The Need for Edification

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Def. of edify - oikodome {oy-kod-om-ay’} 1) (the act of) building, building up 2) metaph. edifying, edification 2a) the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, holiness 3) a building (i.e. the thing built, edifice) (Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon)

B.        In Matthew 16:18, Jesus told Peter that He would build His church. In Acts 2:38-41, 47, we see the establishment of the church.

C.        The Lord adds to the church when the lost are taught and converted to the Lord. (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 3:6)

D.        Once the Lord adds someone to the church, it is the local church’s responsibility to see to it that the members of the church grow and remain strong. This responsibility is summed up in the word “edify.”

E.        The Bible contains a good bit of information regarding edification. It is the purpose of this lesson to examine the need for edification and the requirements of edification.

I.         THE NEED FOR EDIFICATION.

            A.        Edification is crucial to the working of the local congregation. Members if the church must grow. They must be made strong.

            B.        The Lord has provided the necessary elements to help the local church to grow. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

                        1.         These teaching elements are to equip the saints or the members of the church for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body. (vs 11-12)

                        2.         These elements are to help the Christians to grow past spiritual “childhood” so that they will be solid and secure. (vs 13-14)

                        3.         With the proper teaching and encouragement, the members of the local church will do their part to help the local church to grow. This growth will result in the edifying of the body in love. (vs 15-16)

            C.        The apostles were given authority so that they might edify the brethren. (2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10)

                        1.         The apostles continue to edify the brethren through the recorded word of God.

                        2.         Every time you study the teachings of the apostles, you should be edified.

            D.        Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica to edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) So too must we edify one another.

II.       THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EDIFICATION.

            A.        Edification requires love. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3) (We will discuss the context of this passage later in the lesson.)

            B.        Edification requires selflessness. (Romans 15:1-3) This is particularly important in matters of judgment.

            C.        Edification requires determination or pursuit. (Romans 14:19-21; 1 Corinthians 14:26) Every action towards our brethren must be designed to build up. If our action tears them down, then we have done the brother wrong.

            D.        Edification requires Knowledge of God’s word. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

            E.        Edification requires judgment. Not ever lawful action edifies another brother.

                        1.         Our actions toward a brother following his conscience should be governed by love. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

                        2.         We should seek our brother or sister’s well being. (1 Corinthians 10:23-30)

III.      HOW DO WE EDIFY?

            A.        By assembling with the saints and participating in the worship services. (Hebrews 10:24-25; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:26ff)

            B.        By correcting a brother who has been overtaken in a fault. (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20)

            C.        By showing love in action for your brethren. (Romans 12:9-21; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

            D.        By speaking things which edify. Let us not allow our anger and emotions to cloud the way we talk to each other. (Ephesians 4:29; cf. Colossians 3:8-10)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Is your brother weak?

1.         Some may complain that they do not feel like they are a part of the group. Yet, they are the ones to leave services without talking and to reject opportunities to be around brethren.

2.         In some cases, the isolation is not self-induced, per se, but brought on by their being overlooked by other brethren. When we are in need, we should not be afraid to let that need be known.

B.        If you see that your brother is weak, go to him and help him. Learn to watch out for one another. Do your best to spot the signs of a weak brother, then take steps to build up that brother.

C.        If the local church in this city is going to continue, then we must all work to edify each other.

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The Need for Edification - October 10, 2004 - File #: 1498 - Edification

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK