Admonishing A Brother

Temple Baptist Church - 10-2-2013

 

Colossians 3:16

 

Introduction:

A. Much of what we have been studying has to do with our unity and relationship with each other. We are brothers and sisters in Christ who come together corporately: to worship the Lord, to edify and encourage one another, and learn and instruct one another in the Bible

B. Remembering this context, I find this latter part of verse 16 of great interest. The message for tonight will once again show that the Bible is a complete book that only God could have put together.

C. Paul speaks of instructing one another in the part of the verse. Godly instruction comes from letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” Last Wednesday, Sunday morning, and Sunday night’s messages were all tied to the principle of growing up to be teachers: teaching our children and new converts doctrinal truth.

D. The “and” in verse 16 ties together equal structures in English so, teaching and admonishing go together. Both are necessities if we are to instruct, encourage, and correct one another. Now, the Holy Spirit used some interesting words when dealing with admonition: “admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

E. First of all, I want to look at two words that are not mentioned here: reproving and rebuking. Reproving and rebuking are to be done by the pastor or church corporately. These two words deal with the discipline of one of God’s church. I have known some of the brethren who have taken it on themselves to “set someone straight” and the end result has never been good.

F. Let us look at these words dealing with admonishing for a few minutes. Three quick things:

1. The Act of Admonition: “admonishing.”

a. What is admonition? Strong’s definition: to put in mind, that is, (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: - admonish, warn. It means to caution. A caution is not a rebuke or reproof. It is done in a gentle, loving way.

b. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this because, when people get out of the will of God, they are normally defensive and, especially when in the middle of the situation, often rebellious. As the old preacher said, “Good intentions messes up good wheat!”

c. Even when God’s men admonish, they are to be gentle. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2. The Impartiality of Admonition: “one another.”

a. This means both giving admonition and also receiving admonition. There is an old saying, “What goes around comes around.” We are all in need to admonition at times so those who admonish should be willing to take the same.

b. Admonition is for our help and benefit, not to hurt us. Even pastors need to be admonished on occasion. Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

3. The Attitude of Admonition: “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

a. The ones doing the admonishing are to be Spirit filled. Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

b. These words show the heart of the one doing the admonishing. It is to be done by spiritual people: spiritual, meek, and discerning. Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.