The New Testament Church 2017 The Work of the Church Edification The New Testament Church 2017

What is edification? A challenge today, scripturally defining and applying words Edify – “to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift” edify, www.dictionary.com

What is edification? A word meaning to build up οἰκοδομή, (oikodome – noun); οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeo – verb) 39 times in NT A constructed building or the act of building a structure

What is edification? As a building Matthew 24:1, Luke 12:18

What is edification? Spiritually, a building 1 Corinthians 3:9, “you are God’s building” 2 Corinthians 5:1, “we have a building from God.”

What is edification? Spiritually, a building Ephesians 2:21, “the whole building…grows into a holy temple…” 1 Peter 2:5-7, “are being built a spiritual house”

What is edification? Edify, edification Romans 14:19, “edify one another” Romans 15:2, “leading to edification”

What is edification? Edify, edification 1 Corinthians 14:3-4, 12, in the worship he “speaks edification” Ephesians 4:29, let our words lead to edification 1 Corinthians 8:1, love edifies

What is edification? Edify, edification AS you study the use of this word you will find that it ALWAYS has a spiritual connotation with it (not about satisfying material needs)

What is fellowship? Fellowship κοινωνία (koinonia - Noun) & κοινωνέω (koinoneo – Verb) “close association involving mutual interests and sharing…” (BDAG) Fellowship, communion, partakers, sharing, etc. (about 38 times)

What is fellowship? Acts 2:42, apostle’s doctrine and fellowship 1 John 1:3, fellowship with “us “and the Father 1 John 1:6-7, if we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness…

What is edification? Fellowship AS you study the use of this word in the New Testament it is NEVER dealing with social gatherings, social reform, etc. but addresses a spiritual relationship. The word is also used of financially supporting brethren (because of our relationship) – in evangelism and benevolence!

The work of edification? The church is a self-edifying body Ephesians 4:11-16, when every part does its share, the body grows by edifying itself in love (vs. 16)

The work of edification? The church edifies as its leaders look out for the souls of its saints Ephesians 4:11-16 1 Peter 5:2 – elders (shepherds) Hebrews 13:7, 17 Acts 20:28-31

The work of edification? The church edifies as we worship God together While worship is primarily about God, we are edified when it is done properly 1 Corinthians 14:12, Colossians 3:16

The work of edification? The church edifies through teaching God’s word Ephesians 4:11-16 (13-15) Acts 20:32, His word is “able to build you up” Colossians 2:6-7, established in the faith as you have been taught

The work of edification? The church edifies when we assemble together 1 Corinthians 14:26 Hebrews 10:24-25, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together

The work of edification? The church edifies as we exhort and encourage one another Jude 20 Romans 14:19, 15:2 Ephesians 4:29, words that edify 1 Thessalonians 5:11, comfort and edify one another 1 Corinthians 8:1, love edifies

The work of edification? The church edifies as we grow individually As members of the body, our strengths are reflected in the church 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 3:18, cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11

What is NOT authorized Today, in the name of edification, churches engage in many unauthorized practices “Fellowship halls”, recreational activities, social seminars, counseling, secular education, etc. They sponsor teams and build human organizations.

What is NOT authorized Every one of these activities has a place in society, and if we can promote godly principles, it is good. Christians can and SHOULD be involved in such things. BUT is that what the purpose of the church is? WHERE is the authority?

What is NOT authorized In NT, such activities were NEVER used to evangelize John 6:26 Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 11:22, they ate “from house to house” and were told to “eat at home”

What is NOT authorized Thought: If it takes these activities to bring some in, what will it take to keep them?

What is NOT authorized NOTE: Christians can and ought to prefer one another, and it will result in social occasions (apart from the church) In many instances, we have taken our personal responsibilities and given them to the church. We CANNOT “hire” the church to do our personal works.

In the New Testament, edification is about building us up in the faith Let us keep the work of the church as God intended!