Moment of Meditation: Public Rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20)

Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly,
so that the others may take warning.
(1 Timothy 5:20)

Public Rebuke

The two-edged sword of God's Word is properly wielded when the pastor uses both blades. There is the defensive blade that deflects the devil's temptations and accusations. But there is also the offensive blade that cuts deeply into the sin-sick soul. No one likes to be rebuked for their sins. They definitely don't want it publicized. But that's the preacher's job.

Even through these Moments of Meditation, I publicly rebuke sins that should not be shrugged off as being "not so bad." There are many things that are "not so bad" that are damning to our souls. Just because something is "not so bad" doesn't mean that it's good. A gallon of water with a teaspoon of bleach is "not so bad" but the bleach is still not good for you to drink. It might not do anything destructive the first time. But if you keep drinking it like that, you'll eventually tear yourself up from the inside. "Not so bad" isn't always good.

What is good is that the black-and-whiteness of the Bible is kept intact. God doesn't deal in millions of shades of grey. He deals in black and white, right and wrong, life and death. Preachers condemn sin because God condemns sin. Preachers praise good works because God requires good works from His children. God's two-edged sword must be properly used. To rebuke those who have sinned. To show others not to follow that example. That's God's Word in action. Amen.