All of the teaching of the Lord has divine design. The instruction given in Hebrews 10:24 to "provoke" is needed more frequently than most members of the Lord's body realize. It isn't easy to live the Christian life; live each moment in readiness to leave this world for eternity. The persecutions and pressure that is brought to bear upon the child of God often times is not countered with Scriptural attacks. We often rely upon our own strength and wisdom only to regret it!

Christians need the strength and encouragement extant in being together in the assemblies of the saints. This gives all Christians an opportunity to "provoke" each other in better service to the Lord. The passage says "to provoke unto love and to good works."

Marvin Vincent's "Word Studies in the New Testament says: "Lit. with a view to incitement. Only here and Acts 15:39. From paroxunein to sharpen. Hence to stimulate. In Acts 15:39, the result of provocation; irritation or contention. Here the act of incitement... The new economy demands mutual care on the part of the members of the Christian community. Comp. 1 Cor. 12:25. They must stir up each other's religious affections and ministries" (Vol. 4, p. 502).

The word is used in a good sense here, and each Christian should realize his duty to stimulate other Christians to better service. Our Christianity is lacking if we fail in this! Each member at Knollwood is encouraged to be a part in provoking others to be faithful.

- from a bulletin for this congregation dated May 3, 1970