August 19, 2022 -- Hebrews 3:12-14 -- Tackling sin is a communal effort
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV
Notice the double emphasis on holding tightly to God. First individuals are called to examine their hearts. In line with this ask yourself: Is there some sin that is provoking you and turning you away from God? Look carefully at your thoughts, your words and your actions. Wherever you see sin, root it out in your life. Confess it to God. Kill it before it kills your relationship with God.
Then the second emphasis is on the responsibility of Christians to encourage one another in this precious faith. You need others to check your blind spots and call out sins which are sending rot into your life so that your testimony to Jesus is compromised. A dear friend has the right to challenge you about sin and lead you in the path of righteousness. A close friend will endure your indignation and your bluster as you deny all the evidences of that sin until your persistent, faithful friend's words get past your defenses and you admit your willfulness and your need for healing.
These words are written so that Christ will be shared among the people of God. This letter is an encouragement to every individual believer and also it is encouragement for every congregation of believers to turn to Jesus Christ and find in Him the Truth which sets them free from sin and the death-grip of the devil. Ask the Spirit of God to help you in your own life to clear the debris of sin. Ask the Spirit of God to give you a heart of graciousness that will help you to strengthen the faith of your brothers and sisters in Christ so that all together you will grow in the knowledge of Jesus, holy obedience to Him, and in righteousness that leads others to see Jesus in your life and honour Him.
Father in heaven, as we read the Bible, let Your Spirit jar us out of the lethargy taking hold of us and make us aware of the times we are toying with sin. If the Bible has remained unopened many days, let this be the day of fresh starts and renewed commitment to daily reading. Spirit of God, motivate us to run from sin. King Jesus, as Your Church is gathered by Your Spirit's work in the life of believers, help all of us, in community, to hate our sin more and more. Triune God, teach us to know You better; help us to be obedient and let our lives reflect the righteousness which has been given to us in Jesus Christ, the Captain of Salvation.
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