How can church leaders address "slander" and "rebellion" within their congregations today? The Verse at the Center Titus 1:10-11 — “For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision. They must be silenced, because they are upsetting whole households by teaching what they should not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” Key Observations from Titus 1:10-11 • “Many” –- the problem is widespread, not rare. • “Rebellious” –- a heart posture that resists God-given authority. • “Empty talk and deception” –- slanderous words that lack truth yet sway listeners. • “Upsetting whole households” –- the damage is communal and relational. • “They must be silenced” –- leaders carry a God-mandated responsibility to act, not merely observe. • “Motive: dishonest gain” –- unchecked rebellion often hides self-serving agendas. Why Leaders Must Respond • Protect the flock (Acts 20:28-30). • Uphold Christ’s reputation before the watching world (John 13:35). • Preserve the unity that Christ purchased (Ephesians 4:3). Practical Steps Leaders Can Take 1. Ground the church in sound doctrine – Titus 1:9 “holding to the trustworthy message as it has been taught” equips leaders to refute slander with truth. 2. Discern issues early – Proverbs 27:12 urges wise leaders to see trouble “and hide themselves”; detect gossip before it spreads. 3. Admonish privately first – Matthew 18:15 “go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” – Gentle, clear confrontation preserves dignity and invites repentance. 4. Warn publicly when necessary – 1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who persist in sin should be rebuked before all.” – Public correction protects the rest of the body from being misled. 5. Apply graduated discipline – Titus 3:10-11 “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” – If rebellion endures, remove influence (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). 6. Silence destructive voices, not honest questions – Rebellion resists authority; healthy discussion seeks truth. – Use elders’ biblical authority to close platforms (teaching slots, social media groups, etc.) for unrepentant slanderers. 7. Shepherd hearts, not merely behavior – 2 Timothy 2:24-26 calls leaders to correct “with gentleness,” seeking repentance and escape from the devil’s snare. 8. Model godly speech – Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth.” – An example of blessing over gossip sets the tone for the congregation. 9. Restore the repentant – Galatians 6:1 “restore him gently.” – Reconciliation displays the gospel’s power and prevents bitterness. 10. Anchor all action in prayer and the Word – James 1:5 for wisdom, James 5:16 for intercession. – The Spirit empowers what Scripture commands (Zechariah 4:6). Supporting Passages for Further Study • Numbers 16 – Korah’s rebellion and God’s swift judgment. • Proverbs 10:18 – “He who spreads slander is a fool.” • 1 Samuel 15:23 – “Rebellion is like the sin of divination.” • Ephesians 4:31-32 – put away “slander” and “be kind.” • Romans 16:17 – avoid those who cause divisions. Take-Home Summary Faithful leaders confront slander and rebellion with biblical clarity, patient discipline, and restorative aim. By teaching sound doctrine, addressing sin promptly, and protecting the unity of Christ’s body, they honor the Lord who purchased the church with His own blood. |
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