Exhortation is an important concept in the Bible. It refers to urging, advising, or cautioning someone to do what is right, good, and proper. Exhortation encourages people to have faith, hope, and love. It builds others up in their walk with God. The Bible contains many verses that teach about the importance of exhortation.
Here are some key Bible verses about exhortation:
Hebrews 3:13
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
This verse emphasizes the need for daily exhortation to help prevent others from falling into sin. As believers, we should regularly encourage each other in the faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
We are called to build up and strengthen fellow believers through exhortation. It should be an ongoing practice.
Titus 1:9
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
Pastors and teachers especially are responsible for exhorting their congregations through sound biblical instruction and even rebuke when necessary.
1 Timothy 4:13
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”
Timothy is reminded to devote himself to exhortation alongside reading Scripture publicly and teaching doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Preachers are to preach the Word of God constantly, which includes exhorting listeners – reproving and rebuking them when required.
Titus 2:15
“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Titus is instructed to exhort and rebuke with authority, not allowing anyone to disregard his words.
Romans 12:8
“The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Exhortation is a spiritual gift that should be used diligently for God’s glory.
2 Corinthians 8:17
“For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.”
Being earnest and sincere is key in exhorting others in godliness.
1 Peter 5:1
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed.”
As a fellow elder, Peter exhorts church leaders to faithfully shepherd their flocks.
1 Thessalonians 4:1
“Finally, then, brothers, 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.”
The Thessalonians are both asked and urged to continue pleasing God through holy living.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
“Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
We should use God’s Word to encourage and build up fellow believers.
Acts 14:22
“Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Paul and Barnabas exhorted new believers to persevere in suffering for Christ’s sake.
Acts 15:32
“And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.”
Judas and Silas exhorted the early church through prophesying and teaching.
Acts 18:27
“And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed.”
The early church exhorted Apollos before sending him out to preach the gospel.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
We should allow Christ’s word to dwell in us fully so we can teach and admonish properly.
1 Corinthians 14:3
“On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”
Prophesying aims to build up, encourage, and comfort others.
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
We are called to comfort and live in harmony with fellow believers.
1 Thessalonians 2:11
“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you.”
Exhortation involves caring for others like a nurturing father cares for his children.
Titus 2:6
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”
Younger men need specific exhortation to be self-controlled and live wisely.
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
We should thoughtfully encourage each other in love and good deeds.
Jude 1:3
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Jude felt an urgency to write and appeal to believers to contend for true doctrine.
In summary, exhortation is an integral part of the Christian life. We are exhorted to build each other up, strengthen the church, spread the gospel, contend for sound doctrine, correct error, care for souls, and glorify Christ through our words and actions. The Bible provides abundant instruction on how to biblically exhort others.
Below are some additional verses on exhortation to study:
Acts 11:23
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 12:18
Ephesians 4:1
1 Thessalonians 5:14
2 Thessalonians 3:12
1 Timothy 2:1
1 Timothy 5:1
1 Timothy 6:2
2 Timothy 4:2
Titus 1:9
Titus 2:9
Titus 2:15
Hebrews 3:13
Hebrews 10:25
Hebrews 13:22
James 5:16
In conclusion, biblical exhortation is vital for encouraging spiritual growth, teaching sound doctrine, inspiring godly conduct, correcting sinful behavior, strengthening the church, and spreading the gospel message. Christians should be diligent to build others up through grace-filled words of biblical exhortation for the glory of Christ.