The Value of Church Attendance

Psalm 122

Scripture Reference

Psalm 122:1-9

“Chapter one hundred and twenty two. I just finished typing up our study on the Book of Ruth. We will begin that on Sunday night.”

Introduction

This short psalm from David celebrates the joy of assembling with God’s people. In nine concise verses David gives us a powerful defense for regular, joyful church attendance. He speaks not only of a personal delight in going to the house of the Lord, but of the spiritual benefits that flow from that gathering: privilege, unity, testimony, judgment, blessing, and caring influence. Tonight we will explore why coming together to worship, hear Scripture, and serve one another is a biblical priority, a spiritual privilege, and a practical responsibility for every believer.

Quote from Preacher

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Outline

Pronouncement of Gladness
1. Personal testimony of joy. David begins with a heartfelt admission: he was glad. Church attendance is not meant to be drudgery; it is a rejoicing when the people of God invite one another to meet with Him.
2. Attitude over obligation. The Christian should adopt a “get to” mentality rather than a “got to” mentality. Being present is an opportunity to meet the Creator and to be renewed by His word and fellowship.
3. Power of invitation. A simple invitation can be the means God uses to bring someone to salvation or encouragement. Never underestimate the spiritual weight of asking someone to come to church.
Privilege of Believers
1. Our feet shall stand within thy gates. Attendance is a privilege—not merely a duty. The Lord entrusted the Church to His people; we steward what Christ began.
2. Unique calling. The local church is the only human institution founded directly by Christ. That makes participation an honor and a responsibility.
3. Personal fulfillment in ministry. Serving in the church—preaching, teaching, caring for children, missions, or hospitality—fulfills Christ’s commission and brings spiritual joy.
Product of Unity and Harmony
1. Compacted together. Psalm 122 pictures Jerusalem as “compact together.” The New Testament echoes this: the body of Christ is fitly joined together (Ephesians 4:16).
2. Every joint supplies. Each believer brings something to the assembly—gifts, prayers, testimony, attitudes—that supplies what others need. Church growth follows personal spiritual growth.
3. Edifying in love. True fellowship builds up the church in love. Our presence, our encouragement, and our service are instruments of mutual growth.
Profession of Our Testimonies
1. Testimony as encouragement. Public and private testimonies give glory to God and spur others on. Sharing what God has done builds hope in struggling souls.
2. Practical exhortation from Galatians 6. The Scriptures call the spiritually-minded to restore, bear burdens, and communicate blessings to teachers and one another (Galatians 6:1-6).
3. Small blessings matter. Even ordinary answers to prayer and small victories can be testimonies that revive faith in others.
Place of Judgment and Instruction
1. Thrones of judgment. The temple imagery in Psalm 122 includes “thrones of judgment.” The church is where Scripture determines right and wrong and where conscience is shaped by God’s Word.
2. Preaching is essential. The proclamation of God’s Word (the preaching that some call “foolishness”) is the means God uses to save and to mature His people (1 Corinthians 1:18).
3. Self-examination. Corporate worship and preaching convict, correct, and call us to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28; Matthew 7:1-5).
Prosperity and Peace as Fruit
1. Pray for peace. David prays for the peace of Jerusalem—an intercessory concern for spiritual and communal well-being.
2. God’s blessing on faithfulness. The psalm links loving the city (the church) with prosperity and peace. This is not a prosperity gospel promise, but a biblical principle: God blesses faithfulness.
3. Perseverance through failure. The godly will fall, but they rise; corporate worship helps restore and keep us on the path of growth.
Peaceful Influence on Others
1. For my brethren’s sake. Our attendance affects others—our presence tells children, family, and friends what we value.
2. Consideration and provocation unto good works. Hebrews 10:24 (and the psalm’s emphasis) urges believers to consider one another so we may spur one another to holiness and service.
3. Care beyond kin. The church is a chosen family. Our consistency and concern can keep others from falling through the cracks of apathy.
Culminating Call to Action
1. Relish the opportunities. Each service could be a final opportunity for someone. We must attend with urgency and thanksgiving.
2. Serve the King with vigor. The preacher calls the congregation to serve with purpose and joy, remembering Jesus is Lord of all and worthy of our best.
3. Pray, participate, and pursue growth. Regular attendance flows from a life disciplined by prayer, Scripture, and brotherly love.

Summary

Psalm 122 gives a compact but profound argument for the value of church attendance: it is a joy and a privilege to gather together; it creates unity and supplies the body; it is a place to give testimony, receive instruction, and experience loving accountability; and it produces peace and blessing for those who love God’s house. Attendance is more than ritual—it is the means God uses to build His people, to bring sinners to salvation, and to strengthen saints for service. The church is both a sanctuary and a training ground where Christ’s work is continued by a gathered people.

“We get to do this for the King of Kings. We get to do this for the Lord of Lords. We get to steward what God’s left here for us to steward.”

Application for the Week

Practical steps to apply Psalm 122 this week—simple, achievable actions that help you grow as a committed church member and disciple of Christ.

Make an intentional plan to attend
1. Decide in advance. Schedule Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or Wednesday and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment with God.
2. Invite someone. Send one text, make one call, or hand one invitation card this week—trust God to use that invitation.
Bring a supply
1. Come prepared spiritually. Read the assigned text before the service (Psalm 122). Pray for the preacher and for those you will meet.
2. Bring an encouraging attitude. Smile, introduce yourself to someone new, and intentionally supply encouragement to a person who looks troubled.
Share a testimony
1. Find one small blessing. Share it this week—verbally after a service or in a short written note to a friend or to the pastor.
2. Use it to point others to Christ. Let your testimony illustrate God’s care and give hope to someone who is struggling.
Serve intentionally
1. Sign up for one ministry. Join a team (greeters, children’s workers, music, cleanup, visitation) for one month and show up faithfully.
2. Pray for the church leaders. Each day this week lift up the pastor, staff, and ministry leaders by name.
Care for one another
1. Check on someone. Send a genuine text: “I missed you at church—are you okay? I’m praying for you.”
2. Be a presence. Attend a church event with the expressed intent to bless others, not just to be blessed yourself.
Practice self-examination
1. Confess and repent where needed. Use the sermon and Scripture to test your heart. If convicted, take steps to confess to God and to a trusted believer.
2. Plan for growth. Choose one spiritual discipline to focus on this week—daily Bible reading, consistent prayer, or Scripture memorization—and track it.

These steps are meant to move you from passive attendance to active participation. Church attendance matters because the Lord uses gathered believers to build His kingdom. If you will take these simple actions this week, you’ll experience the blessing David celebrated: gladness when people say, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”