Biblical Building Block #7 Admonish One Another (Romans 15:14) – PART 2

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #7 Admonish One Another (Romans 15:14) – PART 2

Romans 15:14, And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

In Part 1 of this current Biblical Building Block, we saw that to admonish is to caution or to reprove gently. Having a thorough knowledge of the Word of God should cause us to tenderly warn and advise one another. We have a responsibility to encourage one another. Today we will look at more examples from Scriptures where the Word of God encourages us.

1.The Scriptures - The Word of God (I Corinthians 10:11)
One of the greatest sources of encouragement is the Word of God. The Bible can comfort like no other book because it is God's book. Where do we find those encouraging passages for the different needs we have in our life? The following list will prove to be most helpful when you or a discouraged friend need encouragement from the Scriptures. When expectations go unfulfilled, you can depend upon the Lord (Psalm 30:5; 62:5). When the evaluation of yourself is low and you feel worthless. Remember you are an ambassador for the Lord (II Corinthians 5:20). Remember you are a child of God and your labor for the Lord is not in vain (John 1:12; I Corinthians 15:58). Remember those who are weak or feeble in the body of Christ are important (I Corinthians 12:22-23). When you are evaded and rejected by others, remember the Lord was rejected too (John 16:33). When errors or failure plague you, don't quit (Proverbs 24:16; I John 1:9). When you feel aweary, abandoned, or anemic. God will help you (Psalm 3:3; 41:3; Isaiah 41:13; II Corinthians 7:6; 12:9). When engulfed by your problems or trials; remember the Lord will work them out for good (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:2). If God sends the storms, He will also steer the vessel. When it gets dark enough, the stars will come out.

2.Strength and support from the Lord our God (Exodus 14:13)
Trusting in the Lord and waiting upon Him will encourage your life. Moses was encouraging the people by getting them to depend upon the Lord. The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our parakletos. It comes from the Greek word parakalein, a verb which means "to encourage." Parakalein was used several ways in Greek literature. It was used to call in a coach to train a team at his own expense. The Holy Spirit is our comforter (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit counsels and gives advice (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is our trainer and teacher (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is our helper (Hebrews 13:6). It was the word of the rallying cry. Parakalein meant to challenge the timid soldiers to fight on courageously. It was used of speeches of the leaders and soldiers who urged or encouraged each other in battle. This is what the soldiers who were fighting for the independence of Texas did when they shouted, "Remember the Alamo!" The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to live for Christ and to do His will (Acts 4:31). The parakletos then is an encourager. He is one who puts courage into the faint hearted and makes an ordinary person cope with dangerous or difficult situations. He is a helper, counselor, and one who stands by you.

One of the great tragedies of our time is that there are so few kind people around. We ought to do everything in our power to encourage other believers in their walk with the Lord. Our duty toward others is to help them to grow in the Lord and to be an encouragement to them (Romans 14:19, I Thessalonians 5:11). If we are focused on ways in which we can be a help and encouragement to others, we will find that we always have an effective ministry. There is no shortage of people who are struggling and carrying heavy burdens. As we help lift those burdens, we build up the body of Christ. A young boy on an errand for his mother had just bought a dozen eggs. Walking out of the store, he tripped and dropped the sack. All the eggs broke and the sidewalk was a mess. The boy tried not to cry. A few people gathered to see if he was okay and to tell him how sorry they were. During the words of pity, one man handed the boy a quarter. Then he turned to the group and said, “I care twenty-five cents worth. How much do the rest of you care?”

Points To Ponder:
Each of us has a responsibility to be an encouragement, help, and support to those around us.
God has called us to encourage, strengthen and build each other up.
Let the Lord lead you today to someone who needs your encouragement.

Questions to Consider:
Whose life can God lead you to give them a word of encouragement to and make all the difference in the world?
Who can God lead you to that is struggling with hurts and heartaches today?
Who can God use you to extend grace and encouragement toward?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit inside me that urges me to encourage someone who is discouraged. How gracious that You choose to use me to help someone You love. Help me to see that as the privilege it is rather than a burden. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #7 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 3 of Biblical Building Block #7 of this series.

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