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Lindylou
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Username: Lindylou

Post Number: 234
Registered: 1-2005


Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 2:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi....I would appreciate your take on this text:

"Anyone who sins should be rebuked in front of the whole church so that others will have a proper fear of God." ITimothy 5:20

Thanks,
Linda
Raven
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Username: Raven

Post Number: 1015
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 2:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What translation was that from? It probably helps to read it in context:

quote:

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 Timothy 5:19, 20 NASB




It seems to be talking about people in public positions (elders), and only when they continue in sin. The point being public issues should be dealt with publically and not swept under the rug.

That's just my take on it - I haven't looked it up in any commentaries.
Bskillet
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Username: Bskillet

Post Number: 341
Registered: 8-2008
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 4:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Raven, the NASB and the context also demonstrate that "the rest" in v 20 refer to the rest of the elders, not the rest of the congregation. That's my take on it anyway. Elders and others in positions of leadership are instructed in various places in the NT that they are not to exercise authority over the church as masters, but to serve humbly. Most notable is the exhortation in 1 Pet 5:1-4:

quote:

Therefore, as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of the Messiah, and also a participant in the glory about to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you: shepherd God's flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God's will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.


What I find fascinating about this is that the Greek word for "those entrusted to you" is kleros, the word from which we get clergy. I think this demonstrates that the concepts of authority and leadership in some churches today have turned the Biblical mandate on its head.

(Message edited by bskillet on May 31, 2009)
Benevento
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Username: Benevento

Post Number: 283
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 6:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When I first joined the Evangelical Covenant church or shortly
after. the youth pastor was in some trouble, he was relieved of his credentials, the church paid for counseling for he and his wife if they wanted it. There was a church business meeting and
the whole thing was aired so that people would know what
happened, and we were urged to be friendly and encouraging to
them--there was practically no gossip, as far as I could tell
and everyone I talked to liked the way it was handled. It certainly beat what I had been used to in my former church!!
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 9917
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 10:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes--I don't believe that text, Lindylou, is intended to give permission to make a spectacle of anyone. It's about disciplining those who are in persistent sin and not allowing them to "take down" others who are under their influence. And, according to other places in the NT as well (like 1 and 2 Corinthians), the discipline is for the purpose of redemption, not for the purpose of destruction and out-casting.

Colleen

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