29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for edifying according to need, that it may minister grace to the hearers. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed to the day of redemption.

B. Replace the False with the True (Part II)

  1. We Delight the HS when we participate in His work of developing the Body to display His glory by Speaking the Truth

Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord 4:12 perfecting saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him 16 the whole body fitly joined together and compacted...in contact with the supply...effectual working of every part, makes increase of the body to the edifying of itself in love.

  2. We Delight the HS when we serve as a conduit of Grace (coin of the realm of heaven) to each other's need

Edification is: in faithfulness, serving others'needs, the grace of God, via His Word, so that they become more like Christ

PERSPECTIVE:

1) Edification is the vehicle by which we earn our reward for being faithful to His commands, particularly that of loving others. {Note that building is done on the already present foundation.}

1Co 3:8...receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God...ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder...foundation...let every man take heed how he builds upon it. 13 Every man's work shall be...revealed by fire... 14 If any man's work remains which he has built upon it, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God...17 If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy...

2) Edification is not an option, but must become a filtering priority

Chase Ro 14:19 Let us therefore pursue the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.

Filter 1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things lawful, but all things edify not.

Excel 1Co 14:12 forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

3) Edification won't always be appreciated

2Co 12:15 spend...be spent for you; tho the more I love you, the less I am loved. 20...we do all things for your edification.

4) Edification ain't easy

2Co 10:8...authority, Lord's given us for edification, and not for your destruction 10:1...beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ 4 pulling down of strong holds...5 Casting down imaginations, & every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 readiness to punish all disobedience

PRACTICE:

1) Edification must involve the truth being understood 

Ac 20:32...I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, give inheritance...sanctified

1Co 14:3 But he that prophesies speaks to men for edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaks in tongues edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church. 17...you give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

1Co 14:26...when assembled each has psalm, teaching, tongue, revelation, interpretation. Let all things be done for edification

2) Edification involves being a conduit of God's grace to another's need

Ro 15:1 bear the infirmities of the weak not to please ourselves 2  every one of us please neighbour for his good to edification

3) Edification must be done in love (see Eph 4:15 notes: love is self-sacrifically doing what's in another's best interest)

Bad Example 1Co 8:1...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 10 see...eating...conscience of him who is weak be edified to eat

PRODUCT:

Edification results in growth in Christlikeness and (thus) the capacity to glorify God and love others as a functioning member of the Body {Building Block 2:20 supported, fitting, supporting}

1Ti 1:3 charge that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither fables...which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith  5 Now the goal of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and a sincere faith:

2Co 13:9 aim...perfection 10 write...power...edification 11 Finally...Be perfect, of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace...

Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 For which I also labour, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

Jude 1:20 building up yourselves on your...faith, praying..21 Keep in the love of God, looking for mercy...Christ to eternal life

1Th 5:8 be sober (objective driven), faith...love...hope...live together with him. 11 Wherefore exhort...and edify one another

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Can you describe a time when you "felt edified"? What caused it? Was it easy? What was the result?

2. What percent of our "needs" can be met by truth-speaking? By "pep talks"? By others listening? By material things? By actions?