Not Forsaking The Assembling Of Ourselves Together

Hebrews 10:25

            Christian are admonish in Scriptures to “ assembling together” for the purpose of worshipping God and for encouraging and admonishing one another. The latter part of Hebrews 10:25, “but exhorting one another”. Acts 2:42, those baptized on the day of Pentecost, “they continued together steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.

           Eph. 5:19 and Col. 3:16 both tell us when we come together, “to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”. Heb.10:24, we are to “consider one another and provoke (stimulate) unto love and to good works”.  Hebrews 3:1, we are told to “consider Christ”. As we are to consider Christ fully in our minds, we are also to consider one another.  Strong’s states “consider” means to perceive fully. Paul states in Phil.2:4, “let each man not look out for his own interest, but the interest of others”.

            I Cor. 14:26, “how is it then brethren, when you come together”. Why were they to come together? For promoting spiritual growth and encouragement. I Cor. 14:31, “that all may learn and be encourage”. If we do not assemble, how can we be edified and learn and continue in the Apostles Doctrine”. Acts 20:7, “upon first day of week disciples came together to break bread”. This takes place when we come together. (Assembly). Read also I Cor. 16:1, 2, 5:4, 5. These verses, and many more not listed tell us when and for what purpose we are to assemble.

            Hebrews 10:25 is often quoted and a verse telling us “not to forsake the “assembling of ourselves together” on the first day of the week. Is this what the writer is having reference to? It does not mean to neglect the assembly, such as missing a Sunday now and then. Such action are sinful, unless there are reason that prevent one from doing so”. This is not what the writer had in mind. Strong’s defines this word “forsake” to leave behind, desert, abandon. Jesus stated in Matthew 27:46, “My God, why hast thou forsaken Me”. Acts 6:2, “it is not reason that we should leave (forsake) the word of God”. Other passages showing this, Heb. 11:27. II Timothy 4:10, 16, II Peter 2:15. This is the meaning of “forsaking” in Heb. 10:25. “as the manner of some is”. What was the manner of some? They had completely abandon Christ and went back to the Old Law. Writer is here encouraging those to whom he is writing not to do what those had done. Vs. 32, “but call to remembrance the former days after you were illuminated”. Read verses 19-25.  In verses 26-31, writer warning them against apostasy.

            They were illuminated, enlightened, came to a knowledge of Christ, persecuted for they belief, and some forsook, abandon, deserted Christ, but some did not abandon Christ, and endured afflictions. Vs. 32. Writer of Hebrews is encouraging them to continue to do so.

                                                                                                            - CL Bruner