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Spiritually Gathering Together and Encouraging Each Other
Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Some preachers use these verses when referring to the Lord’s Supper, encouraging Christians not to forsake assembling on Sundays to partake. There is good reason for this because Acts 20:7 gives Christians the example to come together and “break bread” or partake of the Lord’s Supper each week. The Greek word “to meet together” in Hebrews 10:24 is episunagógé and is often used with the connotation of assembling for worship, but it doesn’t have to be.
The context of Hebrews 10:24-25 is about not neglecting to gather together and encourage one another because Judgment Day or Jesus’ second coming, is drawing near. The ultimate encouragement Christians can have is when we draw near to the presence of God. Partaking in the remembrance of the Lord’s Supper is one of the best examples of this, but this doesn’t mean we should forget that there are also other means of spiritual encouragement. Philippians 3:16-17 reads, “Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” The example of Paul all Christians are to imitate and the example he has given to everyone is that of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Thus, Christians can spiritually encourage when they don’t neglect to assemble for worship and imitate Jesus’ example.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-26 says, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good…Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…Do not quench the Spirit…test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” The ultimate goal of verses like Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Thess. 5:14-26, and Philippians 3:14-21 is for Christians to remember Christ and follow His example so that we can all remain blameless on Judgment Day. All of us should be doing our best to gather on Sundays, praying for each other, meeting for Bible studies, singing together, writing cards for each other, and everything else we can think of to make sure we will all be with God on that glorious Day.
