In addition to being good, whatever we say and do should be a way to edify. The Greek oikodomē (G3619), is a compound word. It consists of oikos (G3624), meaning, “house or dwelling,” and dōma (G1430), meaning, “to build.” The obvious thought is that words and actions should build up those around us as well as us. This means that our language is supposed to be elevating, encouraging, informative and even motivating.
The confusion in the local church at Corinth (1 Cor.14:26-31) is a vivid illustration of oikodomē. Because of contending cravings for the limelight, there was absolutely no regard for order, resulting in utter chaos as everyone who anything to say, all said it at the same time. Paul stepped in to urged them, “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Cor. 14:26).
Imagine what would happen if every worker on a product assembly line decided to do their own thing. No product would be produced. The church would have the same results if everyone pursued prominence and did their own thing. There would be no edification in the church at all.
Church involves two factors.
The church is first built internally. While in Miletus, Paul called for Ephesian church elders to join him. His parting words to them were, “And now, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up [epoikodomeō, G2026]” (Acts 20:32).
Paul’s counsel was both timely and encouraging because the only way the church can get internal strength is from the Word of God.
It’s really sad today to see so many who are determined only to build large churches externally ahead of strengthening the church internally. To prevent the church from collapsing from its own weight, internal growth must be established first as a firm foundation. No building is secured without a good foundation.
Secondly, the church is built externally. Without being ensnared in today’s widespread “numbers game”, not too much emphasis should be placed on this. On the other hand, too less of an emphasis could result in stagnation due to isolation. The obvious balance that is needed is only achieved as Pastors provide their flock with the tools for service (Eph.4:11-12). As those tools are used appropriately others will come to Christ. Church growth is so important to Our Lord that He would not leave it to our strategies like the “seeker sensitive movement today. He said you can plant and you can water, but I will give the increase (1 Cor.3:6-6), because “I will build my church” (Matt.16:18).
Review and Meditation: According to 1 Cor.10:23 what is the principle of Christian freedom that is taught? What are the things that don’t edify according to 1 Cor. 14:4 and 1Tim. 1:4?
The confusion in the local church at Corinth (1 Cor.14:26-31) is a vivid illustration of oikodomē. Because of contending cravings for the limelight, there was absolutely no regard for order, resulting in utter chaos as everyone who anything to say, all said it at the same time. Paul stepped in to urged them, “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Cor. 14:26).
Imagine what would happen if every worker on a product assembly line decided to do their own thing. No product would be produced. The church would have the same results if everyone pursued prominence and did their own thing. There would be no edification in the church at all.
Church involves two factors.
The church is first built internally. While in Miletus, Paul called for Ephesian church elders to join him. His parting words to them were, “And now, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up [epoikodomeō, G2026]” (Acts 20:32).
Paul’s counsel was both timely and encouraging because the only way the church can get internal strength is from the Word of God.
It’s really sad today to see so many who are determined only to build large churches externally ahead of strengthening the church internally. To prevent the church from collapsing from its own weight, internal growth must be established first as a firm foundation. No building is secured without a good foundation.
Secondly, the church is built externally. Without being ensnared in today’s widespread “numbers game”, not too much emphasis should be placed on this. On the other hand, too less of an emphasis could result in stagnation due to isolation. The obvious balance that is needed is only achieved as Pastors provide their flock with the tools for service (Eph.4:11-12). As those tools are used appropriately others will come to Christ. Church growth is so important to Our Lord that He would not leave it to our strategies like the “seeker sensitive movement today. He said you can plant and you can water, but I will give the increase (1 Cor.3:6-6), because “I will build my church” (Matt.16:18).
Review and Meditation: According to 1 Cor.10:23 what is the principle of Christian freedom that is taught? What are the things that don’t edify according to 1 Cor. 14:4 and 1Tim. 1:4?
Edify- (Greek oikodomē )
Pronounced - oy-kod-om-ay’
Pronounced - oy-kod-om-ay’
ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ
"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" - Jesus Matt. 4:4
Glorifying the Triune God by creatively declaring the relevancy and practicality of His timeless Word.