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WFS - 6 ADMONITION COUPLED  WITH MEEKNESS

 1.  Romans 15:14 - “And I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are _____ ____ __________, _________ _______ ____ ___________, able also to __________ ____ _________.”

            As Christians we know and are willing to admit that we are to encourage one another.  We readily step in when our brothers and sisters are in trials and troubles offering assistance as well as encouragement.  However, when it comes to what Paul speaks about in the verse we just read above -- admonishment -- we become squeamish and afraid or we go to the other extreme and are unkind and harsh with our admonishments.  We must learn to temper our admonishment with meekness and remember that we too, may be in need of loving admonishment before the day is over.  Let’s look in the scriptures for help on admonishment.   First, let’s look at Galations 6:1:

 2.  “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a _______, ye _______ ____ ___________, ________ ______ an one ____ the _________ of __________; _____________ thyself, lest thou also be __________.”

This verse shows us right where our minds should be.  We are to admonish, restore and help one we see in a fault (or trespass).  However, we are to do it with meekness, with love in our hearts, knowing that not only are we trying to help a brother or sister, but, by doing so we are helping ourselves as well.

            Second, let’s take a look at II Timothy 2:23-25:

 3.   23)”But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  24)And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but ____ ________ unto all men, apt to teach; _________.  25)___ _________ instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”

From these verses we can see our words need to be tempered.  We see that we must have control of our tongues being gentle and meek in our instructing.  To put it another way, no one listens to a haughty, unkind, or harsh “smart mouth”!  Being this way will only cause hurt feelings and will thus close doors to the teaching of the Word of God.  We see through the instruction of God’s Word in James 5:16 that kind, considerate prayer for one another is the way to lead others and strengthen ourselves at the same time. 

 4.  James 5:16 - “Confess your _______ one to another, and ______ one for another, that ye _____ ____ ________.  The ___________ _________ prayer of a __________ man __________ much.”

            This is too important to ignore.  When we are told by God in His Word to do something and we refuse because it is distasteful to us we are committing sin.

 5.  James 4:17 - “Therefore to ____ that _________ ___ ____ _______, and _______ ___ _____, to him it is ______.”

God has definitely told us to encourage and admonish one another as we have already seen in scripture but we will look at a few more to convict us in His Word:

 6.  Acts 14:22 - “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and _________ _______ to _________, in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

 7.  I Thessalonians 5:12 - “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and __________ _____.”

 8.  II Thessalonians 3:14 &15 - “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but __________ ______ as a ___________.”

 9.  Colossians 3:16 - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and _____________ ______ _________ in pslams and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

            Admonishing one another in meekness and in love is an essential part of our growth process as a Christian.  Encouragement is a necessity both for the giver and the receiver.  Without encouragement from our brethren we become sad, lonely, weak and may sink into the depths of despair.  Without admonishment to help us see our problem areas we may sink into an even lower place ---- into the world of Satan and his followers!

10.  In admonishing one another what should our attitude be?  Give scripture for your answer.

11.  Give scripture that tell us that we should speak the truth in love.

            This is almost the end of this lesson, a very short and concise one.

I left it this way because I want to give you a writing assignment.  Don’t get scared just because it says, “writing assignment” because there is no set number of words, no reason to be worried about how to accomplish it.

All I want is your own thoughts on this.  Here goes:

12. Writing Assignment -  In your own words explain the difference between “encourage”  and “admonish”.  Include in your writing how we are to do both and why.

            As always I pray that God will lift you up and teach you to fly on wings as eagles!

Beverly Rainwater

RainwaterB3@aol.com