God gives us clear instruction on how to rebuke or reprove the Body of Christ.  However, there are many misunderstandings when it comes to this doctrine.  Unfortunately a lot of people have this wrong. How and when are we supposed to use this authority?  What does God say about Rebuking and Reproving? Does God want us to rebuke or reprove a non-believer?

1 Corinthians 5:11

First we must understand what it is to reprove and rebuke

REPROVE–to prove–to blame; to censure–to charge with a fault to the face–to blame for–to convince of a fault, or to make it manifest–to excite a sense of guilt–to manifest silent disapprobation or blame.

REPROVED–convinced of a fault.

REPROVER–one that reproves–he or that which blames

REPROVING–blaming–censuring

REBUKE–to reprove–to reprehend for a fault–to check by reproof–to check or restrain–to chasten–to punish–to afflict for correction
–reproof for faults; reprehension–any kind of check–punished for faults

REBUKER–one that rebukes; a chider; one that chastises or restrains

REBUKING–reproving–checking–punishing

Now let us see what God’s doctrine speaks upon reproving and rebuking:

• Leviticus 19:17
• Job 6:26
• Proverbs 1:23
• Proverbs 6:23
• Proverbs 9:7-9
• Proverbs 13:18
• Proverbs 15:31-32
• Proverbs 17:10
• Proverbs 19:25
• Proverbs 24:25
• Proverbs 25:12
• Proverbs 27:5
• Proverbs 28:23
• Proverbs 29:15
• Ecclesiastes 7:5
• Jeremiah 2:19
• Jeremiah 30:11
• Amos 5:10
• Matthew 18:15
• Luke 17:3
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
• 1 Timothy 5:1
• 1 Timothy 5:20
• Titus 1:13
• 2 Timothy 3:16
• 2 Timothy 4:2

Now we return to what authority we have and what authority we do not have within God’s doctrine.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Rebuking and Reproving? We are Never Allowed to Judge an Unbeliever in Any Way

We are to never make any type of judgement upon those that are lost or “that are without”. This authority is in the hands of God and God alone. We have only the authority to judge, reprove, and rebuke believers or those “that are within”. That is the sealed and separated set aside saints; “any man that is called a brother”.  It is evident that many are ignorant to this doctrine because the opposite is occurring. There is more judging, reproving, and rebuking spoken against those “that are without”. In this manner alone we see many saints who are bringing shame upon themselves.

Ephesians 5:12

In this manner alone we see many saints who have rebelled against God’s doctrine.They correct the unbelievers and allow the assembly to be defiled.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Brothers and sisters, this can become an issue upon our entrance into the everlasting Kingdom.
Truth is always truth and we must understand this truth.

1 John 5:17

If we continue to practice unrighteousness, this can lead us away from God. When we do these unrighteous things, it effects not only our souls but those among us as well. Many do these unrighteous acts of judgement simply because they have witnessed another doing it. They claim they are called to do so by God. In reality, God does not call us to do what He forbids. If people say the Spirit has told them to call out and judge those “that are without”; they are listening to the wrong spirit and they have not compared spiritual things to spiritual things.

1 Corinthians 2:13

For us as the sealed and separated saints of the Kingdom of God to reprove and rebuke anyone, they must be of the Kingdom of God. It must also be a righteous judgement. The scriptures are so clear on this so there is no confusion of God’s doctrine.

Watch the video below for a more in depth teaching on “What Does God Say About Rebuking and Reproving?”

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