Instruct-Then Exhort
The apostolic method of teaching emphasizes the importance of instructing people with scriptural reasons and exhorting them to respond appropriately.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of the apostolic method of teaching, which combines instruction with exhortation, as exemplified in the writings of Paul. He highlights that the faithful men of old provided scriptural reasons for Christian actions, encouraging believers to respond with personal faith and godliness. Tozer points out that the message of Christ's supremacy over Moses and the angels serves as a foundation for the exhortation to love and pray for one another. This method of teaching calls for immediate and unreserved action based on the truths of Scripture. The sermon encourages believers to understand the reasons behind their faith and to act accordingly.
Text
The godly men of old through whom the Scriptures came to us were faithful in their exhortations to personal faith and godliness, characteristic of the early church. The apostolic method of teaching, instructing and encouraging was based on solid and fundamental Christian doctrine. This was Paul's method in his New Testament letters. First he gives his readers the scriptural reasons for certain Christian actions and attributes. He provides the basis and reason-then he exhorts the readers to respond appropriately. We do not know if Paul was the human writer to the Hebrews, but the method of exhortation is like Paul's.
We are assured that Christ is greater than Moses and greater than the angels and that He purchased mankind's salvation.
Then the exhortation: if all of these things are true, then we should keep on loving one another, keep on praying for one another. It is a good and gracious argument: because we have reasons for doing something, we ought to do it without delay and without reservation!
Sermon Outline
- The Apostolic Method of Teaching
- Paul's Method in New Testament Letters
- 'Instruct: Provide Scriptural Reasons'
- 'Exhort: Encourage Appropriate Response'
- Scriptural Reasons for Christian Actions
- Exhortation to Respond Appropriately
Key Quotes
“because we have reasons for doing something, we ought to do it without delay and without reservation!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should take action based on the scriptural reasons presented, without delay or reservation.
- It is essential to provide a solid foundation of Christian doctrine before encouraging people to respond appropriately.
- Exhortation should be based on the scriptural reasons presented, rather than on personal opinions or feelings.