Building one another up

Introduction

I think we can say without a doubt that we live in a world that constantly tears people down with criticism, sarcasm, comparison. Selfishness is everywhere. But the church is called to be different. God has designed, God has given instructions, a manual so be it, for us to be a family where encouragement, strength and mutual building up are normal.

I know in my life I have had several men God placed before me that at just the right time with just the right words to help me. When I thought I failed God when I went through a divorce as a Christian, sure I had biblical reasons, but that was not the point, scripture says “God Hates Divorce” and I felt I failed Him I was at a very low point, but God surrounded me with just the right men at the time.

Think back to a moment when someone spoke encouragement into your life at just the right time. Maybe it was a text, a visit, or a prayer. How did it change your day? How might God be calling you to be that person for someone else?

Paul reminds us in Rom15:1-7, which I will get to momentarily that the strong must bear with the weak, and the writer of Hebrews calls us to stir another up to love and good works.

Building one another up is not optional — it’s central to wat it means to live in Christian community.

It’s possible to be community in small church and even in a mega church through community groups, or small groups, that is what connected me in a mega church, and I know that keeps Kabra, Nick’s mom connected at the church she attends now. We are a small church and still we at times can feel disconnected and this year we are trying to connect more to one another and to our community through evangelism it is for you and for me. To engage with one another. So, let’s make a point to all sit together as family does, this is going to come into account a little later in the message today.

You see a deconstruction zone, that is the world looking out for itself, they destroy one another and many are hurt by the world. The world leaves people longing, and looking for something. What people need is Jesus, they need love, care, compassion, they need what we have, we have Jesus and the love and truth He has to offer, first and foremost knowledge we are all broken people, sinners, in need of a Savior, and He is that Savior, no matter how far we have gone, He offers forgiveness.

Construction Zone picture inserted here

Think about a construction site. In the same way the church is like a construction project. Some of you might be more like a plumber in this spiritual construction -fixing leaks when someone’s faith feels like it’s slipping. Others are like framers — helping to give structure and support when life feels shaky Others might be finishers — bringing the beauty of kindness and gentleness that makes the church feel like a home. Every role maters and every believer is needed,

Interactive break: I mentioned the mega church I came from, one of the things we did was called the crunch, they made sure everyone was sitting together, they wanted everyone to sit as family so they kept ropes up until seats were filled then would take ropes back. And in beginning of the service they would have everyone greet everyone around them. Sometimes they would know them, sometimes they would not, but you would get lots of hugs, handshakes, and smiles. So, get up and love on the people around you for a couple of minutes, we have time and it is worth it.

Building requires: Bearing with one another

Romans 15:1–3 NASB95

1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Paul says the strong must bear the weaknesses of the weak, not just please themselves. Now if you want you can look up Gal6:2 for this goes hand in hand with it Galatians 6:2 “2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

The strong here is mature believers; who have good understanding of Christian liberty and can bear with , carry, support, lift up others burdens not grudgingly, but willingly. Always looking out for others.

Building up one anther starts with patience, understanding, and self-sacrifice.

Jesus Himself is the model — He did not please Himself, but gave himself for others.

A simple application: We build when we put others’ needs above our own

Building: Requires encouraging w/God’s word

Romans 15:4–5 NASB95

4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

Romans 15:6–7 NASB95

6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

Now you may add in Josh1:9 about being strong and courageous, knowing the Lord Your God is with you.

Paul points to the scripture as the source of endurance and encouragement

God’s word shapes us to live in harmony, glorifying Him with one voice

Building up is not just giving our opinion — it is pointing people to God’s promises.

Quick application: We build when we share scripture, pray together, and remind one another of God’s faithfulness.

Building requires: Being present and stirring one another up

Hebrews 10:24–25 NASB95

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

We are called to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Maybe y’all remember another passage ECC4:9-12 that two are better than one. Better return for the work.

This takes intentionality—thinking about ways to encourage, and doing it, not just waiting for it to happen

The Hebrew writer emphasizes meeting together. Community cannot be built in isolation.

Quick application: We build when we show up, when we invest in relationships, and actively encourage others in love and service.

Let me share a short testimony: J.T.- he brought me from the grips of addiction to recovery house, to visit me every week instead of to jail where I belonged, he spoke words of truth, words of life, words of hope to me, he invested in my life, and led by example and I in turn learned to do the same for other men

The Takeaway

Building one another up is about bearing one another’s burdens, sharing God’s word, and being present.

Every interaction is a chance to either build or break down. In Christ, we are called to be builders not destroyers

Here is an idea, send a scripture text to someone this week with a thought. Whatever to whoever the Lord puts on your heart. That is how the devotionals you receive started some 25 years ago, one person and it has grown from there.

Offer to pray for someone right there, right then instead of saying “I’ll pray for you,” be intentional.

Maybe be outgoing and invite someone out for coffee, desert or a meal simply to encourage them, not someone you normally go to lunch with, someone else.

Invitation/Encouragement

We started this morning with a deconstruction and a construction site. and a construction site left unfinished is a sad site, but when God’s people commit to building each other up, the result is a strong, united, Christ-centered community that shines His glory to the world.

Let us be that community - a people who carry one another’s burdens, speak life through God’s word, and stir one another to love and good works.

Imagine if every Sunday here felt like a construction site for the kingdom — everyone leaving stronger than they came, burdens lighter, hearts lifted, faith renewed. Imagine if guests walked in and said “I’ve never seen love like this. That’s the kind of building project God is inviting us into.

Here is the challenge: This week ask yourself, who can I intentionally build up? A word, a prayer, a listening ear, an act of service can strengthen someone’s faith.

(Invitation, encouragement) (Song) (Prayer)