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I. WHAT IS REPROOF.

1. An act of charity and mercy, not of pride and vain-glory (2 Thessalonians 3:15; James 3:17.

2. Using fit discourse, not chastisement, and, in general, from God's Word (Colossians 3:16).

3. Having as its end not our brother's shame, but his reclamation from sin to duty (Galatians 6:1).

II. The KIND of reproof it is our duty to give.

1. Authoritative. By way of office (2 Timothy 4:2).

2. In the way of general duty, which lieth on all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

III. The MANNER in which to discharge this duty.

1. Faithfully (Titus 1:13).

2. With lenity and Christian meekness (Galatians 6:1).

3. Prudently. Well weighing all the circumstances of person, time, place, occasion, provocation, that all things may be proportioned to the design (Proverbs 25:12).

IV. The ARGUMENTS which enforce this duty.

1. The law of nature, which teaches us to love our neighbour.

2. The law of God (Proverbs 25:8-10; Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:15; 5:14; Jude 1:22, 23).

3. Giving reproof is commended (Proverbs 24:25; James 5:19, 20), and taking reproof (Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:31, 32; Ecclesiastes 7:5).

4. The maintenance of society and the improvements of human relations depend upon it.

V. WHEN AND TO WHAT this duty binds.

1. Not unless the fault is certainly known; not, therefore, on mere suspicion (1 Corinthians 13:5), uncertain hearsay (Isaiah 11:3), flying reports, or slander.

2. Not if our brother has repented.

3. Not if a good result is unlikely, and a bad result probable (Matthew 7:6).In conclusion:

1. If we are to reprove others, let us take care that we are blameless (Matthew 6:3-5; Romans 3:21).

2. If others are bound to reprove, we are bound to take reproof.

(T. Manton.)

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KJV: But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

WEB: But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.