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

  1. Open Rebuke: A frank and direct word of honest criticism or disapproval.
  2. 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.
  3. Wounds From a Friend: Reproof given in love is superior to insincere expressions of affection.
  4. 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

  1. Jesus/Peter, Matthew 16:21-25.
  2. Paul/Peter, Galatians 2:11-14.
  3. Paul/The Churches, Galatians 3:1 & 1 Corinthians 5:13.
  4. 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

  1. Private Devotions,  Peter in his prayer time on the roof, Acts 10:15.
  2. Gospel Preaching, 2 Timothy 3:16.
  3. Elders/Deacons, Hebrews 13:17.
  4. 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.

  1. Know Jesus loves you- that’s why He rebukes and disciplines you, v. 19a.
  2. Be earnest (hear the rebuke), v. 19b.
  3. Repent of the things rebuked, v. 19c.
  4. Hear Jesus’ voice for fellowship and discipleship in the midst of the rebuke, v. 20a.
  5. 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.
  6. Hear all that the Holy Spirit says to the Churches and continue to walk with Christ 100% receiving further rebukes and disciplines, v. 22.
  7. 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.