Edify

March 19

Edify

oikodomē

Besides being good, what we say and do should edify. The Greek oikodomē (G3619), along with its other forms, is a compound word comprised of oikos (G3624), "house or dwelling," and dōma (G1430), "to build." The clear idea, then, is that what we do and say should build up others around us and even ourselves. Our speech, for example, should be uplifting, encouraging, instructive, and even challenging.

A graphic example of oikodomē appears in 1Co_14:26-31 , where we read of the chaos in the local church at Corinth.

There was no order; everyone had something to say, and they all said it at the same time. They were competing to be in the spotlight and to be the most profound speaker in the church.

Paul, therefore, exhorted them, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1Co_14:26 ). As on a construction site, if every worker is doing his own thing so no building could be accomplished, likewise if we are doing our own thing and trying to be prominent, the church will not be edified.

There are two things involved in such building.

First, the body is built internally. This was, in fact, the very point Paul made in his farewell message to the Ephesian elders in Miletus: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up [epoikodomeō, G2026]" (Act_20:32 ). Paul gave this challenging counsel because only the Word of God can make the body strong internally. How tragic that many today strive for a big church externally before the church is strong internally.

Internal growth must always come first or the work will eventually collapse of its own weight. Without a good foundation, any building will fall.

Second, the body is built externally. We should not overemphasize this lest we fall into the trap of the "numbers game," which is so prevalent today.

But neither should we underemphasize this lest we fall into the trap of isolation and eventual stagnation. What, then, is the balance?

As pastors give Christians the tools for service (Eph_4:11-12 ), others are going to be brought to Christ as a result. Our Lord didn’t leave church growth to our devices, such as today’s "seeker-sensitive" movement.

Rather, He said, "I will build my church" (Mat_16:18 ). Yes, we will plant and water, but He gives the increase (1Co_3:6-7 ).

Scriptures for Study: What principle of Christian liberty is taught in 1Co_10:23 ? In 1Co_14:4  and 1Ti_1:4 , what things don’t edify?

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