1. Authority and Edification
A Study Of Authority
Authority
and Edification
Title Page for every Lesson on Authority
A. Christ Saves Us
B. Christ’s Words Judge Us
C. If we want to be saved by the Savior, we must conform to the standard of Judgment!
(Presentations are basically an adaptation of material found in Billy W. Moore’s classbook, A Study of Authority)

2. Introduction We have learned in past lessons the need for authority
Two kinds of authority (Generic & Specific)
Means of establishing authority (Command, Example, Inference)
With this lesson we seek to make application, recognizing our need for authority in the realm of edification (Matthew 28:18-20)

3. Authority And Edification
"Edification" defined: "The act of building; this is used only figuratively in the N.T., in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth.“
The verbs "edify" and "edifying" are "used metaphorically, in the sense of edifying, promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of patient labor." (W.E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

4. Authority For The Church To Engage In The Work Of Edification
Direct Statement
1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:16
Apostolic Example
Church in Corinth came together for the purpose of edification (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Certain gifts forbidden, because they did not edify (verses 27-28)
See Acts 2:46; 11:26

5. Church Must Be Strengthened In The Faith
Not numerical growth alone, but development of spiritual strength. cf. Ephesians 6:10-18
No longer children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Ephesians 4:14-15
No longer babes fed on milk but of full age and able to take meat. Hebrews 5:12-14
Titus given this responsibility in Crete. Titus 1:13-2:1
Timothy likewise charged in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 4:2-5; 1 Timothy 2:14-16, 23-26

6. God set teachers in the early church (1 Corinthians 12:28)
There Were Teachers Set In The Early Church For The Purpose Of EDIFICATION.
God set teachers in the early church (1 Corinthians 12:28)
In the beginning, miraculous gifts were needed to provide adequate teaching.
Teachers were set, with miraculous powers, given by the laying on of the apostles hands.
NOTE: Romans 12:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

7. There Were Teachers Set In The Early Church For The Purpose Of EDIFICATION.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave gifts unto men (Ephesians 4:7-16)
Apostles and Prophets revealed divine truth (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; John 16:13)
Evangelists, for the propagation of the truth revealed (Stephen (Acts 7), Philip (Acts 8), Timothy, Titus, Barnabas, etc.
Pastors (Elders) and teachers for the work of edifying in the local church (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 5:2)

8. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
Edified itself (cf. Ephesians 4:16)
God has organized the church to do the work
Whatever is necessary for the work of edification is supplied to the church by God (Place – provision – personnel)

9. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
Physical classifications in teaching
Young men and aged men (Titus 2:2,6)
Young women and aged women (Titus 2:3-4)

10. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
Other physical classifications in teaching
Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1- 4)
Husbands and Wives (Ephesians 5:22- 25)
Masters and servants (Titus 2:9; Ephesians 6:5-9)

11. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
Mental classifications
Adults and children, their thinking and understanding differ (1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20)
Spiritual classifications
Babes (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14)
Full Age (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:2)

12. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
There is no specific legislation on How, Where or When these groups are to be taught.
Generic authority. Decisions can be made regarding: Place, time, persons to teach and be taught, Arrangements.
Elders have authority to make such provisions, (expediencies), providing they do not go beyond KIND, and do something other than teaching.

13. How The CHURCH Did Its Work Of Edification
No other institution given for such a work!

14. The Bible Pattern of Edification
Place
Personnel
Provisions

15. Not The Bible Pattern of Edification
Place
Personnel
Provisions
Sunday School or College

16. Violations Of The Pattern
Establishing a man made organization like a Sunday School or College to do the work of edification for the church.
The church engaging in the work of secular education.
Using a “sponsoring church” arrangement to engage in the work of edification.

17. The Work Of The Church In Edification Does Not Involve Recreational And Social Activities.
While it is altogether proper and desirable for Christians to have such interests, it must be understood that these are wholly to be divorced from, as having no legitimate connection with, the church of Christ in its mission and activity. l. Many congregations have built facilities (Family Life Centers, Fellowship Halls, etc.) as a part of their operations. 2. There isn't an instance of the use of the word "fellowship" in the relation between the children of God and their relationship to God and Christ that warrants such a use of this word.

18. The Work Of The Church In Edification Does Not Involve Recreational And Social Activities.
3. There isn't anything about Christians eating together that is akin to the fellowship of the saints. 4. The kingdom of God is not "meat and drink" (Romans 14:17), and to bring such into the church as an activity of the church is to be guilty of innovation (cf. Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 11:22,34). 5. NOTE: There is no intention to reflect against the propriety of Christians associating in social and recreational activities when they are recognized as a function of the home and are completely divorced from the work and activity of the church.

19. Let The Church Do Its Work Of Edification Through:
l. Worship. Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3: Faithful teaching. Ephesians 4: Proper discipline. Titus 3:10; Romans 16: Through proper love and consideration of the members one for another. Ephesians 4:29-32; Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:25.

20. Authority and Edification
Questions ?
Authority and Edification

21. Question 1
Give the Scriptures which give a divine command and approved examples for the work of edification in the local church.
Divine Command: 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:16
Examples: 1 Corinthians 14:2-28; Acts 2:46; 11:26

22. Question 2
Name the different classifications given in the New Testament which distinguish differences in the groups which are to be taught.
Age
Young men and Aged Men
Young women and Aged Women
Roles
Children and Parents
Husbands and Wives
Masters and Servants

23. Question 2 (continued) Mental Abilities Adults and Children
Name the different classifications given in the New Testament which distinguish differences in the groups which are to be taught.
Mental Abilities
Adults and Children
Spiritual Classifications
Babes and Full Age

24. Question 3
Is there specific legislation given in the New Testament regarding How, When or Where the teaching in the church is to be done? If not, are there limitations on how it can be accomplished?
The command to teach is generic, and not limited to any particular technique or location, so long as it is the gospel that is taught. As the command is generic in nature, we have liberty to choose any expedient means of accomplishing the task.

25. Question 4
Is it scriptural for the church to establish a human institution (Sunday School, College) to do the work of edification for the church?
No, whatever God has authorized the church to do, He has given the church the means to accomplish His will. If the church supports or establishes another institution, it is a violation of the pattern in the edification of its members.

26. Question 5
Is it scriptural for the church to engage in the work of secular education of its members or society?
The only work given by God for the church in the area of instruction is the preaching of the gospel “the power of God unto salvation.” Those who advocate secular education as a work of the church are guilty of promoting the “social gospel.”