Topical Bible: Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For

◄ Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian life, the concept of reproof is significant, as it involves correction and guidance in righteousness. The Bible emphasizes that saints, or believers, should live in such a way that they give no occasion for reproof, thereby maintaining a testimony that is above reproach.

Biblical Foundation

The call for believers to live blamelessly is rooted in Scripture. In Philippians 2:14-15 , Paul exhorts the church, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This passage highlights the importance of a lifestyle that does not invite criticism or correction from others, especially from those outside the faith.

Living Above Reproach

The Apostle Paul further instructs in 1 Timothy 3:2 regarding the qualifications of church leaders, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." While this is directed at leaders, it sets a standard for all believers to aspire to a life that is free from blame.

Avoiding Stumbling Blocks

Saints are also called to be mindful of their actions so as not to cause others to stumble. Romans 14:13 advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." This instruction underscores the responsibility of believers to live conscientiously, avoiding behaviors that might lead others to question their integrity or the truth of the Gospel.

Exemplary Conduct

In Titus 2:7-8 , Paul encourages, "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach, so that anyone who opposes you will be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." This passage emphasizes the importance of exemplary conduct in all areas of life, ensuring that no valid accusation can be made against the believer.

Witness to the World

The life of a saint should serve as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. In 1 Peter 2:12 , Peter writes, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." This verse highlights the evangelistic impact of a life lived without occasion for reproof, as it can lead others to glorify God.

Conclusion

The call for saints to give no occasion for reproof is a call to holiness and integrity. By living blamelessly, believers not only honor God but also provide a compelling testimony to the world, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:15
That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the middle of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
... should give him place in their hearts, and should not be ... himself as the least of
all the saints, yet in ... The words of reproof had made a deep impression on them ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second epistle to the.htm

Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ...
... attainments, as your lofty style of reproof entitles me ... better protected from impurity
than the saints, who are ... He came eating and drinking, I should like to ...
/.../faustus willing to believe not.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Deep reproof! ... Now him that God receiveth, him should you receive.' But will any object;
they cannot believe that God receiveth the unbaptized saints; I will ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... committed everything to the prayers of the Saints, to be ... when he is about to enter
upon reproof, he previously ... an ensample unto you that ye should imitate us. ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... in any place writes any thing of reproof, which is ... longer envies the rich man; for
how should he, that ... refers to the benefits conferred by the Saints on those ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

Introduction.
... to the bishop of Aquileia in reproof of his and ... on the old rule that baptism should
be administered ... and to the intercessions of the saints"particularly of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/introduction.htm

The Feast at Simon's House
... Now the reproof rankled in his heart. ... loyalty to Christ: "If she have washed the
saints' feet, if ... disciples did not give Him that which He should have received ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm

Matt. xvi. 28
... and trembling for Him, even after His reproof, he durst ... example to set forth the
future brightness of the saints. ... For though I should hold my peace, and give ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvi matt xvi 28.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... the spiritual gifts of the saints and the saints only ... that we have not more knowledge,
we should remember that ... to feed a mouse; he has plenty of reproof, but no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... She should be amiable, and she is ... of character has wisely spoken the word of reproof,
a solemn ... If ten thousand saints were burned to-morrow, their dying prayers ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm