Hebrews 3:13
We live today in a time of sifting. Many people in our churches are becoming careless — they imagine that the work of the church will go on just fine without them. Little by little they thin out their attendance at worship, and step by step they drift away from the faith.
The aim of this study is to draw the attention of modern Christians to one of the tools for establishing, sustaining, and preserving the Christian faith — a tool that was widely used in the days of the apostles. Exhortation is something that can and must be done by all Christians. It is not only for pastors and church leaders, but for everyone. According to Hebrews 3:13, we are to do it “one another” — that is, each one to each one.
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)
According to this verse, exhortation is the antidote against a hardening heart and a falling away from the faith. It succeeds where preaching, teaching, prophesying, rebuking, and evangelizing are not enough.
I. How Needful and Important Is Exhortation?
From 1 Thessalonians 5:12 we see that God’s servants, among everything else, are also meant to be those who exhort.
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
If we examine the verses on exhortation in the New Testament, we will discover that it is a constant weapon in the arsenal of the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11), and is therefore especially important.
1. Exhortation is part of the apostolic gift.
In Acts 14:21-22 we see that the apostles did not only preach the good news; they also exhorted the new believers.
21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. (Acts 14:21-22)
Apostolic exhortation strengthened the souls of the disciples.
2. Exhortation is also a tool of the prophetic ministry.
It was not only the apostles who exhorted. The prophets did the same. In Acts 15:32 we read of the ministry of two of them:
32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. (Acts 15:32)
The effect of the prophets’ exhortation was the same as that of the apostles’ — it inevitably led to the strengthening and grounding of new converts in the faith, and this remains true today.
In 1 Corinthians 14:3, describing what the one who prophesies does, it says:
3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
3. The evangelist uses exhortation in his preaching of the gospel.
Not only the apostle and the prophet, but the evangelist too cannot do without exhortation as a tool for ministry. In Luke 3:18 we see that John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming Messiah, “preached the good news with exhortations.”
18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. (Luke 3:18)
4. The pastor and the teacher also employ and emphasize exhortation.
In Acts 11:19-23 Luke records the story of the founding of the church in Syrian Antioch. At first the believers scattered by Saul’s persecution preached only to the Jews, but some of them came to Antioch and there began to share Christ with the Greeks as well. As a result of God’s working and the evangelistic ministry of these Jewish Christians, a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
When word of the newly founded church reached the ears of the apostles in the mother church in Jerusalem, they realized that the new Greek believers in Antioch needed a pastor, and they immediately sent Barnabas to carry out that much-needed ministry there. It is striking that the first thing Barnabas does, once he sees what God had accomplished in Antioch up to that point, is to begin exhorting the new believers to be steadfast in their new faith.
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (Acts 11:19-23)
I believe that through all of this the Holy Spirit is showing us what we too must do with new people in the church. Not merely rejoice that they have been saved and then leave them to the mercy of life, but to serve them with exhortation. This is exactly why we must learn what exhortation is and gain the skill to apply it in our life and in our fellowship with people.
Writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy, who at that time was serving as pastor in Ephesus:
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (1 Timothy 4:13)
That exhortation is of exceptional importance for our Christian life — for our perseverance in Christ’s teaching, for the establishing and steadfastness of our faith — is witnessed by the fact that an entire book of the Bible was written as a “word of exhortation.” Which book is this? The author of the Letter to the Hebrews himself calls his composition just that in 13:22:
22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly. (Hebrews 13:22)
II. What Is Exhortation?
Put briefly, exhortation is a verbal confrontation made in love.
Exhortation includes pleading, persuading, confronting, encouraging, and warning.
1. Pleading
Unlike preaching, which commands people to submit to the good news of the King, or teaching, which simply announces a certain truth that of itself requires us to conform to it, exhortation carries within it a note of pleading. From the apostle Paul’s letters we can see that in his exhortation he often used entreaty and appeal.
We find an example of this in the Letter to Philemon 1:8-9:
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. (Philemon 1:8-9)
Another example is 2 Corinthians 6:1:
1 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
And also Romans 12:1:
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)
Pleading in exhortation disposes the heart toward trust and demonstrates the love and concern of the one who exhorts.
2. Persuading
Exhortation must not be a mere appeal or an order. It must contain arguments, evidence, and reasons. The person we are exhorting must understand that it is better for him to do what we are telling him. We must be able to convince him that the change in his behavior is in his own interest.
In the first chapter of Hebrews, for example, the author of the letter, who wants to exhort his listeners not to fall back from Christianity into Judaism, brings forward a whole series of verses from the Old Testament Scriptures in support of the thesis that Jesus is greater than the angels, and that therefore his gospel is more authoritative than the law of Moses, which was thought to have been received through the mediation of angels. In other words, the writer of the letter requires a change in his readers not because he says so, but because it is more reasonable and better for them themselves — and he proves it to them.
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” 13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:1-14)
The angels are servants, but the Son is God. This is the reason the revelation through the Son is more important than all other temporary and partial revelations. Having proved the authority of Christ and his supremacy over the angels, the author of Hebrews continues in 2:1-4 with the application of the evidence already set out. It is a warning of how dangerous it would be, in that case, to neglect the word and work of Christ. Notice the words “therefore” and “for.” They are the link between the proof and the warning in the exhortation.
1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4)
Proof lends strength and authority to exhortation. It is an unavoidable element of it.
3. Confronting
In spite of the good will of the one who exhorts toward the one being exhorted, exhortation inevitably comes to confrontation. It is necessary in order to change the direction of thinking of the one who needs to change.
In Titus 1:9 we can see that we must know “sound doctrine” well and be uncompromising when it comes to God’s truths. In these verses the apostle Paul reminds Titus what an elder must be — and therefore every one of us as well:
9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9)
Very often exhortation is a difficult but wholesome collision that can bring about a radical change in those who receive it.
4. Encouraging, cheering, and calling forward
If confrontation is aimed chiefly at a person’s deeds, then encouragement is aimed at the person himself. Once he has been told what he must not do, the time comes to remind him what he must do.
An example of this is Hebrews 6:7-12. In this passage, after describing the terrible fate of degenerate and barren land, the author of the letter encourages his readers that this will not happen to them, and immediately afterward reminds them what is expected of them.
7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case — the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:7-12)
In 10:22-24, after having largely set out the evidence that Christ’s priesthood, covenant, sanctuary, and sacrifice surpass those of Aaron and the Levites, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews turns to appeals, encouragements, and exhortations to his readers. Characteristic of them is the little word “let us.”
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25)
5. Warning
Besides pleading, persuading, confrontation, and encouragement, exhortation also includes a warning about what may follow if the counsel given is not received. The danger is most often of consequences that are irreversible. We find an example of warning in Hebrews 12:15-18,25:
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. (Hebrews 12:15-17)
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? (Hebrews 12:25)
| Elements of exhortation | Characteristic word |
| Pleading and appeal | I urge / I appeal |
| Persuading | For, therefore |
| Confronting and correcting | Do not |
| Encouraging, cheering, and calling forward | Let us |
| Warning | See to it! |
III. How Is Exhortation to Be Carried Out?
When we exhort, we must know not only what exhortation is, but also the way in which it must be done. In the New Testament we can find the following principles on this matter.
1. Exhortation must not be manipulation.
It must be done with right motives.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:3, the apostle Paul, defending his ministry before the Thessalonians, says:
3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. (1 Thessalonians 2:3)
If a person knows the power of exhortation and has mastered its technique, he may be tempted to use it for selfish ends and to impose his own will. In that case, however, exhortation turns from spiritual into fleshly, and can serve for reproach instead of blessing.
2. Exhortation must be responsible.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:11 we see the example of the apostles. They exhorted the Thessalonians with parental concern — seriously and responsibly.
11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
3. Successful exhortation requires long-suffering.
When we set out to exhort someone, we must know that it will not be easy. That is why it is good to prepare ourselves to be patient, and if necessary even to pray for it.
In 2 Timothy 4:2 the apostle Paul solemnly charges young Timothy:
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)
4. Exhortation must be done with honor and respect.
Even if the person we are exhorting has erred and done something terrible — even if we are right and he is not — we must never wound his dignity. That would make him harden, close in on himself, and become resistant to change. That is why, in 1 Timothy 5:1, the apostle Paul gives Timothy a very wise piece of advice:
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. (1 Timothy 5:1)
A rebuke may be taken as an insult, but exhortation will not be. That is why, when we exhort, we must be very careful — especially toward older brothers and sisters, who have a greater sense of honor.
5. Exhortation is done with many words.
This is natural, since it must include pleading, evidence, confrontation, encouragements, and warnings.
In Acts 20:2 we see the clear example of the apostle Paul in this regard:
2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, (Acts 20:2)
6. Exhortation must have one clear central aim.
Even though exhortation is usually many-worded, this does not mean it should be scattered and disjointed. No — it is usually aimed in only one direction, and that is the tearing out of the root of the problem. That is why, as we see from Acts 2:40, it is not hard for Luke to convey Peter’s exhortation to the Jews in a single sentence:
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Acts 2:40)
7. Questions increase the effect of exhortation.
This is so because questions make us stop and think. And most often that is precisely what we need in order to come to our senses. In Hebrews 3:16-18 we find a portion of exhortation that is filled with questions.
16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? (Hebrews 3:16-18)
8. There is a special grace for exhorting.
There are people to whom God has given the special gift of exhortation. In Acts 4:36 we read how the apostles named Joseph “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement” — this suggests that Barnabas had this gift. I believe God would be pleased for us too to pray for this grace.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), (Acts 4:36)
IV. When Should We Exhort?
And so, up to now we have spoken of the need for exhortation, of what exhortation contains, and of how it must be carried out. The last question I would like us to consider is the place of exhortation in time. When should we exhort? God’s Word gives us a completely clear, brief, and categorical answer to this question — “every day.” Since the devil attacks us with “sin’s deceitfulness” every day, we too must respond adequately every single day of the Lord! In our foundational text (Hebrews 3:12-13) it says:
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
And in Hebrews 10:25 it says that as time advances and the Second Coming draws near, the degree and frequency of exhortation must increase!
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
Now that we know how important exhortation is, what it is, and how to carry it out, let us practice it more and more in our lives. I am certain the result will be the same as in the first century — fewer brothers and sisters falling away, and more of them established in the faith in Christ.