Provoke

Hebrews 10:24-25 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.

We should provoke one another to love. How is our love for the Lord? Are we loving Him - with all of our heart?

Are we considerate of one another? There is a… Family bond – a glue that joins us together…

We have a responsibility towards each other… Hebrews 3:13 says we are to exhort one another daily…

We should provoke one another to good works. Let us urge one another to sound doctrine, faithfulness, prayer, holiness and witness.

We can be provoked:
• In our giving
• In our use of time
• In our family life
• In our devotional life
• In our words

It says of Paul, "his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." Acts 17:16. This word about stirring is this same word for “provoke”.

We are called to good works. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God wants us to be “zealous of good works”… eager, enthusiastic. Find opportunities to encourage, and strengthen one another.

Our verse reads on, Not forsaking the assembling. As the manner (habit) of some is…

This is an assembly – a gathering together of saints.

There’s something different about God’s people. We’re meant to be different – “peculiar people”.
It is community. It is about forgiveness and hope. God’s Life.

This assembly meets with a love for the truth.
• With a love for the Word.
• With a love for what is right and what’s honourable and pleasing to the Lord.

We are a church with rock solid foundations that are strong and immovable. The pillar and ground of truth. The solid firm ground of the Word of God. It does not alter or get amended as time goes by. God does not revise it in terms of changing its message. It is everlasting. Man has to bow to the truth.

As a church of God we will not budge with the changing fashions and fads of man. We will hold fast our course. We will not be thrown around on the choppy seas of doubts or blown about with the various winds of doctrine.

The church is under attack…
• There are enemies who are against us.
• Some unwittingly promote wrong teaching in their ignorance.
• It is a battleground.

We must stand true. We must shine. God’s church is meant to be solidly squarely founded on the Truth, not shifting sands.

What makes a healthy church… Truth must be central, pivotal, core…
It is Christ Himself who must be the central focus…
A fervent love for Christ and a heartfelt corporate worship of our Lord.

As a church we have Foundations that stand… Founded strongly on the Word of God… We see Truth at work in people’s lives… People growing in Grace, in Holiness, Peace, the Lived-out Word of God, Understanding, Spiritual Gifts, Purity and Fellowship.

Don't neglect to assemble! It's an essential.