Bread From Heaven

Armor of God - Spiritual Teamwork

Dear Heavenly Father,
Say what you want us to hear. Give me your wisdom to share with others and to explain your Word in a way that makes sense and is easy to understand. Open our hearts and minds to embrace your truth. Thank you for your wisdom.
In Christ’s name I ask it,
Amen

Ephesians 6:18b... and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I felt led by the Holy Spirit to add a study in this week on Spiritual Teamwork. So we will extend the Armor of God study into the first week of June. I have updated the Bible Study schedule plan on the forum page to reflect this also.

Jude 1:20-21

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

The Most Holy Faith

What does it mean to build ourselves up on our most Holy Faith? I believe it tells us how to do that in verses 20 and 21. Building yourselves up is kind of self-explanatory I think, but verse 21 goes on to say on your most Holy Faith. I get the mental picture of Faith in Christ being our firm foundation.

1 Peter 2:1-8 ▼

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

We build ourselves up by praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God, and looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. While it is important that we build up our own faith in Christ. We need to help build up the faith and relationship with Jesus in other people too.

Building Each Other Up

🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
You can do it! Have faith! Pray a little prayer! Call upon the Lord! Praise God! God is Faithful! God is kind! Glory to the God in the Highest! Hallelujah! Pursue Peace! There is joy in Salvation! Blessed be the name of the Lord, who is worthy to be praised! God is so Good! What an awesome God we serve! Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! Who can be compared unto Him? Our God is like no other! He is the living God! He is upon His thrown! He is God above all gods! He created the heavens and the earth! Cry out to Jesus! God keeps my tears in a bottle. In his presence, there is joy! The joy of the Lord is my strength! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! All things work together for our good because we have been called according to his purpose!
🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅

We need to hear those things from others. When our faith is week, we can build each other up in with encouragement. The Bible says we are to pray for one another, build each other up, encourage one another, confess our faults to one another, provoke each other in love and good works, be kind to one another, and edify each other. We are to be unified into one body, the body of Christ. We are to fellowship with other believers. We need each other. We are a team, a family.
Psalm 133:1 ▼

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It would be foolish for a soldier to try to fight another entire army all by himself. He would not stand a chance for victory. God did not design us to fight all our battles on our own. He has provided us with resources to help us along the way. Other believers in Christ is one of those resources, along with the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the armor of God.
Hebrews 10:22-25 ▼

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We are told there will be:
Suffering, 1 Peter 4:12-14 ▼

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Persecution, John 15:20 ▼

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

and 2 Timothy 3:12 ▼

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Trials of all kindsJames 1:2-4 ▼

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

We need grace-filled reminders. Without encouragement from others, we will feel unloved, unimportant, useless, and forgotten. Being united involves genuine care and concern for one another.
Hebrews 13:12-15 ▼

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Esteem Others Higher Than Yourself

Have favorable thoughts towards others in your circle of influence. Regard them highly. Give them your greatest respect.
Philippians 2:3 ▼

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Speak Wisely

Think before you speak. Praise the good in others. Avoid confrontation. Find ways to make it better together. Give everyone their due respect. Humble yourself.
Psalm 37:30-31 ▼

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Be Encouraging

Encouragement is an expression of sincere hope in the future.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ▼

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Be Quick To Forgive

Forgiveness relieves us from guilt and shame, and keeps bitterness from taking root in our heart.
Ephesians 4:26 ▼

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:31-32 ▼

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:13 ▼

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Be Understanding

Be an active listener. Ask questions to gain insight. Accept what the speaker is saying. Do not condemn. If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all.
Proverbs 4:7 ▼

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Seek Peace

The Bible tells us to seek peace with all men with everything that lies within us. We must pursue peace.
Romans 12:18 ▼

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 14:19 ▼

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Do Not Complain and Dispute With Others.
Philippians 2:14 ▼

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Envy and strife lead to evil and confusion. The fruits of Righteousness are planted in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:14-18 ▼

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Do Not Gossip

Don't spread rumors. Keep the secrets of others to yourself.
Proverbs 11:13 ▼

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 26:20 ▼

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Share Your Knowledge of Christ With Others

Sharing our knowledge with others helps us learn. It help us discover and understand interesting things. It helps us remember what we have learned. Sharing knowledge improves conversations and edifies one another.
Proverbs 20:15 ▼

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Proverbs 9:9 ▼

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

We also build ourselves up in the faith by hearing the Word of God. We can read it and share it with others so they can hear it too. Our faith is also built up when we hear it taught or preached from other people.
Romans 10:17 ▼

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Stay Humble

Pride comes before the fall. If we remain humble before God and our fellow man, God will lift us up when the time is right. Cast all your cares upon God because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 ▼

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be Positive

This is actually a Biblical principle. I have known some very negative Christians. Negativity hurts your witness. It pulls down. It does not build up. Remaining positive is good for you and everyone around you.
Ephesians 5:19-20 ▼

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Philippians 4:8 ▼

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Be Patient

We must be patient with ourselves, others, and God. They say that good things come to those who wait.
Galations 6:9 ▼

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Roman 12:12 ▼

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

While we are being patient, this means we are slow to anger. The anger of man does not produce God's righteousness. Being angry does not build anyone up.
James 1:19-20 ▼

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Celebrate The Success Of Others

We can celebrate the success of others even when we wish the success was our own. By God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can celebrate and encourage the achievements of others.
Luke 15:4-10 ▼

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Praying In The Power Of The Holy Spirit

We need to commit to pray for others. We should have a desire to grow our understanding of God. We should be motivated by passionate service. God takes the requests/desires of the righteous seriously when they pray according to His will. Prayer is one way we can get to know the love of our Savior and helps bring us all closer together in the love of Christ.

In prayer, we:
*Discern the will of God
*Contemplate His goodness
*Seek reconciliation with God
*Intercede for others
*Bring the concerns of this world before God

We can pray for the spiritual blessings of others:
1. We can pray for them to have faith.
Luke 22:31-32 ▼

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

2. We can pray for them not to enter into temptation.
Luke 22:40 ▼

And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

3. We can pray for our fellow Christians to be unified.
John 17:11 ▼

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

4. We can pray that others will be sanctified.
John 17:17 ▼

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

5. We can pray for the salvation of others.
Romans 10:1 ▼

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 Peter 3:9 ▼

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

6. We can pray that others would stay on the right path.
2 Corinthians 13:7 ▼

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

7. We can pray for others to be filled with the fullness of God and many other spiritual blessings.
Ephesians 3:14-19 ▼

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Keeping Ourselves In The Love Of God

Jesus commanded us to love one another. Agape love is a self-sacrificing, thoughtful, and purposeful love. This is the way Jesus loves us, and He wants us to love others the same way.
John 13:34-35 ▼

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives the perfect definition of love at its finest.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ▼

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Looking For The Mercy Of Our Lord Jesus Christ Unto Eternal Life

We need to express what is on our hearts in a way that blesses others. We need to bless others even when they curse us. We need to show mercy and compassion to our fellow human beings.
Matthew 5:7 ▼

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Romans 12:14 ▼

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

If you truly want to make a difference in the world, build others up. Don't pull them down. Christians should come together as a team to build each other up and lead others into relationship with Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ▼

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. – William A. Ward

In closing:
God is not a God of confusion. He is a God of peace. Peace is not confusion and confusion is not peace. Our spiritual gifts are to be used to build others up in Christ Jesus. They are to be used for edification.
1 Corinthians 14:26 ▼

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

1 Corinthians 14:33 ▼

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Does your words or actions edify and build others up, or do they break them down? Do they cause confusion or peace? We need to think before we speak or act. Everything needs to be done in decency and in order. Spiritual gifts are not to be used for showing off and bringing attention to ourselves. Satan will use confusion to discourage the church.
1 Corinthians 14:40 ▼

Let all things be done decently and in order.

A built up church is full of love for one another, serving their community, using their spiritual gifts to edify others, and are well-trained in the Word of God.

Resources ▼

https://biblehub.com/jude/1-20.htm

https://scripturalseeds.org/2017/07/20/july-20th-2017-encourage-one-another/

https://passionateprayer.org/2018/05/15/encourage-one-another-with-prayer/

https://www.incourage.me/2016/07/encourage-one-another.html

https://pilgrimatthecrossroads.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/pray-for-one-another-jam...

https://familyradio316.com/build-one-another-up/

https://newlife.com/effective-communication/

https://thesoulsower.com/2019/11/07/encourage-one-another/

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/ten-simple-ways-to-build-each-other-up/

https://encourageyourspouse.com/build-each-other-up-2/

https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-bible-verses-about-knowledge/

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Speech/

Jesus is my permanent anchor!