For the Sake of the Body

Thursday, August 28

Hebrews 10:24,25(KJV)

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Devotion

The Body of Christ has an exciting role to play in the days ahead. The exhortation to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together is more vital than it has ever been. God has a prescribed purpose for the Body in this time.

We are exhorted in today’s verse to “provoke one another unto love and good works.” Love is the language of heaven. It’s how the parts are effective. Through God’s love, the Body grows. When each person is knit tightly with others, contributing their own unique part, this action causes the Body of Christ to build itself up in love and grow—mature, multiply, and expand. We begin to mirror the likeness of Jesus on the earth. Can we imagine it? Reaching the lost, healing the brokenhearted, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the dead will be raised back to life. The Lord working with us, confirming the word through accompanying signs.

As we see the Day approaching, we are strongly exhorted to assemble. Because of the growth of the Body of Christ, the devil is terrified when believers come together to worship, pray, and do the work of the ministry. He sees his end is near. In these last days, he attempts to thwart the purposes of God by increasing the spirit of deception, distractions, and circumstances in an effort to weaken and separate the Body. We cannot take the bait. It is both dangerous and unwise for a believer in Christ to be alone on the rough seas of the world in these times—without a ship, a captain, and a strong anchor.

So let us contend for the Body of Christ by loving each other and loving Jesus, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, and being busy about our Father’s business, even more as we await the Lord’s glorious return.

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Free Chapel. I love our church. How can I best encourage others? Should I join a small group? Should I join a serve team? Something else? All of the above? Father God, show me how to make real two-way communication work effectively and contribute as I should in my church. Further, show me how to practice hospitality better and make my home an extension of the Body of Jesus as a place to meet together and encourage each other all the more as we see the day approaching. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Applying today’s verse by telling a family member or friend what they should start doing may not be well received. Instead, why not invite someone to join you in serving? If it’s not the right fit for that person, offer to help them get connected where they do fit and have God’s confirmation.

Resources 

• School of Discipleship: Join in-person or online to grow in faith. Fall Semester has commenced but registration is still open! Join at freechapel.org/discipleship
• Find an Accountability Partner: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the strength of support. Start by joining a Connect Group.