Thematic Bible: Is the object of
Thematic Bible
Edification » Is the object of » Ministerial gifts
So since you are ambitious for spiritual endowments, you must try to excel in them in ways that will do good to the church.
But the inspired preacher does his fellow-men good and encourages and comforts them. Anyone who speaks ecstatically does himself good, but the inspired preacher does a congregation good. I want you all to speak ecstatically, but I especially want you to be inspired to preach. The man who is inspired to preach is more useful than the one who speaks ecstatically??nless he can explain what he says so that it may do the church some good.
Edification » Is the object of » Ministerial authority
For suppose I do boast a little too much of my authority??hich the Lord gave me to build you up, not to pull you down?? will not have to blush for it.
That is why I write this while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be harsh in my use of the authority the Lord has given me, for it was to build you up, not to pull you down.
Edification » Is the object of » The ministerial office
And he has given us some men as apostles, some as prophets, some as missionaries, some as pastors and teachers, in order to fit his people for the work of service, for building the body of Christ,
Edification » Is the object of » The church's union in Christ
For it is under his control that the whole system, adjusted and united by each ligament of its equipment, develops in proportion to the functioning of each particular part, and so builds itself up through love.