A “stagnant Christian” should be an oxymoron. God's plan for His children is that they be edified, constantly moving forward in faith. But the Christian can't become spiritually mature alone...
Notes:
Focus verse - Ephesians 4
We don’t stand in our own strength, but we are built up together on the foundation of Christ.
Upward – glorify God
Inward – edify each other
Outward – reach people with the Gospel
Edification happens inside each of us when we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus.
We are built up so that He is lifted up.
1. Edification Is Jesus’ Blueprint.
Ephesians 4:11–12
Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will never be shaken.”
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—
it’s up to you to make sure these children are prepared for spiritual battle.
Be proactively teaching your kids Biblical truth or they will be led astray.
When Jesus is the cornerstone, and when His people are equipped and built up in truth, the church stands strong.
Romans 14:19 (ESV)
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Let us pursue.
2. Edification Produces Maturity.
Ephesians 4:13–14 (NKJV)
Edification gives us:
- discernment
- stability
- resilience
Longevity doesn’t equal maturity.
Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth and call them to repentance.
True love doesn’t enable sin; it confronts it.
3. Edification Requires Every Member’s Contribution.
Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV)
It is essential, that we speak the truth in love.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Our goal is to lead people to Christ, to be a light in the world.
Speak the truth in love.
Use your gifts.
Pour into others.
---
Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.
This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.
Support the show: https://harvest.org/support
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.