The Danger Of Late-Coming And Irregular Church Attendance

THE DANGER OF LATE-COMING AND IRREGULAR CHURCH ATTENDANCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 10:25

Supporting Texts: Psalm 122:1, Luke 4:16, Acts 2:42, Proverbs 8:17, Matthew 25:1-13

INTRODUCTION:

God ordained the gathering of believers for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Church attendance is not optional for serious Christians; it is a divine instruction and a spiritual necessity. However, in recent times, many believers have treated this sacred responsibility with levity through habitual late-coming and irregular attendance. These seemingly minor acts have spiritual consequences, robbing individuals of divine blessings and weakening the collective strength of the Church.

This message explores the dangers and consequences of late-coming and irregular church attendance, with a call to renewed commitment to the house of God.

1. IT REFLECTS A LACK OF REVERENCE FOR GOD

a) God Deserves Our First and Best (Proverbs 3:9)

Coming late or skipping services shows misplaced priorities and dishonours God's presence.

b) Irregular Attendance Shows Lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16)

God detests lukewarm commitment; it indicates spiritual slackness.

c) It Diminishes the Fear of God (Malachi 1:6-8)

Offering God the leftovers of our time insults His majesty.

d) The House of God is a Place of Honour (Psalm 84:1-2)

True lovers of God long to dwell in His presence.

e) Biblical Example: Cain’s unacceptable offering (Genesis 4:3-5) was symbolic of giving God second place.

2. IT LEADS TO SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS AND INSTABILITY

a) Inconsistent Feeding Results in Spiritual Malnutrition (Job 23:12)

Regular attendance helps you grow through the Word and fellowship.

b) Missing Fellowship Breeds Isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

We are strengthened in the company of believers.

c) Irregularity Hinders Continuity in Faith (Acts 2:42)

The early Church prospered by continuing steadfastly.

d) Late-comers Miss Spiritual Deposits (Matthew 13:3-9)

Often, divine instructions and encounters come early in the service.

e) Biblical Example: The five foolish virgins missed the bridegroom because they were not prepared (Matthew 25:1-13).

3. IT SETS A BAD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER BELIEVERS

a) We Are Living Epistles (2 Corinthians 3:2)

Others watch our actions more than our words.

b) It Breeds a Culture of Irresponsibility

New believers may think lateness is acceptable if leaders practice it.

c) It Weakens Corporate Unity and Focus (Psalm 133:1)

Unity in timing enhances the flow of the Spirit.

d) Parents Who Come Late Teach Their Children the Same Habit

The next generation learns disrespect for God’s house.

e) Biblical Example: Eli’s sons corrupted temple worship and influenced others negatively (1 Samuel 2:12-17).

4. IT HINDERS THE FLOW OF CORPORATE BLESSINGS

a) There’s Power in Unified Worship (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

God's glory descends when we worship in unity.

b) Late Arrival Disrupts the Spirit of Order (1 Corinthians 14:40)

God moves in order and sequence—late-comers miss the flow.

c) Some Blessings Are Time-Sensitive

Angelic visitations or prophetic releases often come early.

d) Inconsistent Attendance Disconnects You From Prophetic Seasons (2 Kings 4:8-17)

Regularity attracts recognition and reward.

e) Biblical Example: Thomas missed Jesus’ appearance and doubted (John 20:24-29).

5. IT OPENS THE DOOR TO WORLDLINESS AND CARNALITY

a) The Less You Attend Church, the More You Drift

Irregularity leads to spiritual dryness and vulnerability to sin.

b) The Devil Exploits Gaps in Our Spiritual Routine (1 Peter 5:8)

Irregular attendees are easy prey for Satan.

c) Consistent Worship Keeps the Fire Burning (Leviticus 6:13)

Fire on the altar must never go out—church attendance keeps the fire alive.

d) Late-comers Miss Worship Atmosphere That Purges the Soul

Praise and worship are spiritual warfare tools.

e) Biblical Example: Demas forsook the faith due to love for the world (2 Timothy 4:10).

CONCLUSION:

Church is God’s appointed place of blessing and transformation. Deliberate late-coming and irregular attendance are not just poor habits; they are spiritual hindrances. They rob believers of God’s best, affect the unity of the body, and misrepresent our faith. As the coming of the Lord draws near, we must not be found among those who forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Choose today to honour God with your time, commitment, and consistency.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Father, thank You for the privilege of fellowship in Your house.

2.  Lord, forgive me for every form of dishonour I have shown to Your presence.

3.  Father, renew my hunger for Your presence.

4.  Lord, help me to overcome every spirit of lateness and inconsistency.

5.  Father, help me to set a godly example in commitment and attendance.

6.  Lord, may I not miss my moment of divine visitation.

7.  Father, restore every blessing I have lost due to irregularity.

8.  Lord, make me a committed and dependable member of Your house.

9.  Father, set my heart on fire through regular fellowship.

10. Lord, may my attendance in Your house always bring transformation.