This document contains the daily Quiet Times for the week of October 24-28, 2011. Each day focuses on a Bible passage about edifying one another in the body of Christ. The passages teach that we should speak truth in love to build others up, put away anger and wickedness, and use wisdom and encouragement in our speech. We are encouraged to call and write letters to other believers to edify them. The goal is for our words and attitudes to reflect Christ's forgiving nature and bring nourishment to others.

1. This week's Quiet Times:October 24-28, 2011
Edifying One Another
MONDAY
The purpose of the Body of Christ is to provide an environment for you to grow up in
the way of God. You need a holy haven here on Earth that provides nourishment and
strength to your soul so that you can keep persevering in the work of the Kingdom.
The fourth and fifth chapter of Ephesians provide much insight into the attitude you
must have as a member of the Body so that God can use you to encourage and build
each other. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Our older brethren are put in these positions for
what purpose? What must we
be united in? Can you trace the
path to maturity as described in
this passage? Notice the
purpose of the Body is for
growth towards attaining the
whole measure of the fullness
of Christ. Tall order, isn’t it? If
you are not growing, changing
and putting off your old self,
you will not be useful in the
Kingdom! Write Proverbs
11:19 on an index card and
memorize it.
Growth is shown through what you say and how you say it! Make a list of people in
the church you want to edify. Throughout the week, call them or write them an
encouraging letter, from the heart!
TUESDAY
As a person who has been called out of the world and into the Kingdom of God, the
way you treat your brothers and sisters must be holy. Read Ephesians 4:22-27. What
are you taught to put off in Christ? What must be made new? Deception and
superficiality are popular worldly attitudes. What must your new attitude reflect when
you speak to your brothers and sisters? Anger leads to separation and destruction
when sin is combined with it. Verses 26 and 27 teach you that anger must be dealt
with immediately. By speaking truthfully to each other, your anger can be used to
edify rather than to tear down. Ephesians 4:15 teaches you to speak the truth in love.
The purpose is for building each other up, not causing others to have an attitude.
Write 2 Timothy 2:21 on an index card and memorize it. Be holy as He is Holy! Who
have you called or written to?

2. WEDNESDAY
Many times I have spoken because I want to be listened to--I want to be considered
wise, bold and mature. These next passages teach me that what must come out of my
mouth should be only what builds other's up. Whether I feel comfortable or not is not
the case. Neither is what I would like to say, or what I feel like saying. What must
come out should reflect benevolence, compassion and maturity. If there is
disagreement, I need to promote peace. Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Notice what the
goal of your speech should be. What we say and how we say it needs to be towards
the purpose of building. Who will you grieve if you cannot keep your tongue under
control? (James 3:7-12) Would you like to be attached to someone who continually
grieves you? Verse 31 contains a list of things that grieve the Spirit and your brothers,
while verse 32 has a list of things that encourage and edify all. Forgiving each other
as Christ forgave you! Learn the difference between the two kinds of wisdom: read
James 3:13-18. What characteristics does Heavenly wisdom have? This is the
wisdom that brings edification! Write verse 17 on an index card and memorize it.
THURSDAY
If you don’t give yourself for the purpose of edification, you are in danger of being
cursed and in the end, burned. Read the following analogy the Hebrew writer has
given in Hebrews 6:7-8. Who is the land? What is the rain? Who are “those for whom
it is farmed”? What does it mean by thorns and thistles? As you can see, resistance to
the molding hand of God will make you worthless in the Kingdom. You don’t want to
be worthless! God wants you in the Kingdom so you can be useful in His hands!
Read 2 Timothy 2:15-16. List the characteristics of an approved workperson. What
does such a person avoid? In the previous verses we have seen, godly talk and
godless chatter have been contrasted. List some examples of godless chatter. If you
have partaken in some of this with someone, call that person and apologize for
grieving them. Write 2 Corinthians 2:14 on an index card and memorize it. How
sweet is your aroma?
FRIDAY
I believe that the ultimate expression of edification is when we speak and teach each
other with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. This expression comes out of a joyful
and thankful heart—a submissive heart, as Paul reveals in Ephesians 5:1-4 and then
in Ephesians 5:19-21. Notice that the focus of the theme we have looked at this week
is found in verses 1 and 2. According to these verses, what was so fragrant (pleasing)
about Jesus’ actions? Verses 3 and 4 contain a list of things that are not “fragrant” to
God. Can you see yourself abandoning these things and making your attitude new by
putting on your “new self”, made in the image of Christ? Your new attitude in Christ
should show encouragement, thankfulness, and submission. This will be a fragrant
aroma! Write 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 on an index card and memorize it. What kind of
aroma are you?