1. The Work of the Local Church EDIFICATION (Bible Authority, Part 13) 1

2. “to build a house” -- “…promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers…” “to strengthen, more firmly establish, improve”, Col. 2:6-7 (4-5, 8, 10) The work of promoting spiritual growth is a clear mission of the local church, 1 Cor. 14:26 2 E DIFY

3. God’s tool for edification is His word, Acts 20:32; 1 Pet. 2:2 Not games and gimmicks, not social, medical or political agendas, etc. 3

4. E DIFICATION OF C HRISTIANS (Acts 14:21-22) Helps us withstand temptation and sin, Eph. 4:11-16 Spiritual maturity helps us recognize sin, Heb. 5:13-14 Grow in use of the armor of God to withstand Satan, Eph. 6:11 (13-17) Helps develop godly character, 2 Pet. 1:5-11 4

5. E DIFICATION OF C HRISTIANS (Acts 14:21-22) Help edify each other, 1 Ths. 5:11; 2 Cor. 12:19 For growth of this church, Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:18-20; Gal. 6:1-2 For harmony in this church, Rom. 14:19 (Matt. 5:23-24) For the salvation of Christians, 1 Pet. 2:1-2 5

6. E DIFICATION IS I NDIVIDUAL The church is edified when each Christian grows, Col. 2:5-7; Eph. 4:16 Individuals are urged to grow, 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:8 Must strengthen ourselves to be able to help others grow In speech, Eph. 4:29 Love & good works, Heb. 10:24-25 6

7. E DIFICATION AS A W ORK OF THE L OCAL C HURCH Ways local church works to edify its members, Acts 9:31 Worship assemblies, Heb. 10:24- 25; 1 Cor. 14:26 Singing, Col. 3:16 Lord’s supper, 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Not with recreation, secular education, crafts, child care, etc., 1 Cor. 11:34 7

8. E DIFICATION IS A W ORK OF THE L OCAL C HURCH Ways local church works to edify its members, Acts 9:31 Bible teaching, Acts 20:28, 32 Preaching, Acts 20:7 Classes, Acts 11:23, 26; 20:20 8

9. E DIFICATION IS A W ORK OF THE L OCAL C HURCH Ways local church works to edify its members, Acts 9:31 Disciplining sin, 1 Cor. 5:4-7; Rom. 16:17-19; Phil. 3:17-19 Exhorting brethren to do good, 1 Ths. 5:14-15; Gal. 6:10 9

10. E DIFICATION (T HE W ORK OF THE L OCAL C HURCH ) Let all things be done for edification. 1 Cor. 14:26 (Rom. 14:19) 10