Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Gift Of Exhortation

From The Effective Invitation: A Practical Guide to the Pastor by R. Alan Streett.  This will be the final post concerning this book.

Gift of exhortation, Rom. 12:8.

The word “exhort” comes from the Greek word “parakaleo” (para-to the side, kaleo-to call, used in Greek to mean to call to one’s side, call for, summon). Used 108 times in the New Testament, variously rendered “besought,” “exhort,” “entreat,” “called.” A call by the preacher to stand by his side as an indication of repentance and faith in Christ.

5 times parakaleo is used in the New Testament in relation to evangelistic preaching:

Acts 2: 38-41, 11:23, 2Cor. 5:20, 2Cor. 6: 1-2, 2Tim 4: 2,5.

In 61 out of 108 occurrences of parakaleo, it means “to beg or plead” or “to express an urgent request.”

Paul tells Timothy that his exhortations will be accompanied by long suffering or patience 2Tim. 4:2.

See also Titus 1: 7-9.
Key passage explaining the operation of the gift of exhortation: 1Cor. 12: 4-6. There are a variety of gifts (1Cor. 12:4) and of course, exhortation is one of them (Rom. 12:8). These gifts can be administered in a variety of ways (1Cor. 12:5). For example, one can use the gift in evangelism (Acts 2:40), or one could exercise it to minister to the saints (Acts 14:22). There are diversities of operation for each gift (1Cor. 12:6). Greek word for “operations”- energema (energized or empowered) from which the word “energy” is derived. God energizes all the gifts, He provides the power and the level at which it operates. According to A.T. Robertson, each gift produces a different result according to the power supplied to it by God.

Paul describes the operation of the gift of exhortation in 2Cor. 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech (parakaleo, exhort) you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” A prime characteristic of the gift of exhortation: God uses the evangelist’s mouth to urge his hearers to be saved.

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