Preach the Word (Part 3)

The Discipline (Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort)

When preaching is involved, there is some discipline which occurs in the process. It is important to note that Paul did not say to whom these actions were to be performed. Some preachers have the idea that preaching is standing at the pulpit and telling the members what each are doing wrong. A good preacher will realize that the sermons he prepares are just as important for his own soul as it is for the brethren.

Reprove – The Greek word means “to convict, confute, refute, usually with the suggestion of putting the convicted person to shame.” This is not just saying a person is wrong for the life which he leads but convicting him using sound, logical arguments. Looking through the Bible, there are many of these arguments which would be used to convict an individual of any transgression that he has committed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This is not a mere convincing someone that he is one. Convincing and convicting are two different things. A man can be convinced that he is in sin but continue to live his life as he sees fit. A man that is convicted that he is in sin will make the appropriate changes.

Rebuke – This word means “to change” and by implication “to forbid.” Barnes noted, “In the New Testament the word is used to express a judgment of what is wrong or contrary to one’s will, and hence, to admonish or reprove.” Many live their lives in a manner which is contrary to the will of the One who created all. Paul wrote to Timothy to warn them of the consequences of said lives. 

Exhort – That is “to encourage.” When you convince a man of his sins and confront him with the end point if he continues to live as such, the Christian can also bring this person comfort. That Christian cannot comfort that person in his sins. Christianity does preach peace, forgiveness, and salvation. These three come specifically from Christ. Christianity also teaches that in order to have these one must forsake his sins in order to follow Christ. 

Notice that Paul commanded Timothy to perform to negatives and a positive. That gives the general idea that preaching, to an extent, is two-thirds negative and one-third positive. One preacher put it as such: “Tell them the problem. Tell them why the problem is bad. Tell them how to get out of that problem.”