Five exhortations

Five exhortations

Introduction

I must admit I searched for a more ‘user-friendly’ word than ‘exhortations’ – but I couldn’t find one. To ‘exhort’ someone is to strongly urge them to do something; to give them a warning or advice; to appeal to them directly. As you do this devotion, I hope you’ll agree that ‘exhortations’ best describes these verses of Scripture.

Corinth was one of the richest and most important cities in Ancient Greece. But it was also one of the most corrupt. It was full of all kinds of religions and philosophies, and idolatry was rife. Unfortunately, much of this pagan culture had infiltrated the church. We too are surrounded by a pagan culture. How do we stop it infiltrating our lives?

At the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, just before his closing greetings, he ‘strongly urges’ the believers in Corinth to do five things as they serve the Lord. Let’s look at each exhortation in turn. As we do so, let’s remember that this is a great summary of how God wants all believers to live in this world.

Exhortation 1

Be on your guard:

Read Mark 13:33   Here Jesus is speaking about how we must stay alert as he could return at any time. Like soldiers guarding a building or protecting a high-profile person, we must constantly keep our mind on the task, lest we become distracted, complacent or careless. We must watch out for anything that would draw us away from Christ.

What sorts of things can distract you or make you complacent? Is there anything that you particularly need to guard against? Ask God to help you live in such a way that you will not be ashamed when Jesus returns.

Exhortation 2

Stand firm in the faith:

Read Ephesians 6:10-17   To stand firm in the faith we must protect ourselves with the full armour of God so we can resist Satan’s attacks. Day by day Christians are in a cosmic battle against all sorts of spiritual forces.

What sort of power does God give us as we seek to stand firm in the Lord? (vs 10)

What armour are we given to help us fight in this battle? (vs 14-17)

Let’s put on our armour daily!

Exhortation 3

Be courageous:

Read Joshua 1:9  What did the Lord say to Joshua as he prepared to lead God’s people into the Promised Land?

Why is there no need for us to be afraid or discouraged as we serve the Lord?

Exhortation 4

Be strong:

Read Psalm 31:23-24  God preserves all those who are true to him.

What encouragement and/or comfort do you find in these verses?

Exhortation 5

Do everything in love:

Read John 13:34-35  If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then love should characterise everything we do.

What impact does our love for one another have on those around us?

When we fail to love as we ought, let’s ask God to forgive us and help us love him and those around us more.

Let’s sing!

How Firm a Foundation (The Petersens); Battle Belongs (Phil Wickham); The Love of God (The N Crew); In Christ Alone (Getty).