Titus 1:12-13 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.… I. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD ALWAYS BE BASED ON A CERTAIN CONVICTING. Mere hearsay insufficient; general rumour unreliable. Inquisitorial curiosity different from faithful watchfulness. II. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD BE THOROUGH AND EFFECTIVE. A cutting rebuke need not be unkind. Sarcasm, satire, scorn — these are unbecoming a Christian teacher. Soft words break hard hearts; warmth melts, while coldness freezes. III. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD BE FOR THE SINNER'S GOOD — "That they may be sound in the faith." Wrong motives: — 1. To save appearances. 2. To maintain dignity. 3. To gratify revenge.Right motives: — 1. To save the purity of the Church. 2. To prevent the spread of contagion. 3. To restore to spiritual life and privilege. (F. Wagstaff.) Parallel Verses KJV: One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. |