And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25)
This text has been used many times to encourage folks to come to church. However, a key phrase that is found in this verse is “stir up”.
The term “stir up” is one Greek term, which is “paroksysmós” which means “a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they “must” respond.” The only other time this term is used in the New Testament is when Paul and Barnabas got into a heated discussion (Acts 15:39). Does this give you a better idea of what the Hebrews writer was communicating when he mentions “meeting together”?
The reason I point this out is that, by and large, the church experience has been turned into an entertaining experience as opposed to a “provoking experience”. Indeed, years ago, many churches began adopting a “seeker-friendly” model for their church. In short, these churches would remove any items or language that may seem to be “offensive” to those who did not know God. Does this approach align itself with Scripture (as stated above) or modern man’s secular thinking?
To add, when the Hebrews writer wrote this text, the Christians with whom he was writing, were experiencing significant persecution. Yet, he was calling the church together to “provoke” each other to pursue the things of God through love and good works. If this Word was given during a time of persecution, how much more should we be “provoking” each other to walk after God’s righteousness in our American context?
Ask yourself, when was the last time you’ve been to church and you were “provoked” by the Spirit of God to walk after His righteousness? When was the last time you left church and you were so provoked, when you got home you didn’t want to turn the television on? When was the last time you went to church and was provoked to the point that you were going to fight for a vibrant prayer life at all costs? Unfortunately, the reality is when many feel they have been “cut to the core”, they leave the church and then find another church that will tell them what they what to hear and have them feel comfortable in their sin (2 Tim. 4:3).
You see, being “entertained” or just “soothing your religious conscience” because you went to a small group or church service is a counterfeit to the real thing. True biblical fellowship should ALWAYS be provoking so that it leads to a response that draws you nearer to God.
Think on these things…
