Chapter 13.7
Exhortation
It
is one of the Gifts of the Spirit – Rules of Engagement – Motives
Moving
from Spectator to Participator - Family Christian Counselors
First Word
The Pastor is expected to
possess many of the gifts of the
Spirit, especially the gift of Encouragement and Exhortation. Until we are personally filled with the Holy
Spirit we are
all just Spectators. It is “God’s will”
that we be equipped with the tools or gifts that glorify His Son. Today we have the responsibility to use our
gifts alongside our Pastor.
On the
“Day of
Pentecost” God poured out His Spirit and the Believers received the gifts of the Spirit; these gifts were
given for the common good and ministering to the entire church.[1] Each Believer had at least one gift; but ALL the gifts were present in the Church body.
The Gifts of the Spirit: EXHORTATING
and Encouraging,
Leading and Mercy, Giving and Serving, Special Faith, Discerning of
Spirits, Miraculous Powers, Gift of Healings, Teaching, Prophesying, Word of
Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Speaking in Tongues and Interpreting
Tongues.[2]
Some students of the Word separate some
of the gifts; calling them offices of service which
in my Belief
System is just fine; it does not change the
fact that they were all distributed by the Holy Spirit as
He chose.
Spiritual Tools
The body of believers is complex and
interdependent and not all have the same role in the body. The Holy Spirit gives special abilities or gifts as He “wills” for each situation. The Spirit knows best which gift should be
utilized and when. Gifts are given “partially”
for each situation and for a specific period of time. (EXAMPLE; you may receive SOME Wisdom; but not ALL Wisdom)
With the tools of the Holy Spirit, we are able to do
the same works that Jesus did; and even greater (more) works because Jesus is interceding for us
at the right hand of the Father. The
Ministry of Christ was only for about three years; we most likely have many
more years that that to do even “More Works”.
Romans 12:6-8 – Use the gift of Encouragement or Exhortation
6 Having gifts that differ according to the
grace given to us, LET US USE THEM:
if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
7 if service, in our serving; the
one who teaches, in his teaching;
8 the one who EXHORTS, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one
who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)
Piece of your mind
Speech Police: There are
folks that are compelled to QUICKLY correct everything that
is spoken and give their advice on every situation; redirecting thoughts and
actions. They have a need to be the Judge, Jury, and Executioner. When exhorting, someone who does
not have the gift of exhortation, may come off
as a very critical and harsh person. The Holy Spirit has given the believer a new heart with a new spirit[3]
that is Gentle and Tender.[4]
Someone who has been entrusted with the
Gospel and the GIFT of exhortation should utilize it
boldly; but they should speak like a Father would to his child,[5]
bringing comfort, encouragement, and imploring them to be worthy to be called a
child of God, walking in “The way of the Lord”.
ü Exhortation is
not to please someone else, but rather to please
God who knows what’s in man’s heart.
ü Exhortation
should not be burdensome, but gentle, nurturing,[6]
justly, Holy and blameless,[7]
giving thanks to God anytime the COURSE
CORRECTION message has been received. [8]
ü Exhortation does not come from error, impurity or the intent to
deceive;[9]
it is not used with flattering words of
speech or a greedy
motive[10]
where there is a DESIRE FOR
PROFIT[11], nor is it given to seek glory[12]
from others, but is just simply to share what’s
in your heart[13] based on the Holy Scriptures and the prompting and
timing of the Holy Spirit. (Holms
Christian Standard Bible)
When a
situation arises; pray about your part, if any, and
how your actions will glorify God.
Family Councilors
I had made friends with two men that protested
and picketed the Christian Concerts because they charged money for attendance. The men felt like the Word of God should be
free to all; saying, if a Christian ministry was of God, then the finances
would be there.
There are Christian Family Counselors whose
occupation is helping people with family situations and they get PAID for it,[14]
but as a BONUS they have the Gift of
Exhortation which you get for FREE.
I like the scripture that says, don’t
muzzle the Ox while it is treading the grain. He should be able to eat some as he works.
Exhortation is a gift from the Holy Spirit;
and depending on the situation,
you will be perceived as the Police or a Friend.
You personally
will either be embraced or rejected,
you will be loved or hated. This Gift is a hard road
that must be walked down gently and tenderly.
[1] Acts 2:1-4 – The Gifts of the Spirit were
given on the day of Pentecost when they were ALL filled with the Holy
Spirit
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – First 9 Gifts of the Spirit
[3] Ezekiel 36:26 – God gives us a new spirit within our hearts
[4] 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – We have been entrusted to speak in order to please
God
[5] 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – Walk Worthy of God:
Exhort like a father
[6] 1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Do not be a burden,
but be gentle and nurturing
[7] 1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Share justly, Holy and
Blameless
[8] 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – Give thanks to God for those who will receive the
exhortation
[9] 1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Do not exhort with impurity
or error, in order to deceive
[10] 1 Thessalonians 2:5 – Do not exhort with flattering
words for greedy motives
[11] 2 Corinthians 2:17 – Do not exhort with a desire
for profit
[12] 1 Thessalonians 2:6 – Do not exhort to seek glory
from others
[13] 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Share what’s in your
Heart as well as the Gospel
[14] Deuteronomy 25:4 – The Workers should be paid
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