every true disciple of Christ. Indolence is not only injurious to ourselves, but must retard the work of our blessed Lord. 1Co_12:1-31; Eph_4:7-16. We must consider one another,

(5) In the prospect of our eternal fellowship in the heavenly world.

We are all strangers and pilgrims on the earth,

"Travelling through Immanuel’s land,

To fairer worlds on high."

We are looking for the same mercy, and appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. We expect all to meet in heaven. But one haven for all who are sailing under the pilotage of Jesus. How kind and affectionate, then, should we be to each other; treat each other as the heirs of glory, and as we shall wish we had done when we meet in our Father’s house.

This leads us to consider the other duty stated in the text, viz.,

2. That of affectionate provocation.

"To provoke one another to love and good works." To provoke or excite, not to jealousy, or anger, or bitterness of spirit, but to love and good works.

(1) To greater love to God. Who demands our supreme affections, our undivided hearts.

(2) To greater love to each other. For we must love each other even as Christ loved us. And,

(3) To greater love to a dying world. For whom the Redeemer died, and to whom the gospel tidings must be constantly proclaimed.

We must provoke one another also,

(4) To good works. Works of piety, justice, &c., but especially works of benevolence; to do good by communicating to the poor, and wretched, and miserable, and perishing; works of piety, compassion and genuine Christian philanthropy. Mat_5:7; Jam_1:27; Heb_13:16; Psa_37:3.

Now we must thus provoke our brethren,

(1) By our own example.

(2) By affectionate exhortation. And,

(3) By fervent prayer with and for each other.

Let us, then,

II. Enforce the Duties specified in the Text.

We should consider one another to provoke, &c.,

1. Because of a liability to lukewarmness and indifference.

This arises from our peculiar temperaments, habits, weaknesses, temptations, &c. Best are in danger of becoming cold and formal. Galatians, Laodiceans, &c.

2. Because love and good works are essential to genuine godliness.

Love is the soul, the vital part of true religion. If our hearts have been made good, good works must necessarily be the result. A good tree, &c. A pure fountain, &c. Without these a name is worthless. Profession, talents, &c., all are vain. 1Co_13:1-3; 1Jn_4:7-12.

3. Because, if we abound in these, our usefulness and happiness must be greatly extended.

Love is the only spirit which will constrain us to live entirely for God, and the good of our fellow-men. Yes, the love of Christ must constrain us, and then we shall bear fruit to the glory of God, and abound in works of goodness and compassion to mankind. And as we dwell in love, and are exercised in good works, will our peace and joy increase yet more and more.

4. Because, in proportion to these will be our rewards in the heavenly state.

See Mat_25:20-23, and especially 34 ver. to end. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great Luk_6:35; Mat_10:27

Application

1. We learn the true spirit which should dwell among Christ’s disciples.

2. The necessity of mutual excitement, to the cultivation of that spirit, and the works it produces

8. How many display the very opposite spirit, and are lamentably barren of good works.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS