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Sermon: Uplift
…a sermon about edification
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MP3-2021
by Chris Cumming
The other day, I decided
to look up the Temple in Jerusalem in my dictionary to see what
definition they might have. Before the dictionary got into details
about the actual Jerusalem Temple it gave me some general definitions:
1] an edifice or place dedicated to the service or worship of a deity [God].
2] an edifice erected as a place of public worship; a church, especially
a large or imposing one.
Clearly the Temple was a large and imposing one. At one time it was the
most imposing and complex structure in all of Jerusalem and arguably the
entire world. My question, however, is why do they call such structures
an "edifice"? What is an edifice? I looked this word up in the same
dictionary and found that the origin of the word is from the Old French
and Latin word meaning, "to build" and then it says, "see, edify." Let
us look at the dictionary for the word, "edify."
DEFINITION OF EDIFY
--to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift
--to build, equivalent to house or temple. From Old French and Latin
words meaning to construct a dwelling or temple.
--to improve the morality, intellect of, especially by instruction.
--to inform or enlighten intellectually or spiritually.
--to build up morally or in faith.
Notice the example given in the use of the word:
---Such ought to be the zeal of every one to instruct and edify his
neighbour by word and example.
As you know, the word, "edify" is a well-known biblical word and linked
to a number of admonitions from God. My purpose today will be to
explore some key scriptures using this word as I encourage all of us to
manifest edification.
Manifest edification.
There are several related scriptures on this subject of edification with
a number of applications. This sermon has a foundation of three key
scriptures. Let us have a reading of them.
1
Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do.
Notice some commentaries on the word, "edify."
And edify one another -
Strive to build up each other, or to establish each other in the faith
by these truths; see Romans 14:19 [our
next key verse]. ~Barnes
Notes
"Edification" is one of the metaphorical words which have passed into
the language of Christianity from the lips of our Lord. The foundation
and progress of the Christian life is likened by Him to the building of
a house (Matthew7:24, and the parable of the improvident builder (Luke
14:28). Christ said, “I will edify My Church”. Thus, the Christian
Church and the Christian soul are alike compared to a building or
temple. The building will not be finished out until Christ comes. Those
who by sympathy, word, or deed, assist the growth of Christian wisdom,
feeling, or life, are conceived of as builders, helping others or
themselves to supply some part for the construction of the spiritual
edifice, and are said to edify (1 Corinthians14:3-4; Colossians 2:7). ~Biblical
Illustrator
Quoted verses:
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first,
and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
1 Corinthians 14:3-4
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.
Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Now continuing in the commentary for 1
Thessalonians
5:11
Comfort -
one another - Rest assured that, in all times and circumstances, it
shall be well with the righteous; let every man lay this to heart; and
with this consideration comfort and edify each other in all trials and
difficulties. ~Adam Clarke
And edify one another -
by praying together, conversing with each other about the doctrines of
the Gospel, and the dealings of God with their souls; abstaining from
all corrupt communication, which has a tendency to hurt each other's
principles or practices, or to stir up wrath and contention; attending
only to those things which are for the use of edifying, whereby their
souls might be more and more built upon Christ, and their most holy
faith; and be a rising edifice, and grow up unto an holy temple in the
Lord, and for an habitation of God through the Spirit: ~John
Gill
Edify one another —
rather as Greek, “edify (ye) the one the other”; “edify,” literally,
“build up,” namely, in faith, hope, and love, by discoursing together on
such edifying topics as the Lord’s coming, and the glory of the saints. ~Jamieson,
Fausset, Brown
Let us read our second key verse on
edification:
Romans
14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
Commentaries:
May edify -
The word “edify” means properly to “build,” as a house; then to
“rebuild” or “reconstruct;” then to adorn or ornament; then to do any
thing that will confer favor or advantage, or which will further an
object. ~Barnes Notes
May edify -
Build up and make strong. Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:11 [our
previous key verse]
And things wherewith one may edify
another - The church is often compared
to a building, to a temple, a city, an house, and saints are the
materials thereof; who are capable of being edified, or built up, yet
more and more, both by words and by deeds; by words, by the ministry of
the word, which is set up and continued among other things, for the
edifying of the body of Christ; by praying with, and for each other; and
by Christian conversation, about the experience of the grace of God, and
doctrines of the Gospel, whereby saints may be useful in building up one
another in their most holy faith; and so likewise by avoiding all
filthy, frothy, and corrupt communication; all angry words and wrathful
expressions, which tend not to profit, and are not for the use of
edifying, but the contrary: moreover, edification is promoted by deeds,
by acts of charity, or love; for charity edifies not by bare words but
by loving in deed and in truth, by serving one another in love; for the
spiritual body of Christ his church, makes increase unto the edifying of
itself in love; and also by laying aside the use of things indifferent,
when disagreeable to any of the brethren; for though all things may be
lawful to be done by us, yet all things do not edify the brethren; and
things which make for the edification of the body, as well as our own,
are diligently to be sought after. The Vulgate Latin version, and some
copies, read, "let us keep", or "observe those things wherewith one may
edify another". ~John Gill
Now to our third key verse:
Romans 15:2
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Commentaries:
Please his neighbour -
That is, all other persons, but especially the friends of the Redeemer.
The word “neighbor” here has special reference to the members of the
church. It is often used, however, in a much larger sense; see
Luke10:36.
Quoted verse and I begin in verse 30 of Luke 10:
Luke 10:30-36
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to
Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and
wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he
saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on
him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when
he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,
and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care
of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave
them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever
thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that
fell among the thieves?
Continuing in the commentary of Romans 15:2
For his good -
Not seek to secure for him indulgence in those things which Would be
injurious to him, but in all those things whereby his welfare would be
promoted.
To edification -
See the notes at Roman 14:19 [which
we have already done.] ~Barnes
Notes
Now to the Adam Clarke:
Let every one of us please his neighbor -
For it should be a maxim with each of us to do all in our power to
please our brethren; and especially in those things in which their
spiritual edification is concerned. Though we should not indulge men in
mere whims and caprices, yet we should bear with their ignorance and
their weakness, knowing that others had much to bear with from us before
we came to our present advanced state of religious knowledge. ~Adam
Clarke
Now the John Gill:
Let everyone of us please his neighbour -
Every man, particularly his Christian friend and brother, whom he should
seek to please in all things, and by all means lawful; he should carry
it affably and courteously, should make himself agreeable to him; should
condescend and accommodate himself to his weakness, and bear his
infirmities, and deny himself rather than displease him. The Vulgate
Latin version and some copies read, "let everyone of you"; but the other
reading is preferable, and best agrees with the context, Romans 15:1.
~John Gill
Quoted verse:
Romans 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
For his good -
or as the Syriac renders it, "in good things"; for he is not to be
pleased, gratified, and indulged, in any thing that is evil: we are not
to please any man in anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Christ,
for then we should not be faithful servants of his; nor in anything
repugnant to the commands of God, and ordinances of Christ, who are to
be obeyed and pleased, rather than men; nor in anything that is of an
immoral nature, we are not to comply with, though it may be to the
displeasure of the dearest relation and friend; but in everything that
is naturally, civilly, morally, or evangelically good, we should study
to please them; and in whatsoever may be for their good, temporal,
spiritual, or eternal: and
To edification -
of our neighbour, brother, and Christian friend, for the establishment
of his peace, the increase of his spiritual light, and the building of
him up in his most holy faith; and also of the whole community, or
church, to which each belong, whose peace and edification should be
consulted, and everything done, which may promote and secure it; and
among which this is one, every man to please his neighbour, in things
lawful and laudable. ~John Gill
Note: Did
you see that phrase in the commentary? It said, "we should study to
please them." This is the purpose of this sermon. To manifest
edification, as well as all other fruits of the Spirit, we must study
them. We must study edification. Edification comes in three forms from
the scriptures:
1. Self-edification.
2. United edification...edification of others.
3. Divine edification.
Notice some excerpts from the commentary in Expositions of the Holy
Scriptures by Alexander MacLaren. This will be a mix of excerpts from
the commentary and my comments with scripture.
EDIFICATION
Edify one another.’ All metaphorical words tend to lose their
light and color, and the figure to get faint, in popular understanding.
We all know that ‘edifice’ means a building; we do not all realize that
‘edify’ means to build up
I. Self-edification
According to the ideal of the Christian life that runs through the
New Testament, each Christian man is a dwelling-place of God’s, and his
work is to build himself up into a temple worthy of the divine
indwelling. Now, I suppose that the metaphor is such a natural and
simple one that we do not need to look for any Scriptural basis of it.
But if we did, I should be disposed to find it in the solemn antithesis
with which the Sermon on the Mount is closed, where there are the two
houses pictured, the one built upon the rock and standing firm, and the
other built upon the sand.
[As firstfruits]
we are all builders; building up—what? Character.
The Christian man is to be building himself up into a temple of God. The
aim which should ever burn clear before us, and preside over even our
smallest actions.
The first thing about a structure is the foundation. And Paul was narrow
enough to believe that the one foundation upon which a human spirit
could be built up into a hallowed character is Jesus Christ. He is the
basis of all our certitude (freedom
from doubt). He is the anchor for
all our hopes. To Him should be referred all our actions; for Him and by
Him our lives should be lived. On Him should rest, solid and
inexpugnable (unconquerable),
standing four-square to all the winds that blow, the fabric of our
characters. Jesus Christ is the pattern, the motive which impels, and
the power which enables, me to rear myself into a habitation of God
through the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are
God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise
masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.
But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
Jude 1:20-21
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Notice the commentary on verse 20 here:
Building up yourselves - Having the most holy faith - the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, and the
writings of his apostles, for your foundation; founding all your
expectations on these, and seeking from the Christ who is their sum and
substance; all the grace and glory ye need.
Praying in the Holy Ghost [Spirit]
- Holding fast the Divine influence which ye have received, and under
that influence making prayer and supplication to God. The prayer that is
not sent up through the influence of the Holy Ghost is never likely to
reach heaven. ~Barnes Notes
Then, further, in this great thought of the
Christian life being substantially a building up of oneself on Jesus is
implied the need for continuous labour. You cannot build up a house in
half an hour. You cannot do it, as the old fable told us that Orpheus
did, by music, or by wishing. There must be dogged, hard, continuous,
life-long effort if there is to be this building up. No man becomes a
saint per saltum [reaching a
position or location without effort].
No man makes a character at a flash. The stones are actions; the mortar
is that mystical, awful thing, habit; and deeds cemented together by
custom rise into that stately dwelling-place in which God abides. So,
there is to be a life-long work in character, gradually rearing it into
His likeness.
The metaphor also carries with it the idea
of orderly progression. There are a number of other New Testament
emblems which set forth this notion of the true Christian ideal as being
continual growth. For instance, ‘first the blade, then the ear, then the
full corn in the ear,’ represents it as resembling vegetable growth,
while elsewhere it is likened to the growth of the human body. Both of
these are beautiful images, in that they suggest that such progressive
advancement is the natural consequence of life; and is in one aspect
effortless and instinctive.
But then you have to supplement that emblem with others, and there comes
in sharp contrast to it the metaphor which represents the Christian
progress as being warfare. There the element of resistance is
emphasized, and the
thought is brought out that progress is to be made in spite of strong
antagonisms (opposition),
partly to be found in external circumstances, and partly to be found in
our own treacherous selves. The growth of the corn or of the body does
not cover the whole facts of the case, but there must be warfare in
order to growth.
Ephesians 6:11-13
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
We also have the metaphors we have been learning about in 2 Timothy 2 of
the soldier, the athlete and the farmer. Each is focused and works hard
to succeed in his field.
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us.
2 Timothy 2:3 [See
Lesson]
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
There is one more idea in this metaphor of self-edification, viz., that
our characters should be being modeled by us on a definite plan, and
into a harmonious whole. If a man goes to work as his own architect,
and has a very hazy idea of what it is that he means to build, he will
not build anything worth the trouble. If your way of building up
yourselves is, as Aaron said his way of making the calf was, putting all
into the fire, and letting chance settle what comes out, nothing will
come out better than a calf. If you are going to build, have a plan, and
let the plan be the likeness of Jesus Christ. And then, with continuous
work, and the exercise of continuous faith, which knits you to the
foundation. Notice:
Ephesians 2:18-22
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
The most profound way to self-edification is immersion into the Word of
God, the most profound source on this earth regarding edification.
II. United Edification
Everything you glean from the Word of God on self-edification will serve
you in edifying others. For this second item, let us let scripture do
all the talking.
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity!
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of
God.
Philippians 2:1-4
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of
love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being
of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord:
Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you
be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
James 3:13-18
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew
out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not,
and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but
the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 14:12-17
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that
ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may
interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with
the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing
with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks,
seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers.
III Divine Edification
God calls us His building:
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are
God's building.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:20-22
…mentioned above
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
Colossians 2:7 …mentioned
above
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
Note: Spiritual
sacrifices: The sacrifices of prayer and praise. Is such as all
Christians offer to God, proceeding from the heart, and breathed forth
from the lips, and in a holy life. It is called sacrifice, not because
it makes an expiation for sin, but because it is of the nature of
worship. ~Barnes Notes
How Can I Edify Others?
The name of this sermon is, "Uplift." To edify is to lift up. The
opposites of, "edify" are indifference and "vexation of spirit" [being
critical, putting one down, personal attacks, hatred].
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with
travail and vexation of spirit.
The word, "vex" means to irritate, annoy, provoke, debate, torment,
trouble, distress, plague, make to worry.
Possible ways to uplift or edify
yourself and/or others:
1] instruct one morally or spiritually.
2] to lift one's faith.
3] pray.
4] meditate.
5] comfort another...do something, say something or give something that
results in comfort.
6] offer kind words or discourse.
7] offer thanks.
8] spiritual or moral discussion with others. Positive discussion of
doctrines/truth.
9] invoking any fruit of the Spirit...faith, hope, love, etc.
10] showing compassion, sympathy or empathy.
11] offering forgiveness to the other person.
12] seeking peace in every situation rather than contention or debate or
argument.
13] any act of charity/love.
14] helping anyone in a trial.
15] visiting the sick or one in prison [in
person, call, gifts, letters, greeting cards].
16] helping anyone in their weakness or ignorance.
17] rejoicing with others [in
person, call, gifts, letters, greeting cards].
18] to be concerned for the other person's success and good health.
19] tithing and giving to the church.
20] build righteous character; become like Christ.
21] offer up spiritual sacrifices.
Study in the ways of edification. Be one who uplifts.
Resource: Our Edification Blog:
Las Vegas Web Site--Edification Blog (icgchurches.org)
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