Preaching on Admonition: A Christian Duty of Love
A vital aspect of our Christian walk: admonition. It is a duty often misunderstood, sometimes feared, but when practiced with love and wisdom, it becomes a powerful tool for spiritual growth and restoration within the body of Christ.
1. The Duty of Admonition Among Brethren:
Romans 15:14 reminds us, “And I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” This verse highlights that admonition is a mutual responsibility. We are called to lovingly guide and correct one another, fostering a community of accountability and support.
2. Admonition as an Expression of Fatherly Love:
In 1 Corinthians 4:14, Paul writes, “I do not write these things to shame you, but I admonish you as my beloved children.” Paul demonstrates that admonition should be rooted in love, akin to a father’s correction. It is not about condemnation but about exhortation, encouraging growth and maturity in Christ.
3. The Responsibility of Parents to Admonish Their Children:
Ephesians 6:4 instructs, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Parents are entrusted with the sacred duty of guiding their children, correcting them with patience and wisdom, grounded in the Word of God. Godly discipline leads children to a reverent fear of the Lord.
4. Admonition Must Be Based on the Word of God:
Colossians 3:16 emphasizes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Our admonition must be rooted in the truth of Scripture. Music and praise, too, can serve as forms of admonition, edifying and strengthening the body of Christ.
5. Admonishing Brothers with Patience and Love:
1 Thessalonians 5:14 urges, “Now we urge you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Admonition requires patience and sensitivity. We must discern the needs of those we are addressing, offering correction, comfort, or support as needed.
6. Admonishing Those in Error:
2 Thessalonians 3:15 clarifies, “Nevertheless do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” Correcting those who err should be an act of love, not hostility. The goal is restoration, not alienation. We must approach with humility and a spirit of reconciliation.
7. Admonition to Heretics and the Need for Correction:
Titus 3:10 advises, “A man who is a heretic, after one warning and another, avoid him.” While we are called to be patient, there are times when persistent error requires us to protect the integrity of the faith. Even in this, the initial approach is one of warning and correction. However, persistent rejection of truth requires a different response.
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Conclusion
Let us embrace the duty of admonition with hearts of love and wisdom. May we speak truth in love, building up the body of Christ and guiding one another towards spiritual maturity. Let us remember that true admonition is not about judgment, but about restoration, reflecting the heart of our loving Father. Amen.
