Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.
God commands us to assemble with saints. As with all New Testament commands, this is the first reason it must be obeyed. “God said it, and that settles it” (cf. 1 John 5:3). Yet, as with many commands, God not only tells us what to do, but gives reasons why to do it.
Notice the command in Hebrews 10 includes “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
A primary reason we must assemble is because we are thinking about (considering) the needs of others.
Considering one another should lead us to exhort one another and edify one another (cf. 1 Thess. 5:11).
Notice 1 Corinthians 14:12. The saints there were instructed concerning the use of miraculous gifts that were given prior to the completion of the written word. Though the context was different, the principle of edification still stands. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
While assembling together builds up each other, the One we seek to obey and please in our assemblies is God.
To please God in worship, things must be done His way. Matthew 15:9 illustrates that it is possible to worship God in vain. Acts 17:23 illustrates that it is possible to worship God in ignorance. Neither of these is acceptable to God.
In John 4:23-24, Jesus taught how we must worship. A Samaritan woman asked Him whether one should worship in Jerusalem, as the Jews did, or at Mount Gerizim, as the Samaritans did. Jesus gave this answer: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
We must worship God from the heart while doing what He has commanded.
This opposes self-focused worship devised by man. Worship is about God.
As Christians come together to break bread (Acts 20:7), give (1 Cor. 16:1-2), pray (Acts 2:42), sing (Eph. 5:19), and study (Acts 20:7), it should be done to edify one another and please God.
As we assemble, may we remember that we are doing so for God’s glory and the benefit of one another.
– Michael Hickox