Brief Answer

Exhortation is the act of urging, encouraging, or advising someone to live a life that aligns with God’s will. It often involves motivating others to follow biblical teachings, pursue righteousness, and grow in their faith.

Exhortation in a Biblical Perspective

Exhortation plays a crucial role in Christian life, appearing frequently in the Bible as both a practice and a spiritual gift. It goes beyond mere encouragement to include urging others to pursue Christ-like living. When the Bible refers to exhortation, it often means a loving, persistent call to action based on biblical truth.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Empowerment for Exhortation: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is often linked with the act of exhortation. The Holy Spirit equips believers to speak God’s truth into the lives of others. Acts 4:31 shows the early church being filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak God’s word boldly. Exhortation is not merely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Spiritual Gift of Exhortation: Romans 12:6-8 mentions exhortation as a distinct spiritual gift. Those with this gift possess a unique ability to encourage, comfort, and strengthen others in their walk with Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who grants and empowers this gift to build up the church.

Historical Context

• Old Testament Examples: Exhortation has roots in the Old Testament. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel often exhorted the people of Israel to repent and return to God. Though their messages sometimes included warnings, they also provided hope and encouragement.
• New Testament Practice: In the early church, exhortation was central to the ministry of the apostles and church leaders. Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorted believers to remain steadfast, to flee from sin, and to grow in love and holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2). The apostolic writings reflect the importance of exhortation in building up the body of Christ.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

• Strengthening Faith: Exhortation encourages believers to persevere, especially during trials. Hebrews 3:13 advises Christians to “encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
• Motivating Righteous Living: It goes beyond comfort to push believers towards growth in Christ. This can involve urging others to pray more, read the Scriptures, or turn from a specific sin.
• Providing Accountability: Exhortation creates a community where believers can hold one another accountable. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In this sharpening process, exhortation is a key element.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

• Jesus as the Ultimate Exhorter: Jesus often exhorted His disciples to live according to God’s standards. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is full of exhortations to pursue righteousness, love enemies, and seek first the kingdom of God.
• Reflecting God’s Love: When Christians exhort one another, they reflect God’s loving nature. God’s commands, though firm, are always rooted in His love for His children. Exhortation should therefore be done out of love and concern for another’s spiritual well-being.

Theological Depth and Insight

• Sanctification and Growth: Exhortation is deeply tied to the process of sanctification. As believers exhort each other, they help one another grow into the likeness of Christ. Paul’s exhortations often included specific instructions on how to live a holy life, demonstrating that sanctification involves both divine work and human responsibility.
• The Church as a Community: In 1 Corinthians 14:3, exhortation is described as a way of strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church. The church is meant to be a body where members actively build each other up through exhortation.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Holiness and Obedience: Throughout the Bible, exhortation is linked to a call for holiness. In the Old Testament, prophets exhorted Israel to return to covenantal faithfulness. In the New Testament, believers are urged to live in a way that pleases God.
• The Need for Perseverance: The Bible consistently exhorts believers to endure through hardships. James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Practical Implications

• Daily Encouragement: Christians are encouraged to integrate exhortation into daily life by speaking words of encouragement to those around them. Simple acts, such as sharing a verse or praying with someone, can be forms of exhortation.
• Handling Conflict Biblically: Exhortation is sometimes needed in moments of correction or confrontation. The Bible provides guidance for doing this lovingly, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17, which outlines how to approach a brother or sister who has sinned.
• Promoting Discipleship: Discipleship naturally involves exhortation as believers teach one another to obey everything Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How have you experienced exhortation in your life? Did it challenge or comfort you?
2. What are some practical ways you can exhort others in your church or family this week?
3. How does understanding exhortation help you grow in your own spiritual journey?
4. Are there areas in your life where you might need exhortation from a trusted friend or mentor?

By exploring the biblical practice of exhortation, Christians can better understand how to live out their faith and help others do the same, always aiming to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).