A Study On Biblical Correction
and how it relates to relationship building
and the health of the local church

"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die."
[Proverbs 15:10]

Introduction

What is the point of this study? To show how essential biblical correction is towards the fostering of intimate relationships in the local church and toward promoting a spiritually healthy church that is striving, as a community - or more specifically as a church family - to avoid sin, the kind of sin that causes relationships to God and to one another to deteriorate. What kind of sin can do this? Any kind of sin.

What is it that brings true intimacy in our relationships?

What is it that brings true intimacy in a marriage? That the husband uses the right kind of after-shave lotion? The wife uses lots of makeup or alluring clothing? No, not really. Although there is some value and degree of importance to being mindful of the externals.

The key is trust, willingness to admit sin and receive correction.

What creates an ongoing atmosphere of intimacy (closeness) is trust.

And what is it that causes this trust to develop?

• confiding faults to one another
• correcting one another knowing that the correction is for our good and not to harm us
• giving and receiving correction graciously, thankfully
• showing appreciation for each other, even the differences
• differentiating between sin and personality differences
• admitting our own weaknesses
• apologizing promptly for our offenses
• graciously letting others know they have hurt us, offended us.

Does our attitude towards others show that we truly believe that the people around us are God's tools for shaping us, discipling us, correcting us?

Doe we care if there is something we say or do that may be grieving God and may be grieving some of the fellow believers around us or may be a stumbling block for others?

Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Psalms 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Psalms 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 7:1 <<Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.>> O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

How does God do this?

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 ¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7 ¶ Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

If a brother perceives that we are taking sin lightly, they will tempted to take sin lightly

1Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

We all know that we offend each other about various things. Do we take the time to discuss these things with one another? Do we discuss them from a biblical perspective, looking at scriptures with the intent of learning how to sin less, better please and serve the Lord, and be a better brother or sister in Christ?

2 Kings 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

James 5:16 Confess <1843> your faults <3900> one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much

1843 exomologew exomologeo ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o from 1537 and 3670; TDNT-5:199,687; v
AV-confess 8, thank 2, promise 1; 11
1) to confess
2) to profess
2a) acknowledge openly and joyfully
2b) to one's honour: to celebrate, give praise to
2c) to profess that one will do something, to promise, agree, engage

1537 ek or ex
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; ; prep
AV-of 366, from 181, out of 162, by 55, on 34, with 25, misc 98; 921
1) out of, from, by, away from

3900 paraptwma paraptoma par-ap'-to-mah from 3895; TDNT-6:170,846; n n
AV-trespass 9, offence 7, sin 3, fall 2, fault 2; 23
1) to fall beside or near something
2) a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness
2a) a sin, misdeed

1 John 1:9 If we confess <3670> our sins <266>, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3670 omologew homologeo hom-ol-og-eh'-o from a compound of the base of 3674 and 3056; TDNT-5:199,687; v
AV-confess 17, profess 3, promise 1, give thanks 1, confession is made 1, acknowledgeth 1; 24
1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent
2) to concede
2a) not to refuse, to promise
2b) not to deny
2b1) to confess
2b2) declare
2b3) to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one's self guilty of what one is accused of
3) to profess
3a) to declare openly, speak out freely
3b) to profess one's self the worshipper of one
4) to praise, celebrate

266 amartia hamartia ham-ar-tee'-ah from 264; TDNT-1:267,44; n f
AV-sin 172, sinful 1, offense 1; 174
1) equivalent to 264
1a) to be without a share in
1b) to miss the mark
1c) to err, be mistaken
1d) to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
1e) to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin
2) that which is done wrong, sin, an offence, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act
3) collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many

How often do we ask one another if there is something about us or something we do that bothers/offends a brother or sister? How often should we be doing this?

Differentiating between sin and personality differences:

Some things we don't like about others is because of sin in us. Sometimes it is because of sin in them.

• How do we tell the difference?

Are they being a Nathan or are they being like Job's tormenters?

• 2Sam 12:1-7 (Nathan to David)
• Job 32:1-3 (Job)

Legalistic or Antiseptic?

"Legalism! Legalism!" That is the cry of many a professing Christian of our day when a brother or sister in the Lord attempts to offer biblical correction. But is it legalistic to humbly and lovingly point out error? We will now investigate this question in this study.

1John 4:1 - "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

1Thes 5:21 - "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good"

Jude 1:3 - "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

If we are true believers we will want to know if we are offending a brother or sister and we will also want to be set straight by others.

Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

KEEPER: 08104 rmv shamar shaw-mar’ a primitive root; TWOT-2414; v
AV-keep 283, observe 46, heed 35, keeper 28, preserve 21, beware 9, mark 8, watchman 8, wait 7, watch 7, regard 5, save 2, misc 9; 468
1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to keep, have charge of
1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)
1a3) to watch for, wait for
1a4) to watch, observe
1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)
1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain
1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)
1a8) to keep, preserve, protect
1a9) to keep, reserve
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be on one’s guard, take heed, take care, beware
1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain
1b3) to be kept, be guarded
1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed
1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Are we expected to be sinless before we correct others?

John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

It is best (and biblical) to take a brother or sister aside to correct them unless they refuse to hear us privately.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed <2607>.

11 ¶ But <1161> when <3753> Peter <4074> was come <2064> (5627) to <1519> Antioch <490>, I withstood <436> (5627) him <846> to <2596> the face <4383>, because <3754> he was <2258> (5713) to be blamed <2607> (5772).

WITHSTOOD HIM: 436 anyisthmi anthistemi anth-is’-tay-mee from 473 and 2476; ; v
AV-resist 9, withstand 5; 14
1) to set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose
2) to set against

TO BE BLAMED: 2607 kataginwskw kataginosko kat-ag-in-o’-sko
from 2596 and 1097; TDNT-1:714,119; v AV-condemn 2, blame 1; 3
1) to find fault with, blame
2) to accuse, condemn

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jeremiah 1:17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

The effects of ignoring correction

What if parents never corrected their children because they did not want to offend or upset them? They would be raising future tyrants most likely. Also, in Christ's church, correction is essential for the health of each individual. We must not forget the pervasiveness of sin...

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Bad habits or to put it more bluntly - sin unchecked - is quite contagious. It spreads to those around it unless it is purposefully sought out, identified, and then cast out. Also, we are our brother's keeper. And God has gifted each believer with sensitivities and perceptions unique to that individual that they may be used to disciple us and correct us in areas of our life that we are not sensitive to - yet.

The more we interact, the more offenses that will occur:

When we pattern our church after the biblical pattern of the family (i.e. interact house church meetings), we are going to have a greater likelihood of offending one another and sinning against one another. Hopefully, that is offset by the blessings we are to each other (encouraging, ministering to needs, learning/teaching each other, etc.) We must come to realize that correction is one of those blessings. How long would we let a blind man wander down the wrong road, if we were truly concerned about his welfare? How long would we let a child beat up his little sister before taking corrective action, if we truly love that rebellious child and those he is offending? Are we to wait until he starts beating on US? How long should we wait, if a brother's unkind behaviour is grieving the hearts of those in the congregation, before bringing to his attention his hurtful behaviour?

Heb 12:4 "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"

If we don't sharpen one another with the Word, we will run the risk of falling into sin:

Prov 27:17 - "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth <02300> the countenance <06440> of his friend."

02300 ddx chadad khaw-dad’ a primitive root; TWOT-605; v
AV-sharpen 5, fierce 1; 6
1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen
1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen
1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen
1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened

Isaiah 49:2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Ezekiel 21:9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened <02300>, and also furbished:
Ezekiel 21:10 It is sharpened <02300> to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.
Ezekiel 21:11 And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened <02300>, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.
Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce <02300> than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.

06440 Mynp paniym paw-neem’ pl. (but always as sing.) of an unused noun hnp paneh paw-neh’
from 06437; TWOT-1782a; n m
AV-before 1137, face 390, presence 76, because 67, sight 40, countenance 30, from 27, person 21, upon 20, of 20, ... me 18, against 17, ... him 16, open 13, for 13, toward 9, misc 195; 2109
1) face
1a) face, faces , 1b) presence, person, 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim), 1d) face (of animals), 1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Heb 3:13 - "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened <4645> through the deceitfulness of sin."

hardened: 4645 skleruno {sklay-roo'-no} from 4642; TDNT - 5:1030,816; v
AV (KJV) - harden 6; 6
1) to make hard, harden
2) metaph. 2a) to render obstinate, stubborn 2b) to be hardened 2c) to become obstinate or stubborn

If we don't take the time to form close friendships with other believers we will be less likely to have true friends who are willing to tell us like it is. Anyone can find a friend who will tell us what we want to hear:

Prov 27:6 - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

2Tim 4:3 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"

We must not forget that judgment should begin with ourselves:

Those who offer correction must be willing to accept correction from others and must accept it graciously, remembering that God gives grace to the humble and chastises those He loves!

1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

We are commanded to avoid hypocrisy:

God commands us not to have double standards - an easy standard of righteousness for ourselves and a very strict standard of righteousness for others.

Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

What God is saying is that if we condemn someone for some sin, we had better be sure that we are not excusing the sin in our own lives... because sin in our lives - like a huge log in our eye - can blind us or at least warp our ability to see sin in others. God is not saying that we are to never speak out against sin. Just that we are not to be hypocritical about it.

There is a biblical way of correcting a brother or sister:

2Tim 4:2 - "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove <1651>, rebuke <2008>, exhort <3870> with all longsuffering <3115> and doctrine <1322>."

reprove: 1651 elegcho {el-eng'-kho} of uncertain affinity; TDNT - 2:473,221; v
AV (KJV) - reprove 6, rebuke 5, convince 4, tell (one's) fault 1, convict 1; 17
1) to convict, refute, confute
     1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
     1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose
2) to find fault with, correct
     2a) by word
          2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove
          2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation
     2b) by deed
          2b1) to chasten, to punish

rebuke: 2008 epitimao {ep-ee-tee-mah'-o} from 1909 and 5091; TDNT - 2:623,249; v
AV (KJV) - rebuke 24, charge 4, straightly charge 1; 29
1) to show honour to, to honour
2) to raise the price of
3) to adjudge, award, in the sense of merited penalty
4) to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely
     4a) to admonish or charge sharply

exhort: 3870 parakaleo {par-ak-al-eh'-o} from 3844 and 2564; TDNT - 5:773,778; v
AV (KJV) - beseech 43, comfort 23, exhort 21, desire 8, pray 6, intreat 3, misc 4, vr besought 1; 109
1) to call to one's side, call for, summon
2) to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.
     2a) to admonish, exhort
     2b) to beg, entreat, beseech
          2b1) to strive to appease by entreaty
     2c) to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort
          2c1) to receive consolation, be comforted
     2d) to encourage, strengthen
     2e) exhorting and comforting and encouraging
     2f) to instruct, teach

longsuffering: 3115 makrothumia {mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah} from the same as 3116; TDNT - 4:374,550; n f
AV (KJV) - longsuffering 12, patience 2; 14
1) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance
2) patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs

doctrine: 1322 didache {did-akh-ay'} from 1321; TDNT - 2:163,161; n f
AV - doctrine 29, has been taught 1; 30
1) teaching
     1a) that which is taught
     1b) doctrine, teaching, concerning something
2) the act of teaching, instruction
     2a) in religious assemblies of the Christians, to speak in the way of teaching, in distinction from other modes of speaking in public

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault <3900>, ye which are spiritual, restore <2675> such an one in the spirit of meekness <4236>; considering <4648> thyself, lest thou also be tempted <3985>.

fault: 3900 paraptoma {par-ap'-to-mah} from 3895; TDNT - 6:170,846; n n
AV (KJV) - trespass 9, offence 7, sin 3, fall 2, fault 2; 23
1) to fall beside or near something
2) a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness
     2a) a sin, misdeed

restore: 2675 katartizo {kat-ar-tid'-zo} from 2596 and a derivative of 739; TDNT - 1:475,80; v
AV (KJV) - perfect 2, make perfect 2, mend 2, be perfect 2, fit 1, frame 1, prepare 1, restore 1, perfectly joined together 1; 13
1) to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete
     1a) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair
          1a1) to complete
     1b) to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust
          1b1) to fit or frame for one's self, prepare
     1c) ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be

meekness: 4236 praotes {prah-ot'-ace} from 4235;; n f
AV (KJV) - meekness 9; 9
1) gentleness, mildness, meekness

considering: 4648 skopeo {skop-eh'-o} from 4649; TDNT - 7:414,1047; v
AV (KJV) - mark 2, take heed 1, look on 1, look at 1, consider 1; 6
1) to look at, observe, contemplate
2) to mark
3) to fix one's eyes upon, direct one's attention to, any one
4) to look to, take heed to thyself

tempted: 3985 peirazo {pi-rad'-zo} from 3984; TDNT - 6:23,822; v
AV (KJV) - tempt 29, try 4, tempter 2, prove 1, assay 1, examine 1, go about 1; 39
1) to try whether a thing can be done
     1a) to attempt, endeavour
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
     2a) in a good sense
     2b) in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments
     2c) to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin
          2c1) to solicit to sin, to tempt
               2c1a) of the temptations of the devil

What happens if we don't offer correction:

1. Without correction sin spreads

Sin is contagious. The sooner it is stopped the better. When it is left unchecked, it spreads to others...

Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood <436> him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled <4942> likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation <5272>.

withstood: 436 anthistemi {anth-is'-tay-mee}from 473 and 2476; v
AV (KJV) - resist 9, withstand 5; 14
1) to set one's self against, to withstand, resist, oppose
2) to set against

dissembled: 4942 sunupokrinomai {soon-oo-pok-rin'-om-ahee} from 4862 and 5271; TDNT - 8:559,1235; v
AV (KJV) - dissemble with 1; 1
1) to dissemble with 2) to act hypocritically with

dissimulation: 5272 hupokrisis {hoop-ok'-ree-sis} from 5271; TDNT - 8:559,1235; n f
AV (KJV) - hypocrisy 5, dissimulation 1, condemnation 1; 7
1) an answering 2) an answer 3) the acting of a stage player 4) dissimulation, hypocrisy

1Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

What is leaven? ... sin, be it fornication, hypocrisy, gossip, malice, unforgiveness, etc.

How do you purge out the sin? Using biblical correction. How do you correct? According to the biblical prescription mentioned above in Gal 6:1 and 2Tim 4:2.

2. Without correction we end up with false peace:

Surely by avoiding confrontation and correction we maintain an air of peace. But is this peace genuine? Doesn't it consist of peace on the outside but not on the inside, at least for the person who is concerned about or grieved about the words or actions of a brother?

Jer 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Correction can be unbiblical also...

For example, what is the opposite of a spirit of meekness:

harsh, prideful, angry, vindictive (vengeful)

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

Why we don't like to give correction:

Not everyone responds very kindly to correction.

Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

It is easier to find someone to complain to about a perceived offense than to lovingly confront the offender. It is easier to gossip than to confront...

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer <05372> separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer <05372> are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

If we don't want to be corrected ourselves, perhaps we are not saved:

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Professing Christians are commanded to examine themselves...

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

1 Cor 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

If we don't examine ourselves we run the risk of going about thinking we are saved when we are lost.

If we don't see fruit in our lives, perhaps we are not saved.

Matt 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

The fruit of a Christian WILL be different than the fruit of the unsaved and will be increasingly different from his old life as a former unbeliever...

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

A true child of God wants to bear fruit, good fruit.

If we are not interested in dealing with our own sin, perhaps we are not saved.

If we really don't hate sin, if we really are not offended by sin in us and around us, we need to be concerned about whether or not we really belong to Christ. The Bible states that a true believer will hate sin and will want God to search out the sin in his own heart:

Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

If we are truly saved, we will have a desire to be sanctified, to deal with even the smallest, seemingly insignificant sins in our lives, like violating speeding limits, exposing our eyes to things that we should not be viewing, spending our money selfishly, joking about things we should not joke about, saying things about people that may not be true, talking about people behind their backs...

SOS 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

A true believer should be proactive:

A believer who does not want to be a stumbling block or an offense to his brethren will be confessing his sins to others even before they are brought to his attention by others:

James 5:16 Confess <1843> your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

confess: 1843 exomologeo {ex-om-ol-og-eh'-o} from 1537 and 3670; TDNT - 5:199,687; v
AV (KJV) - confess 8, thank 2, promise 1; 11
1) to confess
2) to profess
     2a) acknowledge openly and joyfully
     2b) to one's honour: to celebrate, give praise to
     2c) to profess that one will do something, to promise, agree, engage

1 John 1:9 If we confess <3670> our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

confess: 3670 homologeo {hom-ol-og-eh'-o} from a compound of the base of 3674 and 3056; TDNT - 5:199,687; v
AV (KJV) - confess 17, profess 3, promise 1, give thanks 1, confession is made 1, acknowledgeth 1; 24
1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent
2) to concede
     2a) not to refuse, to promise
     2b) not to deny
          2b1) to confess
          2b2) declare
          2b3) to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one's self guilty of what one is accused of
3) to profess
     3a) to declare openly, speak out freely
     3b) to profess one's self the worshipper of one
4) to praise, celebrate

Conclusion

As we see in this study, the Bible COMMANDS us to reprove and rebuke, in order that we might be our brother's keeper, having a concern for the spiritual welfare of others buy there is a Biblical way of doing that.  Similarly, if Christian parents truly care about their children they will:

• teach them by the Word
• teach them by example
• correct them by the Word and through Christian discipline when they go astray

Similarly, Christian correction is part of an overall process or procedure whereby believers teach and disciple each other.  And as part of a local community of believers, they engage in biblical correction and biblical discipline of one another. That means they must not forget that they are commanded to receive correction graciously as well as apply it graciously. So according to God, it is our responsibility to give and receive correction - in a God-glorifying way.

"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die."
[Proverbs 15:10]