EDIFY - BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP
As a Body of believers, each one of us are responsible for building the Kingdom of God. One important aspect in this process is being actively involved in building one another up.
The church is a place where we should be build up - not hurt, broken down and rejected.
God has given us the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit as tools to build one another up. They are not weapons, but tools.
1 Corinthians 14:3
But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Essentially, we should note that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are tools we should use to edify one another, to encourage one another and to comfort one another.
Unfortunately, these gifts are very often dormant in the church - whereas they should always be evident and in use. They should be used to build up individuals as well as to build up the Body of Christ. Then we will see the church stand in unity, in one accord, be in fellowship one with the other and have supernatural love for one another.
The Word of God teaches us that His church is made up of many believers - each one has a vital role to play in fulfilling God's plan and purpose. So if there are members who are not functioning to their full potential, we need to exercise the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in restoring those individuals by means of edification, encouragement and comfort.
1 Corinthians 12:4 - 7
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Life is tough - there are so many negative things which we have to overcome on a daily basis, which leave us helpless, tired, discouraged and defeated. That is why each member of the church is responsible to exercise and release these gifts to the Body so that we can walk in victory.
Any Body of believers should regard every individual as family - as brother and sisters in Christ. We are told that we will face many trials and persecutions in this life. We should therefore always build each other up in the faith.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are tools and not weapons. The Bible tells us that we are in a constant spiritual battle with the enemy, the devil. So the Gifts should not be used in engaging the enemy - they should be directing at the members of the church. We have one weapon in our warfare with the devil - the sword of the Spirit. Let us use that effectively in our battle with him, making sure we have put on the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:12 - 18
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Tools are not weapons, Although you can hit someone with a spade, you cannot take on an army of tanks and cannons with a spade!
Now in the same way, just as tools are not weapons, weapons are not tools. You cannot use the sword to heal your wounded brother or sister.
When you get wounded, you will need to be built up again. You will have to come into God's medical facility, which is the church, to have your wounds bound up. When you are whole again, you can be released for battle once again.
I have listed some points to remember.
1. Build Yourself Up
Make sure you are always built up by the power of God's Spirit. That will ensure that you can be used effectively to build others up.
1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.
Jude 20
But you, beloved, building yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
Ensure that you pray in tongues on a daily basis as part of your prayer life.
2. Build Others Up
Remember, the Bible tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use words which of edification, encouragement and comfort to build up the faith of others. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit - don't just come into the service and walk out. Speak to your brother and sisters and God will reveal to you who needs to be built up.
Use every event, whether spiritual or social, to edify someone.
The Bible tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. When God's gifts are not used for what they are intended, I am sure that the Spirit is grieved. Never ignore the presence, power and ability of God in your life.
Do not use words to break down or criticize. Every word, every action should be geared towards helping others in need.
A man came to the Pastor and said "Pastor, I have only one gift.- the gift of criticizm" The Pastor then said to him "Bury it"
We are in the fight together we are responsible to build each other up. As we speak, we build. Choose your words and comfort those who are down.
3. Be Honest
When you are feeling low, do not put up a front. Be transparent - share how you are feeling with others in the Body and allow them to edify and encourage you.
Many believer suffer years of depression and low self-esteem - many times unnecessary, because God has us His gifts as tools to overcome these problems.
4. Stir up your Gift
2 Tim 1:6 - 7
Therefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
If your gift is not in use, then make a decision to stir it up and use it.
If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, ask someone to pray with you so that you may receive this gift.
CONCLUSION
We should always be two things - destroyers and builders. We have the authority to destroy the works of Satan and are empowered to build up ourselves as well as others in the Body.
