Tearing Down or Building Up?

Read the news headlines, and you can quickly become discouraged because everywhere we turn, people are tearing down integrity, truth, purity, honesty, respect, and hope. 2 Tim. 3:1-4 – certainly fits today’s society. Today, I want to talk to you about something better. Let’s talk about edification. 1 Cor. 3:9 – we are God’s building. Internally, we build up the body by strengthening, encouraging, and ministering to one another. How do we build each other up?

I.  Edification is not about your self. It is about the saints.

A.     Too many have a selfish focus today.

B.     With edification, the major emphasis is on building up others.

C.     We can become experts at tearing down and criticizing.

1.     When you tear down, you can do a great deal of damage…fast.

2.     We have been called to build each other up.

                                              a.     1 Cor. 14:12b, 26, 40; 1 Thess. 5:11; Eph. 4:29

                                              b.     It is clear where our focus should be. Off of self & on others.

II.  Edification is not what you profess, it is about what you pursue.

A.     Romans 14:19

1.     But, building up is something we must work at. It is a pursuit.

2.     Sometimes we fall short.

                                              a.     Js. 1:19; Eph. 4:32

B.     Rom. 14:19 – pursue peace. Edify each other.

C.     We have to do it intentionally. Will not happen accidentally.

III. Edification is not about how much you know. It is about how much you care.

A.     1 Cor. 8:1b.

B.     Luke 10:31-37

1.     10:31, 32 – priest & Levite had great knowledge; power; prestige.

2.     10:33 – Samaritan cared. It’s why we’re still talking about him today.

C.     Edification starts in the heart, when we look out and see people and love them.

IV. Edification is not about our wisdom. It is about His word.

A.     Eph.5:10, 15-18

1.     How do you get built up enough so you can build up someone else?

2.     Get in the book.

B.     If you are not in the word of God, you are probably experiencing being torn down by others and you may be in the process of tearing others down.

C.     The word of God is your fuel to help you become a builder.

V. How do we put this into action?

A.     Heb. 10:24

B.     Identify a brother/sister….make a plan….seize an opportunity.

C.     Actively look for ways to stimulate your brothers and sisters.

D.     Pray for them. Tell them you are praying for them.

E.     Purposely look for ways you can provoke their spiritual growth.

Conclusion:

A.     Rom. 14:19 – it edification a pursuit we are engaged in?

B.     Are you part of the body?