Rebuking someone sharply rarely is received well in today culture

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English: Their are thousands of artworks creat...
English: Their are thousands of artworks created in the art world depicting St Paul. This painting was created by the famous artist called Rembrandt. It hangs on the walls of the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Titus 1:9 says: "Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

“Sound doctrine” does not refer merely to an accurate presentation of biblical data. Sound doctrine always has a practical application to godly living, with either a positive emphasis (“exhort”) or a negative one (“convict”).

Titus 1:13 — … Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith .…

So, if a follower of Christ is NOT following sound doctrine they are to be rebuked sharply. It’s no fun to “rebuke” someone “sharply”—at least, it shouldn’t be; the apostle Paul often did it “with tears” (Phil. 3:18)—but sometimes it’s necessary. When it becomes necessary, it’s the most loving thing you can do. I doubt in today's culture people would receive this approach. They would stand an silently leave and find another church, then cal you a bully. But that is the flesh speaking! No?

Or are we talking about another kind of person here?

Titus 1:16 — They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him .…

This verse almost sounds as if it could have been written by James, who wrote the famous biblical principle, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

Titus 2:7 — … in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility .…

Leaders must make sure they’re worth following, in both conduct and in what they teach. Character and competence are both necessary if the church of God is to successfully fulfill its mission.


Titus 2:11, 12 — For the grace of God … has appeared … , teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly .…

Just as we laid hold of salvation by grace through faith, so we lay hold of sanctification by grace through faith. By the power of grace we daily crucify our flesh in order to live for God.


Stanley, C. F. (2005). The Charles F. Stanley life principles Bible: New King James Version (Tt 1:9–2:12). Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles.

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