Admonish One Another Series

- Building Up One Another -

Admonish One Another

Introduction

There is a time among brothers and sisters when someone needs to be redirected because of a sin that is damaging themselves or others. Most do not like to confront others - even avoid it. We run the risk of damaging a relationship we cherish. We do not want to hurt or anger another person we love. We don’t like to be seen as the “bad guy” or hypocrite. We know that having a sin pointed out is not welcomed.

Part of the Christian journey is to surround yourself with others who also seek to follow after Christ. To receive encouragement To receive redirection when needed. Our own emotions and feelings can get in the way of both giving and receiving encouragement in a confrontational manner.

Last week we emphasized the truth that we must learn to accept one another just as Christ accepted us to the glory and praise of God. At the same time - if we love someone we cannot always be silent about things that are hurting them. So we have this command to “admonish one another.”

Romans 15:14 NASB And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of

goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. What does it mean to Admonish One Another? The word translated “admonish” literally means “to place on one’s mind.” It is also translated “to counsel,” “to warn,” and “to instruct.” Admonition seeks to correct those who are damaging themselves and others by their wrong choices in life against clear Biblical teaching.

To Admonish someone might be a gently raised question or a very forceful statement (like when Nathan the prophet came to King David!).

There are few greater signs of our love for someone, than our willingness to risk rejection and broken relationship, because we confronted them for their own good. We do this for our own children.

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord."

Colossians 3:16 NIV Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Even our times of worship and praise can be admonishing - teaching … instructing us to be better. Love directs us to care for the souls of others. Love directs us to hold one another accountable.

Requirements Before We Admonish Others:

-Governed by Goodness - the motive “full of goodness”.

-Governed by God’s Word - “filled with all knowledge”. 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” When we appeal to Scripture, we are making it clear it has nothing to do with us as individuals, we are all under the authority of God’s Word.

-Governed by truth, not our personal opinions. "Admonishment must be based on God's specific will and ways - not on what we think other Christians should or should not be doing." (Getz)

-Governed by Genuineness - always be aware of the log in your own eye. before you attempt to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

3. Six Essential Principles for Practical Admonition

Be Prayerful - instead of reacting impulsively. We need God’s wisdom and strength and should never engage in spiritual activity without prayer. Admonition is not acting out of anger or any other emotion - it is seeking to restore a wandering soul.

Be Pure - pure motives and pure goals are important. When Paul admonished the Corinthians he did so “not to shame you, but to admonish you, as my dear children.” (1 Corinthians 4:14) Admonition should not be done to tear people down or embarrass them, but to help them / build them up.

Be Pointed. Colossians 1:28 “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Our goal in admonition should be to help each person to become mature in Christ.

Be Private if Possible. Admonition should be done in private / face-to-face. Matthew 18:5 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.”

Be Productive. We are not seeking to be harsh, but helpful. All of us are sinners, and we should be empathetic for that reason. Be ready to suggest practical suggestions for change. Galatians 6:1 “…If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.”

Be Patient. Give the person time to reflect and to be convicted by the Holy Spirit. Change often comes slowly, not immediately. Often it takes some time to get past the initial bristling of our egos to be able to hear God’s voice.