Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more… I. NOTICE THE DAY APPROACHING. 1. The day of providential trial, when the judgments of God will fall on the wicked, and the Church of Christ will have to pass through the fires and floods of persecution. 2. Then the day of death is approaching — approaching us all, and perhaps is much nearer to us than we generally suppose. We see it approaching in every grey hair on the head, in every attack of disease, in every puncture of pain, in every token of decay, in every symbol of mourning, in every funeral procession, and in every open grave. 3. And the day of general judgment is approaching. Oh what separations, what disclosures of character, what wrecks of false hopes, what shrieks of despair, what bursts of joy, what strange transitions, will then be seen and heard! II. THE INFLUENCE WHICH THE DAY APPROACHING SHOULD HAVE UPON OUR PRESENT CHARACTER AND CONDUCT. 1. Be diligent and earnest in seeking your own personal salvation, "and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." 2. Then, next to this, be diligent and earnest in the discharge of all Christian duties, and the improvement of all your Christian privileges, "and so much the more as ye see the day approaching."(1) The first is, to live near to God, in a new spiritual state of regeneration and grace, in covenant union, in a holy walk and conversation, in child-like obedience, in fervent love, and in ardent desire: "Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith."(2) The second is, steadfastness in our religious views and professions, amidst all trials and temptations: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering."(3) The third is, mutual affection, influence, and co-operation: "Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works."(4) The fourth is, a careful observance of the appointed seasons of conversation and worship: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." 3. Then you should be diligent and earnest in a cultivation of a spirit of weanedness from the present world, and of attachment to heaven and heavenly things, "and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." When that day comes, what a poor insignificant thing will this world appear! How low and brief its pleasures! How vanishing its wealth and honours! How dim and fading its brightest glories! How infinitely below the capacities and wants of an immortal mind! (Wm. Gregory.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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