What is edifying?
The word “edify” is found in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 14:3, Ephesians 4:29, and Colossians 3:16. In each of these verses, the word is used in conjunction with the word “building up.” The dictionary definition of edify is “to build up or improve (someone) spiritually or morally.” In other words, when we edify others, we help them to grow in their faith.
One way we can edify others is by sharing our testimonies of how God has worked in our lives. As we share our stories, we provide encouragement and hope to others who are facing similar challenges. Additionally, as we listen to the testimonies of others, we can be challenged and grow in our own faith journey.
Another way to edify others is through acts of service. When we serve others, we are demonstrating the love of Christ and meeting practical needs that they may have. This can be something as simple as providing a meal or offering a listening ear. As we serve, we have the opportunity to build relationships and share the gospel with those around us.
Edifying others can also take place through prayer. As we pray for others, we are lifting them up to God and reminding them that He is aware of their situation and He cares for them deeply. Additionally, when we pray with others, we are sharing in a intimate moment that can draw us closer together.
Ultimately, edifying others is about pointing them toward Christ. As we seek to build up those around us, our goal should be to help them take one step closer to Jesus.
Edifying in the Bible
The word edify is used a few times in the Bible and is defined as “to build up” or “to instruct.” The Greek word oikodomeo is used in Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This word is translated “edify” or “build up” in most English versions of the Bible. In 2 Corinthians 10:8, the Greek word logizomai is used, which means “to reckon” or “to take into account.” This word is translated as “edify” in the New International Version.
Edifying in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word asaph is used to describe the act of edifying. This word is derived from a root that means “to gather.” In its simplest form, edifying is the act of bringing people together.
The idea of edification is first introduced in Genesis 11:1-9. At that time, the entire world spoke one language. The people decided to build a city and a tower that would reach to the heavens. God confused their language so that they could no longer understand each other and stopped their construction project.
Even though this account is about the confusion of languages, it still teaches an important lesson about edification. When people are gathered together in unity, they can accomplish great things. However, when they are divided, their efforts are usually in vain.
Throughout the rest of the Old Testament, we see several examples of both positive and negative edification. In Joshua 6:1-27, we read about how the Israelites were able to defeat Jericho by following God’s instructions exactly. On the other hand, Numbers 16:1-50 tells the story of how Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses and were swallowed up by the earth because of their disobedience.
Edification is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments because it is such an important principle in Christian living. When Christians are united in love and purpose, they can accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom. However, when they are divided by selfishness and pride, they become powerless
Edifying in the New Testament
The word “edify” is found 24 times in the New Testament. The following is a list of every place it appears, with a brief definition of each instance.
“Edify” means to build up, to improve, or to make something stronger. It can also refer to teaching someone in order to help them grow spiritually. When used in the Bible, “edify” almost always refers to strengthening someone’s faith – either our own faith, or the faith of someone else.
Here are some specific ways that we can edify others:
-By sharing the gospel with them
-By showing them love and compassion
-By serving them
-By praying for them
Edifying Today
The word edifying appears several times in the Bible, most often in Paul’s letters. The word translated “edifying” or “edification” in English is the Greek word οἰκοδομή (oikodomē), which means “building.” To edify someone is to build them up.
How to edify others
The word “edify” is used a number of different ways in the Bible. Sometimes it is used to describe the process of building something physical, like a house or a road. Other times, it is used to describe the act of building someone up spiritually through encouragement and instruction.
When we edify others, we are helping them to grow in their relationship with God. We do this by speaking words of truth and love, and by living lives that reflect our faith in Christ. When we take the time to edify others, we are investing in their spiritual growth, and we are also bringing glory to God.
Here are a few ways you can edify others:
-Pray for them regularly
-Encourage them with words of affirmation
-Spend time with them regularly
-Share your testimony with them
-Serve them sacrificially
-Point them back to Christ
What is the purpose of edifying?
The edifying of the body of Christ is the work of every member. It is the reproducing in our lives of what we have received from Jesus. When we were born again, we were given new life—the very life of God was imparted to us. Now we are to go on to grow in that life, living it more and more each day. We are to let that life be seen in our words and deeds; we are to build one another up in it.