Today, most Christians who attend weekly church ‘services’ believe that they are having regular “fellowship.” These are sincere, God-fearing believers, but their concept of what Christian fellowship is has been defined by years of church tradition. Although they will admit that their idea of fellowship extends beyond the walls of the church, they emphasize the ‘primary’ and most essential form of assembling together is in church services.
It is quite common for those who attend church services to point a legalistic finger at other believers don’t attend regularly. Hurt and disillusioned by the system, there are plenty of folks that refuse to be a part of organized religion. Organized religion means so-called “regular church” including a church building or special meeting place they meet, with a pastor, preaching, and praise music.
For example, if someone quits going to church services, the first words from mouth of the churchgoer are, “Well brother (or sister), the Bible says not to forsake the assembling together of the saints!” Their tongue-lashing rebuke consists of loosely misquoting Hebrews 10:25 to validate their position… a position that asserts all “true Christians” must attend a regular church services in order to maintain their salvation. As a result, if a Christian fails to attend Sunday church services, they are accused of being “backslidden” from God.
It is time to refute the misuse of this scripture by these well meaning but misinformed children of God. It is time to STOP BEATING PEOPLE UP BECAUSE THEY DON’T GO TO CHURCH!
Who came up with the idea that a church includes the building? What chapter and verse of the Bible substantiates this kind of narrow and legalistic thinking? If meeting in a church building on Sunday morning is considered the equivalent of “fellowship” the body of Christ is in BIG trouble!
Most church services are not very interactive; the senior
pastor usually does most of the talking, except for the time when everyone is
singing songs during music ministry.
During the entire fanfare devoted Christians sit in pews passively
listening to the sermons preached week after week, and there is little time
left for personal contact (or fellowship) with one another. Usually the only time a person gets any
personal fellowship at church is before or after
the Sunday morning church service!
Before church starts, everyone eagerly shakes hands, hugs and chats together in the church foyer. After church services are finished, they may occasionally have lunch together at a restaurant. However, during the services, talking is considered to be impolite, disrespectful, and not in sync with church protocol. To actually TALK to the person sitting next to you is not tolerated, so how and why would anyone consider this time as genuine “fellowship.”
While many churches have an enthusiastic time of preaching, singing, clapping, (all of which can be quite exhilarating), the concept of “fellowship” as defined by scripture is sorely missing. What does this word mean?
· Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. NASU
The word for “fellowship” originates from the Greek word
“koinonia” (NT: 2842). This word means partnership,
i.e. (literally) participation.
The word koinonia comes from another root word koinonos, which means a
sharer. The word koinonos comes
from the root word koinos, which means common, i.e. (literally) shared by
all or several. The full meaning of
koinonia means, “a participation, or being a sharer of that which is in
common to all; also, shared by several, or all.”
There are many applications of the word koinonia in the NT. Some of the verses which use this word to describe participation, or sharing in something together:
· 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation (koinonia) with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMP
· 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing of wine at the Lord's Supper upon which we ask God's blessing, does it not mean that in drinking it we participate in and share a fellowship (koinonia) in the blood of Christ the Messiah? The bread, which we break, does it not mean that in eating it we participate in and share a fellowship (koinonia) in the body of Christ? AMP
· 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship (koinonia) has light with darkness? NASU
· 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing (koinonia) with them and with everyone else. (From New International Version)
Other passages using koinonia include: 2 Corinthians13:14; Galatians 2:9, “right hand of fellowship”; Ephesians 3:9 ; Philippians 1:5, “your fellowship in the gospel”; Philippians 2:1; 3:10; Philemon 1:6; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7.
In particular, here are some verses, which use koinonia of the believer’s sharing together in an interactive manner:
· 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing (koinonia) in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. (NIV)
· Galatians 2:9-10 And recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship (koinonia), that we {might go} to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. They only asked us to remember the poor-- the very thing I also was eager to do. (NAS)
· Philippians 2:1-4 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship (koinonia) of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (NAS)
In the verses above we begin to see what true fellowship and sharing is. It is not merely attending a church service on Sunday morning; rather, it consists of having an attitude that continually looks out for the needs of others, regarding them as more important than you. This was the example set for us by the Lord Jesus Himself.
The giving of one’s self, even out of poverty, to help meet the needs of the brethren is the core attitude for koinonia. Every believer should this question, “Are the offerings collected each Sunday morning given to meet the needs of those in poverty?” We must begin to re-examine how we do things in the church, and begin to align our concepts with scripture. This is not a bash of believers who go to church services, but a call to study the scripture and use it as a guide for how we share with one another.
The financial giving of so-called ‘tithes’ and ‘offerings’ runs the church organization. It costs thousands of dollars to operate and fund monthly expenses. There are the plenty of everyday expenditures included with the rental of a building and/or mortgage payments. For example, begin with the maintenance of the building, including things like roof repairs, painting, lighting, sound systems, plumbing, electrical, liability insurance (e.g. - fire & theft insurance, counseling insurance etc), purchase of new pews (or repair/maintenance of the old ones!), purchase of hymnals, purchase of musical equipment, purchase of a projector screen, printing of weekly bulletins, janitorial services and janitorial supplies, Sunday school supplies for children, communion cups and supplies, alarm systems, utility bills, and the list goes on and on.
Perhaps the greatest of all expenditures is the pastor’s salary, the church secretary salary, and salary for other church staff, depending on the size of the church. It doesn’t take long to figure out that today’s churches in America have an enormous budget, as well as being a huge financial burden.
So, what happens when the congregation’s attendance begins to dwindle becoming either sporadic or low? The obvious answer is... financial giving drops, and it puts the church leadership in a bind. Therefore the pastor must find a solution, so he begins teaching the people that they must attend church services regularly, or else they are breaking the commandment to be, “not forsaking our own assembling together.”
By teaching this doctrine from the pulpit, it becomes ingrained as “Law” in the thinking of Christians who don’t read the Bible carefully. Church services do not meet the scriptural criteria for koinonia as taught in the scriptures. Nevertheless, the faithful attendees will look down their condescending nose at anyone that bucks the system. They will ever stand upon the misplaced words of Hebrews 10:25 and denounce lack of church attendance as being “isolationism.”
There are several legitimate questions that need to be answered if a person wants to get to the bottom of the meaning of Hebrews 10:25:
· What is the context of Hebrews 10:16-25 dealing with when it says to be, “not forsaking our own assembling together?”
· What does it mean to “stimulate” one another to love and good deeds, and to “encourage” one another?
· What is the true purpose for Christians to assemble together?
· What do the words, “forsaking” and “assembling” mean in the original Greek language, and how are these same words used elsewhere in the NT?
· Where in the New Testament scriptures can we find examples of how the church is supposed to function when they assemble together?
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put
My laws upon their heart, and upon their mind I will write them,” {He then says}
17 “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer {any} offering for sin.
19 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of
Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and since {we have} a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled {clean} from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is
faithful;
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. (NAS)
This context of Hebrews 10:16-25 is a contrast between the Old Covenant (with it’s OT priests who offered up sacrifices for themselves, and then for the people), and the New Covenant (a better covenant which gives every person access to God through the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God). Consider the verses below:
· Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws upon their heart, and upon their mind I will write them.”
New Testament believers can access God, not on the basis of obedience to the ordinances which are according to the Law, but rather, on the basis of what He (God) writes upon their hearts and minds. God Himself abolished the strict enforcement of ordinances (e.g.-offerings for sin), and replaced them, giving preference to a heart that serves Him out of love.
·
Hebrews 10:17-21 then He adds, "Their sins
and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 18 Now where there is remission of these,
there is no longer an offering for sin.
19 Hold Fast Your Confession Therefore, brethren, having boldness to
enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He
consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High
Priest over the house of God. NKJV
We have assurance that our sins are forgiven because Jesus inaugurated us into a new and a living way. Jesus gave us access, through the veil of His flesh (symbolic of the temple veil which kept the holy of holies hidden from sight). This means that when Jesus was crucified upon the cross, the OT offerings for sin were abolished, and made of no effect.
No longer did a man or woman need to approach the Almighty through a Levitical priest and by a vicarious animal sacrifice. They could now come before God individually, based upon a sacrifice that was done once, and for all, the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus became, “a great priest over the house of God.” Jesus is now the Mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5). The veil in the temple was torn in half when Jesus died upon the cross, and the presence of God became available to everyone, not just the OT high priest.
· Hebrews 10:22-23 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. NKJV
This is where our context becomes evident. Jesus offered His own flesh as a sacrifice, and since He has inaugurated the brethren into a new and living way, we can come to Jesus as our Great High Priest before God, for it says, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled {clean} from an evil conscience.”
The key words here are, “a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” and, “our hearts sprinkled {clean} from an evil conscience.” It is a “heart” relationship with God through Jesus. It is a good conscience before God knowing one’s “heart” has been sprinkled clean. Just like the OT priests would sprinkle the blood of the animal sacrifices to symbolize cleansing from sin, so, the blood of Jesus has literally cleansed our hearts from an evil conscience.
This message was written to the Hebrews, or the converted Jews. Instead of the high priest in the temple, the Jews would now hold fast to Jesus as the only mediator between God and man; they must do this, “without wavering.” The same God who had given them the Law to Moses had also given them His only begotten Son Jesus. Furthermore, the same God who had promised them a Messiah, a Savior, was faithful to keep His promise.
It is this context we find the words, “not forsaking our own assembling together.” In fact, the Hebrews were not to go backwards by trusting in the OT sacrifices. To do so would be the same as trampling upon the Son of God. Paul, the purported author of the Book of Hebrews, exhorted his Jewish brethren to use the new and living covenant to which they had been inaugurated into thru the blood of Jesus.
Lest they forget the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, Paul exhorts them to be encouraging one another to believe in Jesus as their sacrifice, and High Priest forever. It would be willfully sinning to receive the knowledge of the truth of Jesus, and then go back to the ordinances given to Moses. This is proven by Hebrews 10:25-29:
·
Hebrews 10:25-29
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing
near. 26 For if we go on sinning
willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a
sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment,
and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law
of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you
think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has
regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and
has insulted the Spirit of grace? NAS
The verses above use the phrases, “Law of Moses,” with, “the Son of God,” and, “the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified.” This proves that in Hebrews 10:25 the “forsaking assembling” is a willful rejection of the sacrifice of Jesus, and the new covenant which He inaugurated us into.
· Hebrews 10:23-25 So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. 24 And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, 25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. AMP
The context of Hebrews 10:23-25 has nothing to do with going to church services! On the contrary, these verses show that it is on the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus blood, and on the basis of a ‘heart’ relationship with God, that true believers are supposed to be doing the following things:
·
Consider and give attentive, continuous care to
watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite)
to love and helpful deeds and noble activities
·
Admonishing, warning, urging, and encouraging one
another, and all the more faithfully
Before tackling the question of what is meant by, “not forsaking our own assembling together,” we must first look at what we ARE supposed to be doing when we do assemble together! It is quite evident in Hebrews 10:24 believers are to “stimulate” one another to “love and good deeds,” which MUST be more than going to Sunday morning church services! And to be “encouraging one another” means much more than sitting in a church pew listening to the pastor preach, or singing along with the music ministry! Love, good deeds, and encouragement speak of our lifestyle seven days a week.
· Hebrews 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. NASU
What does the word “stimulate” mean? This word is derived from some interesting root meanings:
“Stimulate” - 3948 paroxusmos (par-ox-oos-mos'); from 3947 ("paroxysm"); This word means “incitement” (to good). The word paroxusmos comes from another root word paroxuno (par-ox-oo'-no), which means, “to sharpen alongside.” The word paroxuno is broken down into two basic components:
1. 3844 pará (par-ah') a primary preposition; properly, this word means near; that is to say, it means from beside (literally or figuratively, being in the genitive case)
2. 3691 oxus (oz-oos'); meaning to be keen; by analogy, rapid: the KJV translates this word as either sharp or swift.
The summary meaning of “stimulate” (paroxusmos) as used in the context of Hebrews 10:24 means, “to sharpen alongside.” The idea of “sharpening” has more to do with making one another “keen” or intellectually sharp and alert. As the text suggests, believers are to “consider” how to incite each other into love and good deeds.
We have to be “near” or “beside” each other in close friendship to have the “keen” insight required to understand each other’s needs. When we understand each other’s needs, this provokes us to love one another other by responding with good deeds. This ‘nearness’ in the definition of paroxusmos also emphasizes the idea of being “rapid” or “swift.” These words reveal what a true friend will do when he sees his brother in need; he will respond by showing a ‘quick’ and ‘ardent’ responsiveness to that need. Scripture commands us to do as follows:
· I John 3:17-18 But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. (NAS)
Another meaning of the Greek word paroxusmos includes the idea of “sharpening” or “coming to a sharp point.” There is an obvious connection between “sharpening” and the metal sword. Scripture uses the sword as a symbol of the word of God, used in spiritual warfare. The scriptures are called, “the sword of the Spirit.” Consider the correlation to the scripture verses below:
· Ephesians 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. (NAS)
In this regard, the believers are supposed to use the word of God, the scriptures, to be more alert and attentive to the needs within the body of Christ. The scriptures define our role and teach us HOW we are to serve one another in love and good deeds. Through our personal interaction with the brethren, we are to be as iron sharpening iron:
· Proverbs 27:17-19 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit; and he who cares for his master will be honored. As in water face {reflects} face, so the heart of man reflects man. (NAS)
We just finished studying what it means to do the following two things when Christians gather together for fellowship, which includes the following:
·
Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good
deeds
·
Encouraging one another and all the more
Before listing scripture verses which use these terms, we will first define some of the words in these phrases taken from Hebrews 10:25, including love, good deeds, and encouraging.
Love = (NT: 26) agape (ag-ah'-pay); from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love feast. In the plural, agápai, love feasts; public banquets of a frugal kind instituted by the early Christian church and connected with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The provisions were contributed by the more wealthy individuals and were made common to all Christians, whether rich or poor, who chose to partake. Portions were also sent to the sick and absent members. These love feasts were intended as an exhibition of that mutual love which is required by the Christian faith, but as they became subject to abuses, they were discontinued.
Good = kalos (kal-os'); of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use). Constitutionally good without necessarily being benevolent; expresses beauty as a harmonious completeness, balance, proportion.
Deeds = (NT: 2041); ergon érgon; genitive érgou, neuter noun from érgo, to work. Work, performance, the result or object of employment, making or working. The word érgon is used in Hebrews 10:24 in the plural érga kalá, a good deed or good deeds, i.e., a pious act, well–doing, virtue. It is used thus in these scripture verses Matthew 5:16; Mark 14:6; 1 Timothy 6:18; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12).
“Encouraging” - 3870 parakaléo (par-ak-al-eh'-o); from 3844 and 2564; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, exhortation or consolation): from pará (3844), to the side of, and kaléo (2564), to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Translated: to comfort, exhort, desire, call for, beseech with a stronger force than aitéo (154). Used in an absolute sense with the acc. of person implied (Luke 3:18; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 13:11; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 10:25).
the various behavior characteristics associated with ‘agape’ are seen throughout the NT passages of scripture. Agape love has NOTHING to do with going to church services; rather, agape deals with how we treat one another.
· John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love “agape” for one another.” (NAS)
· John 15:8-14 “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and {so} prove to be my disciples. Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love (agape). If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love “agape”; just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love (agape). These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that you love (agape) one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love (agape) has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you.” (NAS)
· Romans 12:3-16 For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love (agape) be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (NAS)
· Romans 13:10-11 Love (agape) does no wrong to a neighbor; love (agape) therefore is the fulfillment of {the} law. And this {do,} knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. (NAS)
· Romans 14:1-19 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, {but} not for {the purpose of} passing judgment on his opinions. One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables {only.} Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day {alike.} Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived {again} that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this-- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love (agape). Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this {way} serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue the things, which make for peace and the building up of one another. (NAS)
· 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love (agape) edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. (NAS)
· 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:4 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love (agape), I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have {the gift of} prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love (agape) , I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed {the poor,} and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love (agape) , it profits me nothing. Love (agape) is patient, love (agape) is kind, {and} is not jealous; love (agape) does not brag {and} is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love (agape) never fails; but if {there are gifts of} prophecy, they will be done away; if {there are} tongues, they will cease; if {there is} knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man; I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now abide faith, hope, love (agape), these three; but the greatest of these is love (agape). Pursue love (agape) , yet desire earnestly spiritual {gifts,} but especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in {his} spirit he speaks mysteries. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. (NAS)
· 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love (agape). (NAS)
· 2 Corinthians 2:8-11 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm {your} love (agape) for him. For to this end also I wrote that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. But whom you forgive anything, I {forgive} also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, {I did it} for your sakes in the presence of Christ, in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (NAS)
· Galatians 5:13-6:2 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only {do} not {turn} your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love (agape) serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the {statement} “You shall love (agape) your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love (agape), joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; {each one} looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. (NAS)
· Ephesians 4:2-3 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love (agape), being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (NAS)
· Ephesians 4:11-16 And He gave some {as} apostles, and some {as} prophets, and some {as} evangelists, and some {as} pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love (agape), we are to grow up in all {aspects} into Him, who is the head, {even} Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (agape). (NAS)
· Ephesians 5:1-10 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and {there must be no} filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light, (for the fruit of the light {consists} in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (NAS)
· Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love (agape) may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. (NAS)
· Philippians 2:1-4 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love (agape), if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not {merely} look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (NAS)
· Colossians 3:12-17 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things {put on} love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms {and} hymns {and} spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, {do} all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (NAS)
· 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love (agape) because of their work. Live in peace with one another. And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men. (NAS)
· 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but {rather} in speech, conduct, love (agape), faith {and} purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (NAS)
· 1 Timothy 6:8-11 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang. But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love (agape), perseverance {and} gentleness. (NAS)
· Philemon 1:4-7 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; {and I pray} that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (NAS)
· Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love (agape) which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. (NAS)
· 1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, keep fervent in your love (agape) for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a {special} gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (NAS)
· 2 Peter 1:4-7 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of {the} divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in {your} moral excellence, knowledge; and in {your} knowledge, self-control, and in {your} self-control, perseverance, and in {your} perseverance, godliness; and in {your} godliness, brotherly kindness, and in {your} brotherly kindness, love (agape). (NAS)
· I John 2:4-6 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love (agape) of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (NAS)
· I John 3:15-19 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love (agape) by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love (agape) of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love (agape) with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We shall know by this that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him. (NAS)
· I John 4:7-21 Beloved, let us love (agape) one another, for love (agape) is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love (agape) does not know God, for God is love (agape). By this the love (agape) of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love (agape), not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son {to be} the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love (agape) one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son {to be} the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love (agape) which God has for us. God is love (agape), and the one who abides in love (agape) abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love (agape) is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love (agape) ; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (agape). We love (agape), because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love (agape) God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love (agape) his brother whom he has seen, cannot love (agape) God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves (agape) God should love (agape) his brother also. (NAS)
Again, as in the list of scriptures above, the concept of what type of “good deeds” we should be doing as the church gathers together is the focus. These concepts have been marked with bold type. Look for examples of “good deeds” performed, and try to draw parallels to what the church should be doing when they assemble together.
· Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works (kalos ergon), and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (NAS)
· Mark 14:1-7 Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread was two days off; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth, and kill {Him;} for they were saying, “Not during the festival, lest there be a riot of the people.” And while He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining {at the table,} there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; {and} she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly {remarking} to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and {the money} given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed (kalos ergon) to Me. For the poor you always have with you, and whenever you wish, you can do them good; but you do not always have Me. (NAS)
· 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. {Instruct them} to do good, to be rich in good works (kalos ergon), to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (NAS)
· Titus 2:1-8 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, {to be} sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds (kalos ergon), {with} purity in doctrine, dignified, sound {in} speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (NAS)
· 1 Peter 2:12-17 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds (kalos ergon), as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. {Act} as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but {use it} as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. (NAS)
In studying these scriptures, one must pay close attention to the manner in which various “encouragements” were given. For example, John the Baptist’s encouragements came by way of a message of repentance. The meaning of ‘parakaléo’ is “to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, exhortation or consolation):
· Luke 3:1-18 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough roads smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” He therefore {began} saying to the multitudes who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. And also the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the multitudes were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” And he would answer and say to them, “Let the man who has two tunics share with him who has none; and let him who has food do likewise.” And {some} tax-gatherers also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” And {some} soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And {what about} us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse {anyone} falsely, and be content with your wages.” Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ, John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. And His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations (parakaléo) also he preached the gospel to the people. (NAS)
· Romans 12:6-10 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, {let each exercise them accordingly} if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation (parakaléo); he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (NAS)
· 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 Now all {these} things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating (parakaléo) through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin {to be} sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NAS)
· 2 Corinthians 13:5-12 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority-- the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal (parakaléo), be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. (NIV)
· Titus 1:5-11 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage (parakaléo) others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain. (NIV)
Now that the context of Hebrews 10:16-25 has been
established, we will examine what the word “forsaking” means.
“Forsaking” - 1459 egkataleipo (eng-kat-al-i'-po);
from en (1722), in, and kataleípo (2641); This word means “to
forsake, desert. To leave behind
in any place or state. To leave
behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad
sense) to desert.”
“Assembling” - 1997 episunagoge (ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay'); to gather together. Hebrews 10:25 does not merely denote the assembling for corporate worship as a solitary or occasional act, but as customary conduct. The prep. epí (1909), to, must refer to Christ Himself as the one to whom this assembly was attached. Thus it would have the meaning of not betraying one’s attachment to Jesus Christ and other believers, not avoiding one’s own personal responsibility as part of the body of Christ. Because ‘epi’ also means “complete” or “full,” it therefore refers to the full body of Christ; in other words, the complete body of believers worldwide.
Using the definitions above, Hebrews 10:25 reads as follows:
This verse obviously has NOTHING to do with attending Sunday morning church services. Rather, it is a command to all true believers to fulfill their personal responsibility to Jesus, and to the body of Christ, which involves inciting one another to love and good deeds, as well as encouraging one another.
· Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying,” Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? "that is," My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken (egkataleipo) Me?” (NAS)
Was Jesus completely deserted by the Father at His hour of death? He certainly FELT forsaken, demonstrating the strength of this particular Greek word. God did not forsake His only begotten son, but allowed him to feel as though he was all alone. In this manner the ultimate test of Jesus’ faith was passed with flying colors when he drew his final breath, saying, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Then he died.
· Acts 2:31 He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned (egkataleipo) to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. (NAS)
After Jesus’ death and burial, God the Father did not completely abandon Him; instead He raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him. Acts 2:31 uses egkataleipo in a positive sense (because of the context).
· 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken (egkataleipo); cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (KJV)
Through Paul’s perilous life he faced much danger, but the body of Christ never deserted him. Rather, they fulfilled their responsibility to care for him, even in prison. This concept fits more with what is being spoken about in Hebrews 10:25.
· 2 Timothy 4:9-10 Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted (egkataleipo) me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens {has gone} to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (NAS)
In this text, we see the negative application of the word egkataleipo. Demas had deserted Paul with the motive and purpose of avoiding his own personal responsibility to help his brother.
· 2 Timothy 4:14-17 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted (egkataleipo) me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. (NAS)
The example of Alexander the Coppersmith is a classic one because it demonstrates the exact manner in which a person would fulfill Hebrew 10:25. By vigorously opposing Paul’s teaching within the assembly of believers, Alexander caused them all to forsake Paul. And thus, Alexander was guilty of, “deserting, or leaving behind the gathering together with the motive and the purpose of betraying one’s attachment to Jesus and to other believers, (i.e. - avoiding one’s own personal responsibility as part of the body of Christ).”
· Hebrews 13:5 Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake (egkataleipo) you,” (NAS)
Nowhere in the NT do we see the Greek word egkataleipo used with reference to attending church services. Rather, when this word is used in a negative context, it implies that the individual has deserted his attachment to another person, which would include the scriptural responsibilities to tend to the needs of the body of Christ. To be “forsaking” (egkataleipo) assembling means to abandon one’s commitment to love and encourage other believers throughout the world.
The Greek word ‘episunagoge’ translated as “assembling” is only used once in the NT (with the exception of Hebrews 10:25):
· 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together (episunagoge) to Him. (NAS)
The word episunagoge has the preposition “epi” preceding the usual word for assembling in Greek (sunagoge). Sunagoge is the most common word used for the Jewish “synagogue” but has other appli