Review what you have just read and note the things this group of Christians did together. Also look for things that happened as a result of what they did together.
In what ways do you see these things happening in our church?
Why is Being Active in a Church So Important?
The writer of the Book of Hebrews directed Christians “not to forsake the assembling of themselves” (Heb. 10:25). The writer gave two reasons for Christians to come together.
1. Stimulate each other to service
(Heb. 10:24). The writer used a strong word in this text that carries with it the idea of provoking someone to action. It carries the idea of spurring another person on as one might do while riding a horse. It should be noted that this spurring is a mutual action. It is not one person pushing everyone else to do acts of service, but rather each individual stimulating others to do acts of service as they are being stimulated to service by the ones they are stimulating. Solomon described this same kind of idea in terms of “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs. 27:17). When a person sharpens a knife or tool, it requires the use of another instrument of equal or greater strength. It can not be sharpened of and by itself. Solomon implied that we as individuals need others to help us become all God intends us to be.
2. Encourage each other
(Heb. 10:25). It may seem like the writer of Hebrews was repeating himself, but there is a difference in encouraging and stimulating. This encouraging appears to relate to being true to the Christian faith and gaining strength when facing difficulties. The trials of everyday life can be enough to keep us from being all God wants us to be, but the writer noted that this encouragement would be more important as “the day,” the return of Christ, approached. Later in this letter, the writer will note that some of the Hebrews had already experienced persecution for their faith (Heb. 10:34). Other writers of the New Testament note persecution of Christians as escalating as the return of Christ draws near. That appears to be the case in our world today as more and more
Christians are being persecuted and killed because of their faith in Christ. As we face potential persecution and deal with the difficulties of life, we need encouragement to continue to trust God in our lives.
This kind of encouragement can only come from other Christians.
What About the Hypocrites?
It is obvious that Jesus valued the assembling of God’s people and being a part of that assembly. Luke described this as being Jesus’ habit. It should be noted that Jesus went to the synagogue on a regular basis even though he did not agree with their leadership.
"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." --Mark 8:15
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." --Luke 12:1
Jesus confronted the Pharisees on several occasions and was very plain with them. However, Jesus did not allow His evaluation of the religious leaders to get in His way of assembling with God’s people. He set the example for us to follow. The church will never be perfect, but that is no reason for us to miss out on what God has for us by refusing to be involved in a church.
Thank God for the church and ask that He place people in your life to encourage and spur you on.
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