Admonish One Another

One Another

Admonish One Another

Colossians 3:16

At times, failing to confront is a failure to love!

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5–6, ESV)

Learning to value admonishment is a sign of maturity!

What Is Admonishment?

Instructing someone specifically about a specific area that doesn’t line up with what is clearly God’s will.

A loving attempt to Correct another’s attitude or behavior for their good and God’s glory.

What Is The Purpose of Admonishment?

The purpose of admonishment is so that we can Experience God’s best and become all that God wants us to be.

Why Should We Admonish One Another?

1. It’s a Command

2. We all have Blind Spots

“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:12–13, ESV)

3. It is essential for Maturity

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28, ESV)

How Do I Put It Into Practice?

Start With Yourself:

1. Examine your Own Life

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” (Luke 6:41–42, ESV)

2. Examine The Word

Foundational for our admonishment is how thoroughly the Word of Christ is dwelling in us. This is what makes the difference between our admonishment being simply our opinion or it being truly biblical and helpful.

3. Examine your Motives

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)

Lean In With Love:

1. Deal with it Sooner Rather Than Later

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25–27, ESV)

2. Go to them Personally

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15–17, ESV)

3. Describe the problem Clearly

• “I have noticed…”
• “I have observed…”

4. Seek to understand their Perspective

• “Help me to understand...”

5. Clearly define what needs to Change or what your expectations are.

• If appropriate may clarify support and accountability that will be offered.

6. Deal appropriately with your thoughts and Emotions

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29–32, ESV)

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At times, failing to confront is a failure to love!

Learning to value admonishment is a sign of maturity!

Questions To Consider:

• Have I responded to the admonishment of the Holy Spirit to repent of my sin and place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the forgiver of my sin and the rightful leader and Lord of my life?

• How have my previous experiences with admonishment (positive or negative) shaped my own personal view and practice of giving and receiving admonishment?

• Who are the people in my life that God may be calling me to love enough to come alongside them in admonishment?

• In prayer ask God how open you are to receiving His loving correction through another person. How can you be more open to this in your life?

• Spend time reviewing the teaching above. Begin making any adjustments that you sense God is directing you to begin to live out in your life and relationships.

Ready to take your Next Step?

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