Church Meeting Words
Steven at “Biblically Speaking” has written a post called “Words defined that effect how we function in the body of Christ.” He gives definitions of some of the ways that Scripture says we should speak to one another when we meet together as brothers and sisters in Christ:
ADMONISH: to caution, advise, or counsel against something. 2. To reprove or scold, 3. to urge to duty; remind
BUILD UP: a process of growth, strengthening; development. A process of preparation. An increase, as in potential, intensity, pressure or the like. Encouragement.
EDIFY: to build up or increase the faith.
EXHORT: to urge, advise, or caution earnestly, admonish urgently.
EXHORTATION: an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendations
REBUKE: to express sharp stern disapproval of; reprove, reprimand
STIR: to incite, instigate, or prompt , to affect strongly; rouse, foment, arouse, provoke, stimulate, goad, spur.
WARN: to give notice, or intimidation (to a person or group) of danger, impending evil, possible harm or anything else unfavorable
WARNING: the act of utterance of one who warns
Are we speaking to one another in scriptural ways when we meet together?
I think a more detailed definition of “edify” is called for, especially since it is such an important part of the meeting. The Blue Letter Bible (i.e. Vines) says it means “to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness.” And I’m wondering whether calling it “Christian” wisdom might be too restrictive, or at least a temptation to narrow the bounds of edification to topics where we’re most comfortable, e.g. theological haggling or pious practices.
Rick,
My dissertation will necessarily include a more detailed definition of “edification” and “edify”. I think its possible to show that Paul’s usage include the general meaning of “promote growth”, but then went further to include the kind of growth.
-Alan