Exhortations from Hebrews 10

“EXH0RTATI0NS”

(10:22-25)

Introduction:   This is a continuation of the series of lessons wherein we study the exhortations which the writer of the Hebrew epistle gave to his audience.  There are three “Let us therefores...” in chapter 10.

I.        Positive reasons for the exhortation.

A. Boldness, based upon the excellence of the blood of Jesus (10:19).

B. We have such a great high priest over God’s house.

II.       What we should do

A. “Draw near...”

1. Do not stay in the “fringe”. Perhaps many of the converted Jews did not want to be too closely identified with Christianity.

2. Do not try to have one foot in the world and one foot in the church.

3. Nearness suggests:

a. Involvement

b. Security, protection.

c. Comfort

4. Based upon a “true heart”, not one of guile or deceit.

5. “Assurance of faith” in Christ as our high priest.

6. Having bodies washed with pure water. (cf. Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5).

B.    “Hold fast the profession of faith...”

1. The tendency among the audience was to be discouraged.

2. They were in danger of returning to Judaism.

3. Now, however, they should look to the faithfulness of the One who has promised.

4. His unwavering support should enable our unwavering allegiance.

C.   “Consider one another...”

1. When alone, discouragement is easier.

2. Provoke: means “encourage; to stir up; arouse; stimulate; incite”.

3. Positive result: love and good works (Eph. 2:10; James 2:14-26).

III.       Consequences of failing to heed the exhortation

A.   The willful sin here is comparable to the falling away in chapter 6.

1. It involves the abrogation of the privileges of sharing the blessings of Christ.

2. As applied to these original readers, it meant the deliberate, pre-meditated return to Judaism; a resumption of the sacrifices, the observance of Moses’ Law, etc. It meant a return to the shadow and rejection of the substance! (10:1)

3. To us today, it is the very deliberate return to the life prior to becoming a Christian, with full awareness of the consequences.

B.    The results of the willful sin:

1. “No more sacrifice for sin...” (26)

2.  “A certain fearful looking for of judgment...” (27)

3. Sorer punishment than that prescribed by Moses’ Law. (28, 29)

             C. The symptoms:

1. Forsaking the assembly (25)

2. Lack of confidence (22)

3. Wavering faith (23)

4. Negligence of good works (24)

Conclusion:   If we practice these exhortations, we will be stronger in faith, and we will have no need to fear the “falling away”, or the willful sin and its consequences. Christianity is a practical religion: it affects the way we do things!