1 Timothy 5:1-2

B1 This chapter gives instructions to church leaders for various classes of people and situations in the congregation.

B2 Respect the brethren

C1 The word rebuke is the Greek word ἐπιπλήσσω epiplēssō. It is used 1X in the New Testament. It has the idea of getting in someone’s face and yelling at them for being so stupid. God does NOT want us doing it.

D1 We are to speak respectfully to all. We want to win them over, not start a fight.

D2 Take some time out and cool off.

D3 The word rebuke in verse 20 in some translations is a different word meaning to rebuke mildly with the idea of exposure and bringing conviction.

D4 We need to be careful that we are not hypocrites in what we rebuke in others. What the Lord wants is to bring conviction and repentance. This is what we do NOT want to imitate: Matthew 23:25 NLT What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!

D5 Most understand words the elder not to refer to a church leader but an older man.

D6 Some verses on speech

E1 Proverbs 15:2 NLT The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

E2 Proverbs 16:27 CSB A worthless person digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

E3 Proverbs 16:21 ESV The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

E4 Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

E5 James 1:19 NLT Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

E6 1 Peter 2:22 NIV He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

C2 We are to plead. The Greek word for plead is παρακαλέω parakaleō (G3870). It is used many times in the New Testament. It has the idea of a gentle, calm approach.

C3 This is what we are to do for brothers and sisters in the congregation.

C4 Abusive speech should NEVER be used.

C5 Proverbs 25:15 WEB By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

C6 Barclay gives some sage advice:

We may reprimand a person in such a way that there is clearly nothing but anger in our voice and nothing but bitterness in our minds and hearts. A rebuke given solely in anger may produce fear; and may cause pain; but it will almost inevitably arouse resentment; and its ultimate effect may well be to confirm the mistaken person in the error of his ways. The rebuke of anger and the reprimand of contemptuous dislike are seldom effective, and far more likely to do harm than good.

It was said of Florence Allshorn, the great missionary teacher, that, when she was Principal of a women's college, she always rebuked her students, when need arose, as it were with her arm around them. The rebuke which clearly comes from love is the only effective one. If we ever have cause to reprimand anyone, we must do so in such a way as to make it clear that we do this, not because we find a cruel pleasure in it, not because we wish to do it, but because we are under the compulsion of love and seek to help, not to hurt.

C7 Questions:

D1 What is the best Scriptural method of rebuking fellow believers?

D2 Name some voice qualities and heart attitudes to have when rebuking.

D3 Why is it necessary to speak to someone about their need to repent?

D4 Why is it necessary for Paul to tell Timothy to rebuke the sisters in all purity?