AWOL CHURCH MEMBERS

How often have we heard a sermon from Hebrews 10:24-25? The passage is often read or taught in the context of criticism or as some people would put it in an outright spanking from the pulpit. ‘Do not forsake the assembling of the believers’ is a well-known phrase among church people. However, have we ever considered what the context of the passage is? Alternatively, have you taken time to appreciate the argument of the writer in the broader context of the book?

The book of Hebrews has five warnings to the readers, urging them to persevere and not fall away from the faith that they have believed. In Hebrews 10:26-27, we find one of the warning passages. It is a warning of judgement and raging fire if one continues deliberately sinning, having received the truth, because they would be no sacrifice left. The verses before give us the antidote to this apostasy. Namely;

1. Worship - "Let us draw near"- verses 22.

2. Perseverance - "Let us hold fast" - verse 23.

3. Fellowship - "Let us consider one another"- Verse 24.

The writer argues that one way a believer guards against apostasy is by considering others and by stimulating others. What does that mean? So how does it work?

CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER

The phrase translated as to consider one another carries the idea of intentionally thinking or pondering about something. Not only should we deliberately think about others, but we should do so continuously. What should we be considering each other?

STIMULATE ONE ANOTHER

The believer should be in the habit of intentionally thinking of ways of stirring or provoking others. Interestingly, we usually are in the practice of inciting each other negatively. However, the writer here tells us that our goal is to intentionally think of ways to get others to grow in love & good works. How do we do that?

Firstly, we do not forsake the assembling of believers. While some have developed a pattern of absconding whenever believers meet, the believer who is serious about not falling away from the faith will not forsake the meeting of the saints.

Secondly, we stimulate by encouraging one another. One of the goals of meeting with the saints is so that we may come alongside one another and urge each other to persevere. We do not gather looking for ways we can be blessed or how others can meet our needs and desires. On the contrary, we do with a clear intention of being an encouragement to the brethren. We are considering specific people that we plan to stimulate to love and good works.

SOME IMPLICATIONS

1. Do not be a loner. "There is nothing more unchristian than a solitary Christian." John Wesley

2. Do not have a consumer mindset (do not use church). Do not gather with a self-centred focus.

3. Plan to be at church gatherings and make the most of them. I.e. be on time, talk to people, sing songs, and pay attention.

4. Do not think of church in terms of programs but people. The church is the body, get to know people and find ways of ministering to them.