Embracing Correction - Loving God With All Our Minds

Introduction: Today, we delve into a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey - embracing correction and rebuke. This message is part of our "Love Returned Series," where we explore how to love God with all our minds. Let's open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of Proverbs as we learn the importance of correction and how it shapes our lives.

I. Understanding Correction and Rebuke

Scripture: Proverbs 1:22-27, 6:23, 15:33

In Proverbs 1:22-27, we find a stern warning against rejecting wisdom and correction. It says, "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" The passage goes on to describe the consequences of ignoring wisdom – calamity, distress, and disaster. Correction, then, is God's way of steering us away from these pitfalls.

Proverbs 6:23 further illuminates this by saying, "For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life." Correction lights our path, helping us to avoid mistakes and learn the way of life. Proverbs 15:33 reminds us that "Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor." Accepting correction requires humility, which in turn brings honor.

II. The Benefits of Rebuke and Correction

Scripture: Proverbs 9:9, 10:17, 15:5, 15:31, 17:10, 19:25, 25:12, 27:5

Embracing correction brings numerous benefits. Proverbs 9:9 says, "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." Correction is a lamp that leads to life (Proverbs 6:23), a path to wisdom (Proverbs 15:5), and a way to grow in understanding and righteousness.

When we listen to constructive criticism, we dwell among the wise (Proverbs 15:31). A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes for a fool (Proverbs 17:10). Embracing correction refines us, making us like gold (Proverbs 25:12), and is better than hidden love (Proverbs 27:5).

III. Consequences of Despising Rebuke and Correction

Scripture: Proverbs 1:22, 11:14, 13:1, 13:18, 15:10, 15:12, 15:32, 19:29, 22:15, 26:3, 29:1

On the flip side, despising correction has dire consequences. Proverbs 1:22 tells us that those who hate knowledge are simpleminded. Rejecting correction leads to poverty and disgrace (Proverbs 13:18), and ultimately, death (Proverbs 15:10). A mocker refuses to listen to correction (Proverbs 13:1), causing them to go astray and harm themselves (Proverbs 15:32).

Ignoring correction results in punishment (Proverbs 19:29) and leads to foolishness (Proverbs 22:15). Proverbs 29:1 warns, "Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy."

IV. The Fool vs. The Wise

Scripture: Proverbs 1:22, 1:24, 9:7, 9:8, 10:17, 12:1, 15:10, 28:23

Proverbs draws a sharp contrast between the fool and the wise. The fool hates knowledge (Proverbs 1:22), mocks correction (Proverbs 9:7), and looks to harm those who correct them (Proverbs 9:8). They don’t listen and go astray (Proverbs 10:17), and it's considered stupid to hate correction (Proverbs 12:1).

In contrast, the wise pay attention to counsel and are on the path of life (Proverbs 10:17). They appreciate good advice (Proverbs 20:5) and value criticism over flattery (Proverbs 28:23).

V. Correcting Children

Scripture: Proverbs 1:23, 1:27, 5:1-2, 13:1, 15:5, 19:18, 23:13-14

God’s wisdom also extends to parenting. Proverbs 1:23 encourages us to instruct our children to help them be wise and avoid calamity. A wise child accepts their parent's discipline (Proverbs 13:1), while a fool despises it (Proverbs 15:5). Discipline is necessary to save our children's lives (Proverbs 19:18, 23:13-14).

VI. Administering and Receiving Correction

Scripture: Proverbs 3:11-12, 9:10, 16:22, 24:23

As followers of Christ, we must administer correction with love and humility. Proverbs 3:11-12 tells us not to despise the Lord's discipline, for it comes from His love for us. We should correct with wisdom and not waste it on those who scorn it (Proverbs 9:10, 16:22). Avoid favoritism in correction (Proverbs 24:23).

Receiving correction should be done with an open heart, recognizing it as coming from the Lord (Proverbs 3:12). We should not reject it, for doing so leads to straying from the right path (Proverbs 10:17).

Conclusion:

Let us embrace correction and rebuke with humility and love, recognizing it as God's way of guiding us towards wisdom and life. As we grow in understanding, let us remember that true love for God involves loving Him with all our minds, including accepting His correction. May we be like the wise, always eager to learn and grow, and may our lives reflect the light of God's wisdom. Amen.

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Praise Tabernacle

Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor

2235 Ocean Heights

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com

praisetabernacle.church

(609) 927-4560(w), (609) 402-8869(c)