Topical Bible: Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reproof, in the context of Christian ministry, refers to the act of expressing disapproval or correction, particularly in matters of faith and conduct. It is an essential aspect of pastoral care and church leadership, aimed at guiding believers towards righteousness and spiritual maturity. The Bible provides clear instructions on the necessity and manner of administering reproof, emphasizing that it should be done with love, wisdom, and, when required, with sharpness.

Biblical Basis for Reproof

The New Testament underscores the responsibility of ministers to offer reproof as part of their teaching and leadership duties. In 2 Timothy 4:2 , the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." This passage highlights the multifaceted role of a minister, which includes correction and rebuke, alongside encouragement.

Reproof with Sharpness

While reproof should generally be administered with patience and gentleness, there are circumstances where sharpness is necessary. Titus 1:13 provides an example: "This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith." Here, Paul instructs Titus to rebuke certain individuals sharply to correct false teachings and promote sound doctrine. The sharpness in reproof is not for the sake of harshness but to bring about a necessary and urgent correction.

Purpose of Sharp Reproof

The primary goal of sharp reproof is the restoration and edification of the believer. It serves to awaken the conscience, correct error, and prevent further spiritual harm. In 2 Corinthians 13:10 , Paul writes, "This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I come I will not need to be severe in my use of authority. The authority the Lord gave me is for building you up, not for tearing you down." This verse illustrates that even when reproof is severe, it is intended for the edification and strengthening of the church.

Guidelines for Ministers

Ministers are called to exercise discernment and wisdom when administering reproof. They must ensure that their motives are pure and that their actions are guided by love and a desire for the spiritual well-being of those they are correcting. Ephesians 4:15 advises, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." This balance of truth and love is crucial in ensuring that reproof achieves its intended purpose without causing unnecessary harm.

Conclusion

Reproof is a vital component of Christian ministry, serving as a tool for correction and growth within the body of Christ. While it should generally be administered with gentleness and patience, there are times when sharpness is necessary to address serious issues and promote sound doctrine. Ministers are entrusted with the responsibility to reprove wisely, always aiming for the restoration and edification of the believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 1:13
This witness is true. Why rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dedication
... that they are more offended at the reproof than at ... My second request to the ministers
in these kingdoms, is ... a sad case, that good men should settle themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... the guilty harms the good.'(2) With reproof we must ... If ministers would be conscientious
in performing this duty ... expect that any great good should be effected ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

How to Preach the Gospel.
... and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ... let fools reproach them
as story-telling ministers. ... 4. The illustrations should be drawn from common ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xii how to preach.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... Secondly, likewise ministers, in the taxing sin and sinners ... Thirdly, as for fraternal
censure and reproof of faults ... to reform our neighbour, we should take care ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... So by cutting reproof when we lance men's consciences ... are (unworthy the name of
ministers), itineraries, the ... are married to another that we should bring forth ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,' etc. ... Rightly, therefore, and effectually
do ministers absolve, when they ... care, that we (I say) should endeavor by ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... Reproof is thrown away on him ... In many towns the legal ministers will tell you that
there is a ... him, and you find that if he is an Antinomian you should very much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/false professors solemnly warned.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... be praised, and the venerated eye-witnesses and ministers of the ... citizens and clergy
to be induced to give a testimonial ... as a crime; that if this should be done ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... seat with his most exalted angel ministers around him ... of holy Scripture which demands
that each man should be judged ... Well then; he says, "Give me an instance in ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And hence the New Testament ministers, as the apostles, made ... Nor would God give this
platform of the temple ... lest perhaps by others his wisdom should be idolized ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm