The Call to Strengthen Souls

21And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

(Acts 14:21-22)

One way to describe “discipleship” is that it is the strengthening of souls.

Too many “go to church” as a way to have their emotions thrilled, or as a form of entertainment. However, what they need is that their souls would be strengthened in the ways of God.

Paul was “exhorting them to continue in the faith.” Yes, exhortation must be utilized for the “strengthening” of our souls.

If we only preach for Evangelism and to help people get saved, that may be good, but it’s not good enough.

What local churches must be about today is to help God’s people to spiritually grow and to mature.

So how do you do that?

There are many methods to go about this, but it must involve the below.

Preaching, Exhorting and Teaching

27To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

29To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

(Colossians 1:27-29)

Yes, we must preach Jesus as Messiah and Savior, and help people to receive eternal salvation.

But wait, there’s more!

Just like Paul did in the churches, we must be “warning every man.” We also call this Exhortation. The original word for “warning” also means “to admonish” or “exhort.” Warning or Exhorting can include Apologetics, where we warn God’s people against false teachings and cults.

Furthermore, one of the most important needs for today’s church is the need for Teaching through the entire Bible.

But why would this be a need when most churches feel fine to not teach through the entire Bible?

Here’s why!

Paul writes, “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” The original word for “perfect” means to “mature” the Christian.

This is why while many Christians may congregate, many aren’t maturing.

Christian: You need all 3

When a man is called to pastoral ministry, that man is called to do all 3 of these: Preaching, Exhorting and Teaching.

This is because the people must have all 3 in order to mature as a Christian.

Peter wrote to “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2; KJV). After Jesus told Peter to “Feed My sheep” in John 21:17, Peter apparently took the command seriously.

Peter also wrote, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

Peter understood that spiritual growth only comes through being fed a regular, healthy dose of God’s Word.

Consider what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3

16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Christian, let’s remember that you and I must be fed “all Scripture” (the entire Bible)!

In giving the Great Commission, Jesus said it was to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

We do this by “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).

Notice: Jesus said to be “teaching” disciples “all things”; folks, the only way to do this is to teach the entire Bible.

Why does God want that for you?

So that you “may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Keep reading and feeding on God’s Word!

Pastor Drew

(Listen to the message on Strengthening Souls)

(Check here to find a church near you that teaches through the entire Bible)