In what ways can we "admonish and teach" with wisdom in our communities? Setting the Scene “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” – Colossians 1:28 Paul presents a clear, Spirit-guided pattern: speak about Christ, correct error, impart truth, and do it all wisely so fellow believers grow into mature, Christ-like wholeness. The Dual Calling: Admonish & Teach • Admonish (nouthesia) – to warn, correct, or put truth into the mind. • Teach (didaskō) – to explain, train, and establish believers in sound doctrine. • Both actions flow from proclaiming Christ; they cannot be divorced from Him. Admonishing with Wisdom: Key Ingredients • Scripture as the plumb line – “All Scripture is God-breathed… useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Gentleness and humility – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). • Personal example – “Set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). • Timely honesty – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). • Goal-oriented correction – “so that the servant of God may be fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). Teaching with Wisdom: Core Practices • Root everything in Christ’s work and words (Colossians 2:3). • Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Speak truth in love, aiming for growth (Ephesians 4:15). • Keep doctrine sound and life-shaping (Titus 2:1, 7-8). • Model teachability; wisdom is “open to reason, full of mercy” (James 3:17). Practical Ways to Live This Out in Our Communities 1. Home Life – Regular family devotions: short passages, clear explanations, gentle correction of attitudes or actions that stray from the text. – Memorize verses together; discuss real-life application. 2. Church Gatherings – Sunday school and small groups focused on verse-by-verse study, allowing time to address misunderstandings graciously. – Elder oversight that lovingly confronts error while offering restorative guidance (1 Peter 5:2-3). 3. One-on-One Mentoring – Meet for coffee with a newer believer; work through a Gospel or epistle, sharing how it shapes decisions. – When sin surfaces, speak plainly yet restore eagerly, pointing to forgiveness in Christ. 4. Community Outreach – Bible-centered literacy classes, parenting seminars, or addiction recovery groups that weave admonition and instruction into practical help. – Public Bible readings in parks or community centers, followed by Q&A rooted in Scripture’s authority. 5. Digital Spaces – Share concise, Scripture-based posts that clarify truth and kindly correct misconceptions. – Host online studies via video call, setting a respectful tone that welcomes questions and addresses them biblically. Fruit to Expect • Believers equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). • Unity of the faith and maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13). • Communities marked by peace, purity, and joyful obedience (Philippians 4:9). • A credible witness to the world as truth and love walk hand in hand (John 13:35). |
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