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Gather

Gather

Last updated on: April 15, 2024 at 9:55 pm by Jim Erwin

Gather 2024-04-15T21:55:24-05:00 Jim Erwin

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Gather

Hebrews 10:24-25

Today we are continuing our sermon series on Gather, Grow, and Go. (See Gather Grow Go for part one in this series.) We have been learning about the three essential aspects of our Christian life: gathering as God’s people, growing in our faith and maturity, and going out to share the gospel and serve others. With each of these aspects, we look at how to use our present system of Sunday School to help us fulfill our purpose to Gather, Grow, Go.

Today, we are going to talk about the first aspect: gathering as God’s people. Why do we need to gather? How can we gather effectively? And what role does Sunday School play in our gathering? These are the questions we are going to answer today, as we look at our main Scripture passage today.

This passage was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to abandon their faith. The author of Hebrews encourages them to hold fast to their confession of hope, and to draw near to God with a sincere heart. He also urges them to consider how they can help each other to remain faithful and obedient to God. He gives them three instructions that are relevant for us today, as we think about the importance and the purpose of gathering as God’s people. Let’s look at them one by one.

I can gather to spur others toward love and good works.

“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,” (Hebrews 10:24, CSB)

The first instruction is to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. This means that we should think carefully and creatively about how we can motivate and inspire each other to live out our faith in practical ways. We should not be satisfied with just attending church services or listening to sermons. One should also look for opportunities to serve God and others, both inside and outside the church. We should also encourage each other to use our gifts and talents for God’s glory, and to grow in our character and holiness.

How can we do this? One way is to join a Sunday School class. Sunday School is not just for children or new believers. It is for everyone who wants to learn more about God’s Word, and how to apply it to their lives. Sunday School is also a place where we can meet other Christians who share our faith and values, and who can support us in our spiritual journey. Sunday School is a tool that can help us spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

I don’t give up on gathering with others.

“not neglecting to gather together…” (Hebrews 10:25, CSB)

The second instruction is to not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. We are called to live in community. Humans have been gathering for millennia. We were never designed to live in isolation, and we are destined to live alone for eternity. We should always be striving to meet.

This means that we should not neglect or forsake the fellowship of the saints. We should not isolate ourselves from other believers or think that we can make it on our own. Especially in times of trouble and temptation, we need each other. We need to gather regularly, to worship God, to pray, to share our joys and sorrows, to bear each other’s burdens, and to strengthen each other’s faith.

I don’t let anything prevent me from gathering.

“…as some are in the habit of doing…” (Hebrews 10:25, CSB)

On the flip side, there are factors and forces at work to prevent us from gathering. They are personal issues that can prevent us and there are sinful, purposeful issues that can keep me from wanting to gather with others.

Sometimes, it is an issue of preference. One way to deal with preference is to provide another opportunity to meet. Some do this by coming on Wednesdays. It’s also possible that we could explore having another group of people earlier on Sunday morning. We could see if there is interest to meet online. We can expand our reach by providing more opportunities than what we now provide.

In some ways, giving more options on Sunday morning may help our church. We can reach people who may want to come to church first, and then go to Sunday School. We may reach other sets of families than those who come just at 11:00am. It will take a set of people to accomplish this. It will take some people to step up from the pew to help. Preference should not be a reason why someone doesn’t come to church.

Neglect should not be a reason why someone doesn’t gather. We should not let anything hinder us from meeting together, such as laziness, busyness, fear, or pride. Don’t let anything divide us, such as differences, disputes, or offenses. One should strive for unity, peace, and love among ourselves, as members of one body and one family in Christ.

How can we do this? One way is to attend Sunday School regularly. Sunday School is not just an optional or occasional activity. It is a vital and necessary part of our Christian life. Sunday School is a place where we can connect with other believers and build lasting and meaningful relationships. Sunday School is a tool that can help us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.

I make a positive contribution when I gather with others.

“…but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, CSB)

The final instruction is to encourage one another—and even more as you see the Day approaching.

“The Day”

We gather to make a positive contribution toward others because Jesus is returning soon. That is the meaning of “The Day.” The Gospel should have a positive impact on others. We sin and that leads to eternal death and separation from God. But when we accept the Gospel, all that changes. We go in a positive direction towards God. As Christians, we should be bringing people along for the ride.

We should speak words of comfort, affirmation, and exhortation to each other. One should not be critical, judgmental, or discouraging to each other. We should also not be silent, indifferent, or apathetic to each other. One should be actively and intentionally involved in each other’s lives and show genuine interest and concern for each other’s well-being.

Each day brings us closer to the return of Jesus Christ. We should also remind each other of the hope and the promise that we have in Christ, and of the urgency and the importance of living for Him in these last days. We should help each other to stay focused and faithful, and to be ready and prepared for His coming.

How to stay faithful

How can we do this? One way is to participate in Sunday School discussions. Sunday School is not just a place where we listen to a teacher or a lecture. It is also a place where we can share our thoughts, questions, insights, and testimonies with each other. Sunday School is also a place where we can pray for each other and offer practical help and support to each other. Sunday School is a tool that can help us encourage one another—and even more as you see the Day approaching.

I hope you see the value and the importance of Sunday School, and that you will make it a priority and a habit to join a Sunday School class, if you haven’t already. And if you are already in a Sunday School class, I hope that this sermon has challenged you to make the most of it, and to use it to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, to not give up meeting together, and to encourage one another—and even more as you see the Day approaching. Let us pray.

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Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

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