Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together

Hebrews 10:19-25

In this lesson we are going to look at some reasons for why we should make attending church a real priority in our lives as saved people. The passage before us does have a Tribulation application in a doctrinal sense but we are going to be taking a spiritual application for us today. We will also use the connection between the church, which is the body of Christ, to compare our relationship with our church as that of a husband and wife. This will give us a double application. We hope to benefit our relationship with our church as well as our relationship with our spouses.

The connection between Christ and the Church:

In Ephesians 5:19-33 Paul show us that saved people today are likened to the bride and that makes Jesus Christ the Groom. The relationship between Christ and the Church then is like unto the relationship of a husband and a wife.

Why we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together:

1)  Because we can (verses 19-21)

• Because of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice going to church is not a condition of our salvation. So, we can miss church and it does not affect our salvation.
• But it does affect our relationship with God and the people of God.
• When couples first start dating or are first married, they spend as much time as they can with each other. But then life kicks in and before you know it there is very little quality time spent between just the husband and the wife. Sadly this also happens in church. When people first get saved they attend every time the doors are opened then gradually start missing here and there until sometimes they are rarely even there at all.

2)  It is where we draw near (verse 22)

• Everyone should have a regular private time with God, just them and God. But this should not replace going to church.
• There is a way that you connect with and draw near to God in a church service that you cannot do anywhere else.
• The same is true with a family. When a family is all together and enjoying an activity or fellowship there is a great benefit for all.

3)  It is where we hold fast our profession (verse 23)

• There is a strength that is gained from being part of a group. Satan loves to separate the sheep and pick of the ones that stray from the flock.
• There is a common saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If we apply this to a church or a family, then a church would only be as strong as its weakest family or a family as strong as its weakest member.
• This is why we must attend at all cost when possible, like a family it is not just about you it is about others. Think about it like this, someone is always depending on you.

4)  It where we provoke others to love and good works (verse 24)

• People often complain that their church does nothing for them or does not love them as they should. When we find ourselves in this position we should ask ourselves what am I doing to prove others to love and good works.
• The same is true for husbands and wives. Many times they are so focused on the other one not fulfilling their roles and they never stop to think about whether they are doing their part or not.
• If we would all focus on others above ourselves then we might find our own needs being met in the process.