End Time-The Solutions: Reproof-Q&A

At the end of the initial on-line Bible study on the subject of Reproof we had a question come in after this final segment of the study:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Now notice what it says here in verse, "We exhort you, BRETHREN, warn them that are unruly.

The question was, "If the brethren are admonished to engage in reproof, how would I know who in the congregation is wise or mature enough to give the correction or reproof?

The answer is found in the example of the Bereans of Acts 17. Notice the verses:

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. -Acts 17:10-11

The people of Berea, "received the word with all readiness of mind and then searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things were so. Reproof, correction and rebuke is founded on the word of God. Its content originates in scripture. Therefore, it is a form of preaching. Like the Bereans, we are to receive reproof with all readiness of mind and then go on home and search the scriptures to see if those things were so.

At the same time, we should be examining ourselves to see if the reproof was truly warranted. Your focus is on the content of the reproof you are offered and not attempting to ascertain whether the member is wise or mature enough to be offering reproof.