Admonition, in the biblical context, refers to the act of providing counsel, warning, or correction with the intent of guiding someone towards righteous living and spiritual growth. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and community life, emphasizing the importance of truth, love, and accountability among believers.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of admonition is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with wisdom, instruction, and correction. The Hebrew and Greek terms translated as "admonish" or "admonition" convey the idea of placing something in the mind, suggesting a gentle yet firm reminder or warning.

In the Old Testament, the wisdom literature frequently highlights the value of receiving and giving admonition. Proverbs 27:5-6 states, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This passage underscores the importance of honest and loving correction among friends.

The New Testament further develops the theme of admonition within the context of the Christian community. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often emphasizes the role of admonition in the life of the church. In Colossians 3:16 , he writes, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Here, admonition is linked with teaching and the communal life of worship, suggesting that it is a natural outflow of a life centered on Christ's teachings.

Purpose and Practice

Admonition serves several purposes within the Christian faith. It is a means of spiritual growth, helping believers to align their lives with God's will. It also acts as a safeguard against sin and error, encouraging individuals to remain faithful to biblical truths.

The practice of admonition should be characterized by love, humility, and a desire for the well-being of others. Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to "speak the truth in love," highlighting the balance between truthfulness and compassion. Admonition is not meant to be harsh or judgmental but should be delivered with a spirit of gentleness and patience, as seen in Galatians 6:1 : "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness."

Admonition in Church Leadership

Church leaders have a particular responsibility to admonish their congregations. Paul, in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, reminds them of his own example, saying, "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). This passage illustrates the pastoral duty to provide continual guidance and correction, motivated by deep care and concern for the spiritual health of the church.

Admonition Among Believers

Admonition is not limited to church leaders; it is a mutual responsibility among all believers. Romans 15:14 affirms this communal aspect: "I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another." This verse encourages believers to engage in mutual admonition, fostering a community where members support and edify one another in their walk with Christ.

Challenges and Considerations

While admonition is a vital aspect of Christian life, it can be challenging to practice effectively. It requires discernment, wisdom, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Believers must be careful to avoid self-righteousness and ensure that their motives are pure, seeking the glory of God and the edification of others.

In summary, admonition is a biblically mandated practice that plays a crucial role in the spiritual development and unity of the Christian community. It is an expression of love and commitment to one another, rooted in the truth of God's Word and the example of Christ.(n.) Gentle or friendly reproof; counseling against a fault or error; expression of authoritative advice; friendly caution or warning.3559. nouthesia -- admonition
... admonition. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: nouthesia Phonetic Spelling:
(noo-thes-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a warning, admonition Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3559.htm - 7k4561. mosar -- instruction
... Word Origin the same as musar, qv. instruction From yacar; admonition -- instruction.
see HEBREW yacar. 4560, 4561. mosar or musar. 4562 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/4561.htm - 5k

The Admonition.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Admonition. "Behold, I come like a thief.
Happy is he who watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the admonition.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... On Admonition and Repentance. 1. Not of compulsion is the doctrine; of
free-will is the word of life. Whoso is willing to hear the ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

An Admonition to them who Come to visit the Sick.
... THE PRACTICE OF PIETY. An Admonition to them who come to visit the Sick.
They who come to visit ihe sick, must have a special care ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/an admonition to them who.htm

An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that no one Should ...
... Book II. Chapter LX."An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that No
One should trouble his Neighbor. "Once more, let none use ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lx an admonition at the.htm

Letter Xliii. Admonition to the Young.
... TOU AGIOU BAChILEIOU PERI TOU PNEUMATOCh BIBLION. Letter XLIII. Admonition
to the Young. O faithful man of solitary life, and practiser ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xliii admonition to the.htm

Concluding Admonition.
... Book IV. Chapter 39."Concluding Admonition. If, as may possibly be the case,
you desire to know whether there are many other points ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 39 concluding admonition.htm

Whether the Precept of Fraternal Correction Demands that a Private ...
... OF FRATERNAL CORRECTION (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the precept of fraternal correction
demands that a private admonition should precede denunciation? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precept of fraternal.htm

"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to ...
... "IT IS I, BE NOT AFRAID." EXTRACTED FROM KNOX'S ADMONITION TO ENGLAND.
"Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good comfort, it is ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /it is i be not.htm

The Marcionite Interpretation of God and Mammon Refuted the ...
... Chapter XXXIII."The Marcionite Interpretation of God and Mammon Refuted The Prophets
Justify Christ's Admonition Against Covetousness and Pride. ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the marcionite interpretation of.htm

Special Conference in virginia.
... eternal welfare. O parents, parents! is that the way to bring up your children
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? O remember ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/special conference in virginia.htm

Admonition (8 Occurrences)
...Admonition (8 Occurrences). ... Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children
to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ...
/a/admonition.htm - 8k

Admonishing (7 Occurrences)
... and admonishing you, (YLT). Titus 3:10 A sectarian man, after a first and
second admonition be rejecting, (See RSV). Isaiah 8:11 For ...
/a/admonishing.htm - 8k

Warning (30 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Previous notice. 4. (n.) Caution against danger, or against faults
or evil practices which incur danger; admonition; monition. ...
/w/warning.htm - 15k

Chastening (11 Occurrences)
... A similar, but not identical, thought, is found in Ephesians 6:4: "Nurture them
in the chastening and admonition of the Lord." But when paideia is described as ...
/c/chastening.htm - 15k

Teaching (372 Occurrences)
... the teachers-priests, Levites and fathers-sent forth by Jehoshaphat, was one of
illumination in the twofold sense of instruction and admonition (2 Chronicles 19 ...
/t/teaching.htm - 62k

Teacher (103 Occurrences)
... the teachers-priests, Levites and fathers-sent forth by Jehoshaphat, was one of
illumination in the twofold sense of instruction and admonition (2 Chronicles 19 ...
/t/teacher.htm - 61k

Teach (172 Occurrences)
... the teachers-priests, Levites and fathers-sent forth by Jehoshaphat, was one of
illumination in the twofold sense of instruction and admonition (2 Chronicles 19 ...
/t/teach.htm - 65k

Nourish (16 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 6:4 And the fathers! provoke not your children, but nourish them
in the instruction and admonition of the Lord. (YLT). ...
/n/nourish.htm - 13k

Listen (441 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To give heed; to yield to advice; to follow admonition; to obey. 3. (vt)
To attend to. Multi-Version Concordance Listen (441 Occurrences). ...
/l/listen.htm - 34k

Warnings (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and
they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. ...
/w/warnings.htm - 8k

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