Godly edifying

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

In this world, there are many voices. Few of them are really worth listening to. Many will confuse you. Many will disappoint you. Many will hurt you. Most words being spoken today are pointless. They have no substance or good whatsoever. They are full of light fluff. They are like the clouds without rain, carried about of winds. They cannot bring any lasting comfort, help, nor encouragement. But the sad truth that we must come face to face with this morning, is that these are are the words that Christians will often use as well. Speaking evil! Gossip! Pointless talk! It is called vain jangling! I would much rather listen to the rattle of a machine or the honk of a train than the speech of some that call themselves God’s children. No doubt, this is shameful! These things are endless and they often minister questions rather than answering questions. Many conversations rotate around a cycle interminably, without any hope of conclusion. These are idle words! And we shall give account of such things.

But now, beloved, what is it that we are to speak about? How should we form our words? What should be the objective of our speech? It comes to us in two simple words—godly edifying. This is what we are to do! It is simple! It is commanded! If it is not godly edifying, then we must keep silence in the church and in the home! We must not open our mouths if we are not helping others. We will be counted a wise man if we shut our lips. Hold thy peace! If thou hast nothing good to say, let silence prevail! For we are to only edify one another. Are we not commanded to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another”? I would rather speak five words in a language that can be understood, than ten thousand in an unknown tongue! Because no one is encouraged, uplifted, or edified by an unknown tongue. Paul says in the great treatise of the first epistle to the Corinthians, “Let all things be done unto edifying.” That’s it. Nothing else is worth saying. Only that which edifies. Only that which comforts. Do you hear, dear Christian? All things must be done unto edifying. This is a commandment given by the Lord. We must give our attention to godly edifying which is in faith. And then, and only then, will we please the Lord.

“Dear Lord, we thank you for the exhortation of your Word. May we eschew all words and talk that do not help and edify others. Help us, from this time and forward, lay aside all superfluity of naughtiness, and the unkind words and evil speeches that hurt others. May these things be cast away as a filthy rag, and may we begin to encourage, uplift, exhort, and edify the people of God. Change our hearts this way for your glory and honor. And we pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”