KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:2 KJV Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The scripture says this act of exhortation must be done with longsuffering. Why should exhortation  be done with long-suffering? Exhortation, which also means encouragement, has to do normally with those who express a form of weakness one way or the other.
A person addicted to any substance would definitely  need lots of encouragement. There are those who have suffered a loss of something dear. They might have lost a very dear relation. Those needing encouragement in a number of cases feel like giving up their walk in Christ, or even feel depressed about life. Such people do not only need to be spoken to once, but over and over again. It is in this light that exhortation must be done with longsuffering.

To have longsuffering is to show great love that would not give up on the ɓrethren’s shortcomings or their inability to change or respond positively to the word of exhortation being given to them. One act that really helps you to bear long with the negativity or inconsistencies of such brethren is the prayer of intercession. Intercession not only works to change the condition of the failing brother but also helps you to keep working hard to get the brother out of the poor situation.
You may even spend some days fasting and praying for that brother or sister who needs exhortation or encouragement.

One other virtue you have to cultivate is an inner assurance that no matter what happens, things will turn out positively with that brother or sister. This means having faith in the word of God that the devil cannot succeed in derailing the life of that brother. Keep assuring yourself that with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will see this brother free. In the light of all that has been said above, keep exhorting the brother or brethren with the word of God.
Do not lose your patience to express any form of frustration.

Do not complain about their inconsistencies, but keep sharing the word of God with them.
As you patiently remain faithful to share the truths of God’s word with them, you would eventually see a great transformation in their lives.

THOUGHT: WHENEVER YOU ARE DEALING WITH A FAILING BROTHER, CONSIDER GOD’S HEART TOWARDS THEM

FURTHER STUDIES
1Th 5:14 KJV” Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

1Co 13:4 ISV” Love is always patient; love is always kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited.”

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:2 KJV” Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

An exhortation is a strong, passionate plea, encouragement, or urging intended to persuade someone to take a specific action. It acts as a powerful, often emotional encouragement to act rather than a direct, forced command. Key synonyms include encouragement, urging, entreaty, admonition, and pep talk. Exhortation is one of the ways the church communicates what the Spirit intends to bring to it. Col 3:16 KJV “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” From the above verse, the foundation for a good exhortation is that the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Exhortation  may normally come through preaching, yet its goal is to encourage brethren to act in certain ways that enhance their walk with God. Those who have been discouraged about taking certain actions need to be encouraged to rise up and take positive actions. On certain occasions, offending brethren may not need a reproof but need to be encouraged. Such people may be hurting from the error, and so they do not need to be broken further, but to be encouraged to rise from their pain and keep moving on. You can do this by knowing the state of that individual.

The Lord Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, used exhortation and doctrine to communicate the truth of God to the disciples. When the Lord spoke of the beatitudes or his message in Matt 5:3-16. This message was not a doctrine but an exhortation.

He makes statements like blessed are the pure in heart, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. He also added that blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. The Lord encourages them to act in a particular way, which would bring them certain benefits. Let’s consider the first statement. He encourages the disciples to be poor in Spirit. To be poor in the Spirit is to acknowledge your absolute dependence on the Spirit of God. This is the very attitude our Lord Jesus had that drove Him to prayer and depended so much on the Holy Spirit. No wonder He moved mightily in the power of the Spirit.

All that the Lord taught on the mount was an urge for them to take certain actions to experience various impacts. These were words of exhortation to encourage them to do those things he taught them. In a similar manner, we may also encourage others to do certain things to bring them into a closer walk with GoTHOUGHTS: THE DISCOURAGED MAN MAY NOT NEED REPROOF BUT ENCOURAGEMENTMENT

FURTHER STUDIES

2Th 3:15 KJV” Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

Act 27:9 KJV Now, when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them.

Mat 12:20 KJV “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.”v

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:1 KJV “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;”

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A charge is a demand to do certain acts. This time, this charge is made to Timothy and every other Christian before the heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus, who would judge the living and the dead. Act 17:31 KJV “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

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The first question that one may ask is why should there be a judgment for all the actions of men,or why is judgment necessary?

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1.Conscience of man demands it. The law of conscience, when violated, may be silenced, but it comes alive when before God’s throne and will accuse the guilty( Rom 2:14-15)

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2.History demands it. The injustices of the human race through history and the perversion of God’s righteous laws demand that man be judged before the righteous and holy God.

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3.Justice demands it. The justice, righteousness, and holiness of God’s law and being demand that He judge all sin. This He does at His throne of judgement.

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THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

The day of judgment is the great reckoning day when God will bring all men before His throne to give an account of their lives as lived here on the earth( Acts 17:31, Rom 2:16, 2 Peter 3:7).

The following are some facts about the coming judgments:

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a. There would be an appointed day of judgement for the believer and the unbeliever 2 Corinthians 5:10, Rom 14:10, Acts 24:25

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b.There would be the appointed Judge, Jesus Christ.( John 5:22-27, Matt 25:31-32)

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c.There would be an appointed purpose in this judgment.

1. To reveal the true character of each person Matt 10:26,1 Cor. 4:5

2.  To determine the value of all the works of men. 1 Corinthians 3:13

3To render public reward or punishment, as men are not always rewarded or punished in this life( Matt 16:27, Rom 2:6-9

4.To vindicate the righteousness of God in dealing with men. His justice would be acknowledged. ( Rev 19:1-2)

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THOUGHT: BE READY FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT

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FURTHER STUDIES

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2Co 5:10 KJV” For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:2 KJV” Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Reproof is the act of stating to one or a group of people about their error. It is a way of bringing people to be conscious of their error and to bring them into a conviction of their deviation from the truth. Reproof is not intended to break the spirit of the individual. Although it may bring sorrow leading to repentance,it is never intended to proceed from a heart to hurt or to satisfy his or her ego. The following is the attitude one has to have when reproving. Gal 6:1 KJV” 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.”

Reproves should always be made in the spirit of meekness,  never in the spirit of pride or just  to punish the brother or sister. The scriptures are full of examples of reproves. We can look at one example in the book of Galatians. Gal 3:1 KJV “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” He tells them they are being foolish. He tells them further that Christ was set forth as fully crucified before them, yet they were turning to works of the flesh. He had clearly set forth their error. He had  reproved them.
He was very passionate about it, yet he sincerely loved them. He was just putting them down, but was so concerned about their folly and the implications  of it.

It is not everyone who should reprove. It is only a well-informed person who can reprove. You reprove by showing the person what the truth is and then stating where they have faulted  and how they have faulted. We come back to the scripture that says study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. After being clearly informed about the truth, pray for the people you intend to reprove. Most errors are propagated by the enemy. There are some who may be obsessed with their error, and it becomes very difficult for them to accept that they are at fault. The Holy Spirit, through your intercessions, would open them up to the truth. It is after these preparations that you will be ready to  tell your brother or sister how much he is falling.

THOUGHT: ALWAYS REPROVE IN LOVE

FURTHER STUDIES

Eph 4:15 KJV But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Luke 6:39 KJV And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:2 KJV “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Apostle Paul tells Timothy to be instant in season and out of season. He tells him to be ready always. God’s word is always in need by men. Men are constantly being deceived by the enemy. They are consistently being destroyed by the devil. Lastly, they are constantly being killed by the enemy. The Lord is not happy or interested in the death of any unbeliever. The solution to this attack on humanity is to tell them the truth. Why is the message not going consistently as it ought to? There are a number of reasons that keep most people from giving out the word of God.

The number one cause is a lack of appreciation of the urgency of saving men from the clutches of sin, sickness, and hell. Isa 5:14 KJV “Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” The number of men dying and going into hell is alarming. We have to work harder to save many. Jud 1:23 KJV “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” We are to save them with fear, putting them out of the fire.

The next reason many are not ready to preach is that they are not prepared with the word. The Lord was prepared through a consistent prayer life and the knowledge of the scriptures. Every child of God must spend some time in prayer daily. Our prayers prepare our hearts  to share God’s word. We ought to study the word so that we would rightly divide the scriptures to bring conviction of sin to our hearers. Another hindrance to most people’s readiness to share the scriptures is that they do not know how their enquirers would respond  to them. Please always bear in mind that you may have one of the following ways to respond to you.
1 .They may be hostile and reject you outright
2 .They may receive you but argue with you.
3 .They may finally be very receptive and cooperative.
Don’t be moved by any of these people; just expect to get the gospel across to them.

THOUGHT:BE ALWAYS PREPARED TO  PREACH THE WORD.

FURTHER STUDIES
Rom 1:15 KJV” So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Rom 1:16 KJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:2 KJV” Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Timothy is  charged to preach the word. Please be reminded that he links the charge to the return of Jesus to judge all men. This is a very important  instruction. Preaching the word of God is the main means of breaking the power of Satan over men through lies and  deception. Rev 12:9 teaches us that the whole world is deceived by the devil. The power of the devil is his ability to deceive, for the scripture clearly teaches that our Lord Jesus has overpowered and destroyed Satan through the Lord’s death and resurrection, Heb 2:14. Despite this, Satan still  seems to be very powerful and holding men in bondage of all forms.

What makes  the devil still look so powerful? It is because men have been deceived. The answer to break his hold over men is to boldly tell men the truth. When the Lord called Paul, He gave Paul the following task. Act 26:18 KJV “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” How was Paul going to do all these? This was to be done by preaching the word of God. Preach the undiluted word of God.

We are not to preach human philosophy or motivational messages of humanistic ideas that deal no killing blow to the lies and deception of the devil. Our preaching must always exalt God. It must show us how the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus broke the power of Satan to make us free. It must expose the deceitfulness of sin,the absolute victory of the believer in Jesus over the devil and his demons. We must preach the whole counsel of God.

Do not be moved when some men oppose and persecute you for preaching the word of God. These are under the devil’s influence, and it is his reaction against the truth. Do not be moved, but keep on preaching the truth. Many would be saved from error.

THOUGHT: THE TRUTH SETS FREE

FURTHER STUDIES

1Jn 5:20 KJV And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Jas 1:21 KJV” Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 4:1 KJV “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;”

We would continue with our studies on God’s righteous judgment.

d. There will be appointed principles and standards of Judgements

These standards include:
1.Men would be judged with righteous judgment ( Acts 17:31, Ps 96:13)

2.Men would be judged according to God’s Holy standards .Rev 22:12, Rom 2:6, 10, 11

3.Men would be judged according to their attitude to Christ( John 12:48, Lk 12:8,9)

4. Men would be judged according to the opportunity  and light given them.( Matt 11: 21-24, Lk 12:48, James 3:1

5.Men would be judged by the infallible and omniscient Judge. There would be no chance of mistaken judgment because He has all the hidden facts, deeds, motives, and thoughts of men. Hb 4:13, Eccl 12:14

6. Men would be rewarded and punished in different degrees.e.g., The rich man and Larsarus in Lk 19:16-19, 47-48

7.  Men would be convinced of the righteousness of God’s judgment, upon their thoughts,words, deeds, and motives( Jude 14-15, Matt 12:37, Rom 2:15-16, Lk 19:22

Please note that all men, both good and bad, would be judged. They would be eternally separated into two classes. These classes are the ‘sheep’ and the ‘goat'( Matt 25:33, the just and the wicked Matt 13:49
All will be eternally ‘ blessed’ or ‘cursed ‘ ( Matt 25:31, 41). The two destinies are either heaven or hell.

Now in the light of God’s holy, righteous and without and partial judgement, may we take the following counsel of Apostle Paul to the brethren of Corinth 2Co 5:11 KJV “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”  Dear child of God do  not use the name of Christ as a camouflage and practice works of darkness. Everything is opened  to Him with whom we  have to do with.
Now, to those who have not accepted Jesus as Lord of their lives, do not delay further. No prayers made after you die can send you to heaven. Many of the rest in peace we say to  people are not going to make them rest in peace if they did not make Jesus Lord when they were alive.

THOUGHT: GOD’S JUDGEMENT IS JUST , SO ACT RIGHTLY NOW

FURTHER STUDIES

Mat 27:22 KJV Pilate saith unto them, What shall I  (YOU) do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

2Pe 3:11 KJV” Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness”.

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 3:17 KJV “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Everyone who becomes a Christian was saved to do goodworks. Ephh 2:10 KJV” For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Good works range from every act of love  seen in serving one another to healing all who are oppressedbyf the devil. Act 10:38 KJV “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Healing the sick is not an act reserved for only gifted Christians but a task that every child of God must perform. Mar 16:17 KJV “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with newtongues.”;”

The believers were to cast out devilsand layy hands on the sick. All these feats were to be furnished by the truths taught from the word of God.

Once agai,n for one to do all good work,s he must approach the scriptures without any “golden calf”. The golden calf was a false powerless god that the Israelites travelling from Egypt began to worship saying that was what brought them from Egypt. This was a very big li,e yet they believed it and rejected the true God to celebrate it. Every false doctrine concerning God or His word must first be slaughtered before the scripturescan bed furnishedto  you to be a carrier of all good work.s.

The scriptures teach that God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness 2 Pet 1:3. We are complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. Col 2:10. Christ is our very sufficiency, glory be to God 2 Corinth: 3:5-6. All these and many more inform us of how much we have been made qualified to do all good works.

One major setback is our refusal to accept the truths of scripture as real and very applicable in every case. This is what the grace of God is about. The next step is our devotion to the word in meditation and prayer. Jesus dedicated a great deal of time to prayer. Our prayers condition our hearts and minds to function in line with what God says.

The scriptures show us that Jesus came to raise a family who are just like Him. We are a direct outcome of His death. The idea is like a seed which is planted. The fruits would definitely be like the seed. We have to take away every veil from our minds and believe every truth as the scriptures tell us.We are called to be like Him and to reveal Him in our lives. This is our basic call as Christians.

THOUGHT: THE SCRIPTURES SHOW US THAT WE ARE LIKE OUR LORD AND,WE MUST ACCEPT WE ARE LIKE HI.M.

FURTHER STUDIES
2Pe 1:3 KJV” According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Col 2:10 KJV” And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality andpower.”:”

KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 3:17 KJV” That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Our Lord Jesus led a perfect life. The scripture says he was tempted at all points, yet He sinned not. Heb 4:15 The Lord also expects perfection from us. Mat 5:48 KJV “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” The scriptures teach that we can be perfected by the scriptures.

The perfection of the scriptures proceeds from subjecting your life to being controlled by it. Be reminded that the word is a person. The scripture teaches that all scripture is given by the breath of God. God’s breath is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the very life of the word of God. John 1:4 KJV “In him( the word) was life; and the life was the light of men”.The bible says the name of the Lord is the word of God. Rev 19:13 KJV “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God”. Anyone given to the word has allowed the Lord Jesus to live his life through him.

Now, for the word  to perfect you, you must acknowledge that the word is full of the life of God and has the supernatural power to make you whatever it talks about. 2Co 3:18 KJV “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”. This verse teaches that as we put aside every veil, sin, unbelief, prejudice or wrong doctrine, we see clearly the glory of God. We are then changed or transfigured to become the very glory of God.

The next aspect of the word that transforms us into perfection is to submit to its teaching.
Many people approach the word with a certain preconceived thought pattern. Such thinking corrupts the true teaching of the word. An example is what 1 Peter 2:24b says. By whose stripes you were healed. This is very clearly talking about the healing of our bodies, yet people add all other meanings to it.

Allow the scriptures to always mean what they say. Do not use your experience or the experience of others to interpret the scriptures. This is the only means for the scriptures to perfect you. Allow the scriptures to reproof you where necessary and receive their correction.

THOUGHT: THE SCRIPTURES WOULD MAKE YOU WHAT THEY TALK ABOUT IF YOU WOULD SUBMIT TO THEM

FURTHER STUDIES
Jas 1:21 KJV Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1Ti 4:15 KJV” Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:16 KJV” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Instructions are detailed, step-by-step directions or orders explaining how to perform a task, use a product, or behave. They serve as structured guidance, often crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. Synonyms include directions, guidelines, commands, orders, tutorials, and protocols. Biblical instructions are the way of life. Pro 3:1 KJV My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

God’s ways are always right. Biblical instructions must be keenly followed. They must first fill the soul and then be obeyed. God desires that every child of His be seriously successful. Following biblical instructions leads to true success in life. Jos 1:8 KJV” This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

You can make your way prosperous. Everyone living today desires to be successful. Success could be simply described as living a very fulfilled life. This can not be found anywhere except in the paths of righteousness. Pro 14:12 KJV” There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” The way that seems right to men is the way of human reason, strength and human effort. 1Sa 2:9 KJV He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.”

The wicked, that is, the man who gives no attention to biblical instructions, would be silent in darkness. This means he would be frustrated because he has avoided righteous instructions that are light . His only place of abode is darkness. If the Christian shuns righteous instructions, he can not avoid living in darkness.

Every creature lives in its source. Fishes live in water, plants live on the land, the Christian must live in the word, for our source is the word of God

THOUGHT: ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH BIBLICAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BECOME WHAT IT SAYS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Pro 1:7 KJV” The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Pro 4:13 KJV” Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”