1. We Are to Exhort One Another (“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”) Lesson 16

2. Brief Review Today’s lesson represents the 16 th installment in this series of lessons entitled, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” For the past four months we have examined the “one another” passages in the New Testament, and we have discovered through our study that we are indeed our brother’s keeper! We have been given the responsibility by God to look out for the spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial well being of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

3. We Are to Exhort One Another The Characterization of Exhortation The Clarification of Exhortation The Conditions Needed for Exhortation The Completion of Exhortation

4. The Characterization of Exhortation The New Testament was written originally in the Greek language. It was and is a very descriptive language that points to precise meanings for words. Such is the case with the word “exhort.” In the New Testament, there are three words used to describe the idea of exhortation. These words, when combined, give us a complete understanding of what it means to “exhort one another.”

5. The Characterization of Exhortation (Parakaleo)- “To call to one’s side to provide assistance” (Paraineo)-“To recommend, advise” (Protrepo)-“To turn forward, to propel, to encourage” “Exhortation is the action of calling a person to one’s side in order to provide assistance and advice so that the individual in need can be propelled forward and encouraged in their faith.” (Examples: Acts 15:32; I Tim. 4:13; II Tim. 4:2)

6. The Clarification of Exhortation Some specifics concerning the idea of exhorting one another are given in the New Testament. They include these thoughts: –We must learn to receive exhortation when it is given! (II Corinthians 8:16,17) –Proper motives must be used when giving exhortation. (I Thessalonians 2:1-6) –We are to exhort one another every day! (Hebrews 3:12,13) –We are to exhort one another when we worship! (Hebrews 10:25)

7. The Conditions Needed for Exhortation The act of exhorting one another must be done in a proper manner if it is going to be effective. The key in providing effective exhortation is possessing the right attitude! If we are going to exhort one another in the best possible way, then we cannot be: childish, churlish (rude), combative, conceited, cranky, cruel, crude or cynical.

8. The Conditions Needed for Exhortation In addition, when exhortation is given we cannot seek to criticize, chide, confuse, or cut down others in the process. The most effective exhorters are those who are cognizant, concerned, compassionate, comforting, considerate, courteous, credible, and courageous.

9. The Completion of Exhortation If exhortation is done well there will be good results. Proper exhortation leads people: –To be saved (Acts 2:40,41) –To continue in the faith (Acts 14:21,22) –To receive one another (Acts 18:24-28) –To walk in a pleasing manner (I Thess. 4:1) –To work hard (II Thess. 3:12) –To pray diligently (Timothy 2:1-4) –To contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3)