Ready for Rebuke
In September 1997 I made
the first of what would be many trips to the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola,
Florida. My
initial reaction wasn’t too favorable. Previously I hadn’t heard any sermon tapes from Pastor John Kilpatrick
or Evangelist Steve Hill and wasn’t quite prepared for their in-your-face
preaching styles. I would have preferred attending more renewal meetings in
Toronto but the Lord continued sending me to Pensacola. Since then I have grown to appreciate
the ministry that went forth from Brownsville Assembly of God. Their leadership’s passion for purity
and holiness is greatly needed in many of our churches.
A couple weeks ago I posted on my Facebook page a recent
Steve Hill article warning against heretical teachings (such as universal
reconciliation) invading the church. A fellow minister responded to it with mocking comments. On his Facebook page he wrote, “I always cringe when people/prophets/fruitcakes say they
have a word of rebuke from the LAWd. He is the God of ALL ENCOURAGEMENT.” Ironically I spent time with this minister last year in
Pensacola.
Yes, God wants to encourage His
people. But Jesus Himself
said in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I
rebuke and chasten. Therefore be
zealous and repent.” The
dictionary defines rebuke as “express
sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or
actions.” Nobody likes to be
rebuked. Yet it is sometimes
necessary if we are to grow up spiritually. Proverbs 1:23 says, “Turn at my rebuke; surely I will
pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”
Because we live in the dispensation of grace, some
Christians won’t give or receive correction. Yet the Epistles contain many instructions to confront an
erring believer…
“Those [elders] who are sinning rebuke in the presence of
all, that the rest also may fear.” - 1 Timothy 5:20
“Preach the word!
Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching.” - 2 Timothy 4:2
“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the
faith” - Titus 1:13
“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise
you.” - Titus 2:15
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor
be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him’ - Hebrews 12:5
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present,
but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of
righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” - Hebrews 12:11
Keep in mind the Lord brought correction to five of the
seven churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. So if you want to fulfill God’s plan
for your life, don’t tune out godly correction when in comes. Be ready for (and receive) rebukes
spoken in love.
“Poverty and
shame will come to him who disdains correction,
but he who regards a rebuke
will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18
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