Edifying to Maturity

A lot of people have differing opinions about the purpose of the existence of the church of Jesus the Christ.  Some say it is for fellowship, worship, missions, evangelism just to name a few common answers.  Yes the church does do these things and more.  But if we look in scripture, studying the doctrine of the church, the overwhelming function of the church is to prepare each member to do these things effectively, on their own out in the world.  We are called as believers to disciple and evangelize others who live around us.  Each member of the Body of Christ is endowed with a spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit for the purpose of edifying each member, exhorting them in their sanctification.

“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12

So whenever believers in Jesus the Christ come together they should desire to help each other mature in the Spirit of Jesus.  It is to be done in an orderly way and not filled with confusion.

 “What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

When I think of discipling someone and speaking words of edification to them four words come to mind admonishing, encouraging, challenging, and convicting.  Sometimes admonishment is needed to improve in an area of spiritual maturity, sometimes conviction that we are wrong and change must take place for spiritual maturing, encouragement in the progress we are making spurs us on in spiritual maturity, and then we need to be challenged to press on in our spiritual growth and maturity.

“But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.” 1 Corinthians 14:3

“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” 1 Corinthians 14:19

Edification of members of the Body of Christ discipling them to live by faith full of the Spirit, ministering to others is our primary goal and our life mission as a church.  If we do this consistently then we will see revival, evangelism, baptisms, and more edifying discipleship.  Let us be faithful to our calling to edify each other in our sanctification.

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,    for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:11-16

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

Because Jesus loves us,

Bro. Hugh Folds

Matthew 6:33