Hebrews 3:13,
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin"
"...what is the main thing that the church does for each other? We speak to each other in ways that help us not be deceived by the allurements of sin. Or to put it positively, we speak to each other in ways that cause us to have hearts of faith in the superior value of Christ over all things. We fight to maintain each other's faith, by speaking words that point people to the truth and value of Jesus. That's how you guard against an evil heart of unbelief. Unbelief means failing to rest in Jesus as your greatest treasure. So helping each other believe means showing people reasons why Jesus is more to be desired and trusted and loved than anything else."
John Piper
Was struck this morning by the power of spiritual encouragement in this passage. Paul links this encouragement with God's grace at work in our lives enabling us to persevere in the faith. This is not " oh, I like your hair" or " wow you sure are smart" but these are words that cause other believers to have renewed hope and faith in Christ. Without encouragers in our lives we easily fall prey to sin's deceit and become hardened toward God and others. God help me be just such an encourager! Amen.
Hi Pastor Tim!
ReplyDeleteMonday's at lunch I lead a prayer group at school. I hope I have your permission to share these words with the group?! So often, even as Christians, we don't stop to think about the words we say to each other. I am trying to encourage this group of High school students to follow God's will for their lives. I think this devotion will help them, and me put it into perspective as well.
Thanks in advance!
Miss you and North Bay a ridicules amount! :D
Prayers,
Gayle