1. The Often Neglected and Abused New Testament Command
Edification
The Often Neglected
and Abused New Testament Command

2. Edification: Why Is It Neglected?
“I don’t understand it;” no, the NT is clear on the subject (Ac. 20:32; Eph. 4:12,16)
“It is unnecessary;” no, it is a part of the New Testament church (Mt. 16:18; “will build” = “edify;” Acts 9:31)
“It is optional;” no, it is a command (1 Thess. 5:11)

3. Edification: Why Is It Neglected?
“It can be left alone;” no, it will cause problems without it (Rom. 14:19; 15:2)
“It’s always being done;” well, maybe not

4. Edification: What Is It?
“Edify” comes from a Greek word that means “to build up, to construct”
Edification is not “what makes me feel good;” not a matter of an emotional, private experience, or sentiment

5. Edification: What Is It?
Edification requires the mind, knowledge, instruction, understanding; no understanding, no edification (1 Cor. 14:16-19)

6. Edification: How Is It Done?
Proclaiming God’s word (Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 14:3-5,12,26; 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10; Eph. 2:20-21)
Promoting peace and practicing selfless conduct (Rom. 14:19; 15:1-2)
Working together in love (1 Cor. 8:1; Eph. 4:16)

7. Edification: How Is It Done?
Using good speech (Eph. 4:29; Cor. 12:19)
Offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5; “built up” = “edify”)

8. Edification: Can It Be Unscriptural?
Yes, when it comes in the form of…
Entertainment in worship (solos, choirs, instruments, hand clapping, cheering, joke- telling, human philosophy in sermons, etc.)
Church sponsored human institutions (colleges, etc.)
Social gospel (camps, social and recreational activities sponsored by the church, etc.)

9. Edification: Can It Be Unscriptural?
The local church is fully equipped to edify itself (Eph. 4:16) using God’s word alone to do it (Ac. 20:32)

10. Edification: How Do I Get Involved?
Start with God’s word each time
Speak up with encouraging words
Put the church, as a whole, first
Be active working with other members
Demand quality preaching and Bible class teaching