1. Edification

2. Defined The Greek word oikodomē, oft translated “edification,” describes the process of building, o either literally, i.e., the construction of a physical structure, o or figuratively, i.e., the edification/upbuilding of God’s spiritual house.

3. Physical Buildings The word is used literally of physical buildings, specifically the Temple of Herod (Matt. 24:1; Mark 13:1, 2). King Herod used his many building projects to curry favor with the Jewish people and to provide an enduring legacy.

4. Physical Buildings

5. Spiritual Buildings The word is also used figuratively of the building up of the body of Christ, either collectively or individually. The church is God’s building (1 Cor. 3:6-9) that grows into a holy temple in the Lord (Eph. 2:19-22).

6. The Work of Edification The responsibility of building up the body of Christ falls upon o those who occupy divinely authorized offices (2 Cor. 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Eph. 4:11- 12), o and upon each individual member (Rom. 14:19; 15:2; Eph. 4:16; 4:29).

7. The Adoue Street Congregation

8. Conclusion Are you engaged in actions that build up or tear down? If we are faithful, ultimately we will enjoy a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1ff).