Hebrews 10:19-25 Inspiring one another towards honor and glory

Hebrews 10:19-25 

Background

The overarching theme of entering into the holy place is synonymous with the theme of entering into God’s kingdom and experiencing the blessings of the new covenant. The highest blessing of the new covenant as bestowed on Jesus is honor and glory. The new covenant blessing is also depicted in the vision of Isaiah 65:17-25 where there is gladness, health, peace and prosperity on the earth. Believers are encouraged to remain in God’s presence as a church community, while inspiring one another towards good works until we obtain the blessing.

Observation

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

As sin was removed by the blood of Jesus, men is no longer in enmity with God. Therefore, believers can now approach God with full assurance without fear of rejection. The imagery was the removal of the veil that separated men and from the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. The veil was removed by way of Christ’s flesh and His priesthood. His flesh depicts Christ’s body being broken as a sacrifice for sin. His priesthood, because Christ was exposed to the common trials and temptations of the fallen world. Thus, He is able to empathize and intercede for men.

22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

After Christ has done His part in opening a way through the veil into God’s presence, men must now do their part in approaching God with the right heart and attitude. A sincere heart depicts the absence of ulterior motives, being true in loving God and men. Full assurance of faith describes one who possesses full confidence in the promises of God. Sprinkled clean from an evil conscience describes the effective cleansing of our rebellious and wicked inclinations. Our bodies washed with pure water translates to cleansing our flesh from the curses of sin. Having put on these attitudes, we persevere towards fulfilling our call without wavering. As believers dwell in God’s presence continually, God is faithful to see us through life’s challenges.

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

The journey towards fulfilling the believer’s call and to obtain the promise must be made in the company of believers. Christ is called as high priest over the household of God. Hence, the context of Christ’s ministry is the community of believers as opposed to the individual. Therefore, believers must learn to journey as a community by inspiring one another towards good works: let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and … encouraging one another.

Truth

Because the veil is removed, there is nothing that God will hide from His children. People supposed that God is like a man, who reveals His secrets only to His favorites. On the contrary, God speaks to those who are sincere, and to those whom He trusts. Even as the veil of separation is removed by Christ’s blood, He speaks to those who put the Father’s business above their own. The veil represents physical, emotional, and spiritual separation. Where there is no veil, there is perfect communion and fellowship between God and men. Therefore, there are no revelations or secrets that God will withhold from his children. As long as it benefits his people, God will reveal it. Jesus said to His disciples, “but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” John 15:15.

The ability to hear God’s voice clearly is found not so much in the technique but in the posture of one’s heart. Many try to decipher God’s voice by seeking out secret techniques or by identifying the indicative signs when God speaks. Some even supposed that it is a gift that can only be prayed for. Why doesn’t God speak to all His children? While we know that God does not practice favoritism, He desires to commune with one whose heart is sincere and pure, who places complete trust in His word. The text teaches to put on a sincere heart and full assurance of faith when approaching God. How then can we cleanse our heart? By meditating on the Word and doing exactly what God tells us to do. The more we desire to do His will despite the inconveniences we face, the more God reveals to us the secrets on His heart.

When journeying together in a community, we must be intentional in inspiring one another to good works. Many people desire company so that they may hear some interesting news and controversies. Some love to delve into stories and gossips concerning people. Such conversations are not only unconstructive; they hinder people from speaking transparently concerning their own situation. Instead, we must promote the culture of sharing our lives with one another, thus allowing others to encourage us in our walk. In doing so, we help each other overcome life’s challenges. We must also be intentional in inspiring one another towards good works through testimonies of charity and miracles. Be liberal in sharing how we have been a blessing to another and celebrate it. The text teaches us to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another to persevere towards honor and glory.

Application

1. Make it a custom in your cell group or community to share stories of how we have been a blessing to others. This creates excitement and it inspires others to do the same.
2. Practice listening and being sensitive to one another’s emotional state. In doing so, we are able to speak a timely word to encourage and lift up another.

Dear Lord, I thank you for paving the way for me into God’s presence. Fill me with your Spirit and create in me a pure heart so that I may commune with you. Use me to inspire another to do works of charity and strengthen me to persevere in my calling. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.