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Introduction:
A. The primary duty of an evangelist is to preach the gospel. However, the Scriptures give details as to what is involved in this preaching.
We begin this lesson by reading two relevant passages:
2 Tim. 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
B. "Rebuke" and "reprove"! What an unpleasant duty is involved in these two words! But this is a duty that is too often neglected and with serious consequences. Imagine a world in which no efforts are made to help others become a better person, better spouse, better employee, better citizen, or a more faithful and useful Christian.
The three highlighted words in 2 Timothy 4:2 go together. It is not enough to reprove or rebuke someone for something; it should be followed with instruction and exhortation to help with making the needed change and/or doing what is requested.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
The words of the letter to Timothy that we just read were written by Paul as he was guided by the Holy Spirit to instruct this young gospel preacher regarding his duties. The command is especially applicable to evangelists/ministers today; but as "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel" applies to all, to the degree we are capable (based upon the talents God has given us), the command to Timothy applies to us all as well. Sadly, it has often been ignored, overlooked, or disregarded by members of the church but with no little consequence.
C. Because of the numerous passages that God has provided to us on this topic one should be aware, and impressed, with its importance. Jesus was in the constant practice of doing what Paul told Timothy to do. And we know that we are to endeavor to be like Him. Thus, we must not in any way minimize the importance of the teachings of God on this topic. Rather, we should take God's teaching very seriously. One of Jesus' most notable examples of personal rebuke was when He was angered by Jews who had set up a business in the temple - the house of God (John 2:13-16). We also know that He rebuked Peter (Mark 8:33) and even rebuked the Jewish scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:18) for hypocrisy and for teaching doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9).
Body:
I. Key terms:
reproof (elegchō)
noun
an act or expression of criticism and censure
synonyms: rebuke, reprehension, reprimand, reproval
verb
censure severely or angrily
synonyms: bawl out, berate, call down, call on the carpet, chew out, chide, dress down
Reproof (elegchos)
Albert Barnes Commentary
In the New Testament the word is used to express a judgment of what is wrong or contrary to one's will, and hence, to admonish or reprove. It implies our conviction that there is something evil, or some fault in him who is rebuked.
John Gill Commentary
reprove; errors, and men for their errors and heresies; make use of convincing arguments taken out of the Scriptures, which are profitable for reproof of this kind; and which reproof sometimes is to be given with sharpness, as the case requires, that men may be sound in the faith.
Reproof (elegchos)
Found three times in the New Testament:
Translated: Tell (Matt. 18:15)
Reproof (2 Tim. 3:16)
Evidence (Heb. 11:1)
Rebuke is from a different word (epitimaō).
A rebuke is when someone is told that their statement or belief is wrong, with or without proof. It suggests a sharp or stern criticism.
Exhort (parakaleō)
Thayer: to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort, instruct, teach. The word is used in:
Titus 2:15 (ESV) Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Refute (another word relevant to our discussion, but not in the text we began with)
To refute is to provide proof that a statement or belief is wrong. The word is used in:
2 Tim. 4:1 (ISV) In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge those who are living and those who are dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly appeal to you 2 to proclaim the message. Be ready to do this whether or not the time is convenient. Refute, warn, and encourage with the utmost patience when you teach.
One of the qualifications of an elder is that he must be sound in doctrine, able to encourage others with it, and able to refute those who oppose it.
Titus 1:9 (ISV) He must be devoted to the trustworthy message that is in agreement with our teaching, so that he may be able to encourage others with healthy doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Titus 1:13 That testimony is true. For this reason, refute them sharply so that they may become healthy in the faith.
This is something that might be done on the spur of the moment, or later at an appropriate time and place. For example, in a Bible class the teacher might teach some obvious error. Someone immediately calls him on it, reads and explains the context, and presents passages that refute the error. Or if the subject is major and/or highly controversial the refutation might be done through a challenge to a public discussion for which both men prepare to defend their positions, and those interested may attend a public oral discussion or read it if it is a written discussion or transcribed and published. Sadly, those who teach error most likely did not use good hermeneutics in reaching their conclusion and they are not likely to feel confident to defend their position in public debate. Unfortunately, even the word debate has come to be looked upon with contempt. I've had a lot of debate challenges rejected in the last few years. Perhaps more might accept my challenges if I would use the term "formal rhetorical interaction" instead of "debate."
II. The problem with obeying these challenging commands given to Timothy is that the action required is often directly associated with criticism, and criticism has become taboo, offensive, and not to be tolerated.
A. If you criticize someone's views you are considered to be mean, unkind, and cruel. Because of this perceived and alleged connotation people feel justified in not only rejecting criticism but also in attacking those who offer criticism, which is criticizing someone for criticizing. Some can't hear certain things - they may get up and walk out when a speaker presents truths that hurt. Yet others welcome the preaching that gets "on their toes" and encourages them to develop and grow to be more like Jesus.
B. Truth oftentimes hurts but this does not mean that it is not good for you to hear it, or that the truth bearer had ill will toward you. Our duty and goal should be to grow; get better; be more competent, efficient, and effective; and do things properly and perform better. Everybody gets criticized. No matter who you are and what you do, someone won't like something you say or do, or didn't say or do, and they might be outspoken enough to rebuke you. Their motive is to correct you or bring you into their way of thinking. They might be right, or they might be wrong. If you appreciate the help (and see that you were wrong), would it not be good to admit to the error or wrongdoing and thank the person for his efforts? Of course it would, but don't expect it to happen very often. Nevertheless, to my surprise, in a recent discussion of Christians' responsibilities to rebuke with a "pastor" on Facebook, he said, "It is not our responsibility to rebuke people who sin." After more than thirty exchanges of comments, he finally admitted I was right and he was wrong. I suspect that this admission was not just from what I said, or the scriptures I provided, but because some of his personal friends sent messages encouraging him to rethink his position.
III. Constructive and Destructive Criticism:
A. Destructive criticism occurs when one uses words to deride, mock, put down, and even ridicule.
Suggested reading:
https://rigorousthemes.com/blog/destructive-criticism-examples-how-to-handle-it/
Example:
Let's say you are trying to teach someone how to drive a box truck. While behind the wheel driving in traffic, he looks in the mirrors, but a car is in the "blind spot" as he changes lanes and he would have hit it if the guy in the car had not honked his horn. Here is destructive criticism from the teacher: "Dummy, look before you change lanes--you could have killed us."
In this example the criticizer was wrong in more than one way. The student DID look, and had the teacher done his job and informed him of the "blind spot" problem, the close call likely would not have happened.
B. "Constructive criticism is honest and valid feedback that is offered with the intention of helping the recipient improve...in some way in order to achieve a positive outcome. It's offered in a well-intentioned and friendly manner and includes both positive and negative points, making it a comprehensive and useful opinion."
Suggested reading:
https://www.developgoodhabits.com/constructive-criticism-examples/
"No matter how supportive it is intended to be, it's often difficult to see past the negative component to criticism: the fact that you did something...imperfect."
Example of constructive criticism:
In the example we just gave, after the guy honks his horn the student driver says, "Where did that guy come from?" The teacher replies, "He was driving in your 'blind spot' where it is impossible for you to see. To avoid collision, like could have happened if he had not blown his horn, you can speed up a bit or slow down and move over slowly, as you wisely did."
Giving constructive criticism is not easy. To have any hope of success, you must be right. Peter was wrong, for instance, when he rebuked Jesus. You much check your attitude and motive. Also, there is the danger of sounding like a know-it-all. But in the end, all may benefit. The wise man said:
Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue (Proverbs 28:23).
IV. Let us view this unpleasant duty from a positive standpoint:
[The command we are talking about is to: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).]
A. The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Is it not true that if you are doing something wrong that will affect you in a negative way, you want to know about it? Surely you do not want your boss, friends, family, or brethren in Christ to simply ignore such things. And if you would want them to help YOU, the Golden Rule applies - YOU are to do the same for them.
B. This is a positive way of looking at it, yet the command is not. And it is not something new - it has been God's policy for His people since the giving of the Law.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6a).
Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee (Prov. 9:8).
The word "hate" in this text implies that you don't have love for your brother if you observe sin and say nothing to him. "Hate" does not mean despise - it means "love less."
What do you think about this passage? It implies that you are a scoffer if you reject being reproved AND that you are not a wise person.
C. We must not fail to note Jesus' teaching regarding what to do when a brother sins against us:
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
D. An Old Testament passage teaches us that it is WRONG NOT to correct someone who needs correcting:
Lev. 19:17 (CEV) Don't hold grudges. On the other hand, it's wrong not to correct someone who needs correcting.
E. Peter (supposedly the first Pope) acted hypocritically by not eating with Gentiles. Paul did not shirk his responsibility to deal with him face to face.
Gal. 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
F. The wise man contrasts a wise son, who hears his father's instruction, with a scoffer who does not hear rebuke:
Prov. 13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.
G. The wise man speaks of good blessings coming upon those who rebuke a man that flatters evil people instead of rebuking them:
Prov. 24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.
H. On TWO occasions, Peter rebuked Jesus but wound up getting himself rebuked for his errant thoughts:
Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he spake the saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But he turning about, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and saith, Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men. (The other incident is recorded in Matt. 16:22, 23.)
I. In one incident, Paul told Titus NOT to rebuke, but what was the situation and the message?
Titus 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:
Barnes Commentary:
"Rebuke not an elder - The word "elder" here is not used in the sense in which it often is, to denote an officer of the church, a presbyter, but in its proper and usual sense, to denote an aged man. This is evident, because the apostle immediately mentions in contradistinction from the elder," the younger men," where it cannot be supposed that he refers to them as officers. The command to treat the "elder" as a "father," also shows the same thing. By the direction not to rebuke, it is not to be supposed that the minister of the gospel is not to admonish the aged, or that he is not to show them their sins when they go astray, but that he is to do this as he would to a father. He is not to assume a harsh, dictatorial, and denunciatory manner."
V. Paul gave the Corinthians a command to do things properly in the assembly - "decently and in order," as he put it.
He wrote:
1 Cor. 14:40
(CEV) Let all things be done decently and in order.
(ISV) But everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.
A. In view of the concern Paul expressed (evidently based on what he had seen) it is possible to conduct ourselves in the assembly in ways that are not proper and orderly. And when this is the case, action must be taken.
Suppose while a sermon is being presented someone gets up and starts speaking in a language that no one knows, or perhaps just begins speaking gibberish. That person must be rebuked! He cannot be allowed to continue doing that. He may not like it. It is criticism, and his response determines whether he will benefit from the rebuke or not. But we cannot give sin the reins and let it go wherever it may. One thing leads to another. It is like putting leaven in bread dough - Gal 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
B. Another example of something improper and not "in order" is found in 1 Corinthians 14:15, 16:
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
This passage is specifically about speaking words or sounds that no one understands. But would this not also apply to prayers that cannot be heard? If someone's prayers are not being heard something needs to be done, whether it is by the one doing the praying, or the one selecting who leads prayers.
VI. The manner in which rebuke should be given:
A. Rebuke should be given with a soft voice (kind words) from a person with a good attitude, in most situations. More specifically, he should be "spiritual."
Gal. 6:1 (ESV) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
B. When rebuking or admonishing someone, be careful in choosing your words:
Prov. 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
C. But we have seen from the example of Jesus in the Temple (and there are other such examples) that rather than "soft words" a harsh rebuke may be appropriate - depending on the magnitude of the offense.
VII. Receiving rebuke:
A. One who seeks to grow should receive correction regardless of the tone and decibel volume of the presentation, if the words are true. He should welcome it and profit from it. It is easy not to care enough to say something. Children who have parents that discipline them know their parents love them and care enough about their future to put a stop to bad behavior. A good scolding might get the job done, but at least ONE good spanking is often required. A spanking that is not remembered is worthless! If a spanking is well remembered, just a reminder to a child of what is going to happen if he/she does not straighten up (and he will remember) is often enough. Punishment can be too mild, or it can be too harsh.
Example:
I once was quail hunting with my father and a friend of his. After his friend's dog failed to honor a point from another dog, and flushed the bird, he called the dog over, picked up a twig about three inches long and began tapping him with it while saying, "Don't you do that again."
On another occasion, a man's bird dog did something wrong and he (according to a witness who told me) kicked it, beat it, and threw it up into the air, while loudly verbally scolding it.
Did either of these guys succeed in training their dog? I don't know. Maybe the first dog was just that timid and the mild scolding was enough. And maybe the second dog was unable to remember the previous whooping and this action was just increased a bit from the last one.
B. We have probably all heard the commercial that says "Friends don't let friends drink and drive." Friends should listen to friends. You are not a real friend if you have a friend who is behaving in ways that are dangerous and/or just harmful to their health and/or character, yet you say nothing.
Prov. 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
VIII. Slighting criticism:
A. In our society it has become okay to avoid criticism like it was the plague. Few want to give criticism, and fewer want to receive it and profit from it.
Young people are more likely to listen, learn, and remember. Old people are more likely to be set in their ways; they can't hear, can't remember, or refuse to listen or to make the needed change in their thinking and/or behavior. But then older people tend to be wiser and not to respond quickly in a negative way.
B. Indeed, some will not hear, change, and benefit from a brother's effort to help them. Paul experienced this in his efforts to help the church in Galatia. He asked, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" (Gal 4:16).
Proverbs 15:32 says, "Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding."
C. Sadly, some are stubborn and refuse correction to their own downfall.
Prov. 19:1 (GNB) If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover...
D. There comes a time when our effort to help someone becomes futile and wisdom demands we back off, at least for a while. With some it may come to the point that you need to simply give up because trying to help them with overcoming some sin, or just what we might call a "bad habit," is like pouring water on a duck's back - it just rolls off.
E. When I was preaching full time in Mountain View, Arkansas, the church published a weekly article in the paper. An elderly couple who had been attending a Baptist church and had been reading the articles contacted me for a home study. I was informed that they were unhappy with their preacher because his choice of sermons was limited to "total heredity depravity." He was not only teaching a false doctrine but was neglecting to preach on things the church needed. If memory serves me correctly, he had preached on nothing but this for more than a year. That, brethren, was a legitimate concern. Why the congregation's leadership allowed it to continue for that long is an even greater concern. Perhaps the "pastor" was the leadership. This brings us to the next point.
IX. Are some exempt from being criticized?
A. Many, especially in denominational churches, have been groomed to think it is improper to rebuke their "pastor" (preacher). You can be certain that notion is not based on scripture. In fact, the Scriptures tell us that elders ("pastors") are to be rebuked publicly when they sin.
1 Tim. 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
B. No one is exempt from rebuke. Jesus did not even indicate that He was exempt - He was not in the wrong and simply dealt with the accusation.
X. Why do many people shy away from duty to rebuke someone when it is needed?
A. List of possibilities:
- Ignorance of their responsibility.
- Fear of hurting someone's feelings.
- Fear of being accused of being too critical.
- Fear of making someone angry, resulting in retaliation.
- Weakness of character and moral courage to boldly rebuke and reprove those who sin.
- Thinking they're not qualified or spiritual, according to Galatians 6:1.
B. Remember, Christ rebuked sinners and repentance was often the result.
(GW) Luke 13:1 At that time some people reported to Jesus about some Galileans whom Pilate had executed while they were sacrificing animals. 2 Jesus replied to them, "Do you think that this happened to them because they were more sinful than other people from Galilee? No! I can guarantee that they weren't. But if you don't turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die."
XI. How should you handle it when someone criticizes you?
A. Listen actively and with humility to constructive criticism.
B. Control your emotions, i.e., don't let yourself get angry and blurt back with a personal attack against your critic, or come back with some ill-considered remark. And this is not the time to bring up your critic's faults - at that moment it is about YOU. If you want to help him with some issue, wait until an appropriate time.
C. Process the feedback you receive and respond civilly after giving thought to your reply.
D. Show your appreciation for the effort being made to help you, and ask how, or what, you can do to make corrections, if applicable.
E. Admit your error if you can see that the one criticizing you is correct.
F. Apologize if a wrong, trespass, or sin was committed against someone.
XII. Who should rebuke another, and when?
A. One who is spiritual is qualified and has the duty.
Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;...
B. Rebuke, reproof, or correction should be done when you witness an incident in which a friend, employee, co-worker, brother, or family member needs it. But what else are we to be aware of?
C. Jesus teaches us to be careful about judging and doing so hypocritically.
Matt. 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
D. God so loved the world that he gave His only Son to save us from sin (John 3:16). God also sent the Holy Spirit to "reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8). He has a tremendous task, but He cannot do it alone. You and I may be called upon by the Spirit to administer this reproof based upon His teaching and direction. Have you been failing Him when called upon?
XIII. What should be our motive for rebuking, criticizing, or reproving someone?
A. Our motives should be the same as our Lord's when He did it:
- Hate for sin.
- Love for the sinner.
- Desire to be helpful, especially in saving a soul from death.
James wrote:
(5:19) Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
B. If you have a deep, ardent love for souls it will be evident in your efforts to help them in various ways, to include rebuking them when it is called for. We, especially elders, ministers, and evangelists, must not keep silent, for if we do we incur the displeasure of God.
Conclusion
A. It is important that we learn to discern the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Discard the harmful while accepting and benefiting from the helpful kind. Don't shy away from giving helpful criticism when it is needed.
If you cannot be corrected without being offended you will never grow as Jesus expects Christian to grow, nor will you do well in life.
Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue (Proverbs 28:23).
B. The challenge is to observe when someone needs your help by giving a rebuke or reproof. Then follow up with an exhortation with love and wisdom, rather than ignoring the problem. Certainly, we do not want to be guilty of dolling out flattering words instead of doing our duty.
Email me at: RobertWaters@yahoo.com
http://www.totalhealth.bz/
Download this sermon outline in Word (docx).
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