Title

Restoration and Determent

Scripture
Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
(1 Timothy 5:20)
Devotional
There is an order to discipline in the body of Christ. We are told in Matthew, Chapter 18, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.”(1) There is a two-fold reason for an open rebuke of one who continues in his or her sin: restoration and determent. There are likewise qualifications for the ones offering the rebuke: They must have the authority to do so and they are to do so in love with all humility. An arrogant rebuke calls for a rebuke. There is no room for haughtiness or arrogance when dealing with the welfare of a child of God.

(1) Matthew 18:15-17
Thought For The Night
“I find it impossible to avoid offending guilty men, for there is no way of avoiding it but by our silence or their patience; and silent we cannot be because of God’s command, and patient they cannot be because of their guilt.” Martin Luther, (1483–1546), the father of the “reformation”
Evening Text
1 Timothy 5:20: Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
 
Looking for Answers
 
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Rebuke”: Expose sin, warn of danger, error, pending harm—sometimes firm, but always with love and the best interest of the one being rebuked.
 
Referencing: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted,” Galatians 6:1.
 
Applying: Be more ready to receive a rebuke than to give one. Remember, it takes a proper authority to speak a rebuke to another.