Hebrews 10:19-25

Introduction:

1. Many people misunderstand the place of the assembly in Christian life.

2. Before pondering worship acts, we should grasp the assembly’s true essence.

3. We will consider the vertical and horizontal aspects of the assembly.

Discussion:

I. The Centrality of the Assembly

A. The basic meaning of the term ekklesia (English Church) is an assembly or congregation (cf. Acts 7:38; 19:32, 39-40; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 14:19, 34-35).

B. Every assembly or congregation is called together by some authority and for a specific purpose.

C. The ekklesia of Christ is unique because it is assembled on His authority and for His purposes (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 12:18-24; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

D. The NT repeatedly emphasizes the need for Christians to assemble to worship (Acts 20:7ff; 1 Corinthians 11:17-22; 14:19; 23, 34-35; Hebrews 10:19-25).

II. The Blessed Assembly: Drawing Near To God

A. Hebrews 10:19-23 vividly describes the blessedness of the assembly.

B. We have confidence to approach the Father (vv. 19-22; 4:14-16).

C. We may draw near with consciences clear through Christ (vs. 23; 7:19).

D. Hebrews 12:18-24 shows how much greater are the blessings of our assembly than that of the time of Moses.

E. This is the vertical aspect of the assembly, directed to God.

III. The Blessed Assembly: Considering One Another

A. The assembly also has a horizontal emphasis, directed to one another.

B. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer addressed an issue that threatened the faithfulness of the Hebrew Christians: forsaking the assembly.

C. The commandment to assemble is not merely about commandment keeping, but it is about strengthening one another.

D. How can we stir one another to good works if we are not together?

E. The idea of a disassembled assembly is a misnomer.

F. It is in view of both the vertical and horizontal elements of the assembly that the Hebrews writer gives his dire warning against abandoning it.

Conclusion:

1. This view of the assembly should enable us to offer proper worship (John 4:24).

2. Sadly, many people view the assembly of the saints as a burden, not a blessing.

3. Like all His commandments, this is for our good (Deuteronomy 6:24; Hebrews 12:10).