Several years ago when going on vacation, I took Warren Wiersbe’s memoir, Be Myself, with me on the trip. As you may know Warren Wiersbe was a popular twentieth-century preacher, pastor, and writer. He pastored the Moody Memorial Church, was the teacher for the Back to the Bible radio program, and published more than one hundred and sixty books before he passed in 2019. (I find it fitting that less than one year before he passed away he had, yet another, book published!)[1]
In that memoir I remember him sharing about his first experiences preaching in local churches. Many years after his first sermons were preached, he received a note that someone had made in her diary after hearing him preach those first sermons. The woman had written in her diary: “November 30th, Sunday. Feeling a little better today. I rested and went to church in evening. Warren Wiersbe preached; God’s Spirit was felt. I know Warren is being and will be used of God mightily. I feel it.”[2] Warren Wiersbe held onto that note for many decades and always used it as a source of encouragement for him. He wrote, “With people like that encouraging you, how can you lose?”[3] That note reminds us that encouragement costs little, and everyone is capable of it.
As we’ve examined Hebrews 10:23–25 we’ve learned that the Christians in Rome were failing to gather (Heb 10:25a). The author of Hebrews teaches us that there are three aspects of fidelity to the gathering of Christians for worship (Heb 10:23–24, 25b). I like to use the word “fidelity” as it relates to our worship of God with other believers because the word fidelity means “the quality or state of being faithful.”[4]
The first fidelity (quality or state of being faithful) to the gathering relates to our doctrine, specifically, holding fast to our confession of faith (Heb 10:23). The second fidelity to the gathering relates to our deeds, specifically, how we stimulate others to loving actions (Heb 10:24). The third fidelity to the gathering relates to our duty, specifically, the need for us to encourage one another. We read, “encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:25b).[5] The author of Hebrews tells us that we worship on the Lord’s day to prepare for the day of the Lord when Christ returns.
I believe this verse teaches us that encouragement is something we all are called to do. Hebrews 10:25b was addressed to the church in Rome and was intended for all believers. It was not written to only pastors, mature saints, or only new converts. The entire body is responsible for providing encouragement to others. We need to take seriously our responsibility to each other within the body. When we join the body of Christ we don’t slack off as Christians, instead we are responsible to spur on one another. Encouragement for our faith only happens when we are together, not when we are separate. We are better Christians when we are around other Christians.
I believe this verse also teaches us that encouragement is something we all can do. Every person can offer encouragement to others. Giving encouragement requires no money or technical abilities. It’s saying, “God cares for you, and I’m here for you.” It’s asking, “Last week we prayed for your doctor appointment, so how did it go? It’s telling a young parent, “Your child is often well behaved at church. You seem like an engaged parent.”
I believe this verse also teaches us that encouragement is something we all need to do. Most people need encouragement in their lives, and the church body should be where that happens. Many times I’ve heard about our church members feeling encouraged when they see other church members and hear the stories shared by those church members.
One lady told me about coming to church but not going inside. She would sit in the parking lot and watch the people to “see what church people were like.” Eventually someone invited her inside and she became a believer and follower of Christ. Another person used to drop a parent off at church, then go back home. It wasn’t until the parent passed away that this person realized he needed to get in touch with God. That person now has a steady and close relationship with God and is a committed member of our church. When those people share their stories, they encourage other people in our church. Here’s the point: their presence at church provides encouragement to others, and that encouragement is something we all need to do for others.
I’d like to close this article with this thought from pastor Ray Stedman, “Corporate worship is not an option for a Christian; it is a necessity. It certainly includes regular attendance at church meetings, but means more than that. It means a willingness to help struggling faith whenever Christians meet.”[6] You might feel like you do not need the church, but the truth is that the church needs you. People need to hear your story. Kids and grandkids need to see your commitment to God by how you gather with others in worship each week. Friends need to find out how you are doing when they see you at church. The church needs you. Let me say it again: the church needs you.
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Christopher L. Scott is a pastor and author of the book, Walking Straight When Life Goes Sideways: Essential Christian Truths for Enduring Life’s Trials (Wipf and Stock). He provides hundreds of free articles, videos, and Bible study resources at his website ChristopherLynnScott.com.
[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, Delights and Disciplines of Bible Study (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2018).
[2] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Myself (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1994),62.
[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Myself (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1994),62.
[4] Marriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, s.v. “fidelity.”
[5] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.
[6] Ray C. Stedman, Hebrews, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series 15 (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992), 109.