Admonish

To admonish means to warn, caution, instruct, or advise.

Admonition may be corrective, warning a sinner about the consequences of failure to repent.  Titus 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Admonition may be instructive. We are admonished by the examples, especially negative ones, of the past. Child-raising involves admonition, in which learning comes through cautionary instruction rather than experimentation.  1 Corinthians 10:11; Ephesians 6:4

Admonition may make others aware of danger. Paul told the Ephesians elders to be alert, remembering his continuous and passionate warnings about false teachers.  Acts 20:31

In the New Testament, admonitions are usually directed toward fellow Christians, both faithful and unfaithful. While admonition sounds negative, it comes from genuine concern and a desire for the admonished to avoid danger.  1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Christians should admonish one another in song and teaching.  Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Colossians 3:16

~ SR

Related words: reprove, rebuke, exhort

Citation
Ruhmann, Scott. “Word of the Week: Admonish.” 27th Street Church of Christ. Access date: . http://www.churchofbend.com/wow/admonish.htm