”Be an Edifier” Romans 14:19-23

Preach the Word Podcast

Episode 40

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Edify – “to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge: uplift, enlighten, inform” (Webster)

When you focus on those words: instruct, improve, uplift, enlighten, inform… you think of the job of a coach. A coach determines the success of a player/athlete. Without a good coach, a team will crumble. The best way to build chemistry on any team is by having good player-coach relationships.

7 tips to build a player-coach relationship (traceup.com) read list first then go one by one

1. Create goals: This should be more than just winning, especially in youth sports.
2. Use video: communicate ideas clearly… videos provide new insight and perspective.
3. Pay attention to body language: Kids are different, people are different. What works for one may not work for another (this includes you)
4. Talk with your players, not to your players: Lecturing only goes so far. This is why we must know what we believe and why, not just “the way we always done it…”
5. Listen more: This is critical and it must meet the definition.
6. Repeat important messages.
7. Be honest and encouraging.

This is a two-way street. It’ s not just up to the coach. The players must be coachable. (Listen, remember the goal, ask questions, no excuses, keep ego in check; be willing to learn from not only the coach but everyone on the team, seek constructive criticism)

When you have this, you have harmony. (Agreement) The player/coach analogy is so great, because we must be both to each other.

The Christian life can be related to that of an athlete and a coach

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

We are to aim for a prize; therefore, we must live a life of discipline and direction. Our crown should not be the corruptible crown, but the incorruptible. Which means we are not only to ensure that we achieve the goal, but that our brothers and sisters in Christ do also. We are to have the role of the athlete and the coach. We must edify one another, which means, not only do we edify, but we allow others to edify us.

Introduction: What it means to Edify;

1. Inform: Acts 1:8; Romans 10:17 (We cannot just hear, we must tell)
2. Instruct: 2 Timothy 3:16 (We must learn so we can then teach)
3. Improve: Colossians 3:16 (There must be progress. Define progress as maturity, not just statistics)

In Romans 14:19-23, the theme is “Harmony in the Church”. The theme of Romans 14 is the weak and the strong. Christian principles and practices are encouraged in this chapter. When you outline the book of Romans it can be divided up into three sections:

1. Doctrine: Romans 1-8
2. Dispensation: Romans 9-11
3. Duty: Romans 12-16

This is very typical of Paul, who we see use this pattern of Doctrine then application in his epistles. Chapters 12-16 touch on our service and relationships. What should our relationships be with God; Spiritual gifts; other Christians; non-believers; government; our neighbors; and how we are to conduct ourselves,etc. We are to live holy and separate lives but do it in a way that strengthens other believers and draws the unbelievers to Christ. Three words to really sum this up would be conviction; conscience; and consideration.

Outline: Be an Edifier, not…

I. Be an Edifier, not a DESTROYER (Mutual Upbuilding) Romans

II. Be an Edifier, not a DISTRESSER (Not living in Regret) Romans

III. Be an Edifier, not a DOUBTER (Faith in what you are doing) Romans 14:23