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A Discipling Church Is a Reproving Church (wayoflife.org)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Discipling Church Is a Reproving Church<\/strong>May 22, 2019Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061 Outline The ministry of loving reproof and correction is necessary for the type of atmosphere that produces disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible clearly emphasizes the necessity of this ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTherefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears\u201d (Ac. 20:31<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them\u201d <\/em>(Eph. 5:11<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus\u201d (Col. 1:28<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly…\u201d (1 Th. 5:14<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThem that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear\u201d (1 Ti. 5:20<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPreach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine\u201d (2 Ti. 4:2<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith\u201d (Tit. 1:13<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee\u201d (Tit. 2:15<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent\u201d (Re. 3:19<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n But a biblical ministry of reproof is a neglected and grossly misunderstood ministry today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A ministry of reproof is even thought to be strange and hurtful. A preacher told me recently, \u201cYou have a strange ministry,\u201d referring to my reproof of erring pastors. Actually a ministry of reproof is strange only to those who have turned from Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To love righteousness is to hate sin, and to love truth is to hate error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTherefore I esteem all thy<\/em> precepts concerning<\/em> all things to be<\/em> right; and<\/em> I hate every false way\u201d (Ps. 119:128<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet<\/em> love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good\u201d (Ro. 12:9<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ said, \u201cAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten\u201d (Re. 3:19<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n John, the \u201capostle of love,\u201d defined love as obedience. He said, \u201cFor this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous\u201d (1 John 5:3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs teaches us that the parent who does not chasten his child does not love him (Pr. 13:24<\/a>). The same is true for a church leader. Those who do not reprove and correct the sheep do not love them. It would be like a shepherd who sees the sheep going astray but does nothing about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, a ministry of godly reproof is a ministry of spiritual growth and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus\u201d (Col. 1:28<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor the commandment is<\/em> a lamp; and the law is<\/em> light; and reproofs of instruction are<\/em> the way of life\u201d (Pr. 6:23<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Far from being harmful, a godly ministry of reproof and correction has the potential for great blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Necessity of Reproof Therefore, every man is to be warned and taught (Col. 1:28<\/a>), and note that warning is put first. In practice, teaching comes before warning, but here warning comes first. This is by way of emphasis. Every saint in Christ needs warning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a ministry of reproof, warning, and correction, the saints do not grow spiritually as they should. They backslide. They become lukewarm. They become settled upon the lees (Zep. 1:12<\/a>). They tend to go out of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An environment of godly reproof, and warning is the atmosphere in which the Spirit of God convicts and challenges and keeps God\u2019s people growing in holiness and separation from the fallen world system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ministry of Reproof in Scripture The terms \u201creprove,\u201d \u201crebuke,\u201d \u201cwarn,\u201d \u201cadmonish,\u201d \u201cchasten,\u201d \u201cconvince,\u201d \u201cblame,\u201d and \u201ccorrect\u201d are used more than 30 times in Acts and the Epistles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These words have similar but different meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdmonish<\/strong>\u201d means to put in mind; to caution; to charge; to reprove gently; to notify of a fault; to counsel against wrong practices; to advise; to instruct. The Greek word translated \u201cadmonish\u201d in Romans 15:14<\/a> is \u201cneotheteo,\u201d which is elsewhere translated \u201cwarn\u201d (Ac. 20:31<\/a>; Col. 1:28<\/a>). The word \u201cadmonish\u201d is used for Jeremiah\u2019s warning to the Jewish remnant about not going to Egypt (Jer. 42:19<\/a>), Paul\u2019s warning to the ship\u2019s captain (Ac. 27:9<\/a>), the admonition toward an erring brother (2 Th. 3:15<\/a>), and God\u2019s admonition to Moses to build the Tabernacle exactly according to the divine pattern (Heb. 8:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReprove<\/strong>\u201d means to charge with a fault, to convict, to blame. An example is John reproving Herod for marrying his brother\u2019s wife (Lu. 3:19<\/a>) and Paul reproving Peter for his hypocrisy (Ga. 2:11<\/a>). To reprove also means to persuade, to give evidence, to convince. The word \u201creproof\u201d in 2 Timothy 3:16<\/a> is the Greek word \u201celegchos,\u201d which is elsewhere translated \u201cevidence\u201d (Heb. 11:1<\/a>). To reprove is to convince someone of his sin or error (1 Co. 14:24<\/a>; Tit. 1:9<\/a>). To reprove means to shine the light of God\u2019s Word on the deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11-13<\/a>). The Spirit of God has come to reprove the world of sin (John 16:8<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRebuke<\/strong>\u201d means to reproach, correct, chide, scold, reprimand. Nehemiah rebuked the elders (Ne. 5:7<\/a>). The judges of Israel were to rebuke sin (Amos 5:10<\/a>). Christ will rebuke the nations when He returns (Is. 2:4<\/a>). Jesus rebuked Peter (Mr. 8:33<\/a>). The Christian is to rebuke his brother when he trespasses against him (Lu. 17:3<\/a>). Sinning elders are to be rebuked (1 Ti. 5:20<\/a>). The Word of God is to be preached with rebuke (2 Ti. 4:2<\/a>; Tit. 2:15<\/a>). Some are to be rebuked sharply (Tit. 1:13<\/a>). Christ rebukes those He loves (Re. 3:19<\/a>). One\u2019s attitude toward rebuke reveals his spiritual condition (Pr. 9:7-8<\/a>; 13:1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Admonish, warn, reprove, and rebuke are similar in meaning. All of these terms refer to correction. Rebuke is the strongest. Reprove and admonish are usually a little milder, a little less forceful. Admonition and reproof ignored or rejected leads to rebuke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ as Reprover Consider how forceful Christ can be in reproof to His own people (not to speak of His millennial rod of iron and the issue of eternal judgment for the unbeliever):<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN<\/strong>: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men\u201d (Mark 8:33<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and UPBRAIDED THEM<\/strong> with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him\u201d (Mark 16:14<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut he turned, and REBUKED THEM<\/strong>, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of\u201d (Luke 9:55<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen he said unto them, O FOOLS <\/strong>and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken\u201d (Luke 24:25<\/a>). \u201cBut this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, WHICH I ALSO HATE<\/strong>\u201d (Revelation 2:6<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and WILL FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH<\/strong>\u201d (Revelation 2:15-16<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBehold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I WILL KILL HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH<\/strong>; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works\u201d (Revelation 2:22-23<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRemember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF<\/strong>, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee\u201d (Revelation 3:3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH<\/strong>\u201d (Revelation 3:15-16<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Five times in the Gospels, Christ expressed disappointment and reproof by saying that the disciples were of little faith (Mt. 6:30<\/a>; 8:26<\/a>; 14:31<\/a>; 16:8<\/a>; Lu. 12:28<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ \u201clooked round about on them with anger\u201d (Mark 3:5<\/a>); called Israel a \u201cgeneration of vipers\u201d (Ma. 12:34<\/a>) and a \u201cfaithless and perverse generation\u201d (Mt. 17:17<\/a>); called the Jewish leaders \u201chypocrites … blind guides … fools and blind … serpents\u201d (Mt. 23:13-33<\/a>); sharply upbraided the cities in which He did mighty works (Mt. 11:20-24<\/a>). He called Herod a fox (Lu. 13:32<\/a>). He twice made a whip and drove the moneychangers and sellers out of the temple (Joh. 2:15-17<\/a>; Mr. 11:15-17<\/a>). He commanded that holy things not be given to dogs and pigs (Mt. 7:6<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ is the example that church leaders are to follow. To see compromise, sin, and error in the church and not deal with it effectively is not the Christ-like way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The apostle Paul exemplifies the right \u201cbalance\u201d in ministry. He said, \u201cBrethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample\u201d (Php. 3:17<\/a>). See also 1 Corinthians 4:16<\/a>; 11:1<\/a>. On the one hand he was as gentle as a nurse with the believers (1 Th. 2:7<\/a>). On the other hand, he was firm and unyielding about discipline (1 Co. 5; 2 Th. 3:6-14<\/a>). He was a strong reprover (e.g., 1 Co. 6:5<\/a>; 15:33-36<\/a>; Ga. 3:1<\/a>), and he taught the preachers under his watchcare to be the same (2 Ti. 4:2<\/a>; Tit. 1:13<\/a>; 2:15<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n We see the ministry of reproof in Paul\u2019s attitude toward the sin and error in the church at Corinth. He was kind and patient, but he did not overlook sin, error, and carnality. He dealt with it head on. He exhorted, reproved, and rebuked. He did whatever was necessary to effect repentance and change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that<\/em> there be no divisions among you; but that<\/em> ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house<\/em> of Chloe, that there are contentions among you\u201d (1 Co. 1:10-11<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even<\/em> as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it<\/em>, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is<\/em> among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?\u201d (1 Co r.3:1-3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple<\/em> ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise\u201d (1 Co. 3:17-18<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is<\/em> not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in<\/em> the spirit of meekness?\u201d (1 Co. 4:19-21<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is reported commonly that there is<\/em> fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning<\/em> him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is<\/em> not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?\u201d (1 Co. 5:1-6<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to<\/em> be defrauded?\u201d (1 Co. 6:5-7<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFlee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is<\/em> in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?\u201d (1 Co. 6:18-19<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYe cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?\u201d (1 Co. 10:21-22<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor in eating every one taketh before other<\/em> his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you<\/em> not\u201d (1 Co. 11:21-22<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBrethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men\u201d (1 Co. 14:20<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are<\/em> unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?\u201d (1 Co. 14:23<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this<\/em> to your shame. But some man<\/em> will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou<\/em> fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die\u201d (1 Co. 15:33-36<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul\u2019s ministry of reproof to the carnal church at Corinth worked repentance and change (2 Co. 7:8-11<\/a>). A sound ministry of reproof and discipline has the same power today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We see a ministry of reproof in James\u2019 epistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYe adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your<\/em> hands, ye<\/em> sinners; and purify your<\/em> hearts, ye<\/em> double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your<\/em> joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up\u201d (Jas. 4:4-10<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n James did not countenance worldliness and carnality. He dealt with it in the most direct manner. He called the worldly saints adulterers and adulteresses. He called them the enemies of God. He called them sinners and double minded. He called them proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no beating around the bush here. There is no speaking in vague generalities. James\u2019 audience knew exactly what he meant and whom he was talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the example for every church leader. Yet today it is common for preachers to accept worldliness as the status quo and to allow it to spread throughout the congregation. Instead of reproving the worldly members after the fashion of James, church leaders put worldly people into positions of ministry and allow them to influence the entire church body. Within a generation the spiritual character of the church is destroyed because of church leaders who won\u2019t exercise the biblical ministry of reproof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We see a ministry of reproof described in Paul\u2019s instruction to Titus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne of themselves, even<\/em> a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are<\/em> alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith\u201d (Tit. 1:12-13<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Titus was ministering on the island of Crete. He was establishing churches and training and ordaining elders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the national character of the Cretians was affecting the churches. Paul taught Titus what to do, and he was to exercise a sharp ministry of reproof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discipline must fit the character of the individual or church. It\u2019s like chastening a child. Each child is different and must be dealt with differently. If a child obeys, he is not spanked, but the stubborn, self-willed child must be dealt with more forcefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is true in the church. If there is a Cretian character, the chastening must be firmer and sharper. The Cretians tended to be liars (deceitful, dissembling), evil beasts (backbiters, gossips, hurtful), slow bellies (lazy, idle, living for their physical appetites). Because of their exceedingly poor character and slowness to obey God, the churches on Crete needed to be dealt with more sharply than churches in other places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharp rebuke is contrary to the teaching of humanistic psychology, but God knows human nature and His Word instructs us how to deal wisely with stubborn insubordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We see the ministry of reproof in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him<\/em> not as an enemy, but admonish him<\/em> as a brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a description of a strong reproving ministry of God\u2019s Word exercised in the New Testament church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul is giving a commandment, not a suggestion (2 Th. 3:6<\/a>). This type of ministry is required of God in every congregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The passage deals with church members who are disorderly and do not work, but rather are busybodies (2 Th. 3:11<\/a>). But it would apply to any type of disorderly conduct that is unlawful for God\u2019s people to engage in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The church is not to overlook this type of thing. It must be dealt with plainly and as severely as necessary to bring it to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disorderly conduct is to be dealt with in a variety of ways. First, there must be teaching<\/em>. The saints must be patiently instructed about the importance of good labor (2 Th. 3:7-9<\/a>). Compare Pr. 6:6-11<\/a>; 13:4<\/a>; 14:23<\/a>; Acts 20:34-35<\/a>; Eph. 4:28<\/a>; 1 Th. 4:11-12<\/a>. Next, there is to be exhortation<\/em> (2 Th. 3:12<\/a>). The church is to be exhorted to do what God commands. Then there is to be reproof and rebuke<\/em> of those who disobey (2 Th. 3:11<\/a>). Finally, there is to be discipline<\/em> if the reproof is not taken to heart and there is no repentance (2 Th. 3: 6<\/a>, 14<\/a>). We, see, too that brotherly love is to permeate a ministry of reproof and correction (2 Th. 3:15<\/a>), which is one of the things that sharply distinguishes godly reproof with a cultic, Diotrephes type of reproof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul is describing the ministry of reproof and correction that must characterize every New Testament church. The church is not to overlook disorderly conduct. It is to deal with it with every spiritual tool that God has provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Blessing of Godly Reproof Wise reproof that is received well is a great blessing. I have personally witnessed this many times over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one of my classes in Bible School, a student frequently harassed the teacher from his (the student\u2019s) Ruckmanite thinking. Finally one day as we were leaving class I reproved him about disturbing the class and showing dishonor to the teacher. I reminded him that he had not been given authority to teach that class, and the rest of the students were not there to hear his opinions. He was a large, gruff man, and I approached him in some fear, but he was humble and apologetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On another occasion I confronted a young relative about dating a worldly man who was contributing to her backsliding. We were sitting in our living room, and initially she ran out of the room crying. But she repented and today is married to a godly man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I reproved one of our church men who consistently absented himself from our men\u2019s discipleship meetings. We had exhorted him previously about faithfulness, but he had not changed. Now I said, \u201cIt appears to me that you are either unsaved, lazy, or you don\u2019t like me and therefore don\u2019t want to attend my classes.\u201d I also said that if I had missed something, please let me know. After saying nothing for some time, he replied, \u201cI am lazy.\u201d I then exhorted him about his need to be zealous in his service for Christ and a good example to the church and to his own family. He has been faithful ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I once reproved a young mother in our church about letting her daughter disobey her instructions and commands. I said, \u201cIf you are disciplining her properly, the evidence will be obedience. If she doesn\u2019t obey, she isn\u2019t disciplined. It\u2019s that simple.\u201d The mother took this to heart, and today her child obeys her and obeys other adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My wife and I discipline our grandkids when they stay with us, if necessary, which has been extremely rare. We never let them get away with disobedience or disrespect, and they know that we mean business. One of our grandsons was acting a bit rebellious one day, and my wife reminded him that she had her spanking stick handy. She was referring to a short rod, but it so happened that a seven-foot stick was standing in a corner of the room for some project she was doing, and the grandson thought she was talking about that. He was just a little guy and he was standing near that corner of the room, and after looking that huge stick over from the floor to the ceiling he was immediately in a better mood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, it doesn\u2019t always turn out this way. When the ear is not obedient, the reproof won\u2019t be fruitful in that individual\u2019s life and might even result in trouble for the reprover, but God is glorified either way, because the reprover has obeyed God and honored His Word (Pr. 15:23<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is true for every aspect of discipline. It doesn\u2019t always result in blessing in an individual\u2019s life, but it always results in glory to a holy God and the purification of the church (1 Co. 5:7-8<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same is true for preaching the gospel (2 Co. 2:14-16<\/a>). The preaching of the gospel is a sweet savour unto God, whether the person believes or does not believe. In the case of the unbeliever, God is glorified because His Word is preached and the offer of salvation is made and His goodness is evident even in the offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The preacher of the gospel and the reprover of sin and error obeys God\u2019s Word, and leaves the result to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effectual Reproof 1. The reprover must be filled with goodness. He must have a respectable Christian testimony. He must not be a hypocrite. If the people to whom I minister see me doing things that are wrong, they will lose respect for me and my reproof will lose effectiveness. I\u2019ve not always done right in this, but I know that a good testimony is necessary for a fruitful ministry of preaching God\u2019s Word. And I am thankful that in spite of my failings, the Lord has given me a good testimony in the eyes of those who know me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I once challenged a church member about her dress and asked her if she would read my book Dressing for the Lord<\/em>. She replied, \u201cI will read the book because of my respect for you.\u201d A national preacher once said, \u201cBrother Cloud can reprove us because we know he loves us and we know how long and faithfully he has ministered among us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there are glaring sins and failings in an individual\u2019s life, he is incapable of reproving those things. For example, if a pastor\u2019s children do not know and serve the Lord, no one will pay much attention to him when he tries to teach them about how to raise children. And if he is divorced, they probably won\u2019t listen very well to his warnings about divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being filled with goodness includes mercy and care. The one being reproved must know that the reprover cares for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why we can effectually reprove the young people in our church. They respect our Christian lives and they know that we care for them. Even when I have had to \u201crebuke them sharply\u201d at times because of their sin and stubbornness, they have received it, or at least most of them have. Otherwise, the reproof could frustrate them and drive them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The reprover must be filled with knowledge. The reprover must know God\u2019s Word and know how to properly use God\u2019s Word; the better you know God\u2019s Word, the more fruitful you can be in helping others. Many saints remain ignorant year after year; therefore, they are ineffectual and unfruitful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The necessity of being filled with goodness and knowledge reminds us that the young believer or even the young preacher should be extra careful about reproving. He doesn\u2019t have the maturity to be as highly respected as an older saint; therefore, his reproof will not be received as well as that of an older saint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think of a little church in Tennessee where I taught Sunday School. One of the members was a rough old \u201chillbilly\u201d with several children that he was not training properly. I decided to teach about child training, though I wasn\u2019t even married yet. After the first class, he said, \u201cYou don\u2019t know what you are talking about,\u201d and if I remember correctly he stopped attending the classes. He was right that I didn\u2019t know what I was talking about experientially. I was only about two years old in the Lord. I was still \u201cwet behind the ears!\u201d At the same time, he should have been more respectful toward God\u2019s Word. He lost most of his children to the world. In fact, some of his children went to prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The reprover must be wise. Consider some characteristics of wise reproof:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a right time and situation to reprove. Reproof should be given when it is your business to reprove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the pastor is responsible for his flock, it is his business to reprove them when necessary. He can\u2019t say it is not his business. How can a shepherd say that the sheep are not his business? And how can the sheep say the shepherd has no business meddling in their lives?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lord has given the God-called preacher the authority to reprove in season and out of season (2 Ti. 4:2<\/a>), but this doesn\u2019t mean it is wise to get involved in every situation that comes to his attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some situations will work themselves out without the input of a pastor, and he must have the wisdom to know these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When at all possible, the reproof should be made face to face rather than by email or text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reproof shouldn\u2019t be given when the individual is severely distracted, such as during a tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reproof shouldn\u2019t be given early in the morning or some other very inconvenient time. One time a friend started reproving me about something he felt I was doing wrong, but he did it first thing in the morning before I even had my cup of coffee. Not wise! To reprove someone when he or she is preparing for something and is therefore distracted and under pressure is usually not wise. For example, if you want to try to correct something the preacher has said, don\u2019t do it just before he is scheduled to preach. Be wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the reprover must decide whether the reproof should be private or public. Paul reproved Peter publicly (Ga. 2:11-14<\/a>), but there is also a time for private reproof. In general, public error should be dealt with publicly, and private error should be dealt with privately. Paul reproved Peter publicly because Peter\u2019s hypocrisy was public and he was influencing others (Ga. 2:13<\/a>). I am often criticized for reproving preachers publicly about their ministries, but I only do this when the ministry in question is public and that preacher is influencing people outside of his own congregations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a right person to reprove. In a nutshell, we should reprove when we are dealing with a receptive heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth<\/em> himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee\u201d (Pr. 9:7-8<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are levels of reproof. I will give a certain type of reproof to the insubordinate and another type of reproof to the subordinate. When I am pretty confident that a person isn\u2019t going to respond positively, I will still sometimes give a reproof because God tells me to (Eph. 5:11<\/a>; 2 Ti. 4:2<\/a>). But I won\u2019t dwell on it or pursue it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider Proverbs 26:4-5<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnswer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verse 4 means not to answer a fool in like manner to his folly. Don\u2019t respond to anger with anger, to mocking with mocking, to berating with berating, etc. But verse 5 says we should answer a fool according to his folly in the sense of what his folly deserves and requires. To give no answer can make him wise in his conceit, because he takes no answer to mean there is no answer to his folly. I sometimes follow this method in regard to email communications from obstinate people. Sometimes I ignore them totally; sometimes I reply briefly. But I aim not to get carried away with their foolishness by getting into name calling and mudslinging and character attacks. I\u2019m not always successful, but this is my aim, because I know that to answer a fool in like manner to his folly is unwise and accomplishes nothing and takes me down to the level of the fool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider Titus 3:9-11<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we see how to deal with the heretic, who is a person that has made a choice to cleave to error. He is \u201csubverted.\u201d There is something wrong with him. God\u2019s Word instructs us to admonish such a person once or twice<\/em>, and then reject him. The heart of the heretic is not receptive to the truth, and it is therefore a waste of time to pursue him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, one night I accompanied some relatives to distribute gospel tracts and to witness to people in a park in my home town where a lot of people congregate on weekends. Some of my relatives played musical instruments and sang to attract a crowd, and the rest of us witnessed to them. A Church of Christ man accosted me with one objective, and that was to debate about baptism. I showed him from Scripture how that it is the gospel that saves (Ro. 1:16<\/a>) and that baptism is not the gospel (1 Co. 15:3-4<\/a>), but he didn\u2019t hear a word I was saying. He focused on his false interpretation of Acts 2:38<\/a>. In a short while, I said, \u201cYou are wasting my time. I am here to preach the gospel to needy sinners, and you are of the devil, because you are hindering me from doing that. If you believe baptism is the gospel, go to the other side of the park and preach your gospel. Goodbye.\u201d I turned away from him and ignored any further attempts to harangue me with his heresy. I was careful not to say, \u201cThe Lord bless you,\u201d because we are not to bless false teachers (2 John 10-11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A ministry of reproof deals wisely with people according to their character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also a right way to reprove. The reprover must seek God\u2019s help and wisdom to know how to deal with every situation, because each situation is different. Consider Christ\u2019s dealing with Peter in Matthew 16:21-23<\/a> versus His dealing with Peter in John 21:15-18<\/a>. We see the difference between sharp rebuke and gentle but persistent exhortation. After Christ\u2019s denial, the Lord knew that Peter was already deeply reproved by his own conscience and that he had wept bitterly (Mt. 26:75<\/a>), so the Lord focused on questioning Peter about love. Christ got to the heart of the matter, which was Peter\u2019s self-love and lack of love for Christ. This is why Peter, rather than John, was sifted by the devil. Christ\u2019s persistence in asking Peter three times if he loved him pressed the issue into Peter\u2019s conscience. It was extremely effectual and fruitful. Peter spent the rest of his life loving Christ and feeding the sheep. His epistles are extremely powerful and searching. He had indeed been converted (Lu. 22:32<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reprover should know the difference between attitude<\/em> and action<\/em>. Both my attitude and my action must be right. Sometimes we are so careful to keep a right attitude that we don\u2019t do the right action, or we do the right action with the wrong attitude. For example, consider a young woman who wants to serve in some ministry in the church, but her hair is too short. On one hand, hair length is a relatively small thing, but that doesn\u2019t mean that it is of no consequence. Paul addressed it and taught that hair length is an issue of authority. The woman\u2019s long hair is her God-given glory and is a sign of her submission to the man\u2019s authority, whereas the man\u2019s short hair is the sign of his submission to God (1 Co. 11:3-5<\/a>). Paul said that even angels are affected by this issue (1 Co. 11:10<\/a>). The right attitude in this context is to deal with the young woman kindly and patiently and to keep this issue in the right perspective in my own heart. I must remember that hair length is not necessarily a spiritual thermometer. A woman with short hair might love the Lord much more passionately than a woman with long hair, and a man with longer hair might love the Lord more passionately than a man with short hair, and love for the Lord is the most important issue. But keeping my attitude<\/em> right does not mean that there is no
866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org<\/a>;The following material is excerpted from THE DISCIPLING CHURCH: THE CHURCH THAT WILL STAND UNTIL JESUS COMES<\/a><\/em>. <\/em><\/strong>Available in print or as a free eBook from www.wayoflife.org.
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<\/strong>Christ\u2019s Reproof
Paul\u2019s Reproof
The Ministry of Reproof in Scripture
The Blessing of Godly Reproof
Effectual Reproof
Public and Private Reproof
The Ministry of the Body
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A<\/strong> ministry of exhortation, reproof, rebuke, warning, and correction toward sin and error are necessary for making true disciples of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Reproof, warning, and correction are necessary because God\u2019s people are still sinners in this present world. The \u201cold man\u201d is still present (Eph. 4:22<\/a>). \u201cIf we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us\u201d (1 Jo. 1:8<\/a>). We are easily beset by sin (Heb. 12:1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Reproof and correction is one of the purposes for which God gave the Bible (2 Ti. 3:16<\/a>). To avoid reproof and correction is to cut a lot of truth out of Scripture. Some years back a man published The Positive Bible<\/em>. He had the audacity to \u201cremove the negative things from the Bible.\u201d The result was a very small \u201cBible\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Christlikeness is compassion and gentleness and patience, but it is also firmness, even toughness, in regard to God\u2019s holy laws. The Lord said, \u201cAs many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent\u201d (Revelation 3:19<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK<\/strong> out of his place, except thou repent\u201d (Revelation 2:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>\u201c<\/strong>As<\/em> an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is<\/em> a wise reprover upon an obedient ear\u201d (Pr. 25:12<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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There are many things that are necessary for effectual reproof. To engage disobedience and error is no simple matter, and it must be done by those who are properly qualified and prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cAnd I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness<\/strong>, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another\u201d (Ro. 15:14<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cAnd I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge<\/strong>, able also to admonish one another\u201d (Ro. 15:14<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>
\u201cAs<\/em> an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is<\/em>a wise reprover<\/strong> upon an obedient ear\u201d (Pr. 25:12<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>
\u201cHe that passeth by, and<\/em> meddleth with strife belonging<\/em> not to him, is like<\/em> one that taketh a dog by the ears\u201d (Pr. 26:17<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>
The Bible teaches us to consider the character of the individual that is to be reproved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>
The reprover must have \u201cthe spirit of meekness\u201d (Ga. 6:1<\/a>). He must put himself in the place of the person he is reproving and exercise the \u201croyal law\u201d to do unto others as he would have them do unto him (Jas. 2:8<\/a>). He must reprove with the attitude that he, too, is a sinner who is susceptive to backsliding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n