Dictionary of Bible Themes The building up and strengthening in the faith of believers and churches. Believers are strengthened by God and are urged, too, to build up one another. The church is edified through God's word, through the Holy Spirit and the proper use of spiritual gifts, through the church's appointed ministries and through the mutual love, support and encouragement of its members. Isaiah 40:29-31God edifies his people by strengthening them Ezekiel 34:16See also Psalms 29:11; 73:26Isaiah 40:11; 41:10 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 3:3 Hebrews 13:9 1 Peter 2:4-5 The edification of believers See also God builds up the community of faith Jeremiah 24:6-7; 31:4; 42:10Ephesians 2:19-22 Jude 1:20 See also Believers are to build themselves up Colossians 2:6-7Romans 15:2 See also Believers are to build one another up Romans 14:19Ephesians 4:29 Hebrews 3:13 Acts 20:32 The means of edification See also God's word Psalms 119:28Romans 4:20 Romans 15:4 2 Timothy 3:15-17 Abraham was strengthened in his faith by his acceptance of God's promise 1 Peter 2:2Ephesians 3:16 See also The Holy Spirit Acts 9:311 Corinthians 14:26 See also Spiritual gifts Romans 1:111 Corinthians 12:7; 14:3-4,12 Ephesians 4:11-12 Appointed ministries Jeremiah 3:15; 23:4Ezekiel 34:4 Pastors are to build up the flock in their care: Zechariah 11:16Acts 15:41; 18:23 2 Corinthians 12:19 Paul's apostolic commission includes strengthening the churches: Acts 16:4-52 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10 The message from the Jerusalem apostles results in believers being strengthened. Paul's apostolic authority is for the building up of the church: Ephesians 4:15-161 Thessalonians 5:11 Love and encouragement See also Romans 1:12; 14:20-211 Corinthians 8:1,10-13; 10:23-24 Hebrews 12:12-13 Isaiah 35:3-4 Deuteronomy 3:28 Examples of those who edified others Job 4:3-4Moses Isaiah 40:1-2Job Luke 22:32Isaiah Acts 14:22Simon Peter Acts 15:32Paul and Barnabas 1 Thessalonians 3:2Judas and Silas Philemon 1:7Timothy Philemon Ephesians 4:13The goal of edification Ephesians 4:14Philippians 1:9-10 Edification results in spiritual discernment: Hebrews 5:141 Thessalonians 3:13 See also Edification results in right living. 5241 burial5903 maturity, physical 5955 strength, divine 7020 church, the 7115 children of God 7709 apostles, authority 7757 preaching, effects 7927 hymn 7943 ministry in church 7972 tongues, gift of 8347 spiritual growth 8414 encouragement |
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