Topical Bible: Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children

◄ Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children ►

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Reproof is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting God's loving discipline and guidance for His children. It is an expression of His care and desire for their growth in righteousness and holiness. The concept of reproof is closely associated with correction, instruction, and the nurturing of a godly character.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the concept of reproof, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. In Proverbs 3:11-12 , it is written: "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights that reproof is an act of love from God, akin to a father's discipline of his child.

Similarly, Hebrews 12:5-6 echoes this sentiment: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" Here, reproof is presented as an integral part of God's relationship with His children, serving as a means to foster spiritual maturity and perseverance.

Purpose of Reproof

The purpose of divine reproof is multifaceted. It serves to correct erroneous behavior, guide believers back to the path of righteousness, and cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will. In Proverbs 6:23 , it is stated: "For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life." Reproof, therefore, is a vital component of spiritual instruction, illuminating the way to a life that honors God.

Moreover, reproof is intended to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. Hebrews 12:11 affirms this: "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." Through reproof, believers are trained to develop virtues that reflect God's character.

Response to Reproof

The appropriate response to God's reproof is humility and a willingness to change. Proverbs 15:31-32 advises: "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." Accepting reproof is a mark of wisdom and maturity, leading to personal growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Furthermore, the Bible warns against hardening one's heart to reproof. Proverbs 29:1 cautions: "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This underscores the importance of being receptive to God's correction, as persistent resistance can lead to spiritual ruin.

Reproof in the Life of Jesus and the Apostles

Jesus Himself exemplified the role of reproof in His ministry. He often corrected His disciples and others, guiding them toward truth and righteousness. In Revelation 3:19 , Jesus declares: "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." His reproof was always rooted in love and aimed at bringing about repentance and transformation.

The apostles also practiced reproof in their teachings and letters. Paul, in his epistles, frequently corrected the early churches, urging them to adhere to sound doctrine and live in accordance with the gospel. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , Paul writes: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This underscores the role of Scripture as a tool for divine reproof, guiding believers in their spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Reproof is an essential aspect of God's relationship with His children, reflecting His love and commitment to their spiritual growth. Through reproof, believers are corrected, instructed, and nurtured in righteousness, ultimately leading to a life that glorifies God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 7:14
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
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Job 5:17
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects: therefore despise not you the chastening of the Almighty:
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Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man whom you chasten, O LORD, and teach him out of your law;
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Psalm 119:67,71,75
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept your word.
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Hebrews 12:6,7
For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and whips every son whom he receives.
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Library

The Sluggard's Reproof
... The Sluggard's Reproof. ... Ah, it is a blessed harvest that God gives us here; but what
a harvest will ... shall see the face of Christ and lay our crowns at his feet! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm

Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity
... Whence comes this inward reproof and sense of guilt which torment ... that it is not
your work which gives you this ... right method, with a sole aim to God, and not ...
/.../xxi sermon for the tenth.htm

That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ...
... Thus also Plato, knowing reproof to be the greatest power ... terror to a good work,
how shall God, who is ... Generous, therefore, is He who gives for us the greatest ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm

Furnished Completely unto Every Good Work
... is one who knows his work, who gives himself wholly to ... revelation of the thoughts
of God; for reproof, the discovery ... that is what every worker for God must aim ...
/.../murray/working for god/xx furnished completely unto every.htm

On a Holy Martyr's Day
... can flow; and all the goodness that God gives us of ... They will take reproof from none,
and grow so hardened ... dare to withstand all the admonitions of God and His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxi on a holy.htm

Sermon on a Martyr's Day
... can flow; and all the goodness that God gives us of ... They will take reproof from none,
and grow so hardened ... dare to withstand all the admonitions of God and His ...
/.../xxvii sermon on a martyrs.htm

The Soul is not to Afflict it Self, nor Intermit Prayer, Because ...
... God gives the first to gain Souls, the second to purifie ... to some light fault,
thou'lt feel a Reproof for it ... desires of suffering, and of doing the will of God. ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iv the soul is.htm

That the Same God, by the Same Word, Restrains from Sin by ...
... that all men are bad; but God alone is ... anvil, that is, with threatening, and reproof,
and chastisement ... it seems to me, the Samian Pythagoras gives the injunction ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x that the same god.htm

Preach the Gospel
... and the whole of it is profitable, either for reproof, or for ... Must I not speak if
God has placed it there ... when a man does speak as the Spirit gives him utterance ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/preach the gospel.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... them in pieces, they submitted themselves to the word of reproof. ... again, is the way
in which God gives joy ... who with penitent hearts really adore God, will never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm