Hey folks. Been hanging out in Hebrews lately. I was in chapter 13 today.
In verse 22 we find the expression "word of exhortation."
This describes what today we would call a "sermon." Exhortation is not mere advice that can be accepted or rejected. Exhortation calls people to do something with what they've been taught. It is "strong encouragement" (Heb. 6:18). It involves information, but information that always includes admonition.
If you are a Sunday speaker, this is a matter you need to ponder as you prepare your messages. Exhortation is perhaps the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Too much preaching begins with exegesis and then simply ends there. But remember that exegesis is a means to much a larger end -- practicing practical truth in our day-to-day lives. That's because the Bible was not written for our information but for our transformation. The ultimate goal of preaching, tben, is not to do something with the Bible, but to let the Bible do something with us.
Just some rambly thoughts!