Admonishing One Another Unto Godliness By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." — Hebrews 3:12–13 (KJV)
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Introduction
In the perilous days we now live, where wickedness abounds and moral decay is celebrated, God’s call to His people to walk in godliness and truth is louder than ever. He is not silent, nor indifferent to the choices His people make. He speaks clearly to admonish, correct, and direct those who profess His name. In a world saturated with temptations, seductions, and snares, God reminds us that we are not called to worldliness but to holiness, not to blend into the culture but to stand as a light in darkness.
This lesson draws its focus from the solemn warnings given to God’s people not to turn aside to sin, but to keep themselves pure and devoted to Him. The heart of this message is that we must continually exhort, correct, and encourage one another in godliness, lest the deceitfulness of sin hardens our hearts and lures us into destruction. Admonishment in righteousness is not judgment, but love. It is God’s mercy at work through His people to keep the body of Christ in alignment with His will.
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Keep Yourselves for God Alone
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" — James 4:4 (KJV)
The people of God are called to be sanctified and set apart for the Lord. The seductions of this age are subtle, dangerous, and widespread. Worldly influences are often disguised as harmless pleasures or societal norms, yet they carry the venom of separation from God. As Eve was beguiled by the devil’s cunning words, many today are deceived into thinking that compromise is tolerable. However, even small disobedience can lead to fatal spiritual entanglements.
When we give our affection to the world, we betray our first love. True devotion to God requires deliberate rejection of all that competes with His place in our hearts. To be holy is to be wholly His.
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Sin Has Consequences: The Fatality of Disobedience
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." — Romans 6:23 (KJV)
No sin goes unpunished unless it is repented of. The world may glamorize rebellion and treat sin as trivial, but before God, it is grievous and deadly. The disobedience of Adam and Eve cost them paradise and introduced death to all humanity. Today, repeated acts of disobedience grieve the Holy Spirit and invite judgment.
God’s standards are not optional suggestions but divine mandates. He expects obedience from His people not because He is harsh, but because He is holy. Sin is a violation of His holiness, and those who refuse to take heed will ultimately perish, even if they once knew the truth.
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The Subtlety of Spiritual Laziness
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." — 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
Spiritual complacency is a silent destroyer. Many Christians begin the journey of faith with fervor and passion, but slowly drift into spiritual slumber. They become more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God. In such a state, they are easy prey for the deceiver. When vigilance fades, vulnerability rises.
We must remain spiritually alert. It is through intentional prayer, Bible meditation, fellowship, and obedience to the Holy Spirit that we stay spiritually awake. A sleeping believer is an easy target for the enemy, but one who walks in the Spirit is guarded and kept.
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Refusing Sin: The Way of Escape
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape." — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
Sin is not irresistible. God always provides a way out. Every temptation is an opportunity to choose God over evil. The seductions of the devil are designed to look appealing, but they carry within them the seeds of destruction. Sin promises pleasure but delivers death.
Refusal is the remedy. To say “No” to sin is to say “Yes” to God. The strength to resist is not from our own willpower, but from the Spirit who lives within us. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to stand strong against every scheme of the enemy.
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Look to God as Your Protector and Guide
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." — Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)
In a world obsessed with self-protection and false securities, God alone offers true covering. He does not charge for His protection. He gives it freely to those who trust in Him. Like sheep among wolves, God’s people are preserved by His divine hand when they walk in obedience.
The Holy Spirit is not just a comforter, but a guide, teacher, and revealer of truth. When we remain tuned to His voice, we are led in paths of righteousness and kept from snares. Staying in close fellowship with the Spirit is our safety.
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Value the Correction and Admonition of Fellow Believers
"Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend." — Proverbs 27:5–6 (KJV)
God uses people to correct and admonish us when we stray. Admonishment is not rejection, but redirection. It is a tool of love meant to bring us back to the right path. Those who despise correction walk into ruin.
Let us value the spiritual community that God has placed around us. Instead of resisting correction, we should embrace it as a sign of God’s mercy. Rebuke, when received in humility, becomes the catalyst for growth and restoration.
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Summary
This lesson is a strong call to godliness in a world full of sin and seduction. The enemy is constantly seeking to deceive, entice, and destroy those who belong to God. Through scriptural truth, we are reminded that sin has real consequences, that vigilance is required, and that community admonishment is part of our spiritual preservation.
When we walk in obedience, refusing sin and remaining faithful, God keeps us. He provides protection, guidance, and strength. The Holy Spirit is ever with us, and through Him, we are able to stand in the face of evil and live holy lives.
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Conclusion
Let us not be like Eve, beguiled by the lies of the serpent and dragged into spiritual ruin. Let us walk soberly, righteously, and with reverent fear of the Lord. Let us exhort one another daily and help each other stay on the narrow path. Our lives are not our own; we were bought at a price. Let us glorify God with all that we are.
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Call to Action
Examine your life. Are there areas where you have allowed sin to take root? Are you entertaining compromise? Today is the day to repent and return to full obedience. Ask God to cleanse your heart and renew a right spirit within you. Do not delay. The time is urgent.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. You are not alone. God is for you. His Spirit is within you. The journey may be narrow and difficult, but the destination is eternal glory. Stand firm. Encourage others. Walk worthy of your calling.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You recognizing that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and rose again for my justification. Today, I repent of my sins and turn to You.
Lord Jesus, come into my life. Be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to walk in righteousness, and help me to live a life that pleases You.
Thank You for forgiving me and making me a new creation. I receive Your gift of salvation and choose to follow You all the days of my life.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
