Edify One Another

Grace Baptist Temple ^ | March 10, 2003 | Rev. Don Robinson

[pseudogratix]

Edify One Another
Romans 14:19

Caring Christians love one another. We have already looked at and emphasized the statements in scripture that tell us to "love one another" (John 13:34-35). Loving one another is not only a matter of words; it is a matter of deeds. It is one thing to say to someone, "I love you," but quite something else to prove it by our actions. Notice the word "edify" in verse 19. The word means "to build up." It comes from the Latin word which means "to build." Christians who care edify one another; they build one another up in the faith. We can be used of the Lord to help "build up" others, or be used of Satan to tear down, to destroy. It is much easier to be a destroyer than to be a builder. God has given us several spiritual tools that we can use for building up one another!

I. Our Example.

The first tool for edifying one another is our example.

We see this is in Romans 14:14-21.

A. Verse one says "receive ye," and verse nineteen says "edify one another," and we are told in verse thirteen that we are not to judge another.

B. A 'stumbling block' is conduct or action that is offensive - actions that hurt or discourage another.

C. We also see in verses 14-17 that the example of the strong Christian should encourage the weak Christian to grow

D. God uses our Christian example as a tool for edifying one another: Is our example tearing people down or building them up?

II. Our Speech.

The second tool that we have is our speech. See Ephesians 4:29.

A. As we speak to others, we are either using words that build them up or tear them down.

B. We should choose our words carefully and use words that encourage, that strengthen, that build up - edifying one another - rather than words of discouragement.

C. We are to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15).

1. As we speak the truth in love, we are able to build people up.

2. Our words should minister grace to the hearers.

3. See Colossians 4:6.

D. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16 that we are to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves," Notice what He said about the words we use in Matthew 12:36, and 15:8-11 and 18-19.

E. The psalmist also wrote about our speech.

1. See Psalm 19:14, 139:23-24 and 141:3.

2. James wrote of it also in James 3:5-8 and 4:6-10.

III. Our Spiritual Gifts.

God gives us a third tool for the edifying of the church - the ministry of our Spiritual gifts.

A. We see this in l Corinthians 14:12 and 26.

1. Unfortunately the Corinthian church was using their gifts as 'toy' to play with and 'weapons' to fight with, and not as 'tools' to build with.

2. God has given each one of us spiritual gifts to build up other Christians.

3. Verse 26 tells us that when we gather together, we should be edifying one another.

4. "Let all things be done unto edifying" This means that every activity, every meeting, every function, every class, every service, every social event ought to be for edifying, building up the saints, encouraging, and strengthening one another.

B. When we go to church, our attitude ought to be:

1. "What can I put into it?

2. How can I better use my Spiritual gifts for the Lord Jesus?

3. Can I help someone grow?

4. How can I encourage another, minister to another?

5. Take time to encourage others, speak words of encouragement.

6. Say to yourself, "I want to help others grow today!"

IV. Our Love.

God gives us a fourth tool for building up one another. (1 Co. 8:1)

A. Love edifies!

1. Paul was saying in 8:1 that knowledge without love can tear down.

2. "Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth."

3. Knowledge without love will puff up and inflate your ego.

4. But love will build up!

5. Love always builds up!

6. This verse (8:1) is saying that we should use our knowledge in love.

7. Whatever we do, it ought to be done in love.

8. This relates to what Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 13:34-55.

V. Our Prayers.

We build each other up by our example, by our speech, by our ministry of spiritual gifts, by our love, and by our prayers.

A. As we pray for people, then God is able to work and build them up!

B. We build up one another through prayer.

1. Why not use the prayer list!

2. Pray specifically for people by name.

3. In 2 Thess. 3:1-5, Paul requested prayer for himself, his ministry, and his personal safety.

VI . God's Word.

A. In Acts 20:32, we see that the Word of God is a great tool for building up one another.

B. Always use the Word of God when discussing problems with people.

1. Because the Word of God edifies, it builds people up, it has the answers to the problems of life.

2. God's Word solves problems!

Are we a destroyer, or are we a builder? Is God using us to build up His people? Christians who care 'love one another' and 'edify one another'. If someone had to describe our church would they say that we edify one another?

[pseudogratix]

For additional sermons by Rev. Don Robinson, see http://brandonweb.com/gbt/framesermons.shtml

[pseudogratix]

Here are some additional scriptures (some appear in the article as well).

TOPICAL GUIDE: EDIFICATION, EDIFY

See also Build; Enlighten; Instruction

Deut. 4: 36	hear his voice, that he might instruct thee.
Ps. 18: 28	Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
Ps. 19: 8	commandment . . . is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Prov. 1: 3	receive the instruction of wisdom, justice.
Prov. 12: 1	whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.
Prov. 19: 20	Hear counsel, and receive instruction.
Acts 9: 31	churches . . . were edified.
Rom. 14: 19	things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom. 15: 2	please his neighbour for his good to edification.
1 Cor. 8: 1	Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1 Cor. 10: 23	lawful for me, but all things edify not.
1 Cor. 14: 3	he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification.
1 Cor. 14: 12	seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
1 Cor. 14: 26	Let all things be done unto edifying.
2 Cor. 10: 8	authority . . . Lord hath given us for edification.
2 Cor. 12: 19	do all things . . . for your edifying.
Eph. 4: 12	for the edifying of the body of Christ.
1 Thes. 5: 11	(D&C 43: 8; D&C 50: 22) edify one another.
1 Tim. 1: 4	which minister questions, rather than godly edifying.
Alma 32: 28	it beginneth to enlighten my understanding.
D&C 50: 23	that which doth not edify is not of God.
D&C 52: 16	whose language is meek and edifieth.
D&C 84: 106	that he may be edified in all meekness.
D&C 84: 110	(D&C 88: 122) that all may be edified together.
D&C 88: 137	house of the Lord . . . a tabernacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification.
D&C 107: 85	teach them their duty, edifying one another.
D&C 136: 24	let your words tend to edifying one another.

pseudogratix @ ...none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart (MP3)... (Moroni 7:43-44)

[pseudogratix]

I was thinking about how God's power is an edifying power, did some searching and came across this sermon.

Godspeed :-)

[restornu]

I know you are of other faiths, but I am sure you have something like this in you teachings!

[Utah Girl]

Thank you for posting this sermon, we can all do a better job at loving one another and being kind.

[wita]

I'm using politicians and elected representatives as my example, and I know some of the best, Tommy two-tongues Daschle, Deceiving Dick Gephardt, oops, am I falling into a trap here?

[restornu]

Wrigley I apologized to you if you felt slandered at that last thread.

I think if we ask another a question it should be not under trying to get anohter conform.

I don't ever recalled commission given to another to try as a whole community made up of several houses of worship!

We are to find as neighbors the common ground that will unite us!

What is the bottem line things of the Lord or or defending a doctrine.

Should we all not be seeking truth?

[restornu]

Think what you want I never associated you as one who drinks nehi and Snapple peach tea as a beer drinker so I never put it togather!

I don't ever recall in in the years you kidding about a drink!

As I recall that psot was on some bragging about getting drunk. Who I don't know, and your name never poped in my mind!

[RnMomof7]

Rest I have had about all I can endure. It is one thing to have a doctrinal debate, even with low blows and another to personally slander the character of an individual calling them drunks and whores.

If anyone searched FR they could easily find my name .

Do me a favor and take me off your bump list OK ? If we run into each other on a thread we can exchange posts but that is it.

I am too tired to play games especially ones that are ones that are PERSONALLY destructive

[drstevej]

I appreciate the comments.

For the record, I do not drink alcohol. I informed Jesse of this fact privately and asked for a clarification to be posted or retraction of the insinuation. He took no action.

He never set the record straight, so I am doing so now.

[RnMomof7]

For the record, I do not drink alcohol. I informed Jesse of this fact privately and asked for a clarification to be posted or retraction of the insinuation. He took no action.

I do not drink either, but that does not stop the slander does it?

[Wrigley]

I'll admit it, I have a beer every now and then. Not sure if that makes me a totally evil person, but according to some, I guess it does.

[RnMomof7]

The Biblical admonition is not to get drunk, there is no Biblical admonition not to have a beer.

I do not drink because I come from a family of alcoholics. My years studying and counseling alcoholics/addicts taught me that it is heredity . I went to a holiness church for years that had a no drinking doctrinal stand.

I feel free to have a glass of wine if I should choose. I just do not choose to. Enjoy your beer..it is Christian liberty to do so

[Wrigley]

I understand and have no problem at all with that reasoning. I've understood the Biblical teaching as you have. It's very edifying to have that understanding and support.

[drstevej]

I leave your decision whether to have a beer or two to your own conscious before the Lord. Your decision either way is fine with me.

Afterall, you're a Cub fan and a beer can help with the pain. :~)

[Wrigley]

Now, on the other hand, that last comment wasn't very edifying. :-)

[drstevej]

conscious = conscience

[restornu]

Amazing reply concidering, I shall honor your wishes!

[restornu]

just for the record I dont' drink I have friends that have a beer or two and I don't think it is a crime!

21 years ago I used to enjoy an dripping Ice Cold Rolling Rock on a hot summer day!

I really don't miss it for what I have now!

I don't think a drink or two was the issue it was some bragging getting drunk among those who are of the coth and no one council at the time.

As many are famous to council another here, so quick to point out the mote in anothers eyes.

Truely this thread was to find out a way to mend and heal!

I am glad the Lord has MORE patiences with us!

[CARepubGal]

So will you stop slandering me all over the 'Net Sharon? Or is gossip ok for you somehow? A direct answer, not involving whining or stupid pictures would be the adult thing to do but something tells me you will not be capable of this answer. You WERE being nasty when I commented as I did. And for the record, I drink as much as Dave or less (Not being Dutch). Can you be an adult Sharon?