Are you Being Edified?

 

 Introduction

One of the reasons we go to worship every Sunday is to edify ourselves and get “built up” so that we might be able to make it through the coming week. However, most people in the religious world view the word edify incorrectly. In this article we’ll look at what is it and what it isn’t.

 

Definitions of Edify

The definition from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary—2. To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally, and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.

The Greek word for “edifying” and “edification” is oikodome. Literally, it means “building a house.” This is also why we use the phrase, “built up” as mentioned above.

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. When you start with Christ as the foundation, then follow the pattern (2 Tim. 1:13), you can build up your faith, and those around you, in a proper way and edify one another.

 

The Wrong Idea of Edification

One of the main ideas people believe the word, ‘edify’ means is to get “fired up” for God. They put the emphasis on emotionalism and excitement. If a preacher is running back and forth across the stage yelling about God, Jesus, and the Bible; people walk away feeling good about themselves.

But what did they learn about their sin and how to fix it? Nothing! Why? Because that’s not exciting. They want to hear about going to Heaven but not what they must do to change so they can go there. Because that requires changing their life and most don’t want to. They expect God to accept them exactly the way they are.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Too many will lose their soul because, to them, feeling good about who they are is more important. This is not to say that true religion is stoic and unemotional. When you put the emphasis on emotions, it’s false edification.

 

The Right Idea of Edification

One of the best ways to edify self is to study God’s word. Not just read it, but study what He says and why He says it. All too often people rely on the preacher to do the studying for them and assume that whatever he is preaching is from the bible. But how do you really know unless you read the bible yourself.

Luke writes about those in Berea, These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). Just because they were apostles didn’t mean that they could be completely trusted in what they were saying. Humans have the ability to be wrong if they are not careful in handling the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). Those in Berea compared what was being preached to what was written.

Another way to edify self is to attend every worship service and bible study offered with the local congregation. Being in the presence of others of like-precious faith is very edifying and uplifting. Plus, you can serve as a source of edification by being there.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer states, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Too many people see the church as just an organized religion created by man. If this is true, then why did Paul write in Ephesians 1:22-23, And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Paul said that the body of Christ is the church. Does that mean it’s an invention of man? NO! It’s an invention of God.

Conclusion

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. When we are in God’s word, and with God’s people, then truly are we edified. If you lack the edification then, perhaps, you’re looking in the wrong place. If I can help you in any way, please let me know in the comments below.