Hebrews 10:19-25: Why Meet for Worship?

¹⁹Now then, brethren, we have boldness to go into the holiest place through the blood of Jesus, 20which he placed as a living way through the curtain, not previously available, which is his flesh. ²¹Jesus is also a great priest over the household of God. ²²So let’s come with true hearts and full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from bad conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold firmly the confession of our hope without wavering, for the one who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us pay attention to each other, so as to stir up of love and good works, ²⁵not neglecting our meetings, as is the practice of some, but encouraging, and doing this even more as we see the day approaching. — Hebrews 10:19-25 (from my TFBV project)

(OK, this one is way out of order, and is not arranged according to the lessons either. I just had some thoughts about worship.)

Why do we need to meet for worship?

I hear many answers to this question and I sense many more in meeting with people, both those who do meet regularly for worship and those who don’t. Some of us meet just because it’s habit. Our parents went to church, and they got us in the habit, and somehow we preserved that habit. Some go for social reasons. It’s a good time to meet friends and business associates, an opportunity for networking. Some go to get points toward their hoped-for ticket to heaven. Perhaps if their lives during the week were not quite up to standard, attendance at a worship service or so might make up the difference.

The author of Hebrews has some specific, and he thinks compelling reasons to worship.

1. We can!
   Since we can approach God boldly, why not do so? Much of the book of Hebrews deals with our access to God, and one of the assumptions of the author is that those who can approach God boldly will want to do so in worship. One of his concerns is that it seems his assumption might not be quite true. There seem to be some people who just don’t get the need.
2. God is faithful! and we need to be reminded of that fact
3. We need encouragement.
   What better place to get encouragement is there than with a group of people who realize the possibility of boldness before God and come together to claim that boldness? Of course, as our author again has noted throughout the book, not everyone seems to live up to the possibilities.
4. Others need encouragement.
   And here’s one of the keys. When you’re feeling really good, filled up, and ready to go, and don’t feel the need of another church service, you may need to go in order to encourage someone else.
5. It’s time to stir up love and good works.
   But do we? Is this what happens at your church on Sunday morning? Do we leave feeling that it is easier to do good?

These are some of the key reasons the author of Hebrews sees for gathering together in worship. I’d suggest three areas for consideration. Ask yourself:

1. Does my behavior at church and in worship services help encourage others to good deeds?
2. Do I come home from worship motivated and energized in my love and my service for others?
3. Is there something I could do about the worship service I attend that would make it more likely that all who attend would be energized and encouraged in their love and good works?

Perhaps there are some reforms you could look into in your own life, your worship experience, and the way worship is practiced at your church.