Christian Perseverance (Heb. 10:23–24. (121)
- For He is faithful that promised.” 1Cor. 1:9; 10:13, 1Thess. 5:24, 2Thes 3:3, Tit. 1:2. “Those who begin to waver in matters of Christian faith and practice are in danger of falling away. He is a faithful God, true to his word; there is no falseness nor fickleness with him, and there should be none with us. His faithfulness should excite and encourage us to be faithful…” M. Henry. A Barnes also says “To induce them to hold fast their profession. (1) That since God is so faithful to us, we ought to be faithful to Him. (2) The fact that He is faithful is an encouragement to us. We are dependent on Him for grace to hold fast our profession. We may be assured that all that He has promised He will perform. To the service of such a God, therefore, we should adhere without wavering.” If we compare Heb. 4:1 “Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it”; and Heb. 6:15 “And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured (persevered) he obtained the promise.” It is to be most particularly noted that all through this epistle “salvation” is viewed as a future thing. Also, in the epistles of Peter, the saints are contemplated as being yet in the wilderness, which is the place of testing and of danger. It is only those who diligently heed the solemn warning of Heb. 3:12 who win through, “Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart… in departing from the living God.” Pink A. W
- And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (v. 24. Ps. 41:1, Rom. 12:15; 15:1, 2. 1Cor. 8:12, 13; 9:22; 10:33. Gal. 6:1, Col. 3:16, 1Thess. 5:11, 2Thess. 3:9. “The term “consider”: signifies the serious observing of a matter: Acts 15:6; a careful deliberation. The things of God call for our utmost attention. Let us diligently bear in mind and continually have in view the good of our fellow-pilgrims. It is a conscientious care and circumspection over the spiritual estate and welfare of other Christians. They are brethren and sisters in Christ, members of the same family: a tie far nearer and dearer than any earthly one unites you to them and them to you. “Consider” not only their blessed relation to you, but also their circumstances, their trials, their temptations, their infirmities, their needs. Seek grace to be of service, of help, of blessing to them. Remember that they have their conflicts too, their discouragements, their falls: “Wherefore lift up the hands… the feeble knees” Heb. 12:12.” Pink Arthur W
- “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Rom. 11:14, 2Cor. 8:8; 9:2. It is to provoke or stir up unto the performance of duties; to strengthen zeal, to inflame affections, to excite unto godly living. We are to provoke one another by means of a godly example, by suitable exhortations, by unselfish acts of kindness. We are to fire one another “unto love,” ch. 13:1, Gal. 5:6, 13, 22, Phi. 1:9–11, 1Thess. 3:12, 13, 1Tim. 6:18, Tit. 2:4; 3:8, 1Jn. 3:18, “It is a holy principle of action, which seeks the highest good others. Christian love is righteous and never winks at sin; it is faithful, which shrinks not from warning or rebuking where such is necessary. “And good works” is to be the issue, the fruit, of godly love. “And this is love…” 2 Jn 6. The relation between this exhortation in v. 24 and the one in v. 23 is very intimate. Love and good works are both the effects and evidence of the sincere confession of saving faith, and therefore a diligent attendance unto them is an essential means of constancy in our confession. Christian perseverance is nothing less than a continuance in practical godliness, in the path of obedience to Christ and love unto His brethren. Therefore, are we called upon to watch over one another with a view to steadfastness in the faith and fruitfulness in our lives. No Christian liveth unto himself (Rom. 14:7): each one of us is either a help or a hindrance, a blessing or a curse unto those we associate with.” Pink Arthur W
