The Gift Of Exhortation

Jul 1, 2018

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  EXHORTATION

Romans 12:6-8; 1 Timothy 4:13-14a

 

THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION . . .

The gift of exhortation is speaking encouragement or correction, that is intentional and directional, into the lives of others. 

• It is purposeful, not superficial or empty; it points people to something better and to become better.
• It is putting handles on the truth so that others know what to do and how to do it.
• It is most effective when there is credibility.
  • When you’re speaking into someone’s life what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear, credibility is essential.
    • Rebuke or correction is received more willingly when it is humbly spoken in love and coated with credibility.

 

• It always points people to Jesus Christ.

 

YOU MIGHT HAVE THE GIFT . . .

• You are someone who people tend to listen to when you speak.
• You are practical in application.
• You are engaged in the lives people; one-on-one or in larger groups.
• You are an encourager by nature, even with those who others may find hard to encourage.
• You want to help people mature in their faith spiritually.

“Him (Jesus Christ), warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”  Colossians 1:28

 

“ . . . to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ . . .”  Ephesians 4:12-15

 

HOW THE ENEMY CAN DISTORT OR ATTACK YOUR GIFT . . .

• He can deceive you into believing that your abilities are enough.

“If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5b

• He can deceive you into thinking that people are projects for you to work on.
• He can tempt you to elevate self over Christ.
• He can discourage you when you don’t see immediate
  • Discouragement can lead to disillusionment which can lead to disengagement.

 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE EXHORTER . . .

• Remember that who you are and what you do matters.
• Daily let God encourage you as you intentionally spend time in His presence.
• Give permission to godly people you trust to speak into your life.
  • The one who is gifted in exhortation, needs to practice the humility of receiving exhortation.

“Finally, then, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.  For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

 

MAKING IT PRACTICAL . . .