What practical steps can you take to prioritize church edification in your life? Setting Our Aim: Excel in Building Up the Church “It is the same with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12) Cultivating a Heart That Loves Christ’s Body • Daily thank God for placing you in a local assembly (Psalm 92:13; 1 Corinthians 12:18). • Ask the Spirit to enlarge your affection for fellow believers (Romans 5:5). • Remind yourself that serving the church is serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40). Discovering and Developing Your Gifts • Read Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Peter 4:10-11; list which abilities resonate. • Seek confirmation from mature believers who observe you (Proverbs 15:22). • Take intentional steps—classes, mentorship, practice—to sharpen each gift (2 Timothy 1:6). Prioritizing Presence and Participation • Block Sunday worship and mid-week gatherings on your calendar first (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Arrive early and linger after to greet, listen, and pray with others. • Join a small group or ministry team where you are known and needed (Acts 2:46). Investing in One-Another Ministry • Set a goal to encourage at least one believer each gathering (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Schedule regular meals or coffee with church members to share burdens (Galatians 6:2). • Write notes or texts of Scripture-saturated encouragement throughout the week (Colossians 3:16). Serving Through Practical Helps • Volunteer for rotating tasks—setup, childcare, ushering, tech—so gatherings run smoothly (1 Corinthians 12:27). • Offer rides to those without transportation or meals to new parents (James 2:15-16). • Use hospitality to open your home for Bible studies or fellowship (Romans 12:13). Giving Generously • Set aside the first portion of income for the church’s ministry and benevolence (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7). • Support global missions and local outreach so the body extends beyond its walls (Philippians 4:15-17). Guarding Unity • Refuse gossip; pursue face-to-face reconciliation when conflicts arise (Ephesians 4:3, 29). • Pray regularly for pastors, elders, and fellow members (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Celebrate others’ gifts without comparison or envy (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). Staying Grounded in the Word • Read Scripture daily, asking, “How can I apply this truth to strengthen my church?” (Acts 17:11). • Discuss Sunday’s message with family or friends to deepen understanding (James 1:22-25). • Memorize verses that fuel love and service for the body (John 13:34-35). Keeping the Big Picture in View • Remember Christ “gave some to be apostles… to build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-16). • Rejoice that as the church is edified, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). • Look forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” knowing each act done for the church echoes into eternity (Matthew 25:21). |
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