BUILDING UP THE CHURCH

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11-14

"To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:2


I had a friend who decided to build and addition on the back of his house, but about halfway through he got busy with something else and didn't finish the job.  Month after month, there it stood framed with the out side wall board in place and windows mounted, but nothing else done, looking terrible.  A job half done!!

Now, when you and I think of our involvement in the Great Commission, we need to finish the job. How is that done?  Simple!! It involves two things -- winning the lost and building up the saved.

We want those who turn to Christ to become strong, courageous, dedicated and mature as disciples.  We want to see them built up in their Christian lives, so they can reach out to others with the gospel and begin to help new ones in the faith.



Paul was trying to encourage the Corinthian church "…to excel in gifts that build up the church."  It’s an imperative that we know how to help other brothers and sisters grow in their Christian walk.  When someone obeys the gospel and comes to Christ and does not go on to become a mature disciple, the job is half done. 

 

One of the most helpful things anyone can do for a new brother or sister in Christ, is show them by example how to visit, teach the lost, memorize scripture and study their bibles. These things must become a lifetime habit for any disciple if the Church is to grow and continue to be an influence in our communities. 

It is an individual responsibility, not just for leaders, but for every Christian to find someone to disciple and  mature in Christ.

Jesus said, "…and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

What was one of the things that Jesus just commanded his followers in verse 19 of Matthew chapter 20?  Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…”

Jesus wants each of us to take the things others have given us, and use them in leading new disciples to maturity. That's the only way to fulfill the Great Commission and keep it from being a job half done.  Every Christian should be built up in the faith and equipped to minister to others.  How far along are we in the building process?

PRAYER: "Lord, show me how I can more effectively use the gifts of time and effort by loving brethren in helping me grow up in Christ, by returning the blessing of building up others in the faith, in Jesus name. Amen."

SCRIPTURE: "The saying is true:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he will also deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot

deny himself.”  2 Timothy 2:11-13