Throughout the Epistle to the Hebrews, the writer has labored to prove one central truth: Christ is superior. He is better than the angels, greater than Moses, more faithful than Joshua, superior to the Levitical priesthood, and the fulfillment of the old covenant. Even the tabernacle and sacrificial system—once central to Israel’s worship—find their true meaning and completion in Him.

Yet the writer also understands something deeply human. We are made for transcendent worship. We long for something that feels weighty, ancient, and meaningful. And too often, we confuse ritual and ceremony with true transcendence.

This was a temptation for Jewish Christians in the first century, and it remains a temptation today.

In our own time, there is a noticeable movement—especially among young people and young men—toward Greek Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Many are drawn to the imagery, the history, and the sense of connection to the historic church. They love the rituals and ceremonies, much like the outward observances of Judaism in the first century.

But outward forms, no matter how ancient or beautiful, have no power to save. They are works-based. The heart easily slips into the mindset, “If I do these things, then God will bless me.” But that is not how salvation or blessing works.

The writer of Hebrews tells his readers that they must let go of the shadows and embrace the substance. The true realities of God are found not in ceremony, but in the New Covenant—and in Christ Himself.

And then he points them to something truly transcendent: the gathering of believers filled with the Holy Spirit.

Stirring One Another to Love and Good Deeds

Hebrews 10:24–25 exhorts us plainly:

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together…”

As Christians, God calls us to make an intentional effort to think about how we can stir one another toward love for God and service to others. Some people are naturally good at stirring the pot—provoking reactions for selfish or destructive reasons. But Scripture redirects that impulse. We are to provoke one another toward what is holy, good, and Christlike.

This requires intentional thought. Do you actively consider how to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you pursue them? Do you plan ways to help them love Christ more deeply and serve Him more faithfully?

Spiritual growth does not happen accidentally, and mutual encouragement does not happen passively.

The Assembly of the Saints

The primary context for this stirring is the assembly of the saints.

While encouragement can happen in small, intimate settings—and should—some believers begin to replace the gathered church with more casual alternatives. These gatherings often center on enjoyable activities such as golf outings, youth sports, travel teams, or outdoor recreation. None of these things is sinful. Many of them are good gifts from God.

The danger arises when these pursuits crowd out devotion to Christ and His people.

Others stop attending church because they feel they are “not getting anything out of it.” They crave intimacy, and the church feels awkward, uncomfortable, or uninteresting. Wanting close relationships is not wrong. God designed us for meaningful friendships.

But when we avoid the broader body of Christ, we miss something vital. Growth often comes through interaction with people who are different from us—people who do not share our interests, personalities, or preferences. Avoiding those relationships stunts spiritual maturity.

There is also greater accountability in the gathered church than in purely intimate settings. Close friends often affirm us—and sometimes overlook our blind spots. The broader body exposes us to loving correction, challenge, and growth. God uses both intimacy and tension to shape us into Christ’s likeness.

Protection in the Body

Scripture warns us that spiritual isolation is dangerous. Just as predators in the wild target animals that separate from the herd, believers who isolate themselves become vulnerable.

The writer of Hebrews is not merely commanding church attendance. He is offering a pastoral safeguard. Withdrawing from the gathering weakens discernment, dulls conviction, and exposes us to greater temptation and doubt.

God has designed the church as a means of protection and perseverance. Through exhortation, accountability, and shared life in Christ, believers strengthen one another. To forsake the gathering is not a neutral decision—it is a dangerous one.

Encouragement in Dark Days

Hebrews reminds us that the day is drawing near. In confusing and increasingly dark times, we need encouragement more than ever. The call is not only to receive encouragement, but to become encouragers.

Christ walks among His churches. He is present with His people. Which means the safest place for a believer is not isolation, but nearness—to Christ and to His body.

Some may be slowly drifting, isolating themselves, and becoming vulnerable. The call for 2026 is clear: return to fellowship, return to accountability, and return to intentional encouragement.

Three Habits for the Year Ahead

Hebrews 10 gives us three habits worth cultivating:

Nearness – Draw near to Christ through prayer, confession, Scripture reading, and personal worship. Stop hiding from Him.
Steadfast Confession – Hold fast to the gospel in visible, everyday faithfulness at home, work, and even online.
Intentional Consideration – Don’t merely attend church; actively participate. Consider how you can stir others to love and good deeds.

Do not aim at vague spiritual improvement. Aim at Hebrews 10:

Draw near.
Hold fast.
Consider one another.

That is the path of perseverance—and the gift God has given us in His church.