A Desperate Need for Correction By Dave Hunt

Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential ministries in the Church today. There are those who seek to avoid correction by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ’s words, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to “judge righteous judgment’ (Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28).

From the context and the remainder of Scripture, it seems clear that Christ was warning us not to judge motives, because these are hidden from us. We must put the best reasonable interpretation upon what others say and do, not judging their hearts, which only God knows. However, we must judge doctrines and deeds.

Paul’s Exhortation

Paul exhorted Timothy, “Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” On what basis would one reprove or rebuke without having judged conduct or doctrine to be wrong? Such correction is a major theme throughout Scripture. Public teaching of false doctrine and publicly known sin must both be rebuked publicly. Paul reminded Timothy, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (I Tm 5:20).

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