What Do We Do With A Challenge

What Do We Do With A Challenge

Some of us have been judged as mean spirited or lacking concern about the lost or our fellow believers because we told the truth boldly.  There are those who would accuse us because there is sin in their own lives, they want others to accept their sin through silence. 

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

"1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,

2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;

4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—

6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority."

Every believer has the mandate and authority to speak the truth.  The greatest love we can have for anyone is to be open and honest about all things.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit we bring God's love, correction, exhortation and rebuke are a part of that love that most superficial believers want to ignore today. 

Those who fight back bitterly when confronted with truth, do so not because they are not guilty, but because they are guilty.  The hardest thing for a rebellious heart to hear is rebuke.

Titus 1:13 "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" 

Ecc. 7:5 "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools."

Proverbs 28:26

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

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

A godly man or woman who seeks the Lord, will not fight back because of correction, but will go to prayer over a challenge.  If the challenge is unjust, then God will show them and they will be able to move on without the need to fight or explain themselves. If the challenge is true, then the godly person will praise God for what has been shown and grow a little more. 

Proverbs 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

James 1:2-5

"2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."