We Are to Edify One Another (Am I My Brother’s Keeper?) Lesson 5

Brief Review In this series of lessons entitled, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”, we are learning that we are indeed responsible for one another’s well being in the sight of God. Our responsibility is three-fold: –To provide for the emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs of one another –To protect one another from the evil one –To promote the mutual growth of our faith

Brief Review In order to fulfill our responsibilities in these areas, we have come to discover in the first four lessons of this series of lessons that we must: –Love one another –Be at peace with one another –Give preference to one another in honor –Refuse to judge one another

We Are to Edify One Another The basis of our lesson is found in Romans (14:19): “Therefore let us pursue the things that make for peace and the things by which one may edify (build up) another.”

Three Principles Concerning Edification Examined The Mandate of Edification Stated The Means to Edification Secured The Marvel of Edification Shown

The Mandate of Edification The mandate or commandment concerning edification has already been stated in our main text of Romans (14:19). There are two other passages in which this same mandate is given. They are Romans (15:1,2) and I Thessalonians (5:11). From these three passages we can come to the understanding that the principle of edifying one another is not to be viewed merely as some optional exercise or pleasant suggestion but rather as a direct command from God!

The Means to Edification Secured Edification is secured through the right thought. (I Cor. 8:1) Edification is secured through the right tactic. (I Corinthians 10:23) Edification is secured through the right talk. (Ephesians 4:29) Edification is secured through the right teaching. (Ephesians 4:12-16)

The Means to Edification Secured Concerning the right teaching in the process of edification, Ephesians (4:12-16) teaches us the goals of edification are: –To bring about the unity of the faith (vs. 13) –To provide knowledge of the Son of God leading to a complete (mature) man (vs. 13) –To strengthen us so that we are not carried away by every wind of doctrine (vs. 14) –To have the ability to speak the truth in love (vs. 15) –To desire to grow up in all things into Christ (vs. 15) –To have every person to do his or her share (vs. 16) –To bring about growth in the body (vs. 16)

The Marvel of Edification Shown Edification builds better individual lives. Edification creates stronger congregations. Edification strengthens the family. Edification makes for better communities. Edification brings about growth for the kingdom. (Acts 9:31)