The Edification of the Body of Christ – Part 1

Core Value 2: The Edification of the Body of Christ – Part 1 (1/23/22)

CORE VALUE 1 (RECAP)

Christ’s Headship & The Word of God (Bible) as Truth.

CORE VALUE 2:

The of the Body of Christ.

Point: Healthy Churches do not grow by addition. They grow by nutrition (edification)!

The Apostle Paul’s Testimony

Paul was also known as “Saul” (Acts 13:9)

Born Jewish, 5 BC – 5 AD, in Tarsus of Cilicia; a roman citizen (Acts 22:3; 22:28)

From the tribe of Benjamin (12 tribes of Israel) (Philippians 3:5)

Considered highly religious, a Pharisee (Acts 26:5)

Adamantly opposed to Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 26:9)

Persecuted Christians (Acts 22:4; 22:19; 26:9-11)

Witnessed the stoning of Stephen (martyr) (Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:19-20)

Encountered the RISEN Jesus, converted on the road to Damacus (Acts 9:1-19; 22, 26)

Known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13)

13 of the 27 books in the NT have traditionally been attributed to Paul’s authorship

(3) missionary journeys between 48-60 AD; Final Journey to Rome between 60-62 AD

He was put to death for Christ (beheaded) in Rome 64-67AD

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV)

Question: What does it mean to “build each other up”?

Look at Verse 11 in another translation.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and one another, even as also ye do. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

But what does it mean to “edify”? What does that word even mean?

Definition: is the process in which believers to become Disciples by being encouraged to in Spiritual and .

The Goal of Edification is &

Discipleship & Edification

Discipleship:

Definition: Discipleship is a & process known as “” where Disciples go out into the world (evangelism) for the purpose of .

5 Step formula to making Disciples:

1. Become a
2. out into the world and form friendships with those without Christ
3. the (good news) with them
4. them
5. them to Christ (apprenticeship & mentorship)

“The Great Commission”

“18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

The Goal of Discipleship is to .

How does that compare to Edification?

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

Note what edification is to produce, what it is to build up toward.

V. 13 – ; knowledge of Jesus; according to Christ’s standard.

V. 14 – in our faith and doctrine.

V. 15 – Speaking the and in all aspects of .

V. 16 – Being with other believers so that the church will .

Again, The of Edification is Spiritual Maturity & Christlikeness

Edification:

Analogies used: The Egg, and The Gothic Arch

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:17-38)

Call to Action

Do You attend Worship to be , or to be ?

The command for the Worship Gathering, the bible says:

“… Let all things be done for edification.” – 1 Corinthians 14:26

Make this threefold commitment with me today:

a. I will do all that I can for (to edify myself).

b. I will do all that I can for (to edify others).

c. I will do all that I can to (to edify the church).