TOGETHER FOR OUR OWN GOOD

Acts 2:42-47

 

Introduction: The word “together” is used 137 times in the New Testament; 25 times the word is used in relation to the church and its activities. There are two words in the Greek that are translated together as it pertains to the church. One word is where we get the word “synagogue” or a “gathering of worshipers.” The other word translated “together” suggests a close knit relationship that exists among those who have gathered.

A.     If the church is going to work together for the cause of Christ and be effective, there must be cohesiveness and cooperation within

B.     Those who believe that they can worship, praise and serve God alone without ever having to assemble with the saints are sadly mistaken

1.      The assembling of ourselves is not only commanded (Heb. 10:25)

2.      But is necessary and practical for the keeping of our souls

C.     We will explore more deeply why we need to assemble together 

D.    Also we will consider the importance of together worship

E.     Finally we will consider what are the consequence of not doing what we are supposed to do together

 

I.        Since worship of God is expressive of one’s appreciation for all that He is and does, people of like mind and kindred faith should want to express their appreciation together

A.     Many people in different circles come together in demonstration of their appreciation for performers, athletes, and the like

1.      We call this type of coming together “fan clubs”

2.      What joy and emotion is generated when people who share a common appreciation for a sport, athlete or performer come together to express their enjoyment

3.      Common appreciation calls for joint-praising

B.      Such should be the case with our common appreciation for our God

1.      Notice the words of David in Psalm 122:1, 8 – David felt the need to worship with others and so should we

2.      Consider Psalm 34:1-3 – David called upon other to join him in exalting the Lord; such is because they share in a common appreciation of God’s goodness (v. 4-7)

C.      If we are going to worship together in demonstration of our appreciation and love for God, we must also have appreciation and love for each other

1.      We cannot love God and hate our bother (1 John 4:20)

2.      If we are to worship God acceptably we must first make sure that our relationships with our brethren are what they are supposed to be (Matt. 5:23-24); when joint-heirs of God’s grace are out of harmony, worship to God can be dramatically hindered (1 Pet. 3:7)

3.      When someone in the church building tries to avoid eye-contact with other members to avoid having to speak because there is bitterness and discord among them, how can their hearts be united in praising the Father of lights? Such is the result of being carnal (1 Cor. 3:3) and can those who are carnal worship God acceptably?

4.      Someone once said:

 

In some cities, the church of Jesus Christ has become the laughing stock of the community. Everyone in town knows the bitterness that exists among various members. The influence for good has been destroyed. And the worship ritualistically offered by those fighting members of the same body does nothing but give occasion for the enemy to blaspheme the precious name of Christ. In such instances we could wish for a whirlwind to demolish the meeting house and fragment beyond recognition the signs, which announce, ‘A church of Christ meets here.’ If people insist on fighting and devouring one another, let them openly disavow any affiliation with the prince of peace.

 

II.     Corporate or together worship is designed not only for our mutual praise of God, but also for our mutual edification

A.     The Bible teaches that we are to build up one another

1.      Given certain talents for our common good (1 Cor. 12:7)

2.      Must be concerned for church’s edification (1 Cor. 14:1-3, 12, 17, 26)

3.      Everyone must do what he could unto this end (Eph. 4:11-16)

B.     There are aspects of worship we must do together

1.      Eat the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:17-22)

2.      Pray (Acts 12:12; Rom. 15:30; 1 Tim. 2:1-2, 8)

3.      Sing ( Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16-17)

4.      Give money (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:8-15; 9:12-15)

C.     Do things together for our mutual consideration, comfort and exhortation

1.      See Ephesians 5:11 – This makes our corporate worship practical

2.      Hebrews 10:24-25 -- This makes our corporate worship necessary

D.    When we fail to worship together we show ourselves divided from Christ

1.      Some do not appreciate what they have in Christ (Col. 2:1-5)

2.      Some want to worship as they see fit (Col. 2:18-23)

3.      Some choose to treat Christ with contempt (Heb. 10:24-29)

 

Conclusion: We know of many Christians who have stopped worshipping with other Christians for one reason or another. Nevertheless, when does our worship for the Lord end? At what point in time should we cease to worship together or cease to worship at all? Steve Cawthon, a brother in Christ, so eloquently answers:

 

When there is no more exhortation in Christ, no more consolation of love, no more fellowship of the Spirit, no more tender-mercies and compassion’s (Phi. 2:1-2). When the greatness of God is turned to weakness, then the worship may end. When the word of God withers like the grass and falls like the flower, when His counsel turns to folly and His glory fades away, only then will there be no more praise. When you can say, ‘Christ died for naught,’ when you can find another Savior, when you can rise above your Creator, then the worship will end. When eternity has ended, then our praising lips can be silent. But until then, let us heed the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 148:1-13.