24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)
William Burkitt New Testament
Verse 24.
Observe here the duty exhorted to, To consider one another, that is, to watch over one another. This consideration respects the gifts, the graces, the temptations, the dangers of one another, and is the foundation of all those mutual duties of warning, exhorting, and admonishing one another: Duties, God knows, generally lost amongst us, and with them is the glory of the Christian religion departed from us.
Learn hence, That the mutual watch of Christians over each other, and their mutual exhortations of each other unto gospel duties is necessarily required, as a special means for their preservation in their Christian profession.
Observe, 2. The duty we are to provoke and be provoked unto, and that is, to love and good works; that is no true faith which can be separated from love; and that is no true love that is separated from good works. The great end of Christian communion amongst believers should be to excite one another to love! Which is the spring and fountain of all good works: And to provoke one another to good works; as the genuine effect and fruit of sincere love to God and our neighbour.
Verse 25.
Observe here, 1. That in the apostle’s time there were Christian assemblies, in which Christians did meet together to worship and serve God, and edify and comfort one another; and, in times of peace and liberty, they had convenient places erected, and separated for that end and use. The light of nature, as well as of Scripture, dictates that God is to be worshipped solemnly and publicly; that public worship pleases him most, and that he accepts it best.
Observe, 2. It was the manner of custom of some then to forsake the public assemblies; some out of sloth and negligence; others out of fear and persecution: This was a dangerous sin, and so continues. God and Christ esteem themselves forsaken, when their worship and worshippers are causelessly forsaken.
Observe, 3. The duty initmated and directed to, not to forsake the assembling together, as some do; for Christian assemblies are the life, the food, and nourishment of our souls; Consequently forsaking of church assemblies is usually the forerunner of apostacy.
Observe, 4. The great inducement and encouragement to this duty, because the day approacheth.
What day?
Ans. The day of Jerusalem’s approaching destruction to them; the day of death and judgment coming upon, and hastening towards us.
Learn hence, That the intimations given of approaching judgments, ought to influence unto special diligence in all evangelical duties.
2. That to see evidently the approaches of death and judgment, and yet not to be sedulous and diligent in the duties of divine worship, is a sign and token of a backsliding frame, tending unto final apostasy from Christ and his holy religion.