Believers are to rebuke others in one form or another, but what primary purpose should the rebuking serve? Some rebuke with a prideful heart leaving the person rebuked with feelings of inferiority. Some rebuke because they themselves are guilty of the same glaring fault within their own lives. However, what purpose should rebuking others serve? According to Titus 1:13, believers are told to rebuke others “that they may be sound in the faith.” Scripturally rebuking someone never serves as a self-gratifying act. Rather, it focuses upon helping others grow, improve, and spiritually mature in the Lord. It should never be the desire of a believer to see another person destroyed through a rebuke but always edified. Galatians 6:1 reiterates this same truth.
Any person who suggests that Christianity is simply an easy way to avoid the trials of life speaks as a fool or a liar. In actuality, the Christian life involves an ongoing, outward battle along with a constant inner struggle. Perhaps the greater of the two is the struggle which exists within a believer. Part of the Christian (called the new man) wants to do right, while the other part delights in doing wrong and following the old ways (the old man). Faith in God’s word and God’s plan is a primary means of assuring one’s spiritual success. Today’s passage focuses on the absolute necessity for personal faith within the life of a Christian. The book of Hebrews says, “without faith it is impossible to please him [God].” Hence, the Bible repeatedly states that unbelief displeases God. In fact, faith is so crucial to pleasing God that He devoted an entire Bible chapter pointing to the lives of those who exemplified faith. Since God spent the time, space, and effort to chronicle the faith of those of the past, He surely places no less emphasis on the faith of those living today.
