Building Each Other Up in Faith and Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of building one another up, as inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:11. The essence of our Christian journey is to encourage and edify each other, especially in times of trials and tribulations. We began by acknowledging the significance of being obedient to God's call, sharing personal testimonies of how prayer and community support have been pivotal in overcoming challenges, such as my son's battle with pneumonia.
We delved into the scriptures, particularly focusing on Matthew 16 and 24, where Jesus speaks about discerning the signs of the times. These passages remind us that while we can predict the weather, we often fail to recognize the spiritual signs around us. In these uncertain times, marked by wars, pestilences, and natural disasters, it is crucial to find peace in God and build each other up.
I shared personal experiences from my military service, emphasizing the concept of "friendly fire" and how our words can either build up or tear down those around us. Ephesians 4:29 urges us to let no corrupt communication proceed from our mouths but to speak words that edify and minister grace to the hearers. This principle is not only applicable in our personal lives but also in our professional and communal interactions.
We also explored the importance of fasting and prayer as means to strengthen our spiritual foundation. Drawing from my experiences in combat, I highlighted how fasting and seeking God in solitude brought immense peace and assurance, even in the face of imminent danger. This practice of building oneself up in the Holy Spirit is essential for enduring life's battles.
In conclusion, we are called to be pillars in the house of God, supporting not just our pastors but each other through prayer, fasting, and edification. As we navigate the signs of the times, let us commit to building a strong spiritual foundation, rooted in the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience to God's Call: When God places someone on your heart, it is crucial to act on it. Ignoring these promptings can lead to missed opportunities for blessing and support. Obedience in small things can lead to significant impacts in the lives of others. [56:17]
2. Discerning the Signs of the Times: While we can predict the weather, Jesus calls us to be spiritually discerning of the times we live in. Recognizing the signs of the times helps us stay vigilant and prepared, fostering a community that supports and builds each other up. [59:23]
3. The Power of Edifying Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Ephesians 4:29 teaches us to use our speech to edify and minister grace. This principle is vital in all our relationships, whether at home, work, or church. [01:06:43]
4. Fasting and Prayer for Spiritual Strength: Fasting and prayer are powerful tools for spiritual growth and resilience. They help us build a strong foundation in God, providing peace and strength even in the most challenging circumstances. [01:17:10]
5. Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation: Like a well-built house, our spiritual lives need a solid foundation. This foundation is built through consistent prayer, fasting, and reliance on God's word. In times of trials, this foundation keeps us steadfast and unshaken. [01:34:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:38] - Opening Remarks and Testimony
[56:17] - Personal Testimony: Obedience to God's Call
[57:57] - Opening Prayer
[59:23] - Discerning the Signs of the Times
[01:01:01] - Jesus' Teachings on Deception
[01:02:34] - Current Events and Biblical Prophecies
[01:03:58] - Finding Peace in Trials
[01:05:25] - Military Service and Friendly Fire
[01:06:43] - The Power of Edifying Words
[01:08:19] - Encouraging and Building Up Others
[01:11:12] - Reflections on September 11th
[01:13:27] - Building Spiritual Strength in War
[01:17:10] - Fasting and Prayer in the Desert
[01:20:31] - The Peace of God in Trials
[01:22:22] - Building Up in the Holy Spirit
[01:34:15] - Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
[01:45:36] - The Coming of the Son of Man
[01:52:06] - Preaching in Babylon
[01:57:09] - The Importance of Edification
[02:01:36] - Prophetic Word for the Church
[02:03:22] - Anointing and Prayer for the Congregation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) - "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
2. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) - "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
3. Matthew 24:3-7 (ESV) - "As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' And Jesus answered them, 'See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, "I am the Christ," and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instruct believers to do for one another? How does this align with the sermon’s message about building each other up? [57:57]
2. According to Ephesians 4:29, what kind of communication should come out of our mouths? How does this relate to the concept of "friendly fire" mentioned in the sermon? [01:06:43]
3. In Matthew 24:3-7, what signs does Jesus say will precede the end times? How does this passage encourage us to be spiritually discerning? [01:01:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor’s personal testimony about his son’s illness illustrate the importance of community support and prayer in building each other up? [56:17]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of fasting and prayer in strengthening our spiritual foundation? How did the pastor’s experience in the desert highlight this? [01:17:10]
3. How can the concept of "friendly fire" in the military be applied to our daily interactions within the church and our personal lives? [01:06:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted by God to reach out to someone but hesitated. How can you be more obedient to these promptings in the future? [56:17]
2. In what ways can you become more spiritually discerning of the times we live in, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 24? How can this awareness impact your daily life and interactions with others? [01:01:01]
3. Think about your recent conversations. Have your words been more edifying or destructive? What steps can you take to ensure your speech builds others up, as Ephesians 4:29 instructs? [01:06:43]
4. How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your routine to build a stronger spiritual foundation? Share a specific plan or schedule you can commit to. [01:17:10]
5. Identify a person in your church or community who might need encouragement. What practical steps can you take this week to build them up and support them through prayer or acts of kindness? [01:08:19]
6. Reflect on the pastor’s story about finding peace in the midst of war. How can you seek and maintain peace in your own trials and tribulations? [01:20:31]
7. How can you actively participate in building a strong spiritual foundation within your church community? What role can you play in supporting your pastors and fellow believers? [02:03:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Responding to God's Promptings
When God places someone on your heart, it is crucial to act on it. Ignoring these promptings can lead to missed opportunities for blessing and support. Obedience in small things can lead to significant impacts in the lives of others. This principle is highlighted in the personal testimonies shared, where acts of obedience, such as praying for someone or offering support, have led to profound changes and blessings. By being attentive and responsive to God's call, we can become instruments of His grace and love in the lives of others. [56:17]
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt a nudge to reach out to someone. How did you respond? What can you do today to act on a similar prompting from God?
Day 2: Spiritual Discernment in Troubling Times
While we can predict the weather, Jesus calls us to be spiritually discerning of the times we live in. Recognizing the signs of the times helps us stay vigilant and prepared, fostering a community that supports and builds each other up. In Matthew 16 and 24, Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual climate around us. In today's world, marked by uncertainty and turmoil, it is essential to seek God's wisdom and guidance to navigate these times effectively. By doing so, we can remain steadfast and provide support to those around us. [59:23]
1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV): "Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command."
Reflection: What current events or situations in your life require spiritual discernment? How can you seek God's wisdom to understand and respond to these times?
Day 3: The Impact of Our Words
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Ephesians 4:29 teaches us to use our speech to edify and minister grace. This principle is vital in all our relationships, whether at home, work, or church. The concept of "friendly fire" from military service illustrates how harmful words can be, even when unintended. By being mindful of our speech, we can create an environment of encouragement and support, reflecting God's love and grace to those around us. [01:06:43]
Proverbs 12:18 (ESV): "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where your words either built someone up or tore them down. How can you be more intentional with your words to ensure they edify and minister grace?
Day 4: Strengthening Through Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer are powerful tools for spiritual growth and resilience. They help us build a strong foundation in God, providing peace and strength even in the most challenging circumstances. Drawing from experiences in combat, the practice of fasting and seeking God in solitude brought immense peace and assurance. This spiritual discipline is essential for enduring life's battles and remaining steadfast in faith. By incorporating fasting and prayer into our lives, we can deepen our relationship with God and fortify our spiritual foundation. [01:17:10]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you incorporate fasting and prayer to seek God's guidance and strength in this situation?
Day 5: Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation
Like a well-built house, our spiritual lives need a solid foundation. This foundation is built through consistent prayer, fasting, and reliance on God's word. In times of trials, this foundation keeps us steadfast and unshaken. By committing to these spiritual disciplines, we can ensure that our faith remains strong and resilient, regardless of the challenges we face. As we navigate the signs of the times, let us commit to building a strong spiritual foundation, rooted in the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. [01:34:15]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to strengthen your spiritual foundation? How can you incorporate prayer, fasting, and reliance on God's word into your daily routine?
Quotes
1. "When I look at the Bible in Psalm 122, it says I was glad when they said unto me let us go to the house of the Lord. How many people are glad to be here this morning? Hallelujah, it's a wonderful day." [49:33] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Ladies and gentlemen, this morning the message is entitled build one another up. Look to your neighbor and say neighbor build one another up. Amen you may be seated hallelujah Lord hallelujah." [56:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We build each other up by reading the word of God. Amen. It says here in chapter 16 verse 1 it says the Pharisees also the Sadducees came and tempting and desired him that he would show them from heaven. He answered Jesus this is and said unto them when it is evening you say it is fair weather today and the sky is red and lowering and in the morning if it is foul weather or bad weather of the day for the sky is red and lowering he says oh you hypocrites you can discern the face of the sky but you cannot discern the sign of the times." [59:23] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is saying in the midst of your trials in the midst of your tribulations and whatever you're going through he says have peace peace I think about a scripture where Jesus was sleeping on the boat and he's there with the disciples and you know they're all fishermen any fishermen here not there you know that the water gets pretty wild you think about it these fishermen were in a boat and they were so afraid they were so scared that they said wake him up wake Jesus up because we're gonna die they're fishermen they're used to being in the ocean they're afraid but God says in the midst of your fear and trials and tribulations he says have peace have peace." [01:03:58] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know when I think about edifying my son Austin my daughter's not here I always edify and build them up every single day as long as I can remember elementary school middle school high school I speak into his life I edify him I build him up I say Austin repeat after me I said I'm a winner he goes daddy I'm a winner I said I'm a champion he's I'm a champion I'm a world changer I'm a world I am somebody I'm smart I'm intelligent I'm bright I'm the head not the tail I'm above not beneath words of encouragement and edifying to build and lift him up." [01:08:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You see, it's a daily effort. It's not the oh I ate and I'm good no but it's every single day that you have to what seek God you got to pray you got to build yourself up you got to speak words of encouragement to your family to your wife to your kids to the people around you you have to edify not break down the word of God in Ephesians 4 29 says do Corrupt communication, don't let that proceed out of your mouth. But he said to edify, to lift one another up, to build. That's what we're called to do. We're called to build one another up. Amen? Hallelujah." [01:11:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How do you build yourself up while you're in combat? How do you build yourself up while you're going through trials and tribulations? How do you build yourself up while you're in violence? yourself up when things are not looking so good when you get the doctor's report and it says that you're not you're sick or you have pain in your body it hurts so much that you think it's cancer your mind plays tricks on you the devil's telling you that's it you're gonna die you're saying you just want to live live to see your child graduate high school but god says build yourself no holy faith praying in the holy ghost the battle of the mind." [01:23:40] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God says have peace right peace in the midst of the storm have peace in the midst of your situation so here the war started I'm in the middle of the desert and one day the lord just says I want you to pray and seek my face well I'm a staff sergeant at the time e6 I want you to know that as a staff sergeant that's middle level management so we don't really need to do that we don't need to do fire watch but I got the 10 a 10 p.m to 2 a.m watch four hours short time and I said I'll take because you understand I want you to understand about the war we there was times that I didn't sleep for three days." [01:25:10] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we worship God that worship goes to him directly when I when I read the word and preach this morning I'm gonna tell you right now God's not taking notes saying oh man that's good oh man that's really good but when we worship the Lord oh he just takes that he just receives that worship the word what pastor David does every Sunday what pastor Gomez does every Sunday what emmy pastor or anybody that opens their mouth and edifies and builds the church they are doing it to edify you to build you up not to destroy you not to tear you down but we as a church as a community we need to speak those things that be not as though they were speak faith into your life build each other up." [01:26:47] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You know, in the Bible, in Luke 6, verse 48 and 49, it actually shows us two people. It shows us a sinner, and it shows us a Christian. And it shows that we're going to go through the same things. You have a choice to be with God, or without God. I'm going to read it to you. It says, in Luke chapter 6, 48, this is what it says. He says, he is like a man which has built a house. He digged deep and laid the foundation on the rock. Amen. The rock. And when the flood arose, because it's going to come, and the stream beat verminly. Verminly is a great force, furious, violent, forcible, mighty. He said, it beat upon the house, but it could not shake it. Hallelujah. For it was founded on the rock, the rock of my salvation." [01:53:37] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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