Give Attention to Exhortation

1 Timothy 4:13

When we read in the New Testament, we read mostly about exhorting. This is in harmony with the task Paul received when he was to preach the gospel: to work the obedience of the faith among all the Gentiles to the glory of His name. Rom. 1:5.

There are very many missionaries and preachers who work to lead people to faith in God, to faith in signs and wonders, and to believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins.

Many have revivals through their preaching. By revival they mean that people bow their knees and ask for the forgiveness of sins. But they do not think of making them disciples, as Jesus did once people had come to believe in Him.

The first thing He said to them was: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-36. They could not bear to hear that. They did not believe that they were in bondage, but Jesus explained to them that whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” They did not receive grace to believe. They took up stones to stone Him.

Paul writes: “I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God . . .” It is evident that not many love God and hate sin. Once they have come to believe in the forgiveness of sins, they would rather hear that God now sees them as perfect in Jesus’ blood. When they come to a meeting where they hear exhortations, they go out and say: “There is only bondage here; there is no love.” Such people do not have the heavenly calling with which Jesus came. Heb. 2:10-18 and 3:1.

What we were chosen for before the foundation of the world is that we should be holy and without blame before Him, “in love having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Eph. 1:4-6.

Reading further, we see the glory which God has in store for us. It is easy to believe in the forgiveness of sins. But if we come to the obedience of the faith, we will also experience the glory to which God has called us.