| CHRISTIAN LIFE AND DOCTRINE | April 1999 |
“So Much the More”
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“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, … but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” |
AFTER THE LONG period of the Dark Ages, the Reformation of Luther’s day, among other things, ushered in an era of Bible study for the people of God set free from the bondage of tradition. This study of God’s Word, though hampered by creeds of the Reformers, continued to increase as one denomination after another rose up and called attention to truths long overlooked: justification, election, free grace, baptism, the second coming, and resurrection. This progress, plus the general increase of knowledge prophesied for the “time of the end” (Dan. 12:4), prepared the way for the return to the knowledge held by the apostles and the Early Church.
When Jesus returned he girded himself and began to serve the faithful watchers with “meat in due season” (Luke 12:42,43)—the very richest of provisions by his grace. The result was still more intensive study of the Word, participated in by groups, large and small, of his people.
STUDY MEETINGS
In Hebrews the Apostle Paul urged the Lord’s people not to forsake assembling. Such an exhortation as this has hardly been necessary to the majority of those blessed with the light of present truth. Their hungering and thirsting after righteousness, coupled with specially favorable facilities for coming to an accurate knowledge of the truth have been two powerful inducements to assemble. Concerning this Jesus said, “Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.”—Matt. 24:28
At the end of the Gospel Age, the increased knowledge has led to many inventions, which are useful, but can tend to distract us from personal study as well as congregational studies. The rapid pace set by our society with many ‘running to and fro’ has called for careful budgeting of our time. The apostle’s exhortation in Hebrews 10:25 is timely when he says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” By heeding the apostle’s advice we are able to resist the temptations of the world and the Adversary in the form of distractions to our walk with Christ.
The purpose of our gathering is not only to learn more about God’s plan and character, but also to exhort one another. In so doing we provide genuine support to brethren fighting battles every day against the world, the flesh, and the Devil. We are to do this ‘so much the more’ as we see events occurring which will bring an end to this present evil world, and usher in the day of Christ’s kingdom. We need one another’s sympathy, encouragement and help.
To illustrate: The runners in a mile race, having to go around the track eight times, would receive encouragement from the onlookers during the first lap. But, as the race nears its end, the encouragement and cheering of the runners would increase, until at the last lap every possible urge would be given to those with any hope of winning.
So, in the heavenly race, let us exhort and encourage one another more and more as the end is neared. This can be done when we meet together for the study of the truth. Let the exhortation be truly sincere, helpful, manifesting a true interest in our brother’s welfare, upbuilding in the faith, warning against snares and stumbling stones—’so much the more, as ye see the day drawing on.’