Is This My Responsibility

 

     When we do not actively pursue God's way of thinking through meditation in His Word; it is far too easy to be influenced by the world without even noticing it.   We cannot deny that we see much evidence today of ‘so-called’ Christians living undisciplined lives making modifications to God’s standard for holy living.  Christians are allowing the world to modify our thinking about sin.  We live under the illusion that we are far more righteous than evidence supports.  We barely question the motivations of our hearts before we act or speak.  Our understanding has grown dull to things that displease God.  We respond to life as though God will not follow through on His plans to condemn the world while still believing in His eternal promises for which we claim entitlement.   

     The Bible is clear, we are not to judge one another (see James 4:12 ESV), "There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy.  But who are you to judge your neighbor?" But in 1 Corinthians 5:12 (ESV), we read, "For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  Is it not those inside the church whom you are called to judge?" Before we entangle ourselves in confusion on whether these two passages conflict with one another, please take time to read 1 Corinthians 5 to see how the apostle Paul applies this instruction.  We are called to disassociate from 'so called' believers who fail to repent of their sins.  This is a profound teaching that I venture to guess, many of us do not know how to, nor desire to, apply.

     Is it enough to just examine our own lives and mind our own business?  Or should we carry the burden of the "one another's" who have been entrusted to our care?  Are we holding one another accountable, a two-way street, in kindness and love?  Are we at all concerned about the eternal security of those within the family of God?  Can we take a moment to rightly consider the parable of the four soils where Jesus provided instructions that three soils did not produce enduring fruit?  What if the person we love resides in shallow, rocky, or thorny soil?   How apt are we to get involved when we see evidence that a cherished child of God is falling away from sound doctrine?  Are we more willing to ignore having a timely Spiritual conversation pointing them back to the straight and narrow path, or do we believe that it is none of our business?  If our affections for them are hidden in silent prayer while watching them drift from God's path, is this like praying that someone will be fed when we have food to give them?  Might God be asking us to be willing to reprove, exhort, or rebuke them?  Is our discomfort in being labeled judgmental too pronounced to make us effective in counsel to others?

     The other day I was reading a passage in 1 Corinthians 8 which spoke about refraining from eating meat offered to idols.  Until I was willing to dig in and discover how that passage could be applied in my life, I didn't see the link between knowledge and service of which Paul was speaking.  When "knowing" something puffs us up, it is of no benefit to serving the needs of those around us.  See 1 Corinthians 8:1b-2, which says, "all of us possess knowledge." This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know." The knowledge that builds up is called exhortation.  If we know something and do not choose to serve the needs of others we have been entrusted to love; then we are withholding the information God can use to heal their souls.  According to Baker Encyclopedia for the Bible, exhortation is encouragement; it is "a calling of someone alongside to help." Its use benefits a brother or sister in Christ to make a wise choice.  In Romans 12, we see that exhortation is one of the gifts of the Spirit.  Paul tells us that his young protégé Timothy has this gift.  Timothy has been gifted in prophecy, teaching, and exhortation when the church elders laid their hands on him (see 1 Timothy 4:13-15 ESV).  Timothy is called to practice these gifts, to immerse himself in them, so that those within the church would see progression in his leadership skills.  This passage makes me think of Barnabas, Paul's early travel companion, whose nickname was 'the encourager.' How wonderful would it be to be known by that name?

     As mentioned before, I plan to talk about three opportunities to serve one another's needs. I've just explained exhortation; let's move on.  While exhortation is encouragement, reproof is instruction, teaching someone how to live a disciplined life.  This word is also mentioned in Paul's letter to Timothy. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV).  The word 'reproof' is recorded in seventeen passages in the English Standard Bible.  I will quote a few passages from the book of Proverbs which show its value.  In Proverbs 3:11 (ESV), we read, "My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of His reproof." In Proverbs 12:1 (ESV), we also see, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Although one might be tempted to use this verse as a weapon, it is more for our understanding.  Wouldn't we agree?  The consequence of failing to heed instruction is recorded in Proverbs 15:10 ESV, "There is a severe discipline for him who forsakes the way, whoever hates reproof will die." Scriptures also provide a promise in Proverbs 1:23 (ESV), "If you turn at my reproof, behold I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you." When we are willing to serve God by sharing Scriptures of reproof, it is then God who does the work of restoration.  We are only obeying God's call to be a vessel of honorable use.  Proverbs 6:23a (ESV) says, "For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is a light, and the reproof of discipline are the way of life to preserve you."

     When we set instructive Scripture before a fallen Christian, they may find it offensive; however, it will give us insight into the sinful nature of humanity, of which we are apart.  While exhortation is encouragement, reproof is instruction, rebuke has a different character than these proceeding two.  Rebuke is harsh criticism.  Proverbs 17:10 (ESV) reveals, "A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool." When we rebuke another, it is because we trust in their understanding.  Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV) shows us the value of rebuke by saying, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love.  Faithful are the wounds of a friend, profuse are the kisses of an enemy." The one willing to rebuke a friend for the sake of his soul has indeed given him a gift.  If your friend listens, Proverbs 28:23 (ESV) reveals, "Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue."

     So, how do we know if we are called to serve another Christian in this way?  Luke 17:3 (ESV) records Jesus' instructions to his disciples. "Pay attention to yourselves!  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him."  Timothy is given two instructions regarding rebuke: (1) Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him (1 Timothy 5:1), and (2) Use rebuke for those who persist in sin, and do it publicly (1 Timothy 5:20).  The latter is meant to assist all saints in our understanding of the need for repentance.

     Who have we been entrusted with this assignment to encourage (exhort), instruct (reprove), or criticize (rebuke)?  I cannot imagine, any of these steps would create their desired result if we have not yet established a relationship with the believer.  When we fail to provide either the encouragement, instruction, or criticism to those God has called us to serve, we become guilty of the sin of omission.  As a word of encouragement I offer, Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV), "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

     Reminder:  this article focuses on those in Christ and should not be confused with judging an unbeliever.  Re-read the Passage in 1 Corinthian 5 if you need to see this instruction more clearly.   

      A staff writer for Desiring God has written an article called, "Do You Know How to Rebuke? A Recipe for Speaking the Truth in Love." Click Here for a link.  Another helpful resource found on the Got Questions website is called "When is it necessary to rebuke another believer?" Click Here for a link.  In addition to prayer, here are five ways to guide our steps of obedience:  (1) Be purposeful, (2) Be loving, (3) Be truthful, (4) Be helpful, and (5) Be redemptive.  Click Here for this article.