EdificationEdification

DefinedDefined• The Greek word oikodomē, oft translated

“edification,” describes the process of building, o either literally, i.e., the construction of a

physical structure, o or figuratively, i.e., the

edification/upbuilding of God’s spiritual house.

Physical BuildingsPhysical Buildings• The word is used

literally of physical buildings, specifically the Temple of Herod (Matt. 24:1; Mark 13:1, 2).

• King Herod used his many building projects to curry favor with the Jewish people and to provide an enduring legacy.

Physical BuildingsPhysical Buildings

Spiritual BuildingsSpiritual Buildings• The word is also used

figuratively of the building up of the body of Christ, either collectively or individually.

• The church is God’s building (1 Cor. 3:6-9) that grows into a holy temple in the Lord (Eph. 2:19-22).

The Work of The Work of EdificationEdification

• The responsibility of building up the body of Christ falls upono those who occupy divinely authorized

offices (2 Cor. 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Eph. 4:11-12),

o and upon each individual member (Rom. 14:19; 15:2; Eph. 4:16; 4:29).

The Adoue Street The Adoue Street CongregationCongregation

ConclusionConclusionAre you engaged in actions that build up or tear down? If we are faithful, ultimately we will enjoy a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1ff).