Hebrews 10:25 says, “… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (emphasis added).
You’ve likely heard this verse but may not see the warning and wisdom in the passage at first glance. As the gospel continues to spread to every corner of the earth, the “do not forsake the assembling together” looks different than it used to. Yet these words apply more today than ever.
Why is assembling still necessary?
Hebrews 10:25 | A Word of Wisdom and Warning
The writer of Hebrews pens these prophetic words in Hebrews 10:25, “…but exhorting one another, and so much the more so as you see the Day approaching” (emphasis added). The “Day” is the day of Jesus’ return.
Assembling is necessary for our strength and protection. We are to apply this verse even more as we draw closer to Jesus’ return because we will experience resistance to do so.
Assembling may look different than it did five or ten years ago, but God’s Word remains true. God's Word contains wisdom and a warning to gather “more as you see the Day approaching.”
- A word of wisdom from Hebrews 10:25: It is critical to assemble as we move further into the last days so we are strengthened and protected.
- A word of warning from Hebrews 10:25: There will be spiritual forces that resist the saints assembling.
As the NIV Bible translation states, there are a number of reasons we are to assemble or meet together…
- “…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (emphasis added)
Quite possibly, the biggest reason we are not to forsake the assembling together is that this is God’s instruction for divine protection.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to be vigilant because the adversary walks about like a lion, seeking to devour. How does a lion walk when he is seeking to devour? He looks for the prey in isolation.
The Word gives us a warning—do not forsake the assembling because the enemy seeks to devour those who are in isolation.
“Do Not Forsake the Assembling Together” Meaning
In this passage, the Greek word used for assembling is “episunagoge,” which suggests an official meeting. This could include worship, praying, reading, teaching, hearing, and studying the Word.
The spiritual reality and need of “do not forsake the assembling together” is more than an official meeting. It’s a call to be empowered by God and do life together. As the Body of Christ, we are to be living proof of a loving God. Hebrews 10:24 says, “… consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” and verse 25 mentions “exhorting one another” (emphasis added).
- Stirring Up Love: The word for “stirring up” means to incite or provoke in the best sense. To incite or provoke others in love does not mean loving just happens. Instead, we are to intentionally love, loving those who aren’t always lovable. We are to encourage them to grow in their faith journey and “work out your own salvation” as Philippians 2:12-13 says, encouraging them to water the gift of salvation from within to fruition.
- Exhorting One Another: Exhorting means to strongly encourage. In Hebrews 3, the writer writes, “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Again, we can see how assembling is God’s instruction for divine protection. When we isolate and do not strongly encourage each other in our faith journey, our hearts are at risk of hardening.
In short, the writer of Hebrews is informing the Church “do not forsake the assembling together” so they are empowered to BE THE CHURCH.
3 Dangers of Not Assembling Together
Discouragement, Doubt, and Depression Set In: Forsaking fellowship gives place to discouragement, doubt, and depression, which multiply in isolation. Without fellowship, there is no stirring up love or exhorting one another.
- “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”—Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Purposes Are Missed: The story of Esther in the Bible is a perfect example of purposes not missed. Mordecai, her adopted father, stirred her up in love and exhorted her to see she was placed in her position for a purpose, for “such a time as this.” Without fellowship or communication through letters and messages passed back and forth by those around them, Esther would have missed her purpose. Mordecai reminded her that God’s plans would prevail, even if she didn’t step up. God’s plans will move forward, but personal involvement may be missed. His purposes are cultivated in community.
- “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”—Esther 4:14
The Power of Prayer Is Hindered: This is not contrary to the point above, as we know God’s plans written in His Word will prevail. Personal prayer is critical in our relationship with Jesus, but the Bible is clear that there is also power in corporate prayer, gathering in one accord. When we come alongside each other in prayer, it is like incense going up to God out of the angel’s hand. Prayer meetings—prayers over and for each other as a group—are precious and pleasant to God, just as the smoke of incense is at the altar (Revelation 8:4).
- “And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”—Acts 1:13-14
In Summary
Hebrews 10:25 warns Christians, “do not forsake the assembling together.” It is a wise word written to protect us from…
- Enemy attacks
- Hardened hearts
When we assemble as the body of Christ, we are to stir each other up in love and encourage one another in our faith.
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear we are to do this even more so as Jesus’ return draws closer.
So then, how will you start to assemble?
- Reach out to a friend.
- Gather with others in prayer.
- Study the Word in a group.
In whatever way the Lord leads you to assemble, know it is for your protection.