We are in a battle, a race, a fight to the finish, and we need one another to be able to finish well. We are members of one another. (Eph.4: 25)

We need the encouragement of each other to build each other up. This sinful world has plenty of “let downs”. When we are with our sisters in Christ, we need to do as the scriptures teach us, provoke one another to love and good works

Adam Clark has this to say:  “ Let us diligently and attentively consider each other's trials, difficulties, and weaknesses; feel for each other, and excite each other to an increase of love to God and man; and, as the proof of it, to be fruitful in good works.”

The verses preceding this verse describe what kind of person we should be, because we have a “new and living “ way.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb.10: 22)

We can draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, only if we have a clear conscience. We obtain the clear conscience through repentance and baptism

There is also an antitype, which now saves us -- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (I Pet. 3:21)

We continue to have a clear conscience as we repent and pray daily for the sins we commit. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I Jon. 1:9) 

We must “hold fast the confession of our faith, without wavering”. (Heb.10: 23b)
If we waver, we will not be able to provoke (to stir to action or feeling) our sisters. We will have lost our influence. To maintain this faithfulness we must pray often. Satan can 
tempt us in a million ways to sin.  We must pray for wisdom beyond our years, a compassionate heart and love for our sisters. Having the proper love for our sisters is a challenge, but God will help us with this. We must stay in God’s word to receive this help. 

 Satan is successful with us when he can cause us to loose our focus. 
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col.3: 1-4)

When we have a mind set on Christ and things above, then we will be ready to every good work. We then will be successful in provoking our sisters to love and good works.
 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)
 

by Wilma Hendrick