Belong 101: Edifying One Another

MONDAY

The purpose of the Body of Christ is to provide an environment for you to grow up in the way of God. You need a holy haven here on Earth that provides nourishment and strength to your soul so that you can keep persevering in the work of the Kingdom. The fourth and fifth chapter of Ephesians provide much insight into the attitude you must have as a member of the Body so that God can use you to encourage and build each other. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Our older brethren are put in these positions for what purpose? What must we be united in? Can you trace the path to maturity as described in this passage? Notice the purpose of the Body is for growth towards attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Tall order, isn’t it? If you are not growing, changing and putting off your old self, you will not be useful in the Kingdom! Write Proverbs 11:19 on an index card and memorize it. Growth is shown through what you say and how you say it! Make a list of people in the church you want to edify. Throughout the week, call them or write them an encouraging letter, from the heart!

TUESDAY

As a person who has been called out of the world and into the Kingdom of God, the way you treat your brothers and sisters must be holy. Read Ephesians 4:22-27. What are you taught to put off in Christ? What must be made new? Deception and superficiality are popular worldly attitudes. What must your new attitude reflect when you speak to your brothers and sisters? Anger leads to separation and destruction when sin is combined with it. Verses 26 and 27 teach you that anger must be dealt with immediately. By speaking truthfully to each other, your anger can be used to edify rather than to tear down. Ephesians 4:15 teaches you to speak the truth in love. The purpose is for building each other up, not causing others to have an attitude. Write 2 Timothy 2:21 on an index card and memorize it. Be holy as He is Holy! Who have you called or written to?

WEDNESDAY

Many times I have spoken because I want to be listened to--I want to be considered wise, bold and mature. These next passages teach me that what must come out of my mouth should be only what builds other's up. Whether I feel comfortable or not is not the case. Neither is what I would like to say, or what I feel like saying. What must come out should reflect benevolence, compassion and maturity. If there is disagreement, I need to promote peace. Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Notice what the goal of your speech should be. What we say and how we say it needs to be towards the purpose of building. Who will you grieve if you cannot keep your tongue under control? (James 3:7-12) Would you like to be attached to someone who continually grieves you? Verse 31 contains a list of things that grieve the Spirit and your brothers, while verse 32 has a list of things that encourage and edify all. Forgiving each other as Christ forgave you! Learn the difference between the two kinds of wisdom: read James 3:13-18. What characteristics does Heavenly wisdom have? This is the wisdom that brings edification! Write verse 17 on an index card and memorize it.

THURSDAY

If you don’t give yourself for the purpose of edification, you are in danger of being cursed and in the end, burned. Read the following analogy the Hebrew writer has given in Hebrews 6:7-8. Who is the land? What is the rain? Who are “those for whom it is farmed”? What does it mean by thorns and thistles? As you can see, resistance to the molding hand of God will make you worthless in the Kingdom. You don’t want to be worthless! God wants you in the Kingdom so you can be useful in His hands! Read 2 Timothy 2:15-16. List the characteristics of an approved workperson. What does such a person avoid? In the previous verses we have seen, godly talk and godless chatter have been contrasted. List some examples of godless chatter. If you have partaken in some of this with someone, call that person and apologize for grieving them. Write 2 Corinthians 2:14 on an index card and memorize it. How sweet is your aroma?

FRIDAY

I believe that the ultimate expression of edification is when we speak and teach each other with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. This expression comes out of a joyful and thankful heart—a submissive heart, as Paul reveals in Ephesians 5:1-4 and then in Ephesians 5:19-21. Notice that the focus of the theme we have looked at this week is found in verses 1 and 2. According to these verses, what was so fragrant (pleasing) about Jesus’ actions? Verses 3 and 4 contain a list of things that are not “fragrant” to God. Can you see yourself abandoning these things and making your attitude new by putting on your “new self”, made in the image of Christ? Your new attitude in Christ should show encouragement, thankfulness, and submission. This will be a fragrant aroma! Write 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 on an index card and memorize it. What kind of aroma are you?

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