A Ministry of Exhortation

Romans 16:1-16

There are several ministries that every Christian should be involved with just because he is a Christian. Prayer is one of them. Another is exhortation, or encouragement. One of the most important reasons for attending church is found in Hebrews 10:24-25. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We are to go just to encourage those who are there to continue in their Christian life.

Encouragement is one of the most important functions of the church. Paul stressed it’s importance repeatedly. In I Timothy 4:13 he commanded, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” And in II Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” It is an essential part of the Church’s ministry, and depends on sound doctrine according to Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

Exhortation should be part of every message or service. Few will continue to serve God without positive feedback. Even Jeremiah became discouraged at times. Hebrews 13:13 commands, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Many fall away because they have no encouragement. Often nothing more than a little recognition is required, and Paul sets us an example.

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”( Romans 16:1-2)

Phoebe was one who worked in the church in Cenchrea, Whatever part she played, she’d helped others, and it was necessary to help her as needed. It would greatly encourage her.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” (Romans 16:3-5)

Priscilla and Aquila played a major role in helping start several churches, and teaching others, including Apollos. To ignore their part would be discouraging to them and to the church they were currently working in. It is not only important to recognize the pastors, but also the people in the church. Each one is important.

“Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” (Romans 16:6-7)

Older Christians should not be neglected jus because they are old, but esteemed because of their faithfulness. Time needs to be taken to recognize each Christian for their individual contributions to the church, whether great or small.

“Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.” (Romans 16:8-15)

Make the recognition personal. It ought not be just a quick and impersonal hand shake like we see so often in modern churches. The quick walk around shaking hands may be more personal attention than most people receive, but Paul says we need to go farther than that.

“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” (Romans 16:16)