I believe the ministry of exhortation is crucial in these final days. Some of us may make light of its importance, but we must think beyond ourselves. Some Christians need exhortation more than others do. What is exhortation? It involves encouraging others; entreating or motivating them forward in Christ.
The importance of exhortation is underscored in the epistle to the Hebrews. There, the writer warns us of a potential danger: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12, KJV).
Some Christians’ theology will not allow them to receive what this verse is saying. But I choose to stick with the Word of God. It says that believers (brethren) can experience a heart of unbelief, causing them to depart from the Lord.
So, how can the church counter this danger? We should, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (verse 13, KJV).
Today, as used in the verse above, refers to the Christian era. Every day until the Lord returns is Today. Also, note how often the Bible says we should exhort one another—daily.
“Exhort One Another” vs Corporate Exhortation
During public worship, our main source of exhortation comes through the preaching and teaching ministries. But the ministry of exhortation must not be limited to these corporate gatherings. There will always be members in the body of Christ who need more personalized exhortation beyond what they receive in the house of God.
Yes, true Christians are born again. Yes, they have Christ living on the inside of them. Yes, they have the Bible. They have everything they need to be victorious. But God knew all of that when He moved upon the writer of Hebrews to instruct us to exhort one another.
Note the means by which a Christian can end up with a heart of unbelief: “he or she can become “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Sin can be enticing. Sin can be deceitful. And some who are snared thereby will harden their heart against the gentle reproof of the Holy Spirit. Those who persist in doing so will eventually find themselves a long way from “home.”
That’s why we must make the ministry of exhortation a priority. We must care about the spiritual well-being of each other. As we approach the day of the Lord, we need to abound and not decrease in the ministry of exhortation–“encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25, NASB).
Copyright © 2021 by Frank King. All rights reserved.