Exhortation

<<urging, encouragement>>

Exhortation is being challenged to apply and obey the Word of God. Moses gave the Israelites an option and exhorted them to make a wise choice, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…” (Deut 30:19). We are presented with the same two options: either to live according to God’s ways or walk in the flesh (Gal 6:7,8). The outcomes of the two paths are contrasted: one route leads to the glories of heaven, the other ends in the lake of fire. Paul and Barnabas strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain true to the faith, stating that we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God (Act 14:22). We should be so in love with Christ that we can instill enthusiasm into the lives of those who are finding the Christian path difficult, coming along side and, as appropriate, helping carry their burden in a practical ‘living out our faith’ way so they won’t give up following Christ (Gal 6:2; Heb 10:35).

We are to confront, inspire, build up and support others, helping them to keep their eyes on Christ, urging them to live lives worthy of God, putting

Spur others on in the Christian walk

effort into what will count for eternity through insight from the Bible, godly counsel and genuine encouragement (1 Thes 2:12, 5:11,14; 2Tim 4:2; Tit 2:15; Heb 3:13, 12:2). However, we must be living the talk otherwise we are hypocrites, telling others to do what we fail to do ourselves.