Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
I recently sat on the ordination counsel of a man entering into the work of the pastorate. (He’s been doing the work of the ministry for many years). One of the questions asked him was about incurring debt on a building project. He wisely said that his first impulse was that he would not lead a church into debt. But then he just as wisely said that he did not believe he could commit that as a hard rule. Nevertheless, he could see there may be times when the Lord would lead a preacher into reasonable debt.
The man demonstrated a balance that is sorely lacking in so many today. The balance he showed is needful in understanding the passage before us.
That the man of God is called upon to rebuke the brethren from time to time is clearly evident in the Word of God. 2 Timothy 4:2 “reprove, rebuke, exhort…”[1]
That said, to understand this passage means that the man of God would be slow to rebuke, not only an elder, but even the young men. It’s a matter of balance and perspective. The work of the ministry is a corrective one, but it should not be considered a punitive one. Even when disciplinary action is applied, the Bible clearly tells us that the point would be to bring about reconciliation.
Proper balance is essential in the ministry. To refuse to rebuke a believer, even if he is an elder, when he is gone astray would be a dereliction of duty. On the other hand, to be mean-spirited, angry, and anxious to rebuke would be unchristlike.
From the eldest to the youngest, intreat, push, and exhort the brethren toward godliness. But do it with grace and charity.
[1] 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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