Topical Bible: Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority

◄ Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority ►

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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 duty, aimed at guiding believers towards righteousness and spiritual maturity. The Bible underscores the importance of reproof, emphasizing that it should be delivered with authority, rooted in Scripture, and motivated by love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides clear instructions regarding the role of ministers in administering reproof. In Titus 2:15, Paul exhorts, "Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." . This directive highlights the necessity for ministers to exercise their God-given authority when correcting and instructing the church. The authority of reproof is not derived from personal opinion but from the Word of God, which serves as the ultimate standard for truth and conduct.

Purpose and Nature of Reproof

Reproof is intended to bring about repentance and spiritual growth. It is an expression of love, as stated in Proverbs 27:5, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed." . The goal is to restore the erring believer to a right relationship with God and the community of faith. Hebrews 12:11 acknowledges the discomfort of reproof, yet affirms its beneficial outcome: "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." .

Authority in Reproof

The authority with which ministers are to deliver reproof is not authoritarian or domineering but is characterized by humility and servanthood, following the example of Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." . This passage underscores the balance of authority and patience, ensuring that reproof is both firm and compassionate.

Challenges and Responsibilities

Ministers face the challenge of maintaining the delicate balance between authority and grace. They must be vigilant against the temptation to avoid reproof for fear of conflict or unpopularity. Galatians 1:10 reminds ministers of their ultimate allegiance: "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." . The responsibility of reproof is a solemn one, requiring discernment, wisdom, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

While reproof is a challenging aspect of ministry, it is a vital component of shepherding the flock. Ministers are called to exercise their authority with love, patience, and fidelity to Scripture, ensuring that their reproof leads to the edification and sanctification of the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:15
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Nature of this Oversight
... the guilty harms the good.'(2) With reproof we must ... If ministers would be conscientious
in performing this duty ... we cannot look that the gospel should run and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... he will teach the way that he should choose ... teaching become wiser than their ancients,
than their ministers. ... that soul that correction or reproof or threatening ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

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 Church as She Should Be
... character has wisely spoken the word of reproof, a solemn ... do not admire that which
evangelical ministers have adopted. ... him." Yes, and all of us should say, "If ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Conditions of Being Saved
... counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also ... prejudices against either God, or His
ministers, or against ... No consideration thrown in your way should be allowed ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/x conditions of being saved.htm

On Obedience to Pastors
... the more the pity!) are many parochial Ministers at this ... being glad to receive
admonition, or reproof; but is ... against the light, lest haply you should see that ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 97 on obedience to.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... attainment in the Spirit for Gospel ministers, deeming faith ... the Scriptures for
admonition and reproof, for imparting ... a thought as to whom they should thank for ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... take from each other instruction, reproof and punishment ... near there were consultations
of ministers with closed ... at Church were forbidden they should be held in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... refusing to hear us, or becoming deaf to reproof. ... And how mildly governors should
proceed in the ... Secondly, likewise ministers, in the taxing sin and sinners ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a ... Among professed Christians, and
even among ministers of the ... fact that Christ has conquered should inspire His ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm