“A TIME TO BREAK DOWN, AND A TIME TO BUILD UP”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1

1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. We began this study last Lord’s Day, and continue tonight.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:3c-d Our study resumes this evening with “a time to break down, and a time to build up.”

I. “A TIME TO BREAK DOWN”

A. On a number of occasions, God has broken down what man has wickedly built up.

1. Genesis 11:1-9 God broke down the efforts of the people at Babel to avoid being scattered (4), contrary to His repeated will (1:28; 8:17; 9:1).

2. Genesis 19:24-25, 28 He broke down the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because their inhabitants had “gone after strange flesh” (Jude 7).

3. Leviticus 26:27-35; 2nd Chronicles 36:17-21 God also broke down kingdoms He built because they followed after idols.

B. God also expects mankind to break down its own evil edifices.

1. Hebrews 11:30; Joshua 6:1-21 He instructed Israel, under Joshua, to break down the walls of Jericho by faith in Him.

2. Deuteronomy 7:1-6; 12:1-5 (Exodus 34:10-17) God demanded that Israel break down altars of idol worship.

a. 2nd Kings 11:17-18; (2nd Chronicles 23:16-17)

b. 2nd Chronicles 14:1-5

c. 2nd Chronicles 31:1

d. 1st Kings 13:1-5; 2nd Kings 22:1-23:25; (2nd Chronicles 34:1-33)

3. 2nd Corinthians 10:4-5 He calls on us, as Christians, to break down all spiritual obstacles.

II. “A TIME TO BUILD UP”

A. The Lord builds.

1. Psalm 127:1 If the Lord didn’t build it, it’s not worth building.

2. Matthew 16:18 The Lord promised to build His church.

3. Ephesians 2:19-22 We may be a part of the church that Jesus built.

B. We must build.

1. 1st Peter 2:4-5 As living stones, we must continue building in this spiritual house.

2. Ephesians 4:11-16, 29 When we are called to edify the body of Christ, this means that we build upon it.

3. Jude 20-25 We are to be built on faith.

4. Colossians 2:6-7 We are to be built on Christ.

5. Romans 14:19; 15:2; 1st Thessalonians 5:11 We must build up one another.

6. Luke 14:28-30 Before you begin to build, be sure you are committed to the task.

CONCLUSION

A. God calls on you to break down whatever separates you from righteousness.

B. He also calls on you to be built into Christ’s church and to keep building!

Grace Be With You, Bryan Matthew Dockens

Return to the "A Time For Every Purpose" index page

Return to the Sermon Outlines page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /