The Work of the Church Duty to… Those outside the body of Christ with spiritual needs. (Evangelism) Those in the body of Christ with physical needs. (Benevolence) Those in the body of Christ with spiritual needs. (Edification)

Authority:Edification Comunicación y Gerencia Church of Christ at Medina July 10th, 2011

The Work of the Church Edification__

1.Being a babe in Christ (novice) is common to all that come to Him. 2.We are expected though to grow. (1 Peter 2:1-2) 3.This spiritual growth is a maturation process, a movement toward perfection. 4.Spiritual growth is an individual responsibility. (2 Timothy 2:15) 5.It is also a responsibility of the local congregation. (Ephesians 4:11-16) 6.Edification: “a building up” 7.Compared to a physical body

The Work of the Church EdificationExhortation_

1.Acts 14: Christians will endure sufferings, persecutions, discouragement and weakness. Therefore, there will be a need for comfort, consolation, and encouragement – or exhortations. 3.Some common exhortations include… –A reminder of the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13) –Hold fast to the fact of Christ’s return. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11) –Continue in the faith. (Acts 14:22) –Vigorously contend or fight for the faith. (Jude 3)

The Work of the Church EdificationExhortationDiscipline

1.There are times when Christians need reproof, correction, or discipline. 2.We won’t take the time to look at the details, but it is a necessary part of loving our brethren and caring for their souls.

By what means do we edify? 1.Edification doesn’t happen by accident. 2.Romans 14:19 3.Edification is an unselfish process – it’s looking out for the best interest of others. –1 Corinthians 10:23-24 –Romans 15:1-2

By what means do we edify? Christians are to be edified by… 1.Worship –Hebrews 10:24-25 –1 Corinthians 14:1-5 –Preaching: Ephesians 4:11-12 –Singing: Colossians 3:16 –Praying: Ephesians 1:15-21 –Bible Classes –Lord’s Supper 2.Active Work –Acts 9:31 –Romans 14:18-19 –Ephesians 4:16 3.Constant Effort –2 Timothy 2:15

By what means do we exhort? 1.We exhort with our words. –Acts 15:32 –Proverbs 16:24 2.We all need daily encouragements. We can help each other by… –Phone calls – s –Texts –Cards –Notes –PERSONAL VISITS!

Edification: Conclusion  We do have a grave responsibility to preach the gospel to others through evangelism and to take care of the physical needs of saints through benevolence.  The responsibility to address the spiritual needs – not social – of Christians is just as important.  We meet these needs through edification (building up), exhortation (comfort and encouragement) and discipline (correction).