Open Rebukes & Trusted Wounds
Proverbs 27:5-6, “5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Definitions
- Open Rebuke: A frank and direct word of honest criticism or disapproval.
- Hidden Love: Hidden love is a love that is too timid, too afraid, or not trusting enough to admit that reproof is a part of genuine love. A love that manifests no rebuke is morally useless. In fact, one might question whether or not it is sincere.
- Wounds From a Friend: Reproof given in love is superior to insincere expressions of affection.
- Kisses of an Enemy: False flattery that only leads to harm, like Judas’ betraying kiss to Jesus in Mark 14:45.
Biblical Examples of Open Rebukes and Trusted Wounds
- Jesus/Peter, Matthew 16:21-25.
- Paul/Peter, Galatians 2:11-14.
- Paul/The Churches, Galatians 3:1 & 1 Corinthians 5:13.
- Jesus/The Churches, Revelation 2:1-3:22. (a) 1-Ephesus lost their first love, 2:4. (b) 3-Pergamum gave into idolatry, sexual immortality, and heresy, Rev. 2:14. (c.) 4-Thyatire allowed a false women prophet (Jezebel) to lead them astray to commit sexual sin and believe heresy, Rev. 2:20. (d) 5-Sardis had become dead in their faith and didn’t finish their good works, Rev. 3:1-2. (e) 7-Laodicea had become prideful, self-deceived, and lukewarm, Rev. 3:15-17. Note: 2-Smyrna was willing to suffer for Jesus, Rev. 2:9. 6-Philadelphia had held on to their love and obedience to Christ, Rev. 3:8,10. Therefore, thye did not receive a rebuke.
Four Ways Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, Uses the Word of God to Rebuke Us
- Private Devotions, Peter in his prayer time on the roof, Acts 10:15.
- Gospel Preaching, 2 Timothy 3:16.
- Elders/Deacons, Hebrews 13:17.
- Fellow Disciples, Matthew 18:15-20.
Seven Things To Remember When You are Rebuked By Jesus
Revelation 3:19-22,
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
- Know Jesus loves you- that’s why He rebukes and disciplines you, v. 19a.
- Be earnest (hear the rebuke), v. 19b.
- Repent of the things rebuked, v. 19c.
- Hear Jesus’ voice for fellowship and discipleship in the midst of the rebuke, v. 20a.
- Open the door to Jesus and be His life long disciple- the rebuke is not the end, just a means to the end, v. 20b.
- Hear all that the Holy Spirit says to the Churches and continue to walk with Christ 100% receiving further rebukes and disciplines, v. 22.
- Never forget Jesus promises that those who listen to His rebukes will (a) Have intimate fellowship with Him, v. 20b, (b) Victory, v. 21a, and lastly, (c) A seat on His throne with the Father, v. 21b.