This past Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity of teaching Hebrews chapter 10 in the auditorium class.  Like so many chapters within the book of Hebrews and throughout the Bible, the information contained within it simply can’t be covered in one Bible class. 

     As I prepared for the class last week, there was something that repeatedly ran through my mind as I read through Hebrews 10:  In this chapter you will find the plea of a preacher.  I touched on this very briefly last week, but want to consider a little more here:

     1.  “let us draw near...” (vs 22, ESV) - This is what a preacher wants to help others to do - draw closer to God.  Of course, a person can only do so through and within the Gospel of Christ.  A person must respond with a true heart and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus by being baptized into Him.  (See the rest of verse 22.)

     2.  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering...” (vs 23) - Many a preacher’s heart has been broken by those who have responded in obedience to the Gospel only to remain faithful for a relatively short time.  It is a story far too often repeated.  So please, hold fast.

     3.  “...stir up one another to love and good works” (vs 24) - Let’s not take our duties

and responsibilities as Christians lightly.  Let’s truly love one another.  Let’s be concerned

about the spiritual well being of one another.  Let’s encourage and support one another.

     4.  “not neglecting to meet together...” (vs 25) - For one reason or another, some Christians simply do not understand the impact and importance of assembling together.  This takes us back to developing and maintaining the “true heart” of vs 22.  May we always

strive to continue to develop our hearts and bring them into an increased conformity with God’s will.  Is it better to encourage by being in attendance or discourage by being absent?

     5.  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (vs 31) - Here we find a warning against going to the Day of Judgment unprepared.  We should prepare for that day as if it is tomorrow.  Through the grace of God, we can look forward to that Great Day with

assurance instead of with a “fearful expectation” (vs 27).

     6.  Please understand that you have a “...better possession and abiding one” (vs 34) that

awaits you - a home in heaven.  Therefore, pay the necessary costs of discipleship.  Be different from the world and place your priority in the church.  Put it first in your life.

     7.  “...when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” - Let’s serve God, honor Him and glorify Him with our obedience and live in the hope and promise of an everlasting home in heaven.

     It seems to me that the latter of half of Hebrews 10 certainly provides a good example of...a preacher’s plea.