Sometimes life takes us through difficult trials and tribulations, and we don’t understand why. We can even question where God is in the midst of our troubles. But we have learned that He uses these occasions to work change in usand create more room for Him inside of us. Like the clay in the hands of the potter, sometimes we must become broken vessels, so He can rebuild us in Him through grace. James said that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, then He can lift us up (Jas. 4:10).
Edification
Edification is growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and avoiding things that are not helpful or tear down. Edification involves fraternal (brother to brother) encouragement, support and correction.
Edification is seeking what is pleasing to one’s neighbor (over yourself), helping him advance in good.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14-15 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 10:23–24 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
Edification must include acknowledging that some things don’t edify and build up, and if they don’t, even though we have grace to do certain things, they can actually tear down, which is the opposite of what God desires.
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJV)
Certification
Certification – to make know or to inform. The proof that something has happened or been done. Attest or confirm in a formal statement.
Edification in Christ has a final goal: to become CERTIFIED in the Spirit, not only as a true Christian, but as a true BROTHER IN CHRIST! Paul’s letter to Philemon is a prime example of how a lowly slave who disobeyed and failed his master could be changed by being edified in love to becoming a CERTIFIED BROTHER IN CHRIST!
Paul’s letter to Philemon (the slave owner) on behalf of Onesimus (the slave) tells a powerful story of how love and grace can transform an outsider into an insider (a brother in Christ) through the miraculous process of EDIFICATION to CERTIFICATION!
Philemon
Greeting
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
The Plea for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.
12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Philemon’s Obedience Encouraged
17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
Farewell
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (NKJV)