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Edification

Edification (οἰκοδομή) describes the act of building up and is especially focused on improving the mind and understanding. In Scripture, it is used to describe the building of the temple along with the edification of those within the Church; both are illustrating the act of building.

Edification is an important aspect of our relationship among the saints. Christ commanded us to love other saints in the New Commandment, John 13:34. This is a unique relationship that those of the Church are to have for each other and through our love, others will see that we are Christ’s disciples, John 13:35. One aspect of this love is how we edify others. Within the assembly, those who are strong in the faith support the weak ones. When it comes to how we live out our faith in what we eat and the days that we honor, we are to be respectful of each other’s decisions, pursuing peace so that we build each other up, Romans 14:19. One who is strong in the faith will build up those who are weak, not pleasing themselves, but bearing their weaknesses so that we all can through support, encouragement, fellowship, and learning together, be strengthened in our understanding of the faith, Romans 15:1-2.

When it comes to the manifestation of Spiritual gifts within the assembly, edification should be the main point. When the Church was young and did not have its full revelation, those with the gift of prophecy could edify the saints, where those with the gift of tongues would only edify themselves, for the speaking of tongues is a gift given for a sign to the unbeliever and therefore should not be used among the saints, where the gift of prophecy […]

Edification2023-11-25T07:53:31-08:00

Lust (ἐπιθυμία)

Although often translated as “lust”, this word simply means “a strong desire”. The English word “lust” is a specific description of desires that are perceived primarily to be of a sexual nature; however, the Greek word is much broader in its meaning, therefore it is the content that determines what is being desired, whether good or bad.

In the parable of the Sower of the seed, we find that the desires concerning the cares of this world and wealth came up like weeds and choked out the message of the Kingdom of the Heavens (Mark 4:19). In dealing with the Pharisees, Jesus reveals to them they are actually following the desires of their father, Satan (John 8:44). Often desires from Satan are looked at as wicked, but here we see the perceived religious leaders of the time being called out for doing his desires, not God’s. Satan wants to be like God (Isaiah 14:14) and comes as a messenger of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) to ensnare believers (2 Timothy 2:26) while secretly bringing in his sons to introduce false doctrines to manipulate the minds of the believers to follow his desires (Ephesians 2:2; Galatians 2:4). He did it to the Jews in Jesus’ time and still does it today to the Christians. Therefore, we should pay attention to what we are being taught and seek out pastors who speak the truth, not being in assemblies that focus on manipulating our desires through emotional experiences, whether through worship services, events, or gatherings to influence the attendees into feeling good about themselves rather than focusing on the truth.

When it comes to dealing with the desires from the sin nature, we have to apply the truth to our lives […]

Lust (ἐπιθυμία)2023-11-25T07:53:41-08:00

Knowing the desirous will of God Being Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks for this is the desirous will of God in Christ Jesus unto you.

 

Thankfulness is an attitude of gratitude due to a favorable disposition towards someone. Within the Christian life, thankfulness comes from being filled by the Holy Spirit, while speaking psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to yourself, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, which results in giving thanks in all things to God (Ephesians 5:18-20).

Because humans were not thankful, did not have a favorable opinion of God, even during a time when they all knew God, we see the impact today of the mind turning to futility with theories that are preposterous being presented as factual, such as evolution and false religions, along with the rejection of truth in every aspect of life. These all come from a lack of appreciation for what God provided for them (Romans 1:21). In the same way, when we are not seeking to fulfill the desires of the Spirit, we forget to be thankful for what God provides for us and lose sight of the fact that we have been washed from our sins while going back to wallowing in the filth of the old man like a dog returning to its vomit (2 Peter 1:9; 2:22).

It is a thankful thing that even though we still have a sin nature, that will manipulate us into doing wrong if we seek to live by law, because we live out from faith we have freedom from it in Christ and therefore with the mind we serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of the sin nature (Romans 7:25). Now there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans […]

Knowing the desirous will of God Being Thankful2023-11-25T07:54:00-08:00
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