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Waverly Church of Christ
Admonish One Another
Sunday Morning Lesson
Locations & Times
Waverly Church of Christ
438 W Main St, Waverly, TN 37185, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Introduction
Our Lord’s church is made up of people . . .
a. Of different ages and backgrounds.
b. Of varying degrees of maturity and Scriptural knowledge.
2. Over the last few weeks we have looked at our need . . .
a. For one another.
b. To be devoted to one another in love.
c. To outdo one another in showing honor.
d. To be of the same mind (united in purpose).
Just as in our physical families, so in our spiritual family, there is a need from
time to time to admonish one another.
This, however, is not an easy task because we have to be willing to risk
rejection and broken relationships with others.
Our Lord’s church is made up of people . . .
a. Of different ages and backgrounds.
b. Of varying degrees of maturity and Scriptural knowledge.
2. Over the last few weeks we have looked at our need . . .
a. For one another.
b. To be devoted to one another in love.
c. To outdo one another in showing honor.
d. To be of the same mind (united in purpose).
Just as in our physical families, so in our spiritual family, there is a need from
time to time to admonish one another.
This, however, is not an easy task because we have to be willing to risk
rejection and broken relationships with others.
--slide--
However, if it is done in the right way and with the right spirit it can actually
result in personal and spiritual growth for ourselves, but for our brothers and
sisters in Christ as well.
However, if it is done in the right way and with the right spirit it can actually
result in personal and spiritual growth for ourselves, but for our brothers and
sisters in Christ as well.
This morning, please consider with me what God’s Holy Spirit has to say about
admonishment, what it looks like, who is qualified to do it, and how it is to be
done.
admonishment, what it looks like, who is qualified to do it, and how it is to be
done.
--slide--
I. What Is Admonishment?
I. What Is Admonishment?
A. VARIOUS WORDS HAVE BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE IT
Some of our translations (i.e., KJV, NKJV and NASB95) use the word “admonish” to translate the original Greek word (noutheteo).
Others (i.e., ESV and NIV) use the word “instruct”.
“Correct” is also used.
It is a word which has to do with more than casual communication or even
normal-type teaching.
It’s focus is upon correction and warning.
In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he urged the brothers and sisters in that congregation to “warn those who are idle and disruptive” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
In his final meeting with the elders from Ephesus, following his third
missionary journey, he told them,
Some of our translations (i.e., KJV, NKJV and NASB95) use the word “admonish” to translate the original Greek word (noutheteo).
Others (i.e., ESV and NIV) use the word “instruct”.
“Correct” is also used.
It is a word which has to do with more than casual communication or even
normal-type teaching.
It’s focus is upon correction and warning.
In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he urged the brothers and sisters in that congregation to “warn those who are idle and disruptive” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
In his final meeting with the elders from Ephesus, following his third
missionary journey, he told them,
--slide--
B. IT IS A DIVINE BALANCE TO AN EARLIER INJUNCTION
In part of our reading this morning, Romans 14:13, we noticed that Paul
said, “let us not judge one another anymore.”
How do we reconcile these two statements, found in the same letter, only
one chapter apart.
On the surface, it appears that Paul’s instruction to the Christians in Rome
to “admonish” or “warn” one another is in contradiction to his exhortation
that we “not judge one another anymore.”
How can we do one without violating another?
I believe there is a divine balance which Paul brings out which must exist in our Lord’s church if we are to . . .
6. Let’s look deeper at what he says to us.
B. IT IS A DIVINE BALANCE TO AN EARLIER INJUNCTION
In part of our reading this morning, Romans 14:13, we noticed that Paul
said, “let us not judge one another anymore.”
How do we reconcile these two statements, found in the same letter, only
one chapter apart.
On the surface, it appears that Paul’s instruction to the Christians in Rome
to “admonish” or “warn” one another is in contradiction to his exhortation
that we “not judge one another anymore.”
How can we do one without violating another?
I believe there is a divine balance which Paul brings out which must exist in our Lord’s church if we are to . . .
6. Let’s look deeper at what he says to us.
Let’s look deeper at what he says to us.
--slide--
II. How Can We Know We Are Competent To Admonish?
II. How Can We Know We Are Competent To Admonish?
A. WE ARE “FULL OF GOODNESS”
Paul complemented his brethren in Rome by letting them know that he was “convinced” that they were “competent to instruct [or admonish] one
another.”
He gives us two reasons as to why he felt this way.
The first is that they were “full of goodness.”
In other words, they were living holy, Christlike lives.
In the words of Jesus Christ, these Christians were mature enough to make
sure they first removed the log [beam] out of their own eyes before they
tried to remove the speck from their brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5).
To put it another way, we must make sure we “clean up our own act”
before we try to help someone else “clean up his or hers.”
Only when we are sensitive about our own walk with our Lord are we able
to admonish other Christians.
Only then do we earn the right to warn others about things in their lives
which violate the direct teaching of God’s Word.
Can we say that our lives are “full of goodness”?
a. Before we seek to admonish a brother or sister in Christ we must first
ask ourselves “am I living a holy and righteous life before God?”
b. We must always deal with the sin in our own lives before we try to address the sin in someone else’s life.
Paul complemented his brethren in Rome by letting them know that he was “convinced” that they were “competent to instruct [or admonish] one
another.”
He gives us two reasons as to why he felt this way.
The first is that they were “full of goodness.”
In other words, they were living holy, Christlike lives.
In the words of Jesus Christ, these Christians were mature enough to make
sure they first removed the log [beam] out of their own eyes before they
tried to remove the speck from their brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5).
To put it another way, we must make sure we “clean up our own act”
before we try to help someone else “clean up his or hers.”
Only when we are sensitive about our own walk with our Lord are we able
to admonish other Christians.
Only then do we earn the right to warn others about things in their lives
which violate the direct teaching of God’s Word.
Can we say that our lives are “full of goodness”?
a. Before we seek to admonish a brother or sister in Christ we must first
ask ourselves “am I living a holy and righteous life before God?”
b. We must always deal with the sin in our own lives before we try to address the sin in someone else’s life.
--slide--
B. WE ARE “FILLED WITH ALL KNOWLEDGE”
Not only were the Christians in Rome “full of goodness,” but they were “filled with all knowledge.”
Before we can admonish others, we must have an adequate knowledge of
God’s Word.
Any warning or admonishment must be based upon God’s specific will and ways, not on what we think Christians should or should not be doing.
We must be very careful in this area.
It is easy to confuse absolutes with non-absolutes.
If we seek to correct a brother or sister in Christ in an area not specifically spelled out in Scripture or in those things which involve cultural standards or practices, then we are in danger of imposing standards contrary to Scripture.
There was a time when one Christian might admonish another for going to the movies or playing cards.
a. While God’s Word does warn against exposing our minds to impure and unrighteous things (Philippians 4:8), it does not forbid going to a movie theater.
b. While Scripture does teach us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), and “whoever loves money never has enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:10), it does not teach that card games which are not played for the purpose of acquiring money are wrong.
Our basis for admonishment must be definitely supported by Scripture.
a. We must always ask ourselves, “do I really know what the Bible
teaches about godly and righteous living?”
b. If the answer is no, then I must make sure that I really know what the
Bible teaches in a particular area before I proceed.
B. WE ARE “FILLED WITH ALL KNOWLEDGE”
Not only were the Christians in Rome “full of goodness,” but they were “filled with all knowledge.”
Before we can admonish others, we must have an adequate knowledge of
God’s Word.
Any warning or admonishment must be based upon God’s specific will and ways, not on what we think Christians should or should not be doing.
We must be very careful in this area.
It is easy to confuse absolutes with non-absolutes.
If we seek to correct a brother or sister in Christ in an area not specifically spelled out in Scripture or in those things which involve cultural standards or practices, then we are in danger of imposing standards contrary to Scripture.
There was a time when one Christian might admonish another for going to the movies or playing cards.
a. While God’s Word does warn against exposing our minds to impure and unrighteous things (Philippians 4:8), it does not forbid going to a movie theater.
b. While Scripture does teach us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), and “whoever loves money never has enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:10), it does not teach that card games which are not played for the purpose of acquiring money are wrong.
Our basis for admonishment must be definitely supported by Scripture.
a. We must always ask ourselves, “do I really know what the Bible
teaches about godly and righteous living?”
b. If the answer is no, then I must make sure that I really know what the
Bible teaches in a particular area before I proceed.
--slide--
III. If We Admonish Someone, We Must Do So . . .
III. If We Admonish Someone, We Must Do So . . .
A. WITH DEEP CONCERN AND LOVE
On his way to Jerusalem following his third missionary journey, Paul met
with the elders from Ephesus.
He “warned” them to be on guard against false teachers.
On his way to Jerusalem following his third missionary journey, Paul met
with the elders from Ephesus.
He “warned” them to be on guard against false teachers.
There was no doubt in the minds of these men that Paul loved them.
His tears were an indication of his deep concern for these brothers in Christ.
There was no judging taking place here.
When we exhort another Christian do we reflect deep love and concern, or
do we come across in a harsh manner?
His tears were an indication of his deep concern for these brothers in Christ.
There was no judging taking place here.
When we exhort another Christian do we reflect deep love and concern, or
do we come across in a harsh manner?
--slide--
B. PERSONALLY
Paul reminded these Ephesians elders that he had warned each of them.
Sometimes when a particular problem exists with a brother or sister in Christ, members or elders in the congregation will want a preacher to preach on a specific topic to the whole church, hoping the person(s) is listening.
However, this avoids what is most needed, a personal, face-to-face meeting with the person involved.
Also, the person on the listening end of the sermon knows what is happening and resents it.
It is far better to make such exhortation a private matter.
In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us that “public rebuke” is to be done only after speaking to the person in private and the use later of two or three witnesses has failed.
If there is someone who you or I see the need to admonish, do we go to that person quietly and in private? We owe this to those who have been redeemed by Christ’s blood even as ourselves.
B. PERSONALLY
Paul reminded these Ephesians elders that he had warned each of them.
Sometimes when a particular problem exists with a brother or sister in Christ, members or elders in the congregation will want a preacher to preach on a specific topic to the whole church, hoping the person(s) is listening.
However, this avoids what is most needed, a personal, face-to-face meeting with the person involved.
Also, the person on the listening end of the sermon knows what is happening and resents it.
It is far better to make such exhortation a private matter.
In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us that “public rebuke” is to be done only after speaking to the person in private and the use later of two or three witnesses has failed.
If there is someone who you or I see the need to admonish, do we go to that person quietly and in private? We owe this to those who have been redeemed by Christ’s blood even as ourselves.
--slide--
C. PERSISTENTLY
Paul said that he had warned the Ephesians “night and day” for a period of “three years” (Acts 20:31).
Helping one another grow in Christ must be continual.
a. Just as parenting is an ongoing process with constant instructions, exhortations and warnings . . .
b. So helping one another grow in Christ requires the same.
God’s Word is filled with these and it takes time to communicate them all, and a lifetime to apply them.
How are we doing at this? Are we each persistent without being obnoxious and overbearing?
C. PERSISTENTLY
Paul said that he had warned the Ephesians “night and day” for a period of “three years” (Acts 20:31).
Helping one another grow in Christ must be continual.
a. Just as parenting is an ongoing process with constant instructions, exhortations and warnings . . .
b. So helping one another grow in Christ requires the same.
God’s Word is filled with these and it takes time to communicate them all, and a lifetime to apply them.
How are we doing at this? Are we each persistent without being obnoxious and overbearing?
--slide--
D. WITH PURE MOTIVES
On one occasion when Paul admonished the Christians at Corinth, he said,
D. WITH PURE MOTIVES
On one occasion when Paul admonished the Christians at Corinth, he said,
We must do all we can to avoid embarrassing people—even those who are guilty.
If you and I will do this privately and in Christian love, the need for public admonishment is often eliminated.
It is important that we ask ourselves “do I admonish others—not to tear them down and embarrass them—but to build them up?
If you and I will do this privately and in Christian love, the need for public admonishment is often eliminated.
It is important that we ask ourselves “do I admonish others—not to tear them down and embarrass them—but to build them up?
--slide--
E. WITH A PROPER GOAL
There should be only one basic objective when we admonish others: to help them become more mature in Christ.
In his letter to the Christians in Colosse, Paul wrote,
E. WITH A PROPER GOAL
There should be only one basic objective when we admonish others: to help them become more mature in Christ.
In his letter to the Christians in Colosse, Paul wrote,
Ask yourself, the next time you see the need to admonish someone, “Am I doing this to help them become complete and mature in Christ?”
Conclusion
A good father corrects his physical children as they are growing up in his home.
God reproves His spiritual children as we grow in the grace and knowledge of
His Son.
All of us who long for our eternal redemption will need to be admonished from
time to time.
And there will be those times when God uses us to admonish or warn a brother
or sister in Christ.
A good father corrects his physical children as they are growing up in his home.
God reproves His spiritual children as we grow in the grace and knowledge of
His Son.
All of us who long for our eternal redemption will need to be admonished from
time to time.
And there will be those times when God uses us to admonish or warn a brother
or sister in Christ.
--slide--
The purpose of all admonition, according to Paul,
The purpose of all admonition, according to Paul,
If we are the ones doing the admonishing, we must be sure that our lives are
being lived in a way that honors our God and that our motives are pure.
If we are being admonished, we must make sure that our heart and mind are
open to consider what is being said to us and make the necessary changes in
our lives.
If you are not a Christian this morning, God’s Word warns you to repent of your
sin (Acts 2:38; 3:19).
It instructs us to confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9) and to be baptized
in his name for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Do not let God’s warning and instruction go unheeded this morning.
being lived in a way that honors our God and that our motives are pure.
If we are being admonished, we must make sure that our heart and mind are
open to consider what is being said to us and make the necessary changes in
our lives.
If you are not a Christian this morning, God’s Word warns you to repent of your
sin (Acts 2:38; 3:19).
It instructs us to confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9) and to be baptized
in his name for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Do not let God’s warning and instruction go unheeded this morning.