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.
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?
