The encouragement found in Christ

Let me ask you: do you need that? Do you need to be exhorted—with commands, imperatives, obligations? Do you need to be encouraged—with promises? Do you need to be entreated—that you will press on and walk worthy of God and his kingdom? Well, I think that the best way to do all of these simultaneously is the way that was shown to us by the writer of Hebrews, who we know was an associate of Paul. I do not think it was Paul, but he knew Paul—that much is sure. And he wrote a whole letter to do what Paul is talking about—a letter of encouragement and exhortation. And the chief thing he sets before them is this: the all-purpose Christian exhortation and encouragement and entreaty.

It is found in Hebrews 12:2: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us look to Jesus. Consider him: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and he is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Do you need to be exhorted to start living the life that you are called to live—to start more fervently embracing obedience to God’s Word? Then, my friends, consider Jesus, because he died for you. Surely it is not asking too much for you and me to live for him. The Son of God did not scorn the shame. If we had come to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and said, Sovereign Son sent from heaven, name a list of all the people you’re dying for, if you are in Christ, your name would be on that list. Jesus died not for the principle of salvation in a general way. He died for you, if you are a Christian. And now he exhorts you, and I exhort you in his name: Live for him. Is there anything more worthy, anything more glorious, anything we ought more to desire from our lives? O Lord, give us the strength. Exhort us from your Word that we would look to him, despise the shame, yes, and live for his glory.

Do you need to be encouraged? Do you find yourself doubting that you can make it, that you can deal with the sins you have been struggling with? Look—consider Jesus, who is the beginner and the finisher of your faith. And the writer of Hebrews says, Do not forget where he is: seated in power and authority at the right hand of the throne of the Father in heaven. Of course, you are weak—but he is strong. Get on your knees and ask him to give you the grace. He will give it. You will not find that you appeal to the Lord Jesus, enthroned in heaven, for the things you need to do what he is calling you to do, and find that he does not give it to you. He will. This is what he is talking about when he says, Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be given to you. Consider Jesus. Be encouraged. He is enthroned with everything you need. Ask, and you will receive.

And do you need to be entreated? Do you need to be urged to keep on going, to have the courage to walk differently from the world, but worthily of the gospel? God’s Word urges you to look “to Jesus, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or become faint of heart.”¹

Richard D. Phillips