Tag: exhortation

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously

Posted on by Will

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity, nor was it in deceit.

Truth to Learn

All ministries should be performed honestly and for God.

 

Behind the Words

“Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near” or “to call alongside.” It is a picture of someone who has come alongside to coach, encourage, or comfort. Paraklēsis refers to comfort, encouragement or to urgent instruction, challenging someone to make a change.

The Greek word translated “error” is planē, which refers to “a wandering away from the proper path.” Figuratively, it refers to doctrinal error. It expresses the notion of passive error rather than intentional deception.

The word “impurity” is translated from akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “doing something in an unclean or immoral manner.” In the New Testament it generally refers to sensual impurity.

“Deceit” is from the Greek noun dolos, which is derived from the verb delō, meaning “to bait.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, meaning “fraud” or “deceit.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the latter half of the first chapter of this letter, Paul spoke of the evangelistic nature of his ministry to the Thessalonians. Now, through verse twelve, he gives a defense of the type of pastoral, teaching ministry he and his companions performed. He refers to this phase of his ministry as “exhortation.” Preaching the gospel and evangelizing the lost is only a portion of a pastor’s ministry. In Ephesians we learn that the purpose of the specially gifted spiritual leaders, including pastors/teachers, is to equip those under their care so that the church members can perform the work of the ministry.

And He gave some to be apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Unfortunately, many pastors today focus almost exclusively on evangelism, producing a flock that is saved but spiritually immature and ill equipped to evangelize and minister to others.

The Apostle tells his readers that his preaching and teaching were not based on erroneous doctrine. Even though this letter was written very early in the life of Christianity, there were already others whose teaching was based on man’s ideas rather than on God’s word. And, he says that his ministry was not based on impurity and immorality. Pagan religions of the time incorporated immoral sexual practices which enticed many to join.

Finally, Paul tells us that he did not use deceptive practices or trickery to perform the tasks that God had given him to do. His teaching was straight-up and straightforward, the truth and nothing but the truth.

 

Application

Whatever ministry you have within your local church, take a lesson from Paul. Perform it as plainly, forthrightly, and honestly as you possibly can. Don’t seek attention or glory for yourself; give all the glory and praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously

Posted on by Will

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

Truth to Learn

All ministries should be performed honestly and for God.

Behind the Words

“Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near.” It is a picture of someone who has come alongside to coach, encourage, or comfort. Paraklēsis refers to comfort, encouragement or to urgent instruction, challenging someone to make a change.

The Greek word translated “error” is planē, which refers to “a wandering away from the proper path.” Figuratively, it refers to doctrinal error. It expresses the notion of passive error rather than intentional deception.

The word “uncleanness” is translated from akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “doing something in an unclean or immoral manner.” In the New Testament it generally refers to sensual impurity.

“Deceit” is from the Greek noun dolos, which is derived from the verb delō, meaning “to bait.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, meaning “fraud” or “deceit.”

Meaning Explained

In the latter half of the first chapter of this letter, Paul spoke of the evangelistic nature of his ministry to the Thessalonians. Now, through verse twelve, he gives a defense of the type of pastoral, teaching ministry he and his companions performed. He refers to this phase of his ministry as “exhortation.” Preaching the gospel and evangelizing the lost is only a portion of a pastor’s ministry. In Ephesians we learn that the purpose of the specially gifted spiritual leaders, including pastors/teachers, is to equip those under their care so that the church members can perform the work of the ministry.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Unfortunately, many pastors today focus almost exclusively on evangelism, producing a flock that is saved but spiritually immature and ill equipped to evangelize and minister to others.

The Apostle tells his readers that his preaching and teaching were not based on erroneous doctrine. Even though this letter was written very early in the life of Christianity, there were already others whose teaching was based on man’s ideas rather than on God’s word. And, he says that his ministry was not based on uncleanness and immorality. Pagan religions of the time incorporated immoral sexual practices which enticed many to join.

Finally, Paul tells us that he did not use deceptive practices or trickery to perform the tasks that God had given him to do. His teaching was straight-up and straightforward, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Application

Whatever ministry you have within your local church, take a lesson from Paul. Perform it as plainly, forthrightly, and honestly as you possibly can. Don’t seek attention or glory for yourself; give all the glory and praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving

Posted on by Will

Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving

he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Truth to Learn

Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhortation” is parakalon, which is a present participle meaning “assisting, comforting, challenging, or encouraging.”

“Gives” is from metadidōmi, meaning “to give to others or to share.” This gift is to be performed “with liberality” which comes from the Greek word haplotēs, meaning “with singleness, with simplicity, or without any ulterior motives.”

“Leads” is from proistēmi, which literally means, “the one who stands before.” This is a person who is in charge, and we are told that this gift is done, “en spoude.” This literally means “with speed” but by implication it means “with diligence.”

Finally, Paul mentions ho eleon, meaning “the one having compassion or mercy” It involves not only feeling compassionate for those in circumstances brought about by their own sin, but actively assisting them in overcoming their sin and circumstances. This gift is different from “helps” in that it is extended to those who deserve what they are suffering and don’t really deserve the assistance.

Meaning Explained

In this verse, even though he refers to individuals, Paul’s focus is not so much on the person as on the gift. He starts off by talking about exhortation or encouragement. This is one of the words that Jesus used to describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians as our “helper.”

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

Do you know someone who is like a coach, encouraging and challenging other Christians to commitment and service for the Lord? That’s the gift of exhortation at work.

Someone with the gift of giving does so without expectation of receiving anything in return. The person with this gift loves to share the material blessings that he or she has with others. People with this gift are often hidden in the body of Christ because they don’t seek recognition.

Have you ever known a Sunday School Superintendent who was gifted at organizing and running a Sunday school program? This person has the gift of leadership. If you don’t like to stand up in front of others, don’t enjoy planning and organizing, and aren’t willing to make the tough decisions, you probably don’t have the gift of leadership.

Most of us have a tendency to be a bit smug and self-righteous when we see a fellow Christian who is reaping the results of sinfulness in his or her life. A person with the gift of mercy, however, is compelled to reach out to that person and help them get back on their feet.

Application

When we have placed ourselves on the altar as living sacrifices, we find joy and satisfaction in using the gifts that God has given us. Do you find joy in serving God? That’s probably your spiritual gift at work.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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