Nobody is perfect. We all fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Even as believers we sometimes give in to the old sin nature rather than live from our position in Christ Jesus (Col. 3:1-17). We sometimes conform to the ways of the world rather than yield to His transforming work in our lives (Rom. 12:1-2). As church leaders, shepherds of God’s flock under our care (1 Pet. 5:2), we have the responsibility of guiding erring believers to a place of victory, back into alignment with God. God provides the means to do that, Scripture being one of His power tools. God’s Word brings correction.
God’s Word Brings Correction According to 2 Timothy 3:16
We must always remember that it’s not about getting people to align with us but with Him. Here’s how God’s Word does a thorough job of bringing correction according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
1) God’s Word teaches.
It’s not about what we think people should do but rather aligning with the character and ways of God which we learn in Scripture. Many believers are Bible illiterate today. New believers, especially, do not adequately understand God’s ways. They need to be taught.
2) Scripture does the rebuking.
God’s Word, along with His Spirit’s use of it, is powerful enough to convict people of their sin. Teach people God’s Word and trust Him to use it to show them the error of their ways. Nehemiah 8-9 provides an example of how that can happen.
3) The Word shows people how to correct their ways.
Scripture doesn’t just point out what people are doing wrong. It helps them learn how to change their ways. God’s rebukes aren’t about condemning people but helping them see their need to change, to correct their ways so they align with His ways. Remember the woman caught in adultery who was brought to Jesus. When He made it clear that none of those who brought her to Him were sinless, they left. Jesus then asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? … Then neither do I condemn you. … Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Jn. 8:3-11)
4) The Bible provides training in righteousness.
Continued nurturing from God’s Word keeps us on the right path. Let’s not assume our responsibility is over once a person has made some changes. Continue to encourage them with God’s Word. Help them grow in their understanding of God’s character and ways which will build the discernment needed for future temptations so they will be able to “distinguish good from evil” (Heb. 5:14).
Have You Read? … God’s Word is Powerful Because …
All Posts about Church Discipline:
- Church Discipline Because of Church Purpose
- Lack of Church Discipline Against God’s Purposes
- Church Discipline Must Exemplify God’s Purposes
- Involvement of Body in Church Discipline
- Body Life Can Prevent Need for Church Discipline
- Discipleship and Church Discipline
- Discipleship Not Church Discipline
- Holiness the Objective for Church Discipline
- Lack of Holiness Affects the Whole Body
- Holiness Dictates HOW We Exercise Church Discipline
- Authority & Power Needed in Church Discipline
- Pivotal Role of Holy Spirit in Church Discipline
- Church Discipline But They Didn’t Change
- The Standard for Conduct
- The Power of Grace in Church Discipline
- If His Name is Holy Then …
- Prayer is Essential as a Preventative and When in Process
- When Christians Need Correction
- God’s Word Brings Correction
- It’s Not About Giving Up on People