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Sunday, October
18, 2009
Give Attendance To Exhortation
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give
attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV)
Remember the definition for ‘give
attendance’? A few of the definitions are: to hold the mind towards, pay
attention to, apply oneself to, adhere to, or be given to.
Strong’s definition for
‘exhortation’:
3874 - paraklesis (par-ak'-lay-sis); from
NT:3870; imploration, hortation, solace: KJV - comfort, consolation,
exhortation, intreaty.
Exhortation is stirring one up in
remembrance of things that pertain to God which encourages them in
continuing to live their life in accordance to the truth of God’s Word, and
not becoming conformed again to this world. Instead, they are being
transformed by the renewing of the mind that they may continue to prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Exhortation is also to comfort one
another with the truth and life that can only come in and through Christ.
Exhortation can be in the form of prayer and supplication, word or deed;
however the Spirit leads and guides you. It doesn’t have to be prepared
ahead of time; we should be instant in season and out of season, ready and
willing to be given to it.
Exhortation is speaking the truth in love
with the wisdom from above that it may rouse others into action. Are you
applying yourself to stir up the gift of Christ within one another so that
it does not become stale and of no use; keeping the living waters fresh and
flowing? If not, why not? Isn’t this what we are instructed to do? Well,
let’s do it today, right now, give and it shall be given.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on 2 Peter 3:1
The purified minds of Christians are to
be stirred up, that they may be active and lively in the work of holiness.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on 2 Corinthians 9:5
The duty of ministering to the saints is
so plain, that there would seem no need to exhort Christians to it; yet
self-love contends so powerfully against the love of Christ, that it is
often necessary to stir up their minds by way of remembrance.
So be given to exhorting one another
daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin.
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