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The Scriptorium

Continue in Love

Endure afflictions, continue in love.

Hebrews 13 (1)

Introduction
The writer previously commended his readers for the love they showed as evidence of true faith (Heb. 6.10). He encourages them to “continue” in love for one another, and for strangers and the needy. Devoting themselves to loving others would give them a “fresh start” in their race and unleash within them the grace and power needed to endure their trials.

Read Psalm 125.

Read Hebrews 13.1-3.

Think it through.
1.  The writer wisely uses verse 1 to connect his readers to their early experience as believers (Heb. 6.10), and to call them to resume that path. How would their continuing in brotherly love help them to endure their trials? He includes as objects of our love not only those who are close and immediate, but strangers and prisoners – “those who are mistreated.” Why? In what way is this good and helpful advice to these first readers? Why is this good advice for us?

2.  The writer also wants us to remember that we are not alone in our race for the Lord. We are surrounded by heavenly witnesses (Heb. 12.1) and may even be visited by angels. Really? Are angels still involved with us like they were with saints in the Old and New Testaments? In what ways? How can knowing that angels attend to help us to continue in love?

Meditate.
“See how he enjoins them to preserve what they had; he does not add other things. He did not say, ‘Be loving as brothers,’ but ‘Let brotherly love continue.’ And again, he did not say, ‘Be hospitable,’ as if they were not, but ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality,’ for this neglect was likely to happen, due to their afflictions.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4.12, 13

The true measure of my faith, Lord, is the extent to which Your grace empowers me to love others. As I think about the day ahead, and opportunities for loving others, I…

Pray Psalm 125.
This psalm agrees with Hebrews 12 that those who believe in Jesus are the new Mt. Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the general assembly of His people. Give thanks as you pray for all the specific promises mentioned here. 

Psalm 125.1-5 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem, 
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
Refrain, v. 1
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!

Wickedness shall rest not on this holy land; 
Sinfulness shall never come forth from their hand.  
Trusting in the Savior, firm in His caress, 
Ever shall His favor on this holy city rest. 
Refrain

Lord, do good and care for those upright in heart. 
All who turn to evil shall from You depart. 
Sinful men may increase; send them, Lord, to hell!
Save Your people, let your peace abound in Israel!
Refrain

T. M Moore

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God’s Covenant, from our online store. The studies in this workbook will show you how the parts of the Bible connect with one another to tell the story of God’s redemption and glory (click here). To learn more about Christ in His exaltation, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus (click here).

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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