Encouragement, Exhortation and Edification

‘Till I come, give attention to reading (encouragement), to exhortation (preaching), to doctrine (edification).’ 1 Timothy 4:13.

The above three points all refer to the Holy Bible, the living Word of God.

It is the greatest literary masterpiece of all time dealing with the past, present and the future. We are encouraged every time we read it for it guards, guides and grows us as believers to become disciples and to follow .

1) It teaches us about the character of God.
2) It teaches about how the world was made.
3) It teaches us about human history and gives us wisdom.
4) It teaches us about the Lord Jesus the Saviour of the World.
5) It gives us the promise of eternal life in Him.
6) It teaches us how to live each day.
7) It teaches us about things to come.

The Scriptures guide us being the all sufficient rule for conduct in this life and the life to come.

Encourage – To give confidence, support, hope.
Exhortation – An address urging someone to do something.
Edification – Intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement, to enlighten.

Exhortation from the Word of God.

1. Let His mind be in you – Conformity. (Philippians 2:5)
2. Let you moderation be known to all – Character. (Philippians 4:5)
3. Let your thoughts and deeds be pure – Conduct. (Philippians 4:8-9)
4. Let the peace of God rule in you – Peace. (Philippians 4:7) (Col 3:15)
5. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you – Strength. (Colossians 3:16)
6. Let your light so shine before men – Testimony. (Matthew 5:16)
7. Let your loins be girded about – Watchfulness. (Luke 12:35,37)

The 3 Points of Edification.

1) The Process of Edification

Building up. 1 Corinthians 14:3, 5. Ephesians 4:12.

2) The Profit from Edification

Individually – Acts 20:32.
Collectively – 1 Cor 14:4, 12, 19.
Corporately – Ephesians 4:16.

3) The Provisions for Edification

Gifts for men – Ephesians 4:11.
Spiritual gifts – 1 Cor 14:1.

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