What actions can we take to "rebuild" and "plant" in our spiritual lives? Anchor Verse “See, today I have appointed you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10) Recognizing the Call to “Build” and “Plant” - God’s command to Jeremiah includes both demolition and construction. - Before anything new can thrive, the old hindrances must be removed. (See Hosea 10:12.) - Building points to establishing a sturdy, God-honoring structure; planting points to ongoing, life-giving growth. Actions That Rebuild Our Spiritual Lives • Remove the rubble – Identify sinful patterns and confess them (1 John 1:9). – Renounce every foothold of the enemy (Ephesians 4:27). • Repair the foundations – Return to first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4-5). – Restore daily Scripture intake; let the Word “dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Reinforce with obedience – Obey promptly in small matters; faithfulness in little leads to much (Luke 16:10). – Align every decision with clear biblical commands (Psalm 119:105). • Recruit support – Invite trusted believers to speak truth and accountability (Proverbs 27:17). – Commit to a local church body for mutual edification (Hebrews 10:24-25). Actions That Plant for Future Growth • Sow the Word generously – Meditate on Scripture day and night (Joshua 1:8). – Share the gospel seed with others (Matthew 28:19-20). • Nurture the soil of the heart – Cultivate humility and teachability (James 1:21). – Guard against weeds of bitterness and unbelief (Hebrews 12:15). • Water with prayer and worship – Pray “without ceasing” for fresh spiritual moisture (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Offer continual praise that invites God’s presence (Psalm 22:3). • Fertilize through service – Use spiritual gifts to build up others (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Practice generosity; “whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Guarding What Has Been Built and Planted - Stay alert; the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). - Keep short accounts with God—quick repentance maintains strength (Psalm 32:5). - Persist in fellowship and sound doctrine to remain rooted (Acts 2:42). Promises Tied to Rebuilding and Planting - God “gives the increase” when we plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6). - “Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5-6). - The righteous “will be like a tree planted by streams of water” that bears fruit in season (Psalm 1:3). |
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