[See Podcast Below for Todays Scripture and Elder Prayer]

When you think of a rebuke what comes to mind?  For most of us, a rebuke is not something we enjoy giving or receiving.  We usually associate a rebuke with anger, intense emotion, conflict, etc. We often think of it as a negative event in a relationship. The Bible teaches us differently. A Biblical rebuke is actually a God-given tool for helping all of us to grow in grace and to become more like Christ. If we are to have healthy and life giving relationships, then there will be times when we need to Biblically rebuke each other. Today we will try to explore what that looks like and how we do it.

Digging Deeper

1.  Define the word “rebuke.”  Is it a positive or a negative word in your mind? How did you view it before this morning’s message?  Do you think our culture rebukes well?  Why or why not?

2.  Each of the following verses from the book of Proverbs gives a principle with regard to what a Biblical rebuke looks like.  Read each one and try and state the principle:   1:20-27; 9:7-10; 15:31-32; 19:25; 25:12; 27:5-6.  Now add to that list the principles given in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 4:2.

3.  What do you think the motivation for giving a rebuke is (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:5-6)?  What is the motivation for receiving and learning from a rebuke is (Proverbs 9:7-10).  What is a good reason to rebuke someone?  In other words do we rebuke someone simply because we don’t like what they are doing, or does there need to be a more substantial reason to rebuke someone (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

4.  If someone you love or someone you know well was sinning, would you rebuke them?  Why or why not?  Would that be hard to do?  Does God expect us to rebuke one another?

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