For a More Readable Copy, Click on "Edifying Fellow Believers"
in the right-hand column.
This is a chapter from the book, Spiritual Overflow:
Knowing and Using Your Gifts.
Centrality of Service. We must acknowledge that service is the ultimate goal of all we will do. Without service, spirituality and growth are like a hammer hanging on a wall in the garage. It is not useful until it is in the hands of the builder and being used to fashion something. As God’s tools on earth, we will not fulfill our purpose until we are being used to build what God has designed. Service is this: being useful to God. Without true service, we may spin and gyrate and perform great and noble deeds, but we will not be building; service is the operation of our gifts in the energy of God’s Spirit for the purpose of constructing an edifice, which is the maturity of all believers. Without service, no growth will occur, God will not be honored, and we will not be fulfilled.
For believers who feel that something is missing or that their lives are incomplete, they should look at their service pattern. Has their advancing maturity included increased service? If not, they are disregarding the most important outcome of their growth...service. Not enough notice is given to our obligation to build others up. It is likely that maturity will naturally lead to increased service, but surely our volition is involved in a deliberate recognition of our need to pay more attention to the products or fruits of our maturity. To fulfill our purpose we must tend to the development and use of our gifts.
The end point of maturity is service. From another standpoint, maturity is the outcome of service, meaning that maturity is increased among those receiving the service. Each believer must assist others toward maturity, so the church unit can be strengthened and mobilized for greater service and God’s glory. The topic of service has not received the attention it deserves in Christendom. Everything we do shakes down to one purpose: SERVICE. If we grow enough as believers, we can expect to enter a level of “super-maturity” that will enable us to experience the fullness of God, surrender completely to Him, enjoy victory over sin, and receive full contentment as we enter His rest. But when these have been attained, our focus shifts completely from OUR growth and joy to the NEEDS OF OTHERS. And when we recognize their needs and have our gifts in hand, we will know that there is nothing left to do but serve to help meet those needs. That is our charge and our mission.
Eph. 4:15-16 gives our central purpose, saying this:
Instead, speaking [teaching] the truth [truths for living] in love [in fellowship and maturity], we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
As we serve, which we are able to do because we have matured and are walking in the power of the Spirit, we will build each other up in every way “into Him”, which means into a stronger connection with and reliance on His Spirit, who indwells each of us. This, in turn, enables greater service which brings greater ability to others to serve...and the beat goes on. This is the “doing” aspect of our Christian life, and this is our central goal.
When you listen to soldiers returning from battles in one place or another, there is a degree of patriotism and “keeping our country safe” and preserving our freedoms, and so on. But when they are in real danger, and life and limb are threatened, what is the one thing that makes them race out to certain harm? We hear it over and over, and it is this: “I will die for my buddies.” When the unit comes together with a common purpose, and each is looking out for others, self-interests disappear. This is the way we as a believing unit should be: We have a mission, and the enemy is bearing down on us, so we must stand together and bolster each other as we advance toward the enemy as one, with clear orders and full supply from our Commander.
Scriptures on Edification. Edification is the main purpose of gifted operations. Put another way, building each other up is foundational as a cause for gifted service. To help establish a base for further discussion on gifts, and to see the importance placed on edification in Scripture, we offer the following passages, with comments:
Rom. 15:1-2—“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Everything we do with and for each other is based on our command to build on the command to edify. This does not mean to strengthen egos, which focuses on “selves in the world”, but to build each other up spiritually, wherein focus is on “each other” in the kingdom of God. Edification may be done through socializing, but socializing is not the point. Much of social experience is centered on the world and all it activities and goods; whereas contact among believers has as its purpose the strengthening of each other spiritually. When we are part of an ongoing group, or when we get together, our first priority is to fulfill each others’ needs, either directly through personal contact and interaction, or indirectly...through intercession, for example. Everything we do is directed toward maximizing opportunities to increase the growth of all.
Rom. 14:19—“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Peace is reconciliation between one believer and others. This is true fellowship, based on mutual fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The effectiveness of gifts depends on a large number of believers living in fellowship. No edification will take place apart from the power of the Spirit, which can operate only when fellowship exists. Verse 17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” These stand for fellowship, and why is this important? Verse 18 answers this, saying, “...because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” When we are in fellowship, we will not alienate, offend, or do damage to other believers (v. 16), but will provide consideration toward them, so we can serve them.
1 Cor. 14:3—“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” The exercise of our gifts is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort other believers.
1 Cor. 14:26—“What shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” Interaction among believers is for the strengthening of the church. In modern-day America, the tendency is to believe that we get together to “have a good time”, and it is easy to allow “fun” to override the serious purpose of edifying each other.
1 Cor. 14:37—“If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” We are not just encouraged to identify and develop our gifts, we are commanded to do so. To be in God’s will, we must pay attention to our gifts and to the way they are used in service. Our command is clear: To do “all of these” (gifted functions) for the strengthening of the church. The test of excellence for our service—indeed, for any act directed toward fellow believers—is this: Is it strengthening them?
1 Cor. 10:23-33 (quoted in part): V. 24—“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” V. 31—“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble...” V. 33—“...even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” We are seeking the good of others, whether it is the salvation of unbelievers, or—more in keeping with our mission in the church—the growth of believers. Everything we do is related either to preparation for concentrated service, or the performance of that service for others.
1 Thess. 5:11—“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Once again, we are to comfort each other and edify each other.
Eph. 4:29—“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Are we starting to see the seriousness with which we must assume our responsibility to use our gifts with definite dedication and pointed purpose? Everything we talk about has value to the degree that it edifies. Idle chat does not edify, which is not to say that it can never be used, but the main goal at the heart of God’s design is always to HELP by edifying, whether it is by direct instruction or another means. The operation of ALL gifts that are directed toward believers leads to edification...even “giving”...as those who “give” remove impediments to learning that may hamper knowledge and growth. All gifts lead to edification.
It is clear, then, that edification is the end product of our quest. We have no higher purpose. Even love and joy have, as we shall see, their greatest expression in acts of accommodating the needs of other believers. What are love and joy without specific proofs through service? These do not exist in a vacuum, but as motivators for godly behavior and divine good, manifested as acts of service.
in the right-hand column.
This is a chapter from the book, Spiritual Overflow:
Knowing and Using Your Gifts.
Centrality of Service. We must acknowledge that service is the ultimate goal of all we will do. Without service, spirituality and growth are like a hammer hanging on a wall in the garage. It is not useful until it is in the hands of the builder and being used to fashion something. As God’s tools on earth, we will not fulfill our purpose until we are being used to build what God has designed. Service is this: being useful to God. Without true service, we may spin and gyrate and perform great and noble deeds, but we will not be building; service is the operation of our gifts in the energy of God’s Spirit for the purpose of constructing an edifice, which is the maturity of all believers. Without service, no growth will occur, God will not be honored, and we will not be fulfilled.
For believers who feel that something is missing or that their lives are incomplete, they should look at their service pattern. Has their advancing maturity included increased service? If not, they are disregarding the most important outcome of their growth...service. Not enough notice is given to our obligation to build others up. It is likely that maturity will naturally lead to increased service, but surely our volition is involved in a deliberate recognition of our need to pay more attention to the products or fruits of our maturity. To fulfill our purpose we must tend to the development and use of our gifts.
The end point of maturity is service. From another standpoint, maturity is the outcome of service, meaning that maturity is increased among those receiving the service. Each believer must assist others toward maturity, so the church unit can be strengthened and mobilized for greater service and God’s glory. The topic of service has not received the attention it deserves in Christendom. Everything we do shakes down to one purpose: SERVICE. If we grow enough as believers, we can expect to enter a level of “super-maturity” that will enable us to experience the fullness of God, surrender completely to Him, enjoy victory over sin, and receive full contentment as we enter His rest. But when these have been attained, our focus shifts completely from OUR growth and joy to the NEEDS OF OTHERS. And when we recognize their needs and have our gifts in hand, we will know that there is nothing left to do but serve to help meet those needs. That is our charge and our mission.
Eph. 4:15-16 gives our central purpose, saying this:
Instead, speaking [teaching] the truth [truths for living] in love [in fellowship and maturity], we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
As we serve, which we are able to do because we have matured and are walking in the power of the Spirit, we will build each other up in every way “into Him”, which means into a stronger connection with and reliance on His Spirit, who indwells each of us. This, in turn, enables greater service which brings greater ability to others to serve...and the beat goes on. This is the “doing” aspect of our Christian life, and this is our central goal.
When you listen to soldiers returning from battles in one place or another, there is a degree of patriotism and “keeping our country safe” and preserving our freedoms, and so on. But when they are in real danger, and life and limb are threatened, what is the one thing that makes them race out to certain harm? We hear it over and over, and it is this: “I will die for my buddies.” When the unit comes together with a common purpose, and each is looking out for others, self-interests disappear. This is the way we as a believing unit should be: We have a mission, and the enemy is bearing down on us, so we must stand together and bolster each other as we advance toward the enemy as one, with clear orders and full supply from our Commander.
Scriptures on Edification. Edification is the main purpose of gifted operations. Put another way, building each other up is foundational as a cause for gifted service. To help establish a base for further discussion on gifts, and to see the importance placed on edification in Scripture, we offer the following passages, with comments:
Rom. 15:1-2—“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Everything we do with and for each other is based on our command to build on the command to edify. This does not mean to strengthen egos, which focuses on “selves in the world”, but to build each other up spiritually, wherein focus is on “each other” in the kingdom of God. Edification may be done through socializing, but socializing is not the point. Much of social experience is centered on the world and all it activities and goods; whereas contact among believers has as its purpose the strengthening of each other spiritually. When we are part of an ongoing group, or when we get together, our first priority is to fulfill each others’ needs, either directly through personal contact and interaction, or indirectly...through intercession, for example. Everything we do is directed toward maximizing opportunities to increase the growth of all.
Rom. 14:19—“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Peace is reconciliation between one believer and others. This is true fellowship, based on mutual fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The effectiveness of gifts depends on a large number of believers living in fellowship. No edification will take place apart from the power of the Spirit, which can operate only when fellowship exists. Verse 17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” These stand for fellowship, and why is this important? Verse 18 answers this, saying, “...because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” When we are in fellowship, we will not alienate, offend, or do damage to other believers (v. 16), but will provide consideration toward them, so we can serve them.
1 Cor. 14:3—“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” The exercise of our gifts is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort other believers.
1 Cor. 14:26—“What shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” Interaction among believers is for the strengthening of the church. In modern-day America, the tendency is to believe that we get together to “have a good time”, and it is easy to allow “fun” to override the serious purpose of edifying each other.
1 Cor. 14:37—“If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” We are not just encouraged to identify and develop our gifts, we are commanded to do so. To be in God’s will, we must pay attention to our gifts and to the way they are used in service. Our command is clear: To do “all of these” (gifted functions) for the strengthening of the church. The test of excellence for our service—indeed, for any act directed toward fellow believers—is this: Is it strengthening them?
1 Cor. 10:23-33 (quoted in part): V. 24—“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” V. 31—“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble...” V. 33—“...even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” We are seeking the good of others, whether it is the salvation of unbelievers, or—more in keeping with our mission in the church—the growth of believers. Everything we do is related either to preparation for concentrated service, or the performance of that service for others.
1 Thess. 5:11—“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Once again, we are to comfort each other and edify each other.
Eph. 4:29—“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Are we starting to see the seriousness with which we must assume our responsibility to use our gifts with definite dedication and pointed purpose? Everything we talk about has value to the degree that it edifies. Idle chat does not edify, which is not to say that it can never be used, but the main goal at the heart of God’s design is always to HELP by edifying, whether it is by direct instruction or another means. The operation of ALL gifts that are directed toward believers leads to edification...even “giving”...as those who “give” remove impediments to learning that may hamper knowledge and growth. All gifts lead to edification.
It is clear, then, that edification is the end product of our quest. We have no higher purpose. Even love and joy have, as we shall see, their greatest expression in acts of accommodating the needs of other believers. What are love and joy without specific proofs through service? These do not exist in a vacuum, but as motivators for godly behavior and divine good, manifested as acts of service.