Edification (οἰκοδομή)
Edification (οἰκοδομή) refers to the act of building up, with a particular focus on enhancing the mind and understanding. In Scripture, the term is used to describe both the construction of the Temple and the spiritual growth of members within the Church, emphasizing the concept of building in both a literal and metaphorical sense.
Edification is an important aspect of our relationship among the saints. Christ commanded us to love others, when He gave the New Commandment (John 13:34). This command highlights the distinctive bond that members of the Church are to share with one another. Through our love for each other, those outside of the Church will see that we are Christ’s disciples (John 13:35).
One aspect of this love is how we edifying others. Within the assembly, those who are strong in the faith support the weak ones. When it comes to how we live out our faith in what we eat and the days that we honor, we are to be respectful of each other’s decisions. Within the body of the Christ, we are to pursue peace, thereby building each other up (Romans 14:19). The one who is strong in the faith will build up those who are weak, not pleasing themselves, but bearing their weaknesses so that we all can through support, encouragement, fellowship, and learning together, be strengthened in our understanding of the faith (Romans 15:1-2).
When it comes to the manifestation of Spiritual gifts within the assembly, edification should be the focus. At the beginning of the Church when it did not have its full revelation, those with the gift of prophecy could edify the saints. In contrast, other gifts meant for signs were not for edification. These gifts fall under the revelatory and sign gifts. When improperly used within the assembly, those with the gift of tongues would only edify themselves because the speaking of tongues is a gift given for a sign to the unbeliever. On the other hand, the gift of prophecy is for the saints (1 Corinthians 14:3-5). Therefore, Spiritual gifts are not to be abused by improperly using them among the saints.
Now that the Church have the full revelation of Scripture, the sign gifts and prophesying has ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8). The focus of all the active Spiritual gifts today is for the building up of those in the assembly, not an individual. Let us not be ignorant concerning Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1). We are to do all things for the edification of others within the assembly (1 Corinthians 14:26). This is especially important for those who have authority in the assembly. Just as Paul stated with his authority, it was given to build up, not for destruction (2 Corinthians 13:10).
Those who are a part of the Church, The body of the Christ, are part of a building for God (1 Corinthians 3:9). Together in Christ, we are being built into the Holy of Holies where God dwells (Ephesians 2:20-22). Christ gave gifts to the Church—particularly to those with the gift of Pastor even teacher—for the edification of the assembly, for the purpose of equipping them for a work of the ministry until we come to a oneness of the faith where we will no longer be tossed around by every wind of teaching by the trickery of men (Ephesians 4:12). Instead of being inarticulate babblers, we are to speak the truth in love and mature in Christ. Then we will all be supplied and built up together in love (Ephesians 4:16).
Let us consider what we are doing and how it is strengthening others within the assembly, especially those who are weaker in the faith. The weaker brother is not to judge the stronger one and the stronger is not to despise the weaker, but both should edify one another. Even our speech should be for the edification of others, not allowing rotten things to come out of our mouths, but that which is beneficial and meets the needs for building up other saints (Ephesians 4:29).
Let all things be done to build up others, improving their understanding, particularly in matters of faith, so that we all mature, being edified together by true love, which always seeks the best for those who are loved.