The Lord's People Are to Exhort One Another (Hebrews 3:13)
Introduction:
1. Last Sunday we showed from the Scriptures that the Lord needs laborers. 2.The Scriptures also show that the Lord has given a number of responsibilities to those who labor on His behalf. 3.One responsibility is revealed in Hebrews 3:13 -- the Lord's people are to exhort [encourage] one another. 4.This is the subject we are studying -- let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I.THE BIBLE TEACHES WHEN AND WHY THE LORD'S PEOPLE ARE TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER
A.When: The Lord's people are to "exhort one another": 1."daily" [on a regular basis] 2."To day" [while opportunities are present]. B.Why: 1.For one thing, your "exhortation" may prevent someone from being "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." 2.For another thing, your "exhortation" may help someone to remain steadfast (Hebrews 10:23-25).
II.TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER, WE MUST ELIMINATE AND AVOID THINGS THAT CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT
A.Discouragement can be caused by things such as: 1."pessimism" as demonstrated by the 10 spies (Deuteronomy 1:28) 2."foolish advice" as given by Epliphaz (Job 4:8) and Zophar (Job 11:6) a.Job needed some encouragement, but his friends did not help him. b.He called his friends "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2). 3."provoking others to anger" as mentioned in Colossians 3:21. B.Let us eliminate and avoid anything that will cause others to be discouraged.
III.TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER, LET US LEARN FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE EXHORTERS
A.Two of Judah's best kings, Hezekiah and Josiah, were exhorters. 1.(2 Chronicles 31:4) Hezekiah gave a command for the benefit of the priests and the Levites "that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord." 2.(2 Chronicles 35:2) Concerning the priests, Josiah "encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord." B.One of the greatest exhorters of all was a man named Barnabas. 1.He encouraged the needy through his generosity (Acts 4:36-37). 2.He encouraged Saul by speaking up for him (Acts 9:26-27). 3.He encouraged the church in Antioch (Acts 11:22-24). 4.He encouraged John Mark. a.(Acts 13:1-5) Mark left Antioch with Barnabas and Saul. b.(Acts 13:13) For some reason Mark returned to Jerusalem. c.(Acts 15:36-40) Barnabas insisted on giving Mark another opportunity. C.Let us learn from these great exhorters and follow their examples.
IV.SOME SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN EXHORT ONE ANOTHER
A.Those who are older can exhort the young -- God told Moses to encourage Joshua (Deuteronomy 1:38; 31:7-8). B.You can let someone know that you are praying for him/her (Luke 22:31-32). C.You can exhort others through good deeds like Dorcas (Acts 9:36, 39). D.You can exhort others through words (Acts 11:23; Proverbs 25:11). E.You can exhort others through writing (cards, notes, etc.). F.You can exhort someone through a visit (Matthew 25:36b).
Conclusion:
1.In the world we have to contend with many things that are discouraging. 2.In the church, Christ wants His followers to "exhort one another" (Hebrews 3:13). 3.Are you an exhorter?
