Topical Bible: Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give

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Reproof, in the biblical context, refers to correction or rebuke intended to bring about spiritual growth and moral improvement. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and community life, as it helps believers align their lives with God's will. The Bible emphasizes the importance of receiving reproof with humility and gratitude, recognizing it as a tool for sanctification and wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures affirm the value of reproof and the positive response it should elicit from the saints. Proverbs 9:8-9 states, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning." This passage highlights the distinction between the foolish and the wise, with the latter welcoming correction as a means to grow in wisdom and righteousness.

Similarly, Proverbs 27:5-6 declares, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Here, the text underscores the faithfulness of a friend who offers reproof, contrasting it with the insincerity of an enemy's flattery. The saints are encouraged to value and delight in those who provide honest and loving correction.

The Role of Reproof in Sanctification

Reproof serves as a catalyst for sanctification, the process by which believers are made holy and conformed to the image of Christ. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers of the Lord's discipline: "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.'" This passage assures the saints that divine reproof is an expression of God's love and a necessary component of spiritual growth.

The Community of Believers

In the context of the Christian community, reproof is a mutual responsibility. Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." This verse emphasizes the gentle and restorative nature of reproof, urging believers to correct one another with humility and care.

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 4:2 charges Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." This directive highlights the pastoral duty to offer reproof as part of teaching and shepherding the flock.

Delighting in Reproof

The saints are called to delight in those who offer reproof, recognizing it as a gift that leads to greater wisdom and holiness. Proverbs 15:31-32 affirms, "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." This passage encourages believers to embrace reproof as life-giving and transformative, fostering a community where truth and love prevail.

In summary, reproof is a vital aspect of the Christian life, serving as a means of grace that fosters spiritual maturity and communal harmony. The saints are exhorted to welcome and delight in those who offer correction, understanding it as an expression of love and a pathway to deeper fellowship with God and one another.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 24:25
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... Where shall we find the Christian that deserves not this reproof? ... our rest as we
to rest in him, we should be left ... to die, that we may possess the saints' rest ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... This reproof is applicable to the worldly-minded, to the ... while they neglect the kingly
dignity of the saints! ... and with what heart-grief should I mourn over ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... not endure sound doctrine, neither sound reproof, nor sound ... the apostle saith also
to the saints at Corinth ... you the reasons why God's people should be diligent ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Christian Behavior
... 5 Thus you see how wise men and fools, saints and sinners ... those words you speak to
them in your reproof, be both ... be pitied, and prayed for; so they should be so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Reproof and punishment greatly differ from cursing and ... to the necessities of the
saints" upon which ... As common servants, we should minister to mankind in their ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Divine Locutions. Discussions on that Subject.
... make us tremble if they be words of reproof, and die ... well as what He said to the
Saints"the soul ... us; those very weapons with which we should defend ourselves ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxv divine locutions discussions.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... This reproof, not less weighty than severe, should repress ... the Church and the communion
of saints has Christ ... any, by embracing that errors should imagine they ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... Better it is that friendship should begin with a little wholesome ... All my delight
is in the saints that are in ... back; who will give us counsel and reproof in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ... All their good works
should be done in wisdom and ... Distribute to needy saints, and God will never let ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... son he especially reminded, that he should not despise ... present things, being unstable
and deserving reproof as regards ... break the rank of the saints, and cause ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm