Topical Bible: Ministers are Bound to Exhort

Bible > Topical > Ministers are Bound to Exhort

◄ Ministers are Bound to Exhort ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the role of ministers is not only to shepherd the flock but also to exhort, encourage, and admonish believers in their spiritual journey. This responsibility is deeply rooted in Scripture and is considered a vital aspect of pastoral ministry.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear directives regarding the duty of ministers to exhort. In 2 Timothy 4:2, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy, a young pastor, with these words: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." This passage underscores the necessity for ministers to be diligent in their exhortation, using the Word of God as their foundation.

Similarly, in Titus 2:15, Paul emphasizes the authority and responsibility of ministers to exhort: "Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." Here, the exhortation is linked with authority, suggesting that ministers are to speak with conviction and clarity, ensuring that their guidance is respected and heeded.

Purpose of Exhortation

The purpose of exhortation is multifaceted. It serves to build up the body of Christ, correct errors, and encourage believers to live in accordance with God's will. Hebrews 3:13 highlights the preventative aspect of exhortation: "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." Regular exhortation helps believers remain vigilant against the deceitfulness of sin and encourages perseverance in faith.

Furthermore, exhortation is intended to promote spiritual growth and maturity. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul explains that Christ gave various leaders, including pastors and teachers, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." Exhortation is a tool for equipping believers, fostering unity, and guiding them toward spiritual maturity.

Characteristics of Effective Exhortation

Effective exhortation is characterized by several key elements. It must be rooted in Scripture, as the Word of God is the ultimate authority and guide for Christian living. Ministers are called to handle the Word accurately and to ensure that their exhortations align with biblical truth.

Additionally, exhortation should be delivered with love and patience. As Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone." This verse highlights the need for sensitivity and understanding, recognizing the diverse needs and spiritual conditions of the congregation.

Finally, exhortation should be accompanied by personal integrity and example. Ministers are called to live lives that reflect the teachings they proclaim. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul exhorts Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." The credibility of a minister's exhortation is strengthened when it is backed by a life of genuine faith and godliness.

Conclusion

The exhortation is an essential duty of ministers, deeply embedded in the biblical mandate for pastoral care. Through exhortation, ministers fulfill their calling to guide, correct, and encourage believers, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the disputers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:15
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
... to declare the everlasting gospel to eternity-bound souls, you ... No better instruction
to ministers has ever been ... out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxiii exhortation to workers.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... To All the Ministers of the Church Catholic ... We exhort you also, according to the
word of the apostle, to ... ye fall into the toils of Satan, and be bound with his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion ...
... chap.7. Will any Ministers say, that this is not well, and so openly set themselves
in opposition to the ... 60.) The Curates are bound to exhort the Faithful ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i no minister ought.htm

This Sermon was Originally Printed
... Ministers are bound to comfort ... something to comfort the child of God, "Comfort ye,
comfort ye my people." It is our duty to reprove, to exhort, to invite ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/this sermon was originally printed.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince ... he is no longer his own, but
is bound in service ... but only pastors, who laid hands on ministers, though it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... To these I am ever bound to exhort you, while ye ... Ye who love God, of every place
and every denomination, wrestle for your ministers; pray for them; for why ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... apart by God to instruct and exhort his people ... the sacred truths that gospel ministers
deliver, are ... of godliness, which, therefore, we are bound studiously to ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... and chase away the wolves; to instruct and exhort the docile ... that it does not now
belong to faithful ministers to coin ... but what the whole Church, is bound to do ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

Sundry Exhortations.
... Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them ... But I exhort you, brethren, bear
with the word of ... not knowing that they were heaven-sent ministers of wrath ...
/.../chapter xvi sundry exhortations.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
... only lawfully may, but are in duty bound, to charge ... commands Titus, and in him all
succeeding Ministers of the ... or preach the Word of God, to exhort and rebuke ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly-riches sect ii.htm