Edifying the Saved

 

The Work of the Church, Part 2 

Introduction

We’ve been looking at the actual work of the church. Last week we covered, “Teaching the Lost” and this week’s article is about edification of the saved. There are a lot of people out there who believe that the church should be doing so much more that what listed in scripture but if we don’t have authority to do it, then we shouldn’t. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:6, Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

 

Continue in the teachings

A lot of new converts out there have a belief that once you are baptized and become a Christian, that you are done and nothing more is needed. They follow the five steps in the obedience of the Father but then they sit back or return to their former lives assuming that since they are baptized, nothing else is necessary.

In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, Peter preached his first gospel sermon. It converted 3,000 souls (vs. 41); all being baptized. What happened next? Did they say, “Thanks guys!” and then leave? No! If you look at verse 42, you’ll see what comes next, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This is the key element that seems to be missing from conversion; continue in your salvation and build upon it.

When I used to print my articles for our congregation, I would put the steps to salvation on the back. A brother in Christ pointed out to me that baptism shouldn’t be the last step as people would get the wrong idea. That’s why I added Step 6—Be Faithful unto Death (Rev. 2:10). As I’ve stated before, becoming a Christian is a lifestyle change, not just a set of clothes we put on every Sunday.

 

What Comes Next?

New converts might ask, “Now that I’ve been baptized, what’s next?” We want to make sure we give as much attention to members of the congregation whether they’ve been a Christian for 3 days or 30 years. We want to make sure that everyone stays edified and continues in the teachings of scripture. Here’s some suggestions…

 

Bible Study

Just as we had this an example of teaching the lost, it’s also necessary for edifying the saved. The idea is to continue off of what was previously taught and build on it to increase their knowledge and faith. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If we leave someone alone after they’ve been converted, we run the risk of them get sidetracked by things of the world or hearing men speak and assume them to be words of God. One of thing that the members of Berea did was to follow along in the scriptures when Paul spoke, These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Just because Paul was an apostle, it didn’t make him flawless. He was also a human being; prone to make mistakes. This is why we can’t take anyone at their word when they proclaim the gospel.

 

The Worship Period

Another way to continue in the teachings is to attend services regularly. Some think attending the morning worship is sufficient and won’t bother to return in the evening or even for the Midweek Bible Study. In Hebrews 10:24-25 the writer says, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. In other words, as often as the church doors are opened for services, you should make the effort to be there.

 

Participation in the Service

As has been stated before, the congregation is not the audience. There is only one audience member and that is God the Father. To continue in the faith, become a participant in the service. Whether you lead songs, prayers, teach a class, assist on the Lord’s table, or follow along in your bible; be an active member to keep yourself grounded in the faith.

 

Holding up the Weak

In Romans 15:1 Paul writes, We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves (RSV). In other words, as we become stronger in the faith, we need to look out for our brethren who are not as strong. We need to always remember that we were once in their position as babes in Christ and, just as we needed help, we should be there to help others. We call this the “Buddy System” and Paul addresses this in Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

 

Teaching Others

One final example of continuing in the faith is to teach others. Even if you don’t know much of the bible, you can definitely teach someone the necessity of becoming a Christian. You went through it yourself, now you can show others. Make sure you go with someone who is an established Christian that way you can continue to learn. When challenges arise; depending on a situation, an established brother or sister in Christ can show you where in scripture a subject might be found.

 

Conclusion

Baptism is not the end of the road to salvation; it is only the beginning. You start your walk with God, with Jesus Christ, when you come up out of the water. Don’t find yourself sitting on the sidelines when for the second coming. Rather keep yourself occupied with God’s word and the work of the church!