Gathering Together
Hebrews 10:23-25
The Background – Hebrew Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Some were turning away from Jesus and turning back to Judaism.
Hebrews 3:6
But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house if we hold fast (firm) the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
- Not a burst of faith but a holding firm to the end
- Not a sprint but a marathon
Hebrews 3:12-14
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast (firm) to the end.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast (firmly) to the faith we profess. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:35-39
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition (AMP – eternal misery), but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast (firm) the confession of our hope without wavering (resolute), for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider (concerned, encourage, motivate) one another in order to stir up love and good works.
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking (neglect, stay away, give up, abandon) the assembling (gathering) of ourselves together, as is the habit of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Christianity is not just believing truths that save you.
Genuine Christianity involves “gathering together” / genuine community. We learn in our text that “holding firm to Jesus until the end” is connected to “gathering together”!
When we don’t feel like gathering together that’s almost always when we need to gather together most.
Good habits
Brushing teeth
On time
Exercise
Eating healthy
Praying
Reading
Tithing
Bad Habits
Biting nails
Picking nails and leaving them
Always late
Excessive eating
Smoking
Filler words (e.g., “like” and “umm”)
The average Christian attends church just 1.6 times per month (every other week unless something else comes up). Gathering together with the body of Christ on a regular basis is a good habit!