Reprove, Correct, and Rebuke

“Reprove” (Gk. “elencho” and Heb. “yakach”) – is to convict, express disapproval of, or convince of error or sinfulness or of the truth; or to show you where you’re wrong.

Prov. 9:8 Who shouldn’t you reprove, and why?

Who should you reprove, and what will be its result?

Do you express disapproval of the wrong that you see in other people, especially in Christians?

Do you love the people who reprove you? If so, God considers you wise.

Prov. 12:1 What is said of the person who hates reproof (being shown where he/she is wrong or sinning)?

Knowing this, would you qualify as being stupid, and why?

How could you prevent being stupid for this reason (10:17)?

Prov. 13:18 What will be true of the person who regards/cherishes reproof?

Do you cherish/desire to be reproved (shown where you’re wrong or committing sin), and why?

Prov. 25:12 How is a wise reprover viewed by a person who has a listening ear?

How do you view people who reprove you (show you where you’re wrong/sinning), and why?

Prov. 27:5, 6 What is better than love that is concealed?

Would you agree with this, and why?

[Showing a person where they’re wrong/sinning is an evidence of genuine love, but failing to do so shows that one’s love is withdrawn.].

Prov. 29:1 What will happen to the person who hardens his neck after much reproof?

Do you ever fear this happening to you, and why?

Matt. 18:15-17 What is our responsibility toward a believer who we know has committed a sin against us or a sin in private (not public)?

Have you ever done this, or has this ever been done to you?

Jn. 16:8 What does the Holy Spirit convict (reprove) the world of?

Has the Holy Spirit ever convicted you of the sin of disbelief in Jesus Christ as the Savior (vs. 9), of Jesus Christ’s righteousness (that God the Father accepted God the Son’s sacrifice for the payment of the believer’s sins, vs. 10), and/or Satan’s being judged/condemned and will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10) due to the death and resurrection of Jesus (vss. 9-11)?

1 Thes. 5:14 How should unruly Christians be dealt with?

Have you ever warned and expressed disapproval to an unruly (negligent to fulfill his/her responsibilities as a) Christian, or has this ever been done to you? If done to you, how did you respond, and why?

2 Tim. 3:16 What has reproving ability to it (or in itself)?

Has Scripture ever convicted you as you read it or heard it spoken?

Has it ever expressed disapproval about anything you were doing or thinking?

Has it ever shown you where you were wrong?

If so, how did you respond, and why?

Titus 1:10-14 How should rebellious deceivers and empty talkers be reproved (vs. 13), and why?

Have you ever done this, or has this been done to you? If so, what happened?

2 Tim. 4:2 How should (most) people be reproved?

Why do you think it should be done with great patience and instruction?

“Correct” – is to instruct or discipline; it’s to show you what you should do.

Prov. 3:11, 12 What shouldn’t be rejected or loathed, and why?

When God disciplines or reproves you, do you view it as an expression of God’s love (seeking your best interests), and why?

What will result if a person responds positively to God’s discipline by accepting it and changing (Job. 5:17)?

2 Tim. 3:16 What is profitable for correction (showing you what you should do)?

Name three things that the Bible showed you that you should be doing that weren’t doing in the past year.

2 Tim. 2:24-26 How are the Lord’s bond-servants (generally) to correct those who are in opposition to truth (any biblical teaching; e.g., 2:18), and why?

Are you doing this, and why?

Gal. 6:1 How are spiritual Christians to restore trespassing (not premeditated sinning) Christians?

Why do you think this is the way we’re to restore this type of sinning Christian?

“Rebuke” (Gk. “epitimao”; Heb. “gearah”) – is to condemn or reprimand or address in sharp and severe disapproval.

Mk. 8:32, 33 Why did Jesus rebuke Peter?

Have you ever rebuked someone who was rebuking you (but who was being used by a demon as his mouthpiece to keep you from doing God’s will)?

Or, has a spiritual leader ever rebuked you for your trying (while unknowingly you were being influenced and used by a demon) to prevent him/her from doing God’s will? If so, when?

Lk. 9:51-55 For what did Jesus rebuke His disciples?

Has your discipler/spiritual teacher-trainer ever rebuked you because you suggested a particular course of action that was not right – because you weren’t aware of all the facts? If so, what was it?

Lk. 17:3 For what should we rebuke another believer?

Have you ever done this, or has a Christian ever done this to you when you sinned against him?

If so, how did you react to being rebuked, and why?

1 Tim. 5:1 Who shouldn’t we sharply rebuke (Gk. “epiplesso” – strike at)?

When you see an older Christian sinning, do you treat him harshly in terms of expressing disapproval, or do you appeal to him with due respect, as you would a father? Or, don’t you even confront an older, sinning person, and why?

1 Tim. 5:19, 20 How should elders who “continue” in sin be dealt with, and why?

How do you feel about this instruction, and why?

Prov. 24:25 What will come to those who rebuke the wicked?

Why do you think that this would be?

1 Sam. 3:11-13 For what was Eli, the priest, going to be judged (he and his house – descendents – forever)?

Do you see how serious God takes our responsibility to rebuke (Heb. “kahah”) a sinning person that we should (2:31; 4:11, 18; 22:18, 19)?