Topical Bible: Slander: Ministers Exposed To

◄ Slander: Ministers Exposed To ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, defined as the false and malicious spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation, is a significant concern for ministers and church leaders. Throughout Scripture, the issue of slander is addressed, highlighting the challenges faced by those in positions of spiritual leadership.

Biblical Context

Ministers, as shepherds of God's flock, are often targets of slander due to their visible roles and the influence they wield within the Christian community. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of slander, emphasizing the need for integrity and the protection of one's reputation.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, slander is condemned as a grievous sin. Leviticus 19:16 instructs, "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD." This command underscores the destructive nature of slander and its potential to harm not only individuals but the community at large.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of slander, particularly in the context of church leadership. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against slander and encourages believers to uphold truth and love. In 1 Timothy 3:2-3 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money." Implicit in being "above reproach" is the avoidance of slanderous behavior and the maintenance of a good reputation.

Challenges for Ministers

Ministers are particularly vulnerable to slander due to their public roles and the expectations placed upon them. The Apostle Paul himself was no stranger to slander, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:8 , where he writes, "through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine." This passage highlights the dual nature of a minister's experience, where they may be both praised and slandered.

Response to Slander

The Bible provides guidance on how ministers should respond to slander. In 1 Peter 3:16 , believers are encouraged to maintain a clear conscience, "so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ." This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and allowing one's actions to speak louder than false accusations.

Practical Considerations

Ministers are called to be vigilant in guarding their reputations and the reputations of their fellow leaders. This involves fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and open communication within the church. Additionally, church leaders are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment in addressing slander, relying on prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

While slander remains a persistent challenge for ministers, Scripture provides both warnings and encouragement. By adhering to biblical principles and maintaining a life of integrity, ministers can navigate the trials of slander and continue to serve faithfully in their calling.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 3:8
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:8
By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Council Held at Sardica.
... usual artifices bring against our fellow-ministers, will only ... not only because their
charges were slander, but also ... deposed that they had been exposed to the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter vi council held at sardica.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1796
... The hardships to which they were exposed in traversing ... to exclude from the pulpits
those ministers who are ... the oft-repeated and oft-refuted slander, that the ...
/.../chapter 2 an account of.htm

The Persons that Became at that Time Leaders of Knowledge Falsely ...
... recorded concerning Basilides, and has ably exposed the error ... malignant demon, making
use of these ministers, on the ... upon our faith, or any such slander as our ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the persons that became.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... to their former calumnies, and to slander the man ... Our fellow-ministers, Theodulus
of blessed memory [611] , died ... complained that they had been exposed to the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

Absolution.
... It was exposed at the period of the Reformation ... whose holiness and purity are beyond
slander's reach, come ... of England into the lips of her ministers"I cannot ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/v absolution.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of the Clergy, as well as the Ministers of other ... Herein they were exposed to abundance
of reproach, to ... is another mistake, if not wilful slander, for which ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Then, Distinguishing Between Essence and Generation, He Declares ...
... stand the unnumbered myriads of the heavenly ministers, to Whom ... the desire of
good"if He is exposed to reviling ... He next proceeds once more to slander us as ...
/.../section 9 then distinguishing between.htm

Enduring to the End
... fiend makes his main attack upon the ministers of God ... Assailed by slander and abuse,
it was his privilege to ... He is exposed to temptations of every sort and size ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... persecution to which they, who live godly, are exposed. ... to speak evil of and slander
the disciples ... religion or worship; or interdicting ministers for preaching ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

In Him: Like Him
... over a deep pit, if we saw a man exposed to a ... Unholy ministers are a derision, and
a scoff, and a by-word ... dare say there was a good deal of slander and scandal ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm