Let's Fill Up Each Other's Buckets!

 Let’s Fill Up Each Other’s Buckets!

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Ephesians 4:15-16 

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

This verse says that every member of the body must grow up and work together. 

Ephesians 2:20-22... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit…..do we want the Lord dwelling in a drain or a fountain?? Do we want the Lord dwelling in a bucket filler or a bucket dipper????

As believers we are growing to be a temple to be a dwelling place for God.

How do we edify the Body of Christ….how do we build each other up?

1. "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" (Eph. 4:29).

Words of grace are the right choice of words spoken at the right time with the right spirit. 

2. "Be kinds to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32).

We love each other, forgive each other, put each other first.

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Rom. 12:10, Phil. 2:4).  "Through love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).

 

3. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works . . . encouraging one another" (Heb. 10:24-25).

TEAM REFORMATION!!!

4. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).

Romans 15:14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers,[a] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another...sometimes that is how we fill each other out...by telling them the truth….it’s not always just kinds words...especially if they are not ture. Ex. making potato salad.

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

5. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (Gal. 6:2; Rom 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:26).

God gave Jonathan a special ministry of edification in David's life. Jonathan came to David and helped him find strength in God….1 Sam. 23:16 And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.

Hebrews 3:12–14, Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have shared in Christ, if we hold our first confidence firm to the end.

We need to: Develop the kind of Christian relationships in which you help each other hold fast to the promises of God and escape the deceitfulness of sin. Exhort one another day in and day out to stand fast and put on the whole armor of God.

What can we learn from  Jonathan and David about helping each other fight the fight of faith.

1. Everyone Needs Christian Friends. 

2. A Conscious Effort….we must be intentional

3. Strengthening Each Other in God

Jesus is our ultimate bucket filler!!!….

4. Reminding Each Other of the Promises of God

We need to ask each other questions: "What specific areas of your life has God been building this week?" "What is the greatest need or burden in your life?" "What can I do to minister to you?" "Do you know of any area of my life that needs to be corrected or dealt with?"

MAY WE BE BUCKET FILLERS AND NOT BUCKET DIPPERS!!!!!!