Being Holy, Responsible Children and Siblings, part VI

We are to humbly equip and maintain the faith of one another, and stemming from the authority and empowerment of God, verses 12–17 show us how to do this.

First, we are to equip one another by, verses 12–13, strengthening those who are weak and discouraged and making straight the pathway of following Jesus. Simply put, these verses tell us what to do with less mature believers. You see early in the Christian life, it is easy to get discouraged because young Christians aren’t ready for what is coming. And so, our author says when someone seems unable and too fatigued to press on themselves, come along side them and help them. Isaiah 35:3, “Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.” Proverb 4:26, “Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established.” We need to show the way of faith and make it as easy as possible so that the injured would not become lame. Simply put, do not place unnecessary burdens and standards on those who are already weak. Moreover, bind their injuries, where someone has stumbled or is hurting, treat that injury so that it does not become worse. We need to give the clear gospel message to those who are struggling, reminding them of who they are in Christ.

Second, we are to maintain the faith of one another, verses 14–17, by pursuing peace and sanctification. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Mark 9:50, “be at peace with one another.” This exhortation of verses 14–17 is of course concerned with the younger Christian, but is more directed at we already established in the faith. Peace, our fellowship together, is to be a chief pursuit of this church. This becomes easier for us to pursue, when we realize how important one another are to our individual growth. If you really believe the Scriptures that those around you are gifts of God for your well–being, then peace and fellowship will be important to you.

As we pursue peace, our author says we are also to pursue one another’s sanctification. Now you remember from Hebrews 10, sanctification is a two–step things. When we are saved, God sanctifies us, He makes us holy. But, then afterwards He commands us to become sanctified, to grow in holiness. This is what our author is speaking about in verse 14. Not only does God command you individually to grow in your holiness, in other words to grow more like Him, He also commands you to help others grow in holiness as well. Practically speaking, growth in holiness comes from a knowledge and fellowship with God and a mortifying or a killing of indwelling sin. Knowledge of God comes from His Word and from the Spirit, fellowship with God comes from fighting sin and seeking Him.