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Edifying • οίκοδομή OIKODOMEO – “construct…” “lit., to build a house” “hence, to build anything,… (b) is used metaphorically, in the sense of “edifying,” promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of patient labor. It is said (1) of the effect of this upon local churches, (2) of the individual in regard to himself.”
ATTEND IT UP • Hebrews 10:25 “not to forsake the assembling of themselves together” • Laxity in attendance will TEAR DOWN rather than BUILD UP the church!
TALK IT UP • Hebrews 3:12-14 “exhort one another daily” • Acts 8:4 “they went everywhere preaching the word” • Are we BUILDING UP or TEARING DOWN the Body of Christ?
SING IT UP • Ephesians 5:19 “speaking to one another” • Colossians 3:16 “teaching & admonishing one another” • Instructing those who need to learn more about worshiping & serving God
PRAY IT UP • Roman 15:30 “strive together with me in your prayer” • Ephesians 6:18 “praying always with all prayer & supplication” • 1 Timothy 2:8 “pray everywhere” • Brethren busy PRAYING for each other are too busy to TEAR DOWN each other.
CLEAN IT UP • 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 • Romans 16:17 • It will TEAR DOWN the church when members who CAUSE DIVISION & CAUSE PEOPLE TO STUMBLE are allowed to continue without rebuke
PREACH IT UP • 1 Timothy 3:15 • Mark 16:15 • Philippians 1:14-17 • 2 Timothy 4:2 • Galatians 1:8,9
GIVE IT UP • Acts 20:35 “it is more blessed to give than to receive” • 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 • 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7 • This is the ONLY PLAN given by inspiration for the bringing together of funds to do the work of the church
LIVE IT UP • Not only on Sunday but EVERY DAY! • Matthew 5:16 “let your light so shine before men….glorify your Father in heaven.” • 1 Peter 2:11,12 “your good works which they observe”
We must all be involved in building up the church • Unless we EACH fulfill our part • The church will NOT be built up, & souls will be LOST in ETERNITY!