Paul, at the close of his Epistle to the Hebrews, beseeches the brethren to suffer the word of exhortation, and this appears to be a reference to the several exhortations he applies to them in the last chapter, beginning in verse one with: “Let brotherly love continue.” He would have the Christian brethren to receive with meekness his exhortations and to seek divine grace to comply with them, for their own spiritual advantage, the common good of the Church, and all to the praise of God, through Jesus Christ.
And so today Christians have need of the word of exhortation. From the Word of God, and in matters which require to be remembered and given renewed thought and gracious consideration, bearing in mind, among other things, the serious, dark and perilous times in which we live. Undoubtedly there are very many subjects which could well be the substance of exhortation to every follower of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in these days. We shall refer to several.
Let the Christian seek wisdom and strength to watch against the insidious influences of the many activities and claims of the world; that the world do not sap his strength as a traveller in “the narrow way,” deprive him of a relish for the Word of God, and cause his love to the Lord and the brethren to wax cold, with many other deplorable effects. The Scriptures relate what the undue influence of the world can accomplish. The cares of this world and the lust of other things entering in choke the Word and it becometh unfruitful. And again in the parable where we read of those making excuses for not accepting the invitation to the great supper—it was the ground, the oxen and the wife which were the world’s influences at work in preventing an acceptance of the invitation. Although these illustrations do not apply to believers in the first instance, yet they do adequately reveal what a powerful effect for evil, even the lawful things of the world can have, when not guarded against. One’s mind, time, energies, gifts, may be inordinately given over to the inroads and unlimited demands of the world; with serious results in the spiritual condition of the believer. Much neglect of spiritual exercises, loss of soul comfort, and much dishonour to the Saviour, may well ensue. The world must be kept in its own place, by divine assistance and constant watching, in a day of materialism and great worldliness.
And in a day, when the Bible was never more available, and yet greatly neglected, believers have need to look well and constantly to the Scriptures. Spasmodic and superficial use of the Scriptures by Christians should be a shame to such, inasmuch as apart from the Word of God they cannot grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They should make conscience of searching the Scriptures privately, constantly and prayerfully, as they are enjoined to do thus, “As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious”—I Peter 2, verses 2 and 3. The understanding and conscience need surely the light of truth and sound doctrine, and the spiritual satisfaction which the indwelling of the Word of God brings to the living soul. In the Scriptures also there is to be found correction, reproof, and guidance, so frequently required by the Christian. Indeed, it is through the instrumentality of the Word of God that the blessed Holy Spirit of truth carries on the precious work of sanctifying the Christian to his being ultimately conformed to the image of God’s Son. As Jesus said in His intercessory prayer: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is Truth.” And let believers seek to emulate the blessed man of the first Psalm, of whom we read: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Then again, how desirable it is that those who profess the name of Christ should plead with the Lord to bestow upon them a deep and increasing spiritual appetite for the preaching of the gospel and a heart appreciation of the same. There are three Scripture references we would cite, relative to this matter. The first is from Ezekiel, chapter 33, verses 31 and 32, viz., “And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before me as thy people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them. . . . And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not.” The second is from The Acts, chapter x, verse 33, where we have the words of Cornelius to the apostle Peter, as follows, “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” And the third reference is to be found in Psalm 85, verse 8: “I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints; but let them not turn again to folly.” And by way of general observation, it is to be feared that few indeed, who give their ear to the preaching of the glorious gospel of Christ, carry much home with them of what they have heard. Professing Christians should examine themselves on whether “the fowls of the air” are getting too much liberty in their own case, with respect to the sowing of the good seed of the Word of the truth of the gospel in their hearts. There is such a thing as hearing six or seven sermons during a Communion season of five days’ duration. A pertinent question is: Is there a deep and serious concern to hear God speaking? And let us read what James says in his epistle: “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only”—Chapter 1, v. 22.
Then again: “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ”—Philippians, chapter 1, verse 27. The eye of the carnal world is upon the Christian; and by the strength of grace give no occasion to the enemies of God to blaspheme. Let one’s life and witness be in harmony with the gospel, walking in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time because the days are evil.
And in one’s attitude to others, especially to brethren, “. . . be courteous.” At times the Christian may be confronted with words and deeds which may be calculated to stir up the spirit and ire of the “old man.” But gracious composure and dignity are called for by the Word of God, as follows: “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing”—I Peter, chapter 3, verse 9.
Then, finally, let those who fear the Lord in these backsliding days in Church and State give a sharp ear to the witness of “He that is holy,” as He speaks to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia thus: “. . . hold that fast which thou hast. . . .” The world, the devil and the flesh are busy today endeavouring to take away from precious souls the very foundations of the Christian faith. Hold fast to the inspired Word of God. Hold fast to a pure and sound gospel. Hold fast to the simplicity of the New Testament worship of God. Hold fast to the Lord’s Day. Hold fast to the Presbyterian form of Church government. Hold fast as Free Presbyterians to the Scriptural principles upon which our Church came into existence in 1893. Hold fast in the strength of God the Lord, in face of the deplorable drift away from Truth, and in the midst of the spiritual and moral darkness of our times.
And we conclude with Paul’s words to the Philippians, “To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe”—Chapter 3, verse 1.