Does Hebrews 10:25 mean that I should participate in Sunday worship regularly? Yes, with a few caveats for those unable through infirmity, or works of necessity or charity.

Sermon: The Importance of Gathering Together

Introduction

To connect with people, I included “hockey” in the title—go Oilers! Today’s message is simple: understanding and applying the command to gather together as believers.

Biblical Foundation

The key verse for today is Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV):

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.

This command, stated positively, is to gather with the whole church regularly.

Defining “Meeting Together”

The phrase “not neglecting to meet together” in Hebrews 10:25 (ESV) refers to more than casual gatherings with other Christians. In context, it points to the formal assembly of believers, what we now call Sunday morning worship services. The King James Version translates this verse more literally:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The phrase “assembling of ourselves together” emphasizes the corporate gathering of the entire church, not just small groups or informal meetups.

Key Points About the Assembly

1. The Church as the Body of Christ: The church is not a religious entertainment service but the body of Christ coming together to worship the risen Lord. It involves stirring one another to love, good works, and encouragement, especially as the Day of the Lord approaches.
2. The Specific Assembly: The text refers to “the assembling,” indicating a specific gathering—historically, the early Christians’ Sunday worship on the Lord’s Day, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection (e.g., Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
3. Distinct from Synagogue Worship: The Greek term used here, related to “synagogue” (episunagōgē), describes a distinct Christian gathering, separate from Jewish synagogue worship, yet still formal and communal.

The New English Translation reinforces this: “not abandoning our own meetings,” highlighting the importance of not forsaking these gatherings.

Why Gathering Matters

Gathering regularly is not just a good idea—it’s essential for spiritual endurance. Hebrews 9:28 (ESV) states:

So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Corporate worship fosters an eager expectation of Christ’s return. It strengthens us against temptation and persecution, like cows standing together against a wolf—stronger in unity than alone. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns of the danger of deliberately neglecting this command, as persistent sin after receiving truth risks judgment.

Practical Application

How do we put this into practice? Here are some actionable steps:

Make Worship a Priority

Treat Sunday worship as a non-negotiable, like eating or breathing, rather than a weekly decision. This mindset shifts worship from optional to essential.

Focus on Giving, Not Getting

Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes encouraging one another. Instead of asking, “What do I get out of church?” focus on how you can encourage others through your presence and spiritual gifts.

Address Legitimate Exceptions

There are valid reasons for missing worship, which we approach with grace:

• Physical Incapacity: Illness, injury, or disability may prevent attendance. The church should reach out to those unable to attend, fulfilling Galatians 6:2 (“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”).
• Works of Necessity and Mercy: The Westminster Confession notes that the Lord’s Day is for worship, but works of necessity (e.g., police officers) or mercy (e.g., healthcare workers) may take precedence. Jesus affirmed this principle (e.g., Matthew 12:11-12).
• Providing for Family: If work on Sundays is unavoidable to support your family (1 Timothy 5:8), seek ways to minimize conflicts, such as discussing schedules with your employer or choosing careers that allow regular worship.

Choose Worship Over Competing Priorities

• Leisure Activities: A nice day at the beach or a marathon should not replace worship. If your conscience allows a rare exception, balance it with regular attendance.
• Family Obligations: While caring for family is vital (1 Timothy 5:8), Jesus teaches that God is the ultimate priority (Matthew 10:37). Balance family duties with worship whenever possible.
• Children’s Activities: Sports and extracurriculars increasingly encroach on Sundays. Saying “no” to these activities prioritizes worship, teaching children that God comes first. The odds of professional sports success are slim (0.03%), but standing before Jesus is certain (100%).

Online Church as a Supplement, Not a Substitute

Online services are valuable for those with legitimate conflicts, but they cannot replace in-person assembly. The “one another” commands (e.g., encouraging, provoking to good works) require physical presence.

A Call to Revolution

The 24/7 culture fills our schedules, especially for parents. Making Sunday worship non-negotiable is a revolutionary act. It declares that God is first, freeing us from the tyranny of endless activities. This choice witnesses to the world that serving the one true God surpasses serving the “gods” of work, sports, or leisure.

Encouragement and Grace

If you struggle to attend regularly, God’s grace is sufficient. Jesus died for our sins, offering forgiveness and salvation by faith, not perfect attendance. The gospel is not about earning salvation through works but trusting in Christ’s finished work. Let’s move forward together, encouraging one another to gather faithfully.