In Mark 12:31, Jesus instructed us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. This includes so much as helping others grow in Christ among others. To help a fellow believer in his growth journey is so much of a privilege and in result, it greatly benefits the entire body of Christ. Helping others to grow in Christ is in the very little things that we do. How then can we truly help other believers to grow in Christ?
1. Bible Study
It is necessary to encourage other believers to engage in Bible study. In 2nd Timothy 2:15, Apostle Paul advised Timothy and by extension, every believer to study the scriptures properly in order to shew ourselves approved unto God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed and rightly dividing the word of truth. Bible study is necessary and it includes attending Bible study meetings, visiting brethren for Bible study sessions, Bible readings, recitals, memorisation, meditation and most importantly, personal Bible study sessions. These help you prepare for a life of service to God and ultimately help you grow in Christ. When you help the next person grow through Bible study,
2. Teaching God's word
Not every believer gets firsthand knowledge and understanding of God's word immediately when they read. The light from God's word is bright, but then it is gradual because excessive light in itself can be blinding. As such, one way to help other believers (especially new, young ones) in growing is to invite them to church, make sure they take notes and listen attentively to the teachings and sermon. Many times, the impact may not look like it at first but as time goes on you will see the unconcealed changes.
3. Call Them to Fellowship
In Acts 2:42, we read that members of the early church continually and faithfully devoted themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers. In the same manner, you can help someone grow in Christ by committing yourself to calling them for fellowship. During these fellowships, you may generally learn a different topic each month or so on specific evenings (as the case may be) relating to being a disciple of Jesus, get prepared by coming, learning, and putting what you've learned into practice. Also, in Hebrews 10:25, Apostle Paul admonished the believers never to forsake the assembly of one another, as was the custom of some, but exhorting one another in Christ. These are ways to serve others within and without the church. By fellowship, it means that Christianity should not just be a Sunday thing, but a consistent activity in the body of Christ.
4. Encourage One-on-one Discipleship
You can also prepare God's people by learning to disciple another person in a life-on-life, or one on one method. This is where you spent a few hours of your week walking with another believer, encouraging them, and helping them grow in the faith. In the book of Ephesians 4:11, we read that some were gifted as apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. All of these gifts work hand in hand and function best in the place of encouragement and discipleship. Mastery in these gifts of the spirit is a matter of consistent learning and that is what discipleship offers.
Read: The Power of Sacrificial Giving
5. Pray for Them
Another responsibility to help other believers grow in Christ is to pray continually for others, encourage, follow up and also watch yourself. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27 talks about how he keeps his body under subjection so that after preaching to others, himself should not be a castaway.
Conclusively, to help other's grow in Christ is a great responsibility. Not anyone can get involved in this except God gives strength and grace.
I really love the topic. God bless you Mr gift
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