One of the key features of admonition in the Bible is its intention to bring about positive change and growth in the person being admonished. It is not meant to be judgmental or condemnatory, but rather to encourage them to live according to God’s principles and make choices that align with His will.
Admonition in the Bible is often delivered by
The Bible is not only a source of spiritual wisdom and inspiration but also a guide for living a righteous and God-honoring life. Within its pages, one finds various forms of instruction, guidance, and correction, one of which is “admonition.” In this blog post, we will explore the definition of admonition in the Bible, its significance, and how it plays a crucial role in nurturing a life of faith and virtue.
Defining Admonition:
Admonition, in the biblical context, refers to a form of guidance, correction, or warning offered with the intent of nurturing spiritual growth and moral development. It is a means by which individuals are encouraged to live in alignment with God’s principles, receive correction when they stray, and grow in their faith.
The Purpose of Admonition:
- Correction: Admonition is often provided to correct behavior or beliefs that are not in line with God’s will. It aims to lead individuals back to a righteous path.
- Guidance: Admonition offers guidance and instruction to help individuals make choices that honor God and benefit themselves and others.
- Prevention: In some cases, admonition serves as a preventative measure, helping individuals avoid sinful or harmful behavior before it occurs.
Biblical Examples of Admonition:
- Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV): “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” This verse illustrates the concept of admonition within a familial context, emphasizing its role in correction and discipline.
- Colossians 3:16 (NIV): “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” This verse demonstrates admonition as a means of mutual teaching and correction within the Christian community.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV): “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Here, admonition is presented as a multifaceted approach to addressing different needs and challenges within the community.
Significance of Admonition:
- Spiritual Growth: Admonition plays a significant role in fostering spiritual growth, as it helps believers refine their faith and align their lives with God’s will.
- Community Building: It contributes to the health and unity of Christian communities by encouraging mutual support and accountability.
- Correction and Restoration: Admonition offers a means of correction and restoration for individuals who may have strayed from their faith or a righteous path.
Ephesians 6:4
6:4 nurture and admonition. “Nurture” (Greek paideia) is the same as “chastening” in Hebrews 12:5,7, and “instruction” in II Timothy 3:16. It has particular reference to child-training, carried out with both firmness and gentleness as needed in each particular case. “Admonition” (Greek nouthesia) means literally “putting in mind”; thus “admonition of the Lord” implies teaching the Lord’s ways through His Word. Note that both—instruction through actions and instruction through verbal teaching—are primarily the responsibility of the father, although others (especially the mother—note, e.g., Proverbs 1:8) may be called upon by him to participate in the child-training activities. It is significant that the first reference in the Bible to teaching has to do with Abraham’s responsibility to bring up his own son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Genesis 18:19).
A Lesson in Guidance and Correction
“Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
This means that we are to teach them about God. We spend much time and effort providing our children with nourishing food for their bodies. They also need spiritual food. Admonition refers to encouragement to do what is right. Training refers to teaching them to actually do what is right. We must know the word of God ourselves to teach it to our children. And we must live according to the word of God because example is the most powerful teacher.
Moses emphasized this to the people of Israel.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 11:18, 19).
Bringing up children in the training and admonition of the Lord is a full-time job! Let us pray for wisdom and help.
Amen.
Conclusion:
Admonition in the Bible is a powerful concept that encompasses guidance, correction, and warning for the purpose of spiritual growth and moral development. It reminds us that, as part of our faith journey, we are called to help one another walk in righteousness, receive correction when needed, and ultimately grow closer to God. Admonition is a reminder that our spiritual walk is not solitary but deeply intertwined with our relationship with others and with our Creator.
