How can we ensure our actions are for "your strengthening" in our church community? Setting the Scene “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. All this, beloved, is for your strengthening.” (2 Corinthians 12:19) Paul isn’t chasing personal vindication; he’s pursuing the spiritual fortification of the believers. His posture becomes our pattern. What “Your Strengthening” Means • Building up the faith of fellow believers (Romans 15:2) • Encouraging perseverance and joy in Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Guarding sound doctrine and holy living (Titus 2:1) • Advancing unity and maturity in the body (Ephesians 4:11–16) Heart Check: Motives That Match Paul’s • God-ward Accountability — “before God in Christ” (v. 19) • Others-focused Intent — “beloved, for your strengthening” • Zero Self-Promotion — compare 2 Corinthians 4:5, “We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” Practices That Keep Our Actions Strengthening the Church 1. Speak for Edification – Filter every word through Ephesians 4:29. – Choose truths that clarify, comfort, and correct. 2. Serve with Your Gifts – 1 Peter 4:10: employ gifts “as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – Match needs with abilities: teaching, mercy, helps, leadership, etc. 3. Pursue Relational Transparency – Follow Paul’s example of open-heartedness (2 Corinthians 6:11). – Share testimonies of God’s work; invite accountability. 4. Defend Truth, Not Ego – Contend for the faith (Jude 3) without personal posturing. – Let Scripture, not personality, carry the weight. 5. Prioritize Weak Members – Romans 15:1: bear the weaknesses of the powerless. – Practical lifts: meals, rides, prayer, presence. 6. Cultivate Unity – Philippians 2:3–4: value others above self. – Address conflicts quickly (Matthew 18:15–17). 7. Pray for One Another’s Growth – Colossians 1:9–10 model: ask God to fill brothers and sisters with knowledge and power for pleasing Him. Guardrails: Protecting Pure Motives • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23–24) • Mutual accountability partners • Humble submission to church leadership (Hebrews 13:17) • Consistent exposure to the Word that judges thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12) Living It Out Together When every believer speaks, serves, and sacrifices “for your strengthening,” the church becomes a living testimony of Christ’s love and power. Our aim echoes Paul’s: every choice, every conversation, every ministry moment is shaped “before God in Christ” and delivered to His people for their lasting good. |
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