Reproof: Present Evidence to Convince or Convict

[Mr. M]

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

To remain in the Light, and Fellowship in the love of Christ, the saints must be willing and open in group meetings to honestly share anything that is being held against another of the brethren. The Lord has outlined how this must be accomplished.

Matthew 18:15-17 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. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

A proselyte may find this difficult, and the mature members of a fellowship have this opportunity by setting a right example in leading them deeper into the Light.

John 3:

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

To be "zealous for repentance" is the means by which we not only forgive one other of our trespasses, but the Holy Spirit is able to cleanse us from the faults that lead us into trespasses, as we grow in grace, and this knowledge of Christ and His Body.

1 John 5:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It is in this effective fellowship in Light, that the saints find the Lord's approval.

2 Corinthians 10:8 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

The hear the Voice of reproof from the Lord leads to hearing His Voice at all times, and in every circumstance and assures our hearts before Him.  At no time was anyone able to bring a reproof against the Lord.

John 8:

46 Which of you convicts(reproves) Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 

47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.

This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the means by which He speaks to us, through us; by prophetically bringing to the group words of edification, exhortation, and comfort. 1 Co 14:3

 

These are instructions that must by followed purposefully for a healthy Body.

1 Timothy 5:20 Those who are sinning reprove in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict(reprove) those who contradict.

Edited June 14, 2023 by Mr. M
amend text

[AdHoc]

6 hours ago, Mr. M said:

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

To remain in the Light, and Fellowship in the love of Christ, the saints must be willing and open in group meetings to honestly share anything that is being held against another of the brethren. The Lord has outlined how this must be accomplished.

Matthew 18:15-17 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. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

A proselyte may find this difficult, and the mature members of a fellowship have this opportunity by setting a right example in leading them deeper into the Light.

John 3:

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

To be "zealous for repentance" is the means by which we not only forgive one other of our trespasses, but the Holy Spirit is able to cleanse us from the faults that lead us into trespasses, as we grow in grace, and this knowledge of Christ and His Body.

1 John 5:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It is in this effective fellowship in Light, that the saints find the Lord's approval.

2 Corinthians 10:8 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

The hear the Voice of reproof from the Lord leads to hearing His Voice at all times, and in every circumstance and assures our hearts before Him.  At no time was anyone able to bring a reproof against the Lord.

John 8:

46 Which of you convicts(reproves) Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 

47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.

This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the means by which He speaks to us, through us; by prophetically bringing to the group words of edification, exhortation, and comfort. 1 Co 14:3

Words of reproof brings forth the fruit of righteousness by maintaining the Peace of Christ in the hearts of the faithful.

Ephesians 5:11-14 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.

 

These are instructions that must by followed purposefully for a healthy Body.

1 Timothy 5:20 Those who are sinning reprove in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict(reprove) those who contradict.

The Main teaching of our Lord Jesus was the Kingdom. I define "The Kingdom" as the earth under the rule of men and women who are transformed into the image and likeness of Christ." For this man was created (Gen.1:26-28). For this Abraham was called out (Rom.4:13). For this Daniel was called to prophesy (Dan.2:34-35). For this men are made "seed of Abraham" by being Christ's (Gal.3:29). And for this the Lord Jesus returns to do battle with the armies of earth (Rev.20). But we learn that this Kingdom will only be installed when our Lord Jesus returns at the end of this age. Until then the only area where the will of God should be fulfilled is the Church (Rev.1:9).

Like any Kingdom the Church has government. The Elders maintain order, the Deacons manage temporal things, and the gifted ones use their gifts to cause the others to be matured. The highest authority of the Church is Christ. He took a journey. Till He returns He delegates His authority to the MEMBERS. If any member is openly shaming or damaging this Kingdom, the members must act. They are not authorized to punish anybody, but they are authorized to remove a member who is shaming and/or damaging the Body. And the Lord promises to be one with the members who protect the Church by excommunicating the defiling one.

The offending one must be first approached in private. If he repents all returns to normal. To protect the accused, Christ, the head of the Church demands that the next accusation be supported by witnesses. This is to stop wild accusation and open defamation. But should the witnesses confirm the accusation, the accused must either repent or declare his indifference. Should he be indifferent to the charges, he is to be removed from fellowship. This is done to protect the Church for evil behavior and/or doctrine is "leaven" - and soon it "leavens the whole lump".

When our Lord Jesus returns he promises to uphold the decision of the whole Assembly. The accused will be shut out of the Kingdom when Christ sets it up on earth. If the Church conspires against a member and excommunicates him/her unjustly, the Lord will apply the penalty to the false accusers. Government will work either way. Even if the Assembly does not act on something that is visible, they will be held accountable for despising the Church of the Living God (1st Cor.5 - 6).

From the smallest atom, everything in God's creation has government. The Church is the highest creature outside of Christ. Woe to its members if they despise it by not dealing with evil. And woe to its members who deal unjustly. We are salt and light. What is the future of salt that has no flavor? Heaven? Paradise? Utopia? Or to be CAST OUT and TRAMPLED?

This, I judge, is the meaning of Matthew 16 and 18 and Church discipline.

[Mr. M]

Words of reproof brings forth the fruit of righteousness by maintaining the Peace of Christ in the hearts of the faithful.

Ephesians 5:11-14 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.