BUILDING UP, NOT TEARING DOWN

BUILDING UP, NOT TEARING DOWN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 13:10

Key Verse: “Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.” — 2 Corinthians 13:10

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:29; Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:1; Galatians 6:1-2; Jude 1:20-23; Matthew 18:15

Description: Building up others means using our words, actions, correction, gifts, and influence to strengthen faith, restore lives, promote spiritual growth, and advance God's purpose rather than destroying or discouraging people.

INTRODUCTION

In 2 Corinthians 13:10, Paul explained that the authority the Lord had given him was for “edification, and not to destruction.” Paul had apostolic authority, but he understood that authority was not given to him to intimidate, humiliate, or destroy people. It was given to build them up and help them become stronger in Christ.

This principle applies to every believer. God has given each of us influence through our words, attitudes, relationships, gifts, positions, and opportunities. We can use that influence to build people or tear them down. A word can encourage someone to continue, while another word can make someone give up. A correction can restore a person, while a harsh and humiliating approach can push that person further away.

The church must therefore become a place of edification. We should correct what is wrong, but our ultimate purpose should be restoration and growth. We should speak truth, but speak it in love. We should identify weaknesses, but also help people become stronger. We should ask ourselves continually: “Is what I am saying or doing building this person up or tearing this person down?”

1. UNDERSTAND THAT GOD GIVES US POWER TO BUILD

Every spiritual authority and influence we possess should be used according to God's purpose.

a. Authority Is For Edification (2 Corinthians 13:10) — Paul recognised that the authority God gave him was intended to build the church rather than destroy it.

b. Gifts Are For The Common Good (1 Corinthians 12:7) — Spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of others, not merely for personal recognition.

c. Ministry Is For Equipping The Saints (Ephesians 4:11-12) — God gives ministers to equip His people for service and help the body of Christ mature.

d. Leadership Should Strengthen People (1 Peter 5:2-3) — Spiritual leaders should guide God's people willingly and faithfully rather than dominating them.

Biblical Example: Barnabas used his influence to encourage the believers in Antioch and helped strengthen the young church (Acts 11:22-24).

2. BUILD OTHERS WITH YOUR WORDS

Words are powerful instruments of either construction or destruction.

a. Speak What Builds (Ephesians 4:29) — Our communication should minister grace to those who hear us and meet the needs of the moment.

b. Speak Life (Proverbs 18:21) — Words can have profound effects, so believers must use their speech carefully.

c. Give Timely Encouragement (Proverbs 15:23) — A well-timed word can bring joy and strength to a person who is facing difficulty.

d. Avoid Words That Wound (Proverbs 12:18) — Reckless words can pierce like a sword, while wise speech can bring healing.

Biblical Example: Abigail used wise words to prevent David from taking revenge against Nabal, protecting many lives from unnecessary destruction (1 Samuel 25:23-35).

3. BUILD THROUGH ENCOURAGEMENT

Encouragement gives people strength to continue when they are tired or discouraged.

a. Encourage One Another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) — Believers are commanded to comfort one another and build each other up.

b. Strengthen The Weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14) — The church should support those who are weak and be patient with everyone.

c. Stir Up Love And Good Works (Hebrews 10:24) — We should deliberately motivate others towards love and productive Christian service.

d. Restore The Discouraged (Isaiah 35:3-4) — God's people should strengthen weak hands and encourage fearful hearts with faith in God.

Biblical Example: Jonathan strengthened David in God when David was under intense pressure from Saul (1 Samuel 23:15-18).

4. CORRECT IN ORDER TO RESTORE

Building people does not mean ignoring sin or refusing to correct wrong behaviour.

a. Correct With Gentleness (Galatians 6:1) — Those who are spiritual should restore a person caught in a fault with meekness.

b. Speak Truth In Love (Ephesians 4:15) — Truth should be communicated in a way that promotes spiritual growth rather than unnecessary injury.

c. Correct Privately When Possible (Matthew 18:15) — Jesus taught that personal offences should first be addressed directly and privately.

d. Seek The Person's Recovery (2 Timothy 2:24-25) — Correction should create an opportunity for repentance and restoration.

Biblical Example: Nathan confronted David concerning his sin, but the purpose of the confrontation was to bring David to repentance and restore him to a right relationship with God (2 Samuel 12:1-13).

5. BUILD BY BEARING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS

People become stronger when they know they do not have to carry their struggles alone.

a. Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2) — Helping others carry difficult burdens fulfils the law of Christ.

b. Bear The Weaknesses Of The Weak (Romans 15:1) — Spiritually strong believers should support those who are struggling rather than despising them.

c. Pray For One Another (James 5:16) — Prayer allows us to carry the needs of others before God.

d. Show Practical Compassion (1 John 3:17-18) — Genuine Christian love must be demonstrated through practical action and not merely words.

Biblical Example: Four men carried their paralysed friend to Jesus when the crowd prevented them from reaching Him easily. Their determination brought him into the presence of Christ (Mark 2:1-5).

6. REFUSE TO TEAR PEOPLE DOWN

The believer must consciously reject attitudes and behaviours that destroy others.

a. Avoid Gossip (Proverbs 16:28) — Gossip can separate close friends and create unnecessary division.

b. Reject Slander (Titus 3:2) — Believers are instructed not to speak evil of others but to show gentleness towards everyone.

c. Put Away Bitterness (Ephesians 4:31) — Bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice must not control Christian relationships.

d. Do Not Judge Hypocritically (Matthew 7:1-5) — Jesus warned against condemning others while ignoring our own weaknesses and failures.

Biblical Example: Joseph had the opportunity to destroy his brothers after gaining authority in Egypt, but he chose forgiveness and preservation instead (Genesis 50:15-21).

7. BUILD THROUGH UNITY AND PEACE

A healthy church is built when believers deliberately strengthen their relationships with one another.

a. Pursue Peace (Romans 14:19) — Believers should follow those things that make for peace and mutual edification.

b. Be Of One Mind (2 Corinthians 13:11) — Unity strengthens the body of Christ and protects it from destructive division.

c. Let Love Bind You Together (Colossians 3:14) — Love is the bond that brings believers together despite their differences.

d. Preserve The Unity Of The Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) — Christians must make every effort to maintain unity through humility, patience, and love.

Biblical Example: The believers in the early church shared fellowship, resources, prayer, and spiritual instruction, demonstrating the strength that comes through unity (Acts 2:42-47).

8. USE YOUR LIFE TO BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION

One of the greatest forms of edification is helping others become stronger than they were before they encountered us.

a. Teach Others The Word (2 Timothy 2:2) — Mature believers should entrust God's truth to faithful people who can teach others.

b. Mentor Younger Believers (Titus 2:3-5) — Older and more mature believers have a responsibility to guide those who are coming behind them.

c. Develop Other Servants (Ephesians 4:12) — Ministry should equip people to serve rather than create unnecessary dependence upon one individual.

d. Leave A Godly Legacy (Psalm 78:5-7) — God's people should pass His truth from one generation to another so that future generations can know and trust Him.

Biblical Example: Paul invested in Timothy and instructed him to commit the truth he had received to faithful people who would teach others (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

CONCLUSION

God has placed something in every believer that can strengthen someone else. Your words can build confidence, your prayers can strengthen faith, your correction can restore a fallen person, and your practical support can help someone survive a difficult season. Do not use your influence carelessly. Before you speak or act, consider whether what you are about to do will help or harm.

Paul understood that spiritual authority should be exercised for edification and not destruction. Let this become our principle in the family, church, ministry, workplace, and community. Build people with love, strengthen them with truth, encourage them with hope, correct them with gentleness, and help them fulfil God's purpose. May your life become a divine construction site where people become stronger, better, and more established in Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, make me an instrument of edification, encouragement, restoration, and spiritual growth, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, sanctify my words and help me to speak words that build rather than destroy, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from gossip, slander, bitterness, anger, and every attitude that tears people down, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me wisdom to correct people with truth, love, gentleness, and the desire for restoration, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to bear the burdens and weaknesses of those who are struggling around me, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to recognise discouraged, wounded, and weak people and give me grace to strengthen them, in Jesus name.

7. Father, use my gifts, resources, influence, and position to build Your church and strengthen Your people, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to promote unity, peace, love, and reconciliation wherever You have placed me, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me a spiritual mentor who will strengthen younger believers and raise faithful servants for the next generation, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually produce people who are stronger, more mature, more fruitful, and more established in Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall become an instrument of edification and not destruction.

2. Your words shall bring life, healing, courage, wisdom, and strength to those who hear you.

3. The Lord shall use your influence to restore wounded and discouraged people.

4. You shall receive wisdom to correct others without destroying their dignity or faith.

5. You shall not become a source of division, gossip, bitterness, or confusion.

6. Your family and ministry shall become environments where people are strengthened and established in Christ.

7. Your gifts, resources, and opportunities shall be used for the advancement of God's kingdom.

8. You shall raise, mentor, and strengthen people who will fulfil God's purposes in their generation.

9. The Lord shall make your life a testimony of encouragement, restoration, unity, and spiritual growth.

10. Wherever you go, you shall build and not destroy, strengthen and not weaken, restore and not reject, and your life shall bring glory to God, in Jesus name.