Summary of Biblical Principles: Building Up the Body of Christ

Oak Lake Berean Church

Interim Pastor, Gordon Simms

Introduction
When a church is healthy, it will grow. But, what is a healthy church, and whats growth look like? Proper Church health is possible only when we conform to Gods idea of what the Church IS and what the Church Does.

What the Church IS

Of the 114 occurrences of ekklesia in the New Testament, it has two major applications to assemblies of Christians.... Invisible : the whole community of redeemed in this present age of which Christ said, A I will build my Church,@ which is His body (Eph.1:22; 5:23) Visible: visible gathering of professed believers in Christ (Acts 20:20; I Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13; I Thess. 1:1) There are over eighty images or figures of the church (salt, light, sheep, a bride, a spiritual temple, a household, members of Christs body, branches in the vine, athletes, etc.) All these pictures never suggest that the church is a physical building. Its people!

What the Church is to DO

One Purpose: Glorify God ! The great purpose of the church is to be to the praise of Gods glory and grace (Eph. 1:6, 12). What does it mean for us to glorify God? We cannot add to His glory, for He is already perfectly and infinitely glorious. Rather, for us to glorify God means for us to \ascribe to Him the worthiness due His name. When we give God glory we essentially are saying: He gets the credit. He is the only One worthy to receive credit. Everything we do, we do it so He gets the glory.

How does the Church Glorify God?

God has established certain objectives in order for the church to bring glory to Him. The Church glorifies God by intensely pursuing His objectives for the church. But we must know what they are and be committed to carrying them out.

To fulfill these God-given purposes, the church must follow the mandate of our Lord. All other commands (go, teach, win the lost, baptize, feed the hungry, etc.) are subordinate to Jesus main command: Make Disciples ! What kind? His command is expanded in 2 Tim. 2:2, and Eph. 4:11-17 Discipleship is the process in which a believer in Christ is becoming more like Christ increasing in the knowledge of Christ and able to minister to others who will be able to do the same thing. The process of discipleship involves a relationship where a mature believer uses the Word of God to teach reprove, correct and train another disciple in order that he/she becomes increasingly more like Christ. When it comes to Gods 3-fold Purpose for the Church, its not a question of which one is most important. God hasnt given us a choice. We must exalt Him, edify the Body, and evangelize the lost. When it comes to the reason for the Churchs existence, its to exalt Him. When it comes to why the Church exists in the worldits to evangelize. When it comes to the reason the church exists as a gathered community, its to edify, build one another up to Christ-like maturity.

The focus of this study is on Edification: the inward focus of Gods purposes for the church

But we need to be clear about what the Bible teaches about edification.

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What Edification IS

The word used

The Greek noun translated edification is oikodome This is a compound word made up of Oikos---a house or building Dome---to build To the church at Corinth Paul wrote: "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Cor. 14: 26). The chapter has several references to the building up of those present (vs. 4, 5, 9, 12). What, then, is edification ? The word comes from the idea of construction or constructing a building

The Definition of Edification

If the idea of the word edification is building, or constructing what kind of building is it referring to? It has to do with the process whereby people who have become disciples grow in their Christian life (being disciples). Becoming a disciple is by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. But, being a disciple is costly and involves a process. The believer is positionally new in Christ, standing righteous before the Father (Rom. 5:1-5), but following conversion, the believer is involved in a process (2 Cor. 3:18).

Edification is the lifelong process whereby disciples come alongside other disciples of Christ, helping them grow to be Christ-like disciple-makers.
A common structure in local churches has been to have a Christian Education Department. The focus of such a department has been on ministries such as Sunday school, teacher training, and special programs that inform and educate Christians in Bible doctrine. It has often then been subdivided into various other departments in the church (childrens ministry, teen, adult, seniors, etc.). That model and term (Christian education) sometimes has tended to see the purpose of edification as simply informing, rather than functioning in light of the meaning of the word edification - helping disciples be Disciples of Christ, building them to be Christ-like disciple-makers. That includes teaching believers Biblical truth, but it is edification is more than dispensing Biblical information. While evangelism focuses primarily on reaching and winning,--edification focuses on building up believers to Christ-like maturity (Eph. 4:11-16). The church has both the opportunity and the responsibility to help believers grow as disciples.
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Edification: Where does it happen ?

When people become disciples of Christ, they are immediately positionally linked to other believers (Eph. 2:11-22). Since believers are connected to one another that means that edification happens in the context of relationships and the local church.

The Bible teaches

Edification happens in the context of relationships with other believers

Misconception: Cant I be a Christian without going to church? Yes! Can you grow as a Christ-like disciplemaker without connecting with other believers? No ! At the moment of salvation, believers are joined to other believers (Eph.2:11-22). But, the early church modeled the fact that believers are not only linked spiritually to other believers.they GATHERED with other believers for the purpose of mutual edification! Another misconception: Isnt it important that believers get involved in Church activities? Yes and No. If you mean activities in which believers are building one another up to Christ-like maturity... yes! BUT, if edification doesnt happen, then the activities themselves are inadequate. It is popular in our culture to market the church and expect numerical growth as a result of programs and activities. And, it is reasoned, if we have enough attractive activities, people will knock down the doors to join usIf we just advertise, theyll come. Further, we reason that if believers are involved in enough activities, theyll grow in Christ. Willow Creek Community Church has been one of the most influential churches in America over the last thirty years. It has promoted a vision of church that is big, programmatic, and comprehensive. Not long ago Willow released its findings from a multiple year qualitative study of its ministry. Basically, they wanted to know what programs and activities of the church were actually helping people mature spiritually and which were not. The results were published in a book, Reveal: Where Are You?, co-authored by Greg Hawkins, executive pastor of Willow Creek. Hybels called the findings earth shaking, ground breaking, and mind blowing. Hawkins says, Participation is a big deal. We believe the more people participating in these sets of activities, with higher levels of frequency; it will produce disciples of Christ. Willows philosophy of ministry is that increased involvement produces spiritually mature believers. BUT.The research revealed that increasing levels of participation in these sets of activities does NOT predict whether someones becoming a reproducing disciple of Christ.!

Theres no such thing as a loner Christian!

So. is edification getting people to participate in Christian activities?

The point:
Spiritual growth doesnt happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs, but in the context of relationships that foster disciplemaking.

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Edification does not simply happen in a local church building, but the local church must be in kept in focus in the discipling process
Can you be a believer and not be involved in a local church? Yes. Can you be a believer and mature properly as God intended without being involved in a local church? NO! The word for church in the New Testament (koinonia) is used to refer to an invisible AND visible assembly of believers in Christ. ( Acts 20:20; I Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13; I Thess. 1:1) In the book of Acts we find that, immediately following conversion, believers were gathering together with other believers. They saw themselves not simply as part of an invisible church, but they visibly gathered as the Church in local churches.

The Early Church met together

We dont find the Church simply having meetings (a meeting- a noun, an event). But we find the Church meeting (a verb something you do) (focus on the function). Notice how the following texts indicate that the early church met together, and were actually commanded to do so: Hebrews 10:25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Acts 20:7 And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 1 Corinthians 11:18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching. Let all things be done for edification.

The Visible Gathering of the local church in the New Testament

(See Notes on Exaltation, pages 10-12 for a detailed description) The early church gathered for corporate worship and mutual edification. Orderly Worship (1 Cor. 14:26,33) Giving Praise and Thanksgiving (Heb. 13:15; Col. 1:12; 3:15-17) Singing and Making Melody (Eph. 5:19) Observing the Lords Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-24) Prayer (Acts 2:42, 46) Teaching/preaching (Acts 20:20; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 4:1-3).) Discipline (Matt. 18:15, 20; Gal. 6:1- 4; 1 Cor. 5. Baptizing (Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 3:21 Giving money to God (1 Cor. 16:1-4) Since discipleship happens in the context of relationships, it is evident that the early church was taught, and understood the importance gathering with other believers to worship corporately and build one another up in Christ-like maturity.
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Whose Job is it ?
Today theres great misunderstanding about whos responsible for edification. Cultural expectations that have developed over the years make it even more imperative that we have clear biblical understanding of whos responsible for edification.

God has given clear principles that should dictate how we function as a healthy church body..
1. All Believers in the Body are Equally Important The Church is not an organization, but an organism The church is described as a body, just like a human body. Like a human body, though organized, it is not an organizationit is living organism. The Body of Christ is made up of many parts, all equally important Col. 1:18 Eph. 1:22,23 4:4,12,16; 5:30 1 Cor. 12:12-31 Rom. 12:5 2. All Members in the Body have a function All believers are ministers (Eph. 4:11-17) All believers are gifted (1 Cor. 12) All members can lead by example (1 Thess. 1:7) 3. Some members in the Body lead Some mature Christians can lead in the sense of restoring, exhorting, helping weaker brothers and sisters Gal. 6:1-Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 1 Thess. 5:22 -Now, we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, encourage the fainthearted Rom. 15:1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 4. Some have the gift of leadership Rom. 12:8 -If it (a believers gift) is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully 5. The New Testament indicates that some leaders OVERSEE local church ministry 1 Thess. 5:12- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. Heb. 13:17 - Obey them (plural) that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they (plural) watch for your souls, as they (plural)that must give account, that they (plural) may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. The role of leaders The leaders of the church are referred to as elders (presbuteroi, Acts 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:17), overseers (episkopoi, Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1), leaders (proistamenoi, Rom. 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:12), and pastor/teachers (poimenas-didaskalous, Eph. 4:11; cf. also Acts 20:28 and 1 Pet. 5:2 with 1 Tim. 3:2, able to teach, 5:17b, and Tit. 1:9). Though each of these terms may describe the different aspects of leadership, they seem to be used interchangeably to designate the same office. Above all, as Ephesians 4:11f makes clear, they are equippers whose agenda (priorities, allotment of time, and duties) are to be ordered by the Word of God, not by the agendas of people following their cultural expectations set by the traditions of men. The role of all believers The people of the church are ministers who are to be trained for the kind of growth in the Word that results in changed lives and ministry. Pastors/elders are to be gifted, trained, and skilled believers whom God has called to lead a group of fellow priests or ministers, not a minister who leads a group of lay spectators.
(See notes Church Structure and Leadership, Session 2 pages 8-10) Pg.6

How does edification happen?

Instruction in the Word
Preaching (Ezra 6:14; Neh. 8:8; 2 Tim. 4:1-3). The Word of God must be faithfully preached: (a) inductively, (b) exegetically, and (c) expositionally. Teaching (Ezra 7:10; Acts 20:20; Col. 1:28). The Word of God must also be taught in both large and small group settings. This involves questions and answers, and practical dialogue together around the Word with practical applications that hit people where they live. Training (2 Tim. 2:2-4). Believers must be trained in such practical aspects as how to study their Bibles, how to pray, how to witness, how to walk in the power of the Spirit, etc., that they may, in turn, be able to train others. Exhorting (Col. 1:28; 3:16). The church must be exhorted to positive decisions for Christ that promote commitment and Christ-like values and living.

Fellowship
Encouraging (Heb. 10:24-25). Believers must be challenged to encourage one another in the practical areas of the Christian life. A key part of this could be small groups which provide for individual sharing, encouragement, and accountability. Counseling (Rom. 16:14; 1 Thess. 5:14). As believers within the body are built up in the Word, trained for ministry, and exercise their gifts, they should naturally be able to meet many of the counseling needs within the church. Sharing, Giving (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 6:7; 1 John 3:16-17). The church must be taught the principles of grace giving, eternal priorities, and encouraged to sacrificially meet the needs of the ministry of the church and others through words, deeds, and gifts of love. Laboring Together as a Team (1 Cor. 12:4-11, 14f; Phil. 1:27; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). Recognizing the body concept and learning to work together as a team with every believer knowing and using their gift(s) is critical for the proper and effective functioning of the body of Christ. Helping (Rom. 15:1-3; 16:2; Phil. 2:4; 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:14; Tit. 2:14; 3:1, 8, 14). As members of the body of Christ, we need one another and we must learn to care for one another. Another dimension of a healthy church is taking interest in those who need help, being zealous and ready for every good deed in order to meet pressing needs.

Disciplining (Matt. 18:15-20; Gal. 6:1-4).

Because of the clear mandates of Scripture, church discipline is not an option. It is vital for the purity, power, progress, and purpose of the church. Without this restorative ministry, conditions continue which defile, weaken, hinder, and divert the church from its holy calling. However, discipline must be carried out with biblical attitudes, motives, and goals.

Prayer
Confession (1 Cor. 11:28; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 66:18; Prov. 28:13). Believers should be encouraged to keep short accounts with God in order to keep a conscience void of offense and stay in fellowship for the purpose of Gods glory, effective prayer, meaningful worship, biblical understanding and growth, and effective ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit. Adoration (Eph. 3:20-21). Believers need to be challenged to make every aspect of their life an act of worship to God by which they count and act on the glories of Gods person and grace. Unless this is true, the Sunday worship service becomes mere lip service, an exercise of self-worship by which people seek to satisfy selfish ends while they manage to keep their hearts from God (Isa. 29:13). Intercession and Petition (Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:2-3, 12; Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:1f). Effectual prayer for others, for oneself and family, for the nation and its leaders, and for the ministry of the church is crucial to all that the church is and does. Pg.7

Two Models of the Church Compared and Their Products 1 CATEGORY OR ISSUE Concept of Church Believers Involvement Head Authority Government Selection of Leadership TRADITIONAL MODEL Organization Members (as in a club) Spectators (observing action) The people Constitution plus proof texts Democracy (of and by the people) Election BIBLICAL MODEL Organism Disciples of Jesus Christ (members of the Body) Participants in the action, ministers Jesus Christ The Whole Word of God Theocracy (of God via Word and H.S.) Appointment (depending on God to raise up gifted men and cause us to recognize them as leaders) Equipping, meeting needs Anywhere (all the time) Gods glory, people Build up the Body What the people NEED (according to the Word) Make disciples (multiplication) The world Stimulate to love and good deeds; encourage and equip the saints God, individuals, families, quality plus quantity Teacher, counselor, shepherd, equipper (belongs to body, works primarily with this assembly) One of many ministers Multiplicity of leadership; unified; working together to equip the saints for ministry. Word, prayer, H.S., spiritual gifts, and ministries Whatever the situation demands as long as it is true to Gods Word and honors the Lord Trust God to raise gifted individuals (if HE isnt interested; WE wont be) Faithful, available, teachable people Determine needs, then TRUST GOD to work through His people Associates for full-time involvement; a TEAM to assist in functioning of the Body Determined by biblical principles (e.g., 1 Tim. 5:17-18). Staff viewed as those sent by God to whom the assembly bears responsibility Unconditional acceptance Exalting Christ; what God says Eph. 4:11-16 Body built up to maturity functioning as God intends

Basic Ministry Place of Ministry Primary Concern Objective Determining Factor Great Commission Field Purpose of Assembling Emphasis Pastor-Teacher

Attitude toward Pastor-Teacher Board

Conducting services Church building (at stated times) Programs, things, buildings, etc. Build up the local church (club) What the people WANT (peace at any price) Get converts (addition) Our own area Entertainment, evangelism in the service Meetings, setting and breaking records Administrator, speaker, visitor, employee (belongs exclusively to this church) The minister (professional) Administrators, decision makers, occupied with facilities, etc. Human ingenuity, available funds, etc. What were used to, feel comfortable with Beg, plead, cajole, etc. for workers Anyone willing Needs dealt with only with available funds Hired employees who carry out the policies set by the people through the Board Determined by what I make or what I think (staff viewed as employees hired by men) Conditional acceptance Our church; what others think Rev. 3:1b Like the church at Sardis: you are alive, but you are dead

Resources Methodology

Procedures Leadership given to Finances Staff

Salaries

Attitudes Ultimate Concern Result

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This was taken from material prepared by M. C. Harman, Barcroft Bible Church, Arlington, Virginia.

Conclusion
While a local church must yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, doing so means that we follow His guidelines for how the church operates. Those guidelines are revealed in the Scriptures! The voice we hear from the Spirit must be consistent with what He has revealed in the Word of God. or we are not hearing the Spirit! What has God revealed in His Word about how the Church functions? Hes established certain objectives in order for the church to bring Him glory. The Church glorifies God by intensely pursuing His objectives for the church. We must exalt Him, edify the Body, and evangelize the lost. When it comes to the reason for the Churchs existence, its to exalt Him. When it comes to why the Church exists in the worldits to evangelize. When it comes to the reason the church exists as a gathered community, its to edify, build one another up to Christ-like maturity. While evangelism focuses primarily on reaching and winning,---edification focuses on building up believers to Christ-like maturity. The church has both the opportunity and the responsibility to reach and win lost people to Christ, and help believers grow as disciples. Both are involved in making disciples. Discipleship is the process in which a believer in Christ is becoming more like Christ, increasing in the knowledge of Christ and able to minister to others who will be able to do the same thing. The process of discipleship involves a relationship where a spiritually minded person uses the Word of God to teach reprove, correct and train a learner in Christ in order that he/she becomes increasingly more like Christ. When a believer is Christ-like, he/she will be a reproducing disciple! The words of Al Mohler are very appropriate: One of the fundamental issues of misunderstanding that leads to corrupt churchmanship in our generation is the failure to distinguish between a crowd and a church. The failure to distinguish between a crowd and a church is . . . to misunderstand everything about preaching, everything about ministry, and everything about our task. If we think our business is to build a crowd, frankly any of us can do it. Theres a way to bring and draw and attract a crowd. . . . Let us never mistake a crowd for a church [or] think our business is to draw a crowd. The local church is called to make disciples who are disciplemakers. Discipleship is a process, not a three month course, a sermon series, a bible study, or a seminar. These may be part of the process, but they are not in themselves discipleship.

Edification is the lifelong process whereby disciples come alongside other disciples of Christ, helping them grow to be Christ-like disciple-makers.

How do we apply these principles our lives and our local church?

to

Our church should seek to continually set objectives and goals, and plan programs that are in conformity with our mission statement and the biblical principles that form the basis for that mission. Now we will trust God to help us apply those principles by specifying clear, written objectives that will enable us to carry out those principles!

Copyright G. Simms, 2012

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