MEDITATING DAY AND NIGHT ON: EXHORTING [Fourth in a Series of Six]

By meditating upon the Word of God, we enable ourselves to grow in the godly life. Such is an implication of Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Thus, by pondering upon the Bible’s teachings of exhortation, we will find ourselves growing in this most beneficial trait.
Parakaleo is one of the original words chosen by God to express this thought. The Greek lexicons render its meaning as: admonish, encourage, to urge one to pursue some course of conduct. Acts 2:40 uses this word to describe Peter’s urging of the people to be saved. It is much like a rescue crew encouraging a frightened man to reach out for the rescue rope.
Paraklesis is another NT word which is translated in our English versions as exhort and is defined as: encouragement, exhortation. This is the word which the apostles surnamed Barnabas “the son of encouragement” [NKJV] because he excelled in exhorting others to faithfully live the Christian life (Acts 11:23).
As we take the time in the quietness of the day to think seriously about the meaning of this word and (as we shall see) what it entails, we will be able to find ourselves increasing in this trait.
How are we to exhort? First, exhorting is a command. God wants us to encourage one another. We are told, “exhort one another daily” (Heb. 3:13), and “give attendance to….exhortation” (1Tim. 4:13). Thus, we must not neglect this. Also, we ought to give much exhortation (Acts 20:2). That is, whenever a situation presents itself in which exhortation is in order, we should not withhold our encouragement.
Our exhorting is to include the use of Scripture. Of the thirty-five verses in the NT which contain the word “exhort,” there is more teaching on this aspect than any other. The baptizer exhorted in his preaching (Luke 3:18); the prophets exhorted by words which were confirmed by miracles (i.e., they were inspired Words [Mk. 16:20]) (Acts 15:32); the use of “the faithful word” exhorted (Titus 1:9); an OT passage was called an exhortation (Heb. 12:5; Prov. 3:11-12); etc. Thus, as we urge others to pursue a certain course of conduct, let us be sure to include the best words of exhortation—the Scriptures.
Our exhortations will also include our thoughts put in our own words. In writing, “these things teach and exhort” (1 Tim. 6:2), “teach” would refer to the use of Scripture, but “exhort” would be something different than the use of Scripture—it would be the use of our own chosen words of encouragement. Also, in spite of the fact that Paul did much teaching with Scripture, it was Barnabas, not Paul, who was called “the son of encouragement.” Yes, our words of encouragement will consist of our own thoughts put into our own words.
The motive of our exhortation is to be propelled by our great concern. It is to be as Paul said, “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” (1 Thes. 2:11). As a father is greatly concerned about his children, it is with intense interest that he urges them in various aspects of life to make good. So then is the motivation behind our every exhortation that helps others along their way.
Yes, whenever the situation presents itself, we are commanded to exhort by use of Scripture and our own words out of a motive of great concern.
In what aspects are we to exhort? We are to exhort one another to faithfulness. This is what Barnabas did (Acts 11:23). Acts 14:22 adds, “…exhorting them to continue in the faith.” We are also to exhort those who are in trying times of tribulations (Acts 14:22). Exhortation is to be spoken to encourage into good works (1 Thes. 4:1; 5:14; 2 Cor. 9:5). Not to be forgotten is the exhortation given to urge others out of error (2 Thes. 3:12).
Exhortation is beneficial and necessary—otherwise God would not have commanded it. May each of us be a person who strengthens individual Christians and the church as a whole by means of exhortation. And this you can be by proper meditation.
Gary Henson