By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  The scriptures have many words in it that we don’t readily use in our every day language.  One such word is “edification.”  Regardless how often we use the word, we must use it with its proper meaning.  Lately, I’ve heard the word “edification” being used rather loosely.  This has given me pause to reflect on its meaning.

I. Literal definition.

          A. Literally, the Greek word for edify means “to build.”

          B. When Jesus said He would build his Church, He used the same Greek word for “build” that elsewhere is translated “edify” (Matt.16:18).

          C.  The same is true about the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matt. 7:24).  Could it be said that one who hears and applies the Lord’s sayings is a wise man who is being edified?        

II. Scriptural meaning.

          A. Edification means to build up.  It is the activity of spiritual growth    (Eph. 4:16).  It is applying what you learn that makes you a better Christian.

          B. Christians are built up for spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5).

          C. Love itself edifies (1 Cor. 8:1).  Knowledge puffs up; but love builds up!

          D. Even our words can tear down or build up (Eph. 4:29).    

III. Edification is not a feeling.

          A. Comfort is different from edification (1 Thes. 5:11; 1 Cor. 14:3).

B. When Paul wrote the Corinthians he said he did all things for their edification (2 Cor. 12:19; 10:8).  In his previous letter Paul ripped into the Corinthians for their many evil deeds.  Do we think Paul wrote 1^st Corinthians to make them feel good?  He wrote exposing their evil deeds in order to build them up!  Had Paul waited to rebuke them in person he would have used sharper language (2 Cor. 13:10).  Paul says the sharpness was given him by God for edification.  In other words, rebukes are edifying.

C. Edification is not necessarily a positive or negative message.

1. Were these things done to achieve a good feeling (1 Cor. 14:3-5, 12, 26)?

2. When Jesus presented a negative lesson was that bad (Matt. 10:37-38)?   

IV. “But I’m not being edified.”

          A. Again, edification means you are being built up spiritually.  Applying what you learn from God’s word and participating in the worship services will build you up spiritually. 

          B. If you are not being edified at services that suggests one of two things:

                   1) You disagree with what is being done, taught and said from God’s word.

                   2) Your mind is elsewhere, but it is not on the worship services.

          C. Edification is in the songs, it is in the prayers, it is during the Lord’s supper and it is found in every message from God’s word whether it is a positive or negative message.  

V. Seek edification.

A. We should seek after the things that build us up (Rom. 14:19). 

B. Coming to church for edification is one of the reasons we gather (Eph. 4:11-12).  God put teachers in the church for our edification.  If we don’t participate in the Bible studies, should we expect to be edified?  Is it no wonder that some people aren’t being edified when they don’t come to the assembly?

C. When you feel you had your foot stepped on during a class or sermon, odds are you are being edified.  Unfortunately, some people would rather never hear an edifying word then have to change their conduct.  

Conclusion: If we truly believe we haven’t been edified in our life as a Christian, perhaps it is recognition that we need repentance.  The only thing that would prevent us from being built up in God’s word is a resistance to God’s word.  Please be edified this morning by laying aside “the sins which so easily ensnare us” (Heb. 12:1-2). 

Last modified: 05/02/08