EDIFICATION The Often Neglected and Abused New Testament

EDIFICATION The Often Neglected and Abused New Testament Command

Edification: Why Is It Neglected? “I don’t understand it; ” no, the NT is clear on the subject (Ac. 20: 32; Eph. 4: 12, 16) “It is unnecessary; ” no, it is a part of the New Testament church (Mt. 16: 18; “will build” = “edify; ” Acts 9: 31) “It is optional; ” no, it is a command (1 Thess. 5: 11)

Edification: Why Is It Neglected? “It can be left alone; ” no, it will cause problems without it (Rom. 14: 19; 15: 2) “It’s always being done; ” well, maybe not

Edification: What Is It? “Edify” comes from a Greek word that means “to build up, to construct” Edification is not “what makes me feel good; ” not a matter of an emotional, private experience, or sentiment

Edification: What Is It? Edification requires the mind, knowledge, instruction, understanding; no understanding, no edification (1 Cor. 14: 1619)

Edification: How Is It Done? Proclaiming God’s word (Eph. 4: 1112; 1 Cor. 14: 3 -5, 12, 26; 2 Cor. 10: 8; 13: 10; Eph. 2: 20 -21) Promoting peace and practicing selfless conduct (Rom. 14: 19; 15: 12) Working together in love (1 Cor. 8: 1; Eph. 4: 16)

Edification: How Is It Done? Using good speech (Eph. 4: 29; 2 Cor. 12: 19) Offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2: 5; “built up” = “edify”)

Edification: Can It Be Unscriptural? Yes, when it comes in the form of… • Entertainment in worship (solos, choirs, instruments, hand clapping, cheering, joke-telling, human philosophy in sermons, etc. ) • Church sponsored human institutions (colleges, etc. ) • Social gospel (camps, social and recreational activities sponsored by

Edification: Can It Be Unscriptural? The local church is fully equipped to edify itself (Eph. 4: 16) using God’s word alone to do it (Ac. 20: 32)

Edification: How Do I Get Involved? Start with God’s word each time Speak up with encouraging words Put the church, as a whole, first Be active working with other members Demand quality preaching and Bible class teaching