Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-6
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
The Special Verse
2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
Why the Church Needs to Talk About Confronting Sin
If we truly believed that Jesus is coming to judge the world, we would get out of our comfort zone and preach God's word. This mandate is given to every believer, because we live in a world filled with misinformation concerning the truth about God.
It's important to note three things we are called to do with Scripture: rebuke, expose, and encourage. We are called to do all three, not just one or two. Unfortunately, because we live in a culture that resists confrontation, many are preaching only seeker-friendly messages of encouragement, while evil is never confronted. This has resulted in churches filled with members who live lives that bring reproach to God's name.
One sign of true love is being willing to confront people when they are going astray, because sin is a destroyer.
Speaking Truth in Love: A Real-Life Example
Recently I posted on Facebook about the evil of abortion. What shocked me was the level of pushback from people telling me to mind my own business, because I don't have the right to tell women what to do with their bodies. Sadly, many used Scripture to justify abortion, and looked for preachers to endorse their sin. But speaking up against sin is our business, because Scripture commands us to do so.
Rebuke and Reprove: What the Greek Words Really Mean
Two Greek words help us understand this calling. Epitimao means to charge, rebuke, warn, or sternly tell. Elegcho means to reprove — to refute, expose, convict, and convince. Paul instructed Timothy to do both, "in season and out of season," because the day was coming when people would not endure sound doctrine but would gather teachers to tell them what their itching ears wanted to hear (2 Timothy 4:2-4). That day has come.
Reflection Questions
-
Am I preaching or sharing only messages of comfort, while avoiding the parts of Scripture that rebuke and expose sin?
-
Is there a truth I've been silent about because I feared pushback rather than trusting Scripture's authority?
-
Do I see confronting sin as an act of love, or have I bought into the idea that it's "none of my business"?
Prayer
Father, give me the courage to preach Your whole word — to rebuke, expose, and encourage as You have called me to. Deliver me from the fear of man and the comfort of silence. Let my love for others be proven not by what I'm willing to overlook, but by my willingness to speak Your truth, in season and out of season. In Jesus' name, Amen.