The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

OIKODOMEO (BUILD UP)

The word of God is truth. God's word admonishes us to pray in the Holy Ghost, why? He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.”  (1 Cor. 14:4).  “Edifies” means “builds up.” Other translations put it as: “builds himself up;”(HCSB), “helps himself grow;”(GW),“is strengthened personally;”(NLT) “does good to himself;”(WEY); “improves himself” (Modern Language Trans.). The word "Building up" is a very interesting word. In the Greek lexicon it means "Oikodomeo". It means to erect a building, to build a house, to restore, rebuild and repair. In addition, it means to grow in wisdom and grace. 

Praying in tongues will help you make progress, and cause you to rise like an edifice, higher and higher. The more you pray in tongues, the more sensitive you are to the Spirit, to receive and follow His guidance in all you do. Praying in tongues is relying on the Holy Ghost to pray for you covering up your shortcomings (Romans 8:26). Praying in the Spirit is communing with God. The importance of praying in tongues can never be overemphasised. As a Christian, to significantly improve your spiritual growth and comprehension, praying in tongues is an extremely vital element.

1Corinthians 14:12: "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God…in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." 

This is a vital tool God has given the New Testament church for victory. Jesus died to make you victorious. He gave you the Holy Spirit as your advantage against the world. Jesus will not have given us what He didn't have. In essence, the Apostles spoke in tongues, the early church spoke in tongues, why shouldn't you speak in tongues? Make use of this instrument because it will guarantee you a life filled with the power. Praying in the Spirit makes tremendous power available (James 5:16). Oikodomeo emboldens you, pray without ceasing, and watch how your life takes shape.

Prayer: Father, I speak life into my being that I build up my spirit man with your words.

Further reading: 1Corinthians 14:10-12

Read through the Bible: Job 40 & II Corinthians 10