AN EDIFYING CHURCH - CHURCH OF PHILIPPI

INTRODUCTION

ILLUS: How are you doing? How do you like weather? One day closer to Spring!

Talking weather probably doesn’t edify us. Intro Text: Ephesians 4:29.

“Edify” = the act of building up, to improve, strengthen, encourage, love, and fellowship. It is gladly sharing life together for mutual benefit.

SLIDES: Purpose of First Baptist Church and Star Illustration

Question: What does it look like if we actually do our Purpose Statement?

We are looking at churches in Acts that are prototypes, examples to us for each of these purpose statements. First Dysfuncational Church or Corinth. First Church of Jerusalem. Beran Bible. Now Fellowship Church of Philippi.

The City: This was a fascinating Greek/Roman City. Located in the north of Macedonia. Modern Greece. Near the Aegean Sea. It was a strategic city, on eastern edge of Europe, situated along the famous Egnation Highway - THE east and west route. An important military and agricultural center. And also Philippi was a Gentile City-hardly any Jews - We can in Colfax relate I-80, farming, and Gentile town. We are kind of like them.

The Church of Philippi: was a church par excellence. Paul started the church on his 2nd missionary journey. It was the first church in Europe, and the first convert - Lydia. It was the city that Paul and Silas were jailed and rescued. 10 years later he wrote a most personal book.

We are introduced to this church in Acts 16:12-40. Even in it’s infancy we can see how this church is an example to us of edification.

1. Edification is Personal Relationships Vs. 11-14

• Paul and Silas (Luke was there too “we”) sought to find believers.


• Since no synagogue (need 10 men), they found women by riverside.


• They went to pray with them, converse with them about spiritual.


• Edification is personal connections, one on one, small group, family to family. Involves prayer, spiritual conversation.
ILLUS: Deeper than “How are you?” “How like Weather?” 99% of people. I enjoy deep discussions. Deacons - Progressive dispensationalism?! Personal prayer together, even on the phone sometimes.

2. Edification is Hospitality V. 15

• A great way to encourage people is to open our homes to them.
ILLUS: First 300 years church in homes, most intimate setting. Good to be in other’s homes. Open homes to guests, eating together...


• “In an inhospitable world, a Christian home is a miracle to be shared.”

3. Edification is Joy in the Midst of Crises V. 25

• Paul and Silas encouraged each other, other prisoners, even guards.


• Edification is not confined to feel good goosebumps, warm fuzzies, rather is permeates our whole experience in good and bad times.


• It is so easy to be gloomy and depressed when everything is gloomy and depressing. The Christian/Church rises above that and displays peace in the midst of storms and joy in midst of crises.
ILLUS: Be there in crises: economic, disasters, illness, funerals, etc - seeing God work. News out of Haiti. Teen Challenge. Hepzhabah House.

4. Edification is an Evangelistic Vs. 31-32

• Seeks to win souls for Christ, presents the gospel, meet greatest need.

5. Edification is a Family Ministry Vs. 31-32

• Paul and Silas were concerned about not just the jailer but his family.


• When Christians care about the spiritual needs of individuals we should also care for that person’s family.
ILLUS: We want to go in the direction of family focused/integrated ministry

6. Edification is meeting Personal Needs of others Vs. 33-34

ILLUS: Deacon Fund, and Ordinary Men help anyone in need.

7. Edification is encouragement V. 40

• This small church is in unity behind Paul and Silas, Luke stays.


• They have a bond on love and unity that remained strong. About 5 years later Paul returned for a visit (Acts 20:6), then 5 years later he wrote to them. They gave him gifts. Genuine love was expressed.


• Philippians is a book all about joy in the Lord and each other. It is an uplifting book, and an encouraging book to read and study. Paul and church edified each other, helped each grow in faith, Phil 1:1-8; 2:1-4.

MORE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A. Focus of Fellowship “koinonia” - Building People, by Don Bubna

1 John 1:7. “Koinonia is observable love. When it is in the church, it draws people more effectively than any advertising... Real love is almost irresistible to those who are looking for God and reality.” (44). “If koinonia is lacking in the church, we are not Spirit-filled Christians. We may have spiritual experiences, and exercise spiritual gifts, but we do not have that most obvious fruit of the Spirit-filled life - love for one another” (41).

“No matter how fine the preaching or how top notch the activities and programs, no church can claim to be spiritual if the people don’t talk together... The goal of the church is to grow together into Christlikeness...Our greetings should go beyond the casual, surface exchange of polite nods and phrases...In the true church, a personal relationship exists between us, God, and other Christians. It means that someone cares deeply for us and we care for them” (69-70).

B. Longing for Love “Loving Relationships” - Natural Church Development

John 13:34-35. “agape” Area for growth. Are the relations of our church family characterized by a high degree of demonstrated love and affection?

Slide - Characteristics of Agape Love

Slide - Approaches to Eros and Agape Love

C. Church Purpose Statement:

“Edification - Encouraging God’s people”

What does this look like if we actually do this one line?

• We laugh together in times of joy.


• We cry together in times of grief and pain.


• We welcome each other into our homes.


• We openly compliment and praise each other.


• We pray for the needs of each other.


• We spend time before and after services and events in casual and in-depth conservation.


• We converse with each other during the week in casual contacts.


• We seek to quickly resolve conflicts with each other when they arise.


• We gently come along side those who have experienced trials, failure, or temptations to help restore them to faithfulness.


• We intentionally build relationships with new people.


• We graciously accept people who are different from us and build common bridges of understanding.


• We seek to be trustworthy and truthful, keeping our word and being honest in our dealings.


• We exercise the five languages of love: careful listening, appropriate touch, generous gifts, practical service, and kind words.


• We accept accountability in our relationships for moral purity and Godliness.


• We help families in their family relationships by providing resources, guidance, and a helping hand.


• We cheerfully give our time, talents and treasures to the health and growth of our church and the church around the world.

(I am putting together a collection of these “What would” lists for you.)

Yet edification is not something we can program, it is something we are. If we focus on Christ in exaltation, if we are equipped with the powerful Word of God, then this edification with the love and fellowship will be as natural as breathing. We will look out for each other, we will see needs and willingly meet those needs in Jesus name.

What are you willing to do this week to encourage someone in our church?

Is there anything you need to say to someone?

ILLUS: Practice what I preached: Thank Cellar Staff, Awana, S.S. Youth

Leaders, Deacons, Trustees, Deaconesses, paid staff