2. EDIFYING ITSELF IN LOVE:

Read Eph. 4:1-16; 1 Cor. 14:26; and 1 Thes. 5:11.

A. In this matter of edifying or building up the church, the elders are to see that this is done in a scriptural manner, Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 5:1-4.

B. The necessary items to be used whereby saints can be edified, such as: Literature, Classes, Songbooks, Class-rooms, lights, benches, heat, etc. are included in the general term "to edify".

C. But, this edifying is to be done by teaching the word of God and obeying it, Acts 20:32.

D. So, this would eliminate any type of recreation or entertainment for this purpose.

1) The edifying is primarily in spiritual matters and not necessarily in numbers, 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 Pet. 2:1-5; Eph. 4:15.

2) So-called Christian colleges are not to be used as an edifying organization for the church. But, from the elders' workshops, mission training programs, schools of preaching, etc. that we see these colleges advertising today, we have to conclude that churches of our Lord are allowing the colleges to become edifying agents and organizations in place of the church.

E. Worshipping God helps to build up the congregation. Involved in the worship is the necessary equipment to carry out such.

F. So, in the field of EDIFICATION, there are general expedients and strict specifics. Let us not confuse the two. Remembering, that for a thing to be expedient, it must first be lawful, 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:32.

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