In edification, we have a need to edify, feed, grow the church, grow the church's faith and strengthen the church.

Let us ask, in what respects are we to grow as Christians? The New Testament can answer this question. We see everything that pertains to life and godliness has been given (2 Pet 1:3). The scriptures will fully furnish us unto all good works (1 Tim 3:16-17), thus we need only the word of God to deal with the question at hand. Paul makes it clear in Eph 4:16, we have all that is needed to develop the Christian into a Christ-like person. Along with this, according to Phil. 1:9, we will learn love, knowledge and be able to discern. Also, the Christians learn the ability of quietness, industrious---as a character of his life (1 Thess. 4:9-12). They will also observe that his spiritual house offers sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ. (1 Pet. 2:5) Peter makes important statements, that all Christians need to learn and practice. We see in 2 Pet 1:4-13, Peter discusses the Christian graces, which becomes a way of life to develop, to maintain and to grow everyday. One of the interesting parts of this, is that the Christian works on it, item by item, day by day, until they have developed into a mature child of God. Also, in developing the Christian graces, one maintains his faithfulness to the Lord. Because the Christian does not have time for Satan and the world. Being busy for the Lord pays great dividends in the end. Paul gives us some important information that all Christians need to understand, which namely, is the Christian armour as taught in Eph 6:10-18. With this, one can remain faithful and with love. (2 Thess. 1:3; 1 Thess 3:12-13) Notice again, that one is to be working at this every day and from the Word, which edifies the church (Christians) and provides the tools to remain faithful to the Lord. Thus, we will have the ability to resist temptation, which will be presented daily! (Jude 17-23; James 4:7; 1 Pet 5:3-10)

Also, this will give the ability to serve and sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2), as the Lord requires of his servants, Christians.

Edification of the Christian is a means of growth in the Christian. The Christian, like the human body---if they do not grow, they will die. When a Christian dies spiritually, (death means separation---separated from Christ) they "fall back into sin" and into the hands of the devil, of whom they had escaped through Christ. Falling from grace according to Gal 5:4 is a reality. But there are some things to do and not to do, that will make a vast difference upon which way a Christian will go. You see, we are still "free agents" with the choice of whether we will obey the Lord or not. We understand that the natural direction of the Christian, is: of their very own free will, to obey the Lord and follow him. Let's observe a few things we need to understand.

It is evident that there are many things, which will hinder a Christian from walking as they should walk. Peter in 1 Pet 2:1-2, warns us to leave wickedness, guile, hypocrisy, envies, evil speaking. In Hebrews, we're warned about being dull of hearing. Paul talks to Timothy about fleeing from youthful lusts. (2 Tim. 2:22) We also are told to leave alone, foolish and ignorant questions. (2 Tim. 2:23; 2 Tim. 1:3) We're warned about the Love of money (1 Tim 6:10; 6:17-19), which has been the source of a lot of individuals losing their souls. Observe this statement of Paul, in 2 Tim 4:10, "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…". This old physical world, has a strong pull on us as individuals. In Col. 4:14, this same Demas was a faithful Preacher---working along side Paul, but by 'n by, he left. We as Christians, must be on guard lest the same happens to us (Gal 5:4).

In edification, we learn of the things, which promote Spiritual Growth and make a healthy Christian. We learn in 1 Pet 2:2, that we are to have a healthy appetite for God's word. Again, we're taught to exercise the soul. (Heb 5:13-14; 1 Tim. 4:7-13) As Christians, we need to heed what we have heard from the scriptures (Heb 2:1-3). That is, to understand and put into action in our daily lives, as a Child of God.

1 Tim. 4:13-16 makes it clear, that we are to have diligence and be active in service. (1 Tim. 4:13-16) The right diet spiritually, will keep one healthy, obedient and faithful to the Lord. (1 Tim. 4:5-6; 6:3; Titus 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:14-16, 22-23) From this edification, we will develop a purity of mind and heart, from our study (Titus 1:11-14). Thus in our prayer and communion with the Lord, we will be in tune with him. (Phil 4:5-7; James 1:2-6; Heb 7:25; 4:14-16)

There are several avenues through which the church may encourage this growth as we've been discussing. As Christians, we are not islands unto ourselves, but we are to take thought of one for the other. (Phil. 2:1-4, 19-21) We exhort each other, as Christians. (Heb 3:12-14; 10:24-26) The elders of the Local congregation watch after our souls. (acts 20:28-31; Heb. 13:7-17) Also, we are to encourage the faint hearted, support the weak, admonish the disorderly, and are long suffering toward all. (1 Thess. 5:12-14) Also, we're encouraged by our worship services. (Heb. 10:25; Eph 5:19; Col. 3:15-16) Yes, we understand that worship is to praise and glorify the Lord. But it (also) is to teach and admonish. Folks, when we come into the presence of the Master, it is an encouragement and strengthens us. Yes, worship will also benefit the worshiper---which worships in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24) True spiritual worship: Honors and glorifies the Lord, but it lifts up "the down trodden" (Christians) also.

What we've been saying is: that the teaching program is to "feed the church of God" (Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 2:1-8)---builds not only the individual Christian, but it builds the local congregation. When Christians grow, so grows the church. But, when Christians don't grow, neither does the "church"---the local congregation!