Everything for Edification: The Goal—Building Up, Not Tearing Down | Building Up the Body: Everyone Has Something to Give

Scripture Base: 1 Corinthians 14:26 CSB “What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up.”

When the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26, NKJV), he was speaking to a church where some were using spiritual gifts and influence not to build the body, but to elevate themselves. 

Unfortunately, but prophetically, this issue has not disappeared. 

2 Timothy 3:13 (NKJV)“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Today, some people in positions of influence—whether pastors, leaders, or respected voices in the church—misuse their platforms to create cliques, reputations, and circles of power. 

Instead of strengthening the body, they tear it apart.

Incidentally, this is one of the issues in the church, in the body of Christ, and in ministry that bothers me greatly. It has even affected JGRFM/ZJoyVI over the years, so this is deeply personal. I strongly believe that we—whosoever will—must be determined to be set apart as vessels of honor, refusing to play into division or self-promotion. Instead, we must commit ourselves wholly to building up Christ’s kingdom with sincerity, integrity, and love, pointing people to Him and not to ourselves.

But I don’t want to go there this morning. Just to say: may we truly and seriously allow God to help us. It cannot be the same day in day out. Change must come!

We are warned clearly in James 3:14–16 (ESV): “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” 

Family, we must understand that when influence is driven by self-interest, the fruit is always confusion and destruction, never edification.

Paul saw the same danger in Corinth. 

He wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:3–4 (NLT): “For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? When one of you says, ‘I am a follower of Paul,’ and another says, ‘I follow Apollos,’ aren’t you acting just like people of the world?” 

Cliques, factions, and personality cults are signs of spiritual immaturity, not spiritual strength. Even if they may appear to be good—looking like unity, loyalty, or devotion—they are dangerous counterfeits. 

What seems harmless can actually mask pride, competition, and division. 

Scripture warns us in Romans 16:17 (NKJV): “Note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” 

What appears to build up often tears down when Christ is not at the center

Saints of God, know that those who knowingly use their gifts, charisma, or authority to draw attention to themselves rather than to Christ are guilty of tearing down what God is building. 

Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 12:30 (NKJV): “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” 

To scatter is the opposite of edifying. To scatter is to try to undo the unity Christ died to create.

Instead, Paul urges in Romans 15:2 (AMP): “Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.” 

Family, if you are a person of influence, and we all are, learn this: influence is meant to be stewarded as a gift from God, used to lift others, not to elevate self. 

I cannot over-emphasize enough - give God all the praise and glory for the encouragement that you receive from being a part of this ZJoyVI ministry. I am not the one who has me here. But for the mercies of God that I am not consumed. But for the grace of God that I have another chance to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8 ESV).

The New Bible Commentary (Carson et al., 1994) notes that Paul’s insistence on edification in Corinth was a correction against self-promotion and division, reminding us that true spiritual maturity is seen not in how many follow us, but in how faithfully we point others to Christ.

So today, the message is clear:

*If God has given you influence, use it to build His kingdom, not your own.

*If your words create division, you are not building up—you are tearing down.

*If your leadership breeds cliques, then it serves self, not Christ.

Family, the goal of every gathering, every teaching, every influence is edification. Leaders and influencers must constantly examine: Am I drawing people to Christ, or to myself?

Serious question, that begs reflection!

References:

Carson, D. A., France, R. T., Motyer, J. A., & Wenham, G. J. (1994). New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. InterVarsity Press.