Romans 12:6-8 A Believer’s Gifts -Exhortation- Part 5

1. Romans 12:6-8A Believer’s Gifts-Exhortation-Part 5

2. Introduction Spiritual gifts are given by God when we receive the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to us so we can make an “eternal difference”! Spiritual gifts can be used positively or negatively. We can advance God’s Kingdom, or work against it. Therefore, we must be aware of our gift(s) and use them properly!

3. Introduction Romans 12:6-8Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

4. Exhortation Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The root verb in exhorts and exhortation are the same. It is a compound word of para and kaleō and is very similar to the term paraklētos which is used of the Holy Spirit and of Christ. It means to come alongside to help.

5. Exhortation Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The gift of exhortation carries the ideas of advising, pleading, encouraging, warning, strengthening, and comforting. It can be used to persuade a believer to turn from a sin or bad habit and at a later time to encourage that same person to maintain his corrected behavior.

6. Exhortation Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; One who exhorts may also be used of God to encourage and undergird a weak believer who is facing a difficult trial or temptation. Sometimes he may use his gift simply to walk beside a friend who is grieving, discouraged, frustrated, or depressed, to give help in whatever way is needed. This gift may be used to help someone carry a burden that is too heavy to bear alone.

7. Exhortation Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; Exhortation is the motivation to stimulate the faith of others. Just as prophecy proclaims the truth and teaching explains the truth, exhortation calls believers to obey and follow the truth. Exhortation motivates believers to live as Christians are supposed to live.

8. Amplification and Guides Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The one who exhorts urges one to pursue a course of Godly conduct. The exhorter has a driving desire to see others live right before God. He is sensitive to the sin of others, and is motivated to see that it be made right. They are bound to come alongside and help them put off “the old man” and to put on Christ.

9. Amplification and Guides Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The one who exhorts gives personal counseling to encourage spiritual growth. Counseling comes in may forms. It can be discipline, mentoring, coaching, parenting, or the giving of Godly BIBLICAL advice between friends.

10. Amplification and Guides • Romans 12:12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; • The one who exhorts must: • Rejoice in hope • Be patient with slow progress • Be persistent in prayer

11. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The exhorter runs the risk of boasting of personal results. As with each gift, the flesh want to direct the glory towards self instead of God. We all need to be aware of pride. If you think that you do not have a problem or are in danger of pride, you most likely are!

12. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The exhorter runs the risk of becoming discouraged with a lack of progress. We all need to recognize that we are unable to change anyone. It is the Holy Spirit that transforms us into the image of Christ. It is not our effort, or the “pressure” that one puts on others. The exhorter can only encourage others to surrender. Fleshly “pressure” is to be a “nag”.

13. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The exhorter runs the risk of motivating others for selfish gain. The exhorter has the ability to encourage others to make decisions. This is great when it is being used to help others be more like Christ. However, it can be misused to manipulate others.

14. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The exhorter runs the risk of spending too much time with those who want only temporary relief. The exhorter needs to look at the big picture. There are many people who find themselves in an unpleasant circumstance. They are willing to listen, but they do not want to surrender totally to Christ. They just want to do enough to get out of their situation.

15. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; Sometimes, the worst thing we can do to a person, is give them a strategy to get them out of their situation. God has allowed that circumstance into their lives to work His good. We need to be careful not to give a “short cut” or detour. God will accomplish His goal, but that means that He will send another, and often more serious situation to get their attention.

16. Dangers and Abuse Romans 12:8ahe who exhorts, in exhortation; The exhorter runs the risk of stirring up unhealthy expectations. The exhorter needs to be realistic. One needs to be carful of making God’s principles into promises, or trying to obligate God into a course of action. We can state that God wants to use this for good, and that He always does that which is right.

17. So What… We will all be called upon to exhort someone. Some have this unique gift, but we are each called to exercise the responsibility. We need to make sure our focus is on the eternal well being of the one we come along side of. We should be in prayer that the Holy Spirit would move in their life and that He would guard us from doing harm. We are just the tools in the hand of God to use as He pleases. Let us glorify Him!