Encouraging Others by Spiritual Leadership

Spiritual leadership requires hard conversations.

Edification: to build up

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.Romans 14:19

This is using our words and our actions to build up another person.

The word etymology of this is interesting, as it means to build up, where we get our word ‘edifice’. Edify also means to teach or to train, which is the root word of “education.” Our words teach and train others. This is why it is imperative that praise others when we catch them doing something right!

Exhortation: strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.

Exhortation is encouragement with a challenge associated. An exhortation might be, “It was great seeing you in church on Sunday, but I want to encourage you to be back each week. I know it will help you grow.” While edification says, “Great job!”, exhortation says, “Great job, let’s keep pushing forward.”

Rebuke: express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.Titus 2:15

Rebuke is part of being a spiritual leader. Rebuke is the harshest form of encouragement, if you want to call it that. For the most part, most people are either too quick or too late with a rebuke. Paul challenges Titus, with the authority being the Word of God.

It’s important to note that we rebuke sin, rebellion against God and doctrinal error. We don’t rebuke people because they frustrate us or because we’re in a bad mood. The end result that we seek from a rebuke is repentance. Rebukes are always better received when the rebuke is given in the spirit of love.

Paul assured the Philippians of his love before exhorting them.

The deeper the relationship the more power is given to an edification, exhortation or rebuke.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;Philippians 1:3-5

Spiritual leadership and discipleship requires personal sacrifice.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.Philippians 2:19-23

Spiritual encouragement comes from a place of love.

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,Philippians 1:4

God gives us joy as we see others growing in their faith.

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;1 Thessalonians 3:9

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

3 John 4

Spiritual leadership requires maintaining unity.

Competing priorities, doctrine, carnality, pride can all cause division.

Spiritual people are alarmed by division.

Spiritual people recognize the danger of division. Divisions, schisms means a tear or a crack. Structures are weakest at their cracks or tears.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.Romans 16:17

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.Proverbs 6:16-19

“Because of quarreling the Father is dishonored, the Son is disgraced, His people are demoralized and discredited, and the world is turned off and confirmed in unbelief. Fractured fellowship robs Christians of joy and effectiveness, robs God of glory, and robs the world of the true testimony of the gospel.”

Jesus brings unity.

Through humble worship of Him.

Through solid Bible doctrine.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.Galatians 1:6-9

Through obedience to His Word.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.Matthew 5:21-24

Through walking in His Spirit.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.Ephesians 4:1-3

Check your heart before confronting another person.

Ensure that you speak with grace in a spirit of love.

Guard against division in your own life and in the church.

Be quick to seek resolution.