Hebrews 10:24-25


file_00000000ebf462308ae466e861aa493d

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


A cornerstone passage for the importance of Christian community, mutual encouragement, and consistent gathering

This passage emphasizes three key aspects:

  1. Mutual Encouragement ("stir up one another to love and good works"): 
  2. The proactive act of inspiring and motivating fellow believers towards holiness and selfless action.
  3. Corporate Gathering ("not neglecting to meet together"): 
  4. The essential practice of assembling as believers.
  5. Urgency of the Last Days ("all the more as you see the Day approaching"): 
  6. The increasing importance of these practices as Christ's return nears.


Here are similar Bible passages that reinforce these themes:


  • 1.  Mutual Encouragement ("Stirring Up to Love and Good Works")

  • Romans 12:9-13: 
  • "Let love be genuine... Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

    • Similarity: A rich description of practical ways to demonstrate love and spur one another to good works within the community.

  • Galatians 6:9-10: 
  • "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

    • Similarity: Encourages perseverance in good works, with a special emphasis on fellow believers.

  • Ephesians 4:29: 
  • "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
    • Similarity: Emphasizes using our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing down.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: 
  • "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."


    • Similarity: A direct command to encourage and edify fellow believers, mirroring Hebrews 10:25's "encouraging one another."

  • Colossians 3:16: 
  • "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
    • Similarity: Describes how believers should interact within the community, using God's Word to teach and advise one another.


  • 2. Corporate Gathering (The Importance of Assembly)

While Hebrews 10:25 is arguably the most direct command not to neglect meeting, the entire New Testament church implies and demonstrates the centrality of gathering.

  • Acts 2:42: 
  • "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
    • Similarity: Describes the practices of the early church, which centrally involved regular gathering for teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. This is the positive example for "not neglecting to meet together."

  • Matthew 18:20: 
  • "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
    • Similarity: While often used for small groups, this verse speaks to the special presence of Christ when believers intentionally gather together.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (regarding the Lord's Supper):
  • Paul addresses issues in their corporate gatherings, implying the regular nature and importance of their coming together for communion.

    • Similarity: The problems they faced highlight the reality of their regular gathering, and the need for it to be done properly.

  • All the "One Another" Commands: The numerous "one another" commands throughout the New Testament (love one another, serve one another, bear one another's burdens, greet one another, confess sins to one another, pray for one another, etc.) inherently assume a context where believers regularly interact and gather. These commands are difficult, if not impossible, to fulfill in isolation.

3. Urgency of the Last Days (''All the More as You See the Day Approaching'')

This aspect links the urgency of Christ's return to the increasing need for community.

  • Romans 13:11-12: 
  • "Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light."

    • Similarity: Emphasizes living more earnestly and righteously as the "Day" (Christ's return/judgment) draws near.

  • 1 Peter 4:7: 
  • "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."
    • Similarity: Connects the nearness of the end with a call to spiritual discipline and prayer, which are often strengthened in community.

  • Revelation 22:12: 
  • "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done."
    • Similarity: The constant New Testament reminder of Christ's imminent return, which should motivate faithfulness and perseverance, often supported by Christian fellowship.

In summary, while Hebrews 10:24-25 is a concise and direct instruction, its principles of communal encouragement, consistent gathering, and living with an eternal perspective are foundational to New Testament Christianity and are echoed throughout many other Scriptures. They paint a picture of a vibrant, interconnected body of believers, spurring one another on towards Christlikeness until He returns.