Two things should be noted. First, explanatory γάρ, 'for,' early in verse 26 suggest that this paragraph (vv. 26-27) "sustains an intimate relationship to the preceding appeals and especially to the pastoral admonitions in v. 25, where the writer referred to those who had deserted the community" (WBC, vol. 47A). Second, verse 26 can be translate "if we keep on sinning " (so NASB, ESV, NIV, NET) or "if we persist in sin". So it can be take as continuous action.
This is from a gentile perspective and nothing akin to what was being referred to here. In verse 24-25 it states:
Or[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.[/FONT]
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The 'assembling of ourselves' or the meeting together' has nothing to do with deserting the community. remember this is speaking to Torah observant Jews, it is speaking of gathering together on the appointed times, the feast of the L-RD found in full in Leviticus. Some had stopped thinking that they went the way of the temple but that was not true, these were still prophesying things to come and needed to be continued until Messiah returned.
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