Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Picking up where we left off yesterday, I have to say that speaking truth in love was impossible until my heart was full of love. The rebuke issue must be left to the specifics of doctrine and not behavior. The work of conviction of sin is that of the Holy Spirit. Doctrinal issue are fellowship issues and the goal must always be unity, to fit jointly together.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

As for sound doctrine, there are essentials and then there are non-essentials. Because there are different administrations, there will be differences in non-essential doctrines. Do you have a proper understanding of essential doctrines? Does your fellowship hold non-essentials in such high regard that they are confused with essential doctrines? These issue affect the function of fellowship not your personal salvation. They affect how we function together.

Titus 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Doctrine is defined in two ways.

A principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.

Something that is taught.

Essential doctrines are principled, non-essentials are not.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

God does.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Do you want God to answer your prayers? Pray this one. It goes to the heart of your relationship with God.

We can and often do read the Word of God seeking permission to do what we want. Sounds silly but that is our nature. “Daddy may I?” What happens when God allows you to have your own way? Consequences my friend, consequences. Lead with your heart not your head only works if your heart is right with God.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Putting it another way; correction that is not painful isn’t effective.

Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

This is where I would often go wrong. I didn’t know how to properly rebuke another. Being quick to judge, I was also quick to rebuke. That puts fellowship at risk in a church.

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.