"Edify One Another"
Text: Romans 14:1-15:6
Introduction-
There is nothing that quite divides and
destroys the church as gossip and slander.
We are commanded to love one another, and
to edify one another, not tear each other to
pieces.
The word edify means "to improve, instruct,
build up, teach."
We all probably know of some church where
a split took place, and the believers were at
each other’s throats. That is not a good
witness for the church to give to the world.
We all have differences of opinion, and diff-
erent needs and wants, but we should be able
to work together as the family of God for the
good of Christ and His Gospel.
One of the main purposes of preaching
according to the Bible is to edify. People
need to be taught right from wrong, the will
of God, and other vital matters. Christians
also need to be encouraged and built up in
the faith so that they can help others who
are weaker and less mature in their Christian
walk.
Paul indicated in 1st Corinthians 8:1 that
"knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth."
There’s always that elderly man or that woman
in the church who seems to think that they
"know it all," and that it’s there duty to
keep everbody else straight. There are some
"Bible scholars," who know a lot of facts
and information about the Word of God, and
yet, they reflect an arrogant and critical
spirit towards others. Love builds up.
Knowledge puffs up.
Paul told the church at Corinth-"For ye
are yet carnal: for whereas there is among
you envying, and strife; and divisions, are
ye not carnal, and walk as men? No matter
how "spiritual" a person may claim to be, if
he does not manifest a cooperative and loving
spirit, it’s not Christ-like.
I had a preacher in Jr. college who once
remarked-"This is a dog eat dog world, but
the problem is, a lot of times it is the
Christians who are doing the barking and the
bitting." Let’s notice:
THE "HOW TO" OF EDIFICATION
How do we go about building up others and encour-
aging them?
A. One way is to get rid of any judgmental spirit
that we might have.
B. By cooperating instead of competing against
one another.
C. By being a stepping stone instead of a
stumblingblock to others.
D. By showing consideration for the weaknesses
of others.
Next, let’s notice-
THE FRUITS OF EDIFICATIION
What are the good things that will come from edify-
ing one another?
A. Paul mentions one in 1st Cor. 15:6-"that with
one mind and one mouth (they would all) glorify
God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Shouldn’t that be our common goal, anyway?
We all ought to work together to glorify His
name.
B. Another benefit that comes from edifing one
another is growth.
Acts 9:31-"Then had the churches rest...and
were edified...and were multiplied."
People will want to attend a church that is
full of love and a cooperative spirit.
C. Another benefit is that we will all accept
our own personal spiritual gift(s) and not
look down on other believers who do not have
the same gift(s) that we have. 1st Cor. 14.
In Romans 14:19 Paul encourages us to "...
follow after those things which make for
peace, and things wherewith one may edify
another."
"So then every one of us shall give account
of himself to God."(Rom. 14:12) We have
enough to do to keep our own lives straight
than to be interfering in the lives of
other believers.
Do all to the glory of God. Amen.
