Paul loved the Thessalonians!

They comprised one of his most gracious Churches, congregations of Believers.

He longed for their continued growth in the Lord.

And wonderfully, what a testimony they had!

Paul often remembered their … “work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

How their faith was … “sounded out by the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place … spread abroad.”

How they … “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus.”

Wow, all the above facts are gleaned from 1st Thessalonians chapter one.

And it’s to this beloved group of saints that Paul wrote today’s “one-to-another” Text. “Wherefore edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1st Thessalonians 5:11

Edify one another, just like you have already been doing!

Or literally … Continue to edify each other!

Paul is often absent from this “special” Church. Most of the time, traveling and preaching the Gospel “where Christ was not named!” See Romans 15:20 to get his exact terminology.

So the Apostle instructed (actually commanded, since “edify” is written in the imperative mood) the Christians there to “build up” one another!

That’s exactly what the Greek verb for “edify” means, “oikodomeo.”

To build up!

The word is a “blend” of the noun “oikos” (meaning “house) and “demo” (meaning “to build”). It’s a construction site term! From the world of the home building industry!

I’m now wondering if “tent-makers” often used it?

The verb pictorially looks at every Christian as a spiritual “house” under construction! One in which his or her fellow believers have the privilege of further “building up” … to the Glory of God.

There is a negative slant on the thought too. DO NOT “TEAR DOWN” A FELLOW BELIEVER! DO NOTHING IN THE LINE OF “DEMOLITION” IN THEIR LIVES!

Be a builder instead!

What wonderful advice.

Practicing this single line of Scripture would revolutionize our Churches, folks.

Edify, “even as also ye do!”

No wonder the Church in Thessalonica was doing so well!

Every member there caring for every other member there!

Mutual fortification!

No gossip, slander, bitterness, ill will, jealousy … only kind support and help and encouragement for other true believers! Praise the Lord!

How worthy they were of imitation!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell