8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Exhortation is the fourth spiritual gift.
The “in” in verse eight does not refer to the sphere or devotion of ministry as in verse seven (serving, teaching, and exhorting). The “in” in this verse refers to the manner in which we exercise our gift.
8 the one who exhorts,
The gift of exhortation is more particular than the gift of prophecy. A person with this gift has the ability and authority to challenge believers with either a positive or negative exhortation. A person with this gift advocates principles. He or she advises, pleads, warns, strengthens, encourages, and comforts.
in his exhortation;
Exhortation goes a step beyond prophecy or teaching in that it challenges others with what they know. Teaching focuses on content, whereas exhortation places emphasis on summoning others to action. Those who sit in lethargy need a challenge.
PRINCIPLE:
The role of an exhorter is to persuade believers to act on what they know.
APPLICATION:
The exhorter helps others apply the principles of Scripture. Barnabas was a person who encouraged and exhorted others.
Ac 14:21-22, 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
It is necessary at times to admonish fellow believers.
He 10:24-25, 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Exhortation is a command to a young pastor.
2 Ti 4:2, Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
We have lost the challenge to call fellow Christians to know and apply principles of Scripture to experience.
