I.
We continue this week with another reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews. As I initially read over it, I am not sure if I should call it “a passage” or “three passages.”

Take time to read this Scripture so as to follow the logic of these several paragraphs.

Then read it again and notice what you find encouraging in the reading. Notice what encourages you in your life of discipleship as a follower of Jesus and notice what you might be called to encourage.

II.
Hebrews 10:23-36

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy “on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by those who have spurned the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

III.
How encouraging to you are these words from the epistle?

What is the greatest encouragement to you?

The writer calls his readers’ attention to struggles and sufferings they endured.

Does recalling such times in your life ever encourage you?

He encourages his readers not to “abandon … [their] confidence.” What confidence or confidences come to mind for you?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}