Watching for others to sin

[Gail]

In a Bible study on Isaiah 58 by Eugene Prewitt, he discusses verse 9 where it talks about fasting from the "putting forth of the finger" (finger-pointing)

He then segues into Isaiah 29:20:

Quote:

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off

The warning against being a scorner is fairly straightforward, I think, but not is discussed about the idea of "watching for iniquity". This is something that has occurred to me years ago and drives me crazy.

Watching for iniquity in others so that you can have ammunition to report, Prewitt describes as Satan's work. He is the accuser of the brethren and when we do this we are sharing in that work.

A reprover will witness against a certain sin, but he will not use a person's individual sin to shame them (or even build himself up).

[Gail]

Verse 21 is good as well. It talks about people watching a reprover and waiting for him to sin in order to make his message nothing.

Quote:

That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.

Food for thought!!! How we love to see the Sam Pipims of the world fall, or the Jim Hohnbergers, so that we can discuss the latest scandal. But we as God's people are not to do that. Isaiah said that those that put forth the finger shall be cut off.

[Gibs]

Ho 4:6 ¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Joh 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

To teach in the area of the rebuke is where the rub comes and you see they cast him out.

We are all who are of Him in reality are sent forth of Him to be witneeses of the truth we are to be certain we understand.

Not a popular thing in a world runaway in sin and rebellion!

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Gail]

Gibs, please do not derail this topic. It is not about the right or wrong about rebuke.

It is about attitude of those who are God's people and I want to focus on the subject of watching for others' sins. And reporting them, if you wish, the gossip.

[Naomi]

Who has time to watch for others to sin? I am too busy trying to keep myself on the right path.

OTOH, If we first realize how often we fall short of perfection ... for ALL have sinned ... and approach our brother or sister who we see blatantly sinning, then it seems to me we should first sincerely pray about our course of action. If we approach them we should do it in love and with a positive approach which would help them ... if they desire. Hate the sin, love the sinner 'cause we are all sinners. Telling or gossiping about their "sin" and damaging their reputation is a sad way to build one's ego.

We are given specific instructions on how and when to approach a person who is openly breaking God's laws. I don't think we will find anything telling us to be watchdogs.

I like the NIV Luke 6:42

Quote:

How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

[Woody]

Quote:

How we love to see the Sam Pipims of the world fall, or the Jim Hohnbergers, so that we can discuss the latest scandal. But we as God's people are not to do that. Isaiah said that those that put forth the finger shall be cut off.

[Gibs]

OK Gail, but I really was on topic though as no I don't watch for others sins, I watch the path I'm taking, that is a full enough job.

Edited by Gail- I asked that you not post about rebuking, that's not what the topic is about

[Woody]

Quote:

A reprover will witness against a certain sin, but he will not use a person's individual sin to shame them (or even build himself up).

Excellent

[Gibs]

Then Gail, tell me what a reprover is as you posted,

"A reprover will witness against a certain sin, but he will not use a person's individual sin to shame them (or even build himself up)."

If I reprove or rebuke, how much difference is it?

Look, I see what it is with you and most, You do not want a straight testimony!

You liberals start a thread and you want to keep out any that might in a degree disagree. That makes for a poor discussion. Yes I can see this forum is very, very high on liberalism, but you see I am not of that persuasion.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Gail]

Gibs, please refrain from taking part in this discussion. You are again off topic!

You can talk about straight testimony somewhere else in the many other threads you are active in. This discussion is not about that. It is about the Biblical principle of "putting forth the finger" as mentioned in Isaiah 58:9 and, "watching for iniquity" as in Isaiah 29:20.

It has nothing to do with rejecting reproof, per se, but gossiping and/or delighting in the downfall of leaders and others, whether reprovers or otherwise.

You are not understanding the topic aright. Please watch and read for now, rather than trying to change its direction.