Definition and Meaning:
The term "edifying" originates from the Latin word "aedificare," which means to build or construct. In a biblical context, edifying refers to the spiritual building up or strengthening of individuals or the church community. It involves promoting growth in Christian knowledge, faith, and holiness.

Biblical References:
The concept of edification is prevalent throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of building up the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the Apostle Paul writes, "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." This passage highlights the communal aspect of edification, where each member contributes to the spiritual growth of the whole.

Ephesians 4:11-12 further elaborates on this by stating, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, the roles within the church are seen as gifts intended for the edification of believers, ensuring that the church matures in faith and unity.

Purpose and Importance:
Edification serves several key purposes within the Christian faith. It strengthens believers in their walk with God, encourages moral and spiritual growth, and fosters unity within the church. Romans 15:2 instructs, "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." This verse underscores the selfless nature of edification, where believers are called to support and uplift one another.

The process of edification is also linked to the use of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul advises, "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." The exercise of spiritual gifts is not for personal gain but for the edification of the church body, ensuring that all members are encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

Practical Application:
Edification can be practiced through various means, including teaching, preaching, fellowship, and acts of service. Colossians 3:16 encourages believers, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." This verse highlights the role of Scripture and worship in the edification process, promoting a community centered on God's Word and praise.

Moreover, edification involves speaking words that build up rather than tear down. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This instruction calls for believers to be mindful of their speech, ensuring that their words contribute to the spiritual growth and encouragement of others.

Challenges to Edification:
Despite its importance, edification can face challenges such as division, false teachings, and personal conflicts within the church. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul addresses the Corinthians, saying, "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" Such behaviors hinder the process of edification and disrupt the unity and growth of the church.

To overcome these challenges, believers are encouraged to pursue love and unity, as stated in 1 Corinthians 8:1, "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." Love is the foundation of true edification, ensuring that the church remains focused on Christ and His teachings.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Edify.

2. (a.) Instructing; improving; as, an edifying conversation.

3620. oikodomia -- edifying.
... 3619, 3620. oikodomia. 3620a . edifying. Transliteration: oikodomia Phonetic
Spelling: (oy-kod-om-ee'-ah) Short Definition: edifying. edifying. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3620.htm - 5k

3620a. oikodomia -- edifying.
... 3620, 3620a. oikodomia. 3620b . edifying. Transliteration: oikodomia Short
Definition: edifying. Word Origin variant reading for oikonomia, qv. 3620, 3620a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3620a.htm - 5k

3619. oikodome -- (the act of) building, a building
... oikos and the same as doma Definition (the act of) building, a building NASB Word
Usage building (8), buildings (3), edification (5), edifying (1), upbuilding ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3619.htm - 7k

Muhlenberg's Unionism.
... I visited also the third member of this body, who, together with his wife, carried
on a beautiful and edifying conversation, so that I was truly delighted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/muhlenbergs unionism.htm

Organically One.
... XXX. Organically One. "From whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted,
maketh increase unto the edifying of itself in love." "Ephesians 4:16. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxx organically one.htm

Preface to the French Translation. By the Abbe De Cazales.
... The History of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, from the Meditations of Anne
Catherine Emmerich, which appeared to him both interesting and edifying. ...
/.../preface to the french translation.htm

Though the New Testament Brought to an End the Production of ...
... Churchmen could at last with free conscience do what heretics had long done"compose
theological treatises, write commentaries, publish edifying stories, and ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 5 though the new.htm

'Me a Christian!'
... Or grounds of policy he professed to accept the Jewish faith"of which an edifying
example is given in the fact that, on one occasion, Bernice was prevented ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/me a christian.htm

The Spirit of Power
... Here is a prophet dying; and his last words are not edifying moral and religious
reflections, nor does he seem to be much concerned to leave with the king his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

A Description of Accidie, and the Way in which it Creeps Over the ...
... gain, and is of no use in the place, as if he were one who, though he could govern
others and be useful to a great number of people, yet was edifying none, nor ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter ii a description of.htm

Of the Perfect Man, that Is, Christ; and of his Body, that Is, the ...
... some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 of the perfect man.htm

The Gospel Supper
... watch thou unto prayer, whilst thou art in their company, and that same Jesus, who
went into this Pharisee's house, and was so faithful and edifying in his ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

2 Cor. xii. 16-18
... need letters of commendation?" (ib. iii.1.). "But all things are for your
edifying." Again he is soothing them. And he does not here ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxviii 2 cor xii.htm

Edifying (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Edify. 2. (a.) Instructing; improving; as, an edifying
conversation. Multi-Version Concordance Edifying (9 Occurrences). ...
/e/edifying.htm - 9k

Edify (5 Occurrences)
... oikodomeo, "to build," oikodome, "the act of building," are used both literally
and figuratively in the New Testament; "edify," "edifying," "edification," are ...
/e/edify.htm - 9k

Edification (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of edifying, or the state of being edified; a building up, especially
in a moral or spiritual sense; moral, intellectual, or spiritual ...
/e/edification.htm - 10k

Commentaries
... to Scripture, the word designates a work devoted to the explanation, elucidation,
illustration, sometimes the homiletic expansion and edifying utilization, of ...
/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

Minister (150 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/m/minister.htm - 40k

Upbuilding (3 Occurrences)
... excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But
all things, beloved, are for your edifying. (See NAS RSV). ...
/u/upbuilding.htm - 7k

Godly (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (KJV WBS). ...
/g/godly.htm - 21k

Fables (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. ...
/f/fables.htm - 7k

Fitly (4 Occurrences)
... by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure
of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself ...
/f/fitly.htm - 9k

Forasmuch (64 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual
gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (KJV WBS). ...
/f/forasmuch.htm - 28k

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