Opening Scripture:
Heb 10:24-26 NKJV “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 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.”
as·sem·ble – (of people) to gather together in one place for a common purpose.
“a crowd had assembled outside the gates”
| synonyms: | gather, collect, get together, congregate, convene, meet, muster, rally | |
Also to fit together the separate component parts of (a machine or other object).
“a factory that assembled parts for trucks”
| synonyms: | construct, build, fabricate, manufacture, erect, set up, put together, piece together, connect, join |
- Every parent remembers a night before Christmas when “Some Assembly Was Required” because some things just don’t go together by themselves.
You never have to tell yourself to breath, or tell your heart to beat…these types of things are automatic. But not everything is automatic. God sometimes gives us the parts, and then asks us to do something with them. This is called partnership. God gives you the parts, but then some assembly on your part is required.
- When the Bible talks about “assembling ourselves together”, it is not just talking about GOING to church, it’s also talking about BEING the church.
1 Cor 12:12 NLT “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”
1 Cor 12:14-27 NLT “Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care.
So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
- BEING the Body of Christ is not about everyone doing everything – but everyone doing THEIR thing…that which Christ has called, gifted, and anointed you to do.
Eph 4:16 NLT “ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
- Are you doing what Christ has called, gifted, and anointed you to do? Remember, some assembly is required. Here are some steps to assembly:
A. Read the instructions. Study to show yourself approved unto God.
B. Follow the instructions. Be a doer, not a hearer only. Put God’s Word first in your life.
C. Adjust your schedule according to the instructions. Set priorities. Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Priorities are not what we wish they were, they are what we actually do. We must be intentional about shifting things around to include what is truly important. Adding new things always means subtracting old things. Make the most of the opportunities your church makes available for assembly.
If you can’t go on Sunday, don’t stay home on a “Tuesday” night or any day or night when you can assemble. Take advantage of the opportunities your church offers you. Show up to grow up.
D. Don’t live under condemnation. Repent and receive forgiveness when you fail. Then ask a trusted friend to help you try again.
E. If you have never asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life, then this is the first step. John 3:16
