Topical Bible: Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reproof, in the biblical context, refers to correction or admonition, often delivered by God to His people to guide them back to righteousness. It is an expression of divine love and concern, intended to refine and strengthen the faith of believers rather than to dishearten them.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of divine reproof is rooted in the understanding that God disciplines those He loves. In the Book of Proverbs, we find a clear articulation of this principle: "For the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:12). This verse underscores the paternal nature of God's correction, likening it to the nurturing discipline of a loving father.

Purpose of Divine Reproof

God's reproof serves several purposes in the life of a believer:

1. Spiritual Growth: Reproof is a tool for spiritual growth and maturity. Hebrews 12:10-11 states, "Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 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."

2. Correction and Guidance: Divine reproof corrects erroneous paths and guides believers back to the truth. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," indicating that God's Word, which often includes reproof, illuminates the way for His followers.

3. Protection from Sin: Reproof acts as a safeguard against sin and its consequences. In Revelation 3:19 , Jesus says, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." This highlights the protective nature of reproof, urging believers to turn away from sin.

Response to Divine Reproof

Believers are encouraged to respond to God's reproof with 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." This passage emphasizes the wisdom and understanding that come from accepting divine correction.

Encouragement in Reproof

While reproof may initially seem discouraging, it is important for saints to remember that it is a sign of God's active involvement in their lives. Romans 8:28 reassures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This includes the reproof that shapes and molds them into the image of Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, divine reproof should not discourage saints but rather be embraced as a vital aspect of their spiritual journey. It is a testament to God's love and commitment to their growth, holiness, and ultimate good.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:5
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ... "Even so, come,
Lord Jesus," should be the ... The church is cold and formal; may God wake us up ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... the guilty harms the good.'(2) With reproof we must ... the congregation to join in earnest
prayer to God for the ... yet we cannot look that the gospel should run and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... my counsel, and would have one of my reproof; I will ... rejoice on your accounts too;
and we should rejoice together ... now be spent wholly in the ways of God; and O ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... not endure sound doctrine, neither sound reproof, nor sound ... at the hands of wicked
men should not discourage those that ... performance of their duty to God and man ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... 27. At this reproof I was silenced, and put to secret shame; and that too, as I ... from
God), I should deny to do it, as if I denied God, and then should I be ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... they would none of his counsel, they despised all his reproof.". ... that which we believe,
as a holy God, he cannot surrender; if we meant that, we should speak of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... 'But since you will none of my reproof, I must ... too readily his own ideal of what
they should be for ... to fall, and they thronged into the churches to thank God. ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... is a model of brotherly frankness and reproof. ... of doctrine be retained, externals
should not be pertinaciously ... and in accepting or rejecting the grace of God. ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 45 the form of.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... 'A broken and a contrite heart,' says he, 'O God, thou wilt not despise';
as if he should say, I thank God I have that. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... And fools hate knowledge?' 'Turn you at my reproof: behold,' saith God, 'I ... creatures
do as some men would have them, the saints of God should not walk so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm