Part 8 of 12 / Biblical Correction: Confronting Error & Returning To The Source Of Truth - Jesus

The Objective

To explore how the Church and individual believers are called to identify, confront, and correct error in doctrine or practice according to Scripture, while maintaining humility, love, and unity.

Introduction: The Necessity Of Correction

The Bible makes clear that error, false teaching, and deviation from Christ-centered truth are inevitable challenges in the life of the Church. Left unaddressed, these deviations can lead believers astray and weaken the witness of the Church.

Galatians 6:1 tells us, "Brothers and Sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

Correction is not an act of judgmental pride; it is an essential expression of love and a commitment to God's truth. Jesus Himself modeled correction, calling His Disciples to repentance and adherence to God's Word. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a Biblical process for addressing sin and error within the Church, emphasizing private confrontation, accountability and communal restoration. Corrective measures are designed not to shame but to restore and protect both the individual and the body of Christ.

Matthew 18:15-17, “Now if your brother sins , go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made."

Principles Of Biblical Correction

1. Gentleness and Humility: Correction must be approached with love and humility. The goal is restoration, not victory in argument.

• 2 Timothy 2:24-25 says: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” 

  
  

2. Truth as the Standard: Correction is always rooted in Scripture. Human opinion, cultural norms, or personal preference cannot define right and wrong. Without Scripture as the foundation, correction becomes subjective and potentially harmful.

• John 17:17 affirms: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” 

3. Personal Examination: Before confronting others, believers must examine themselves. Self-examination ensures correction is motivated by love and integrity, not pride or self-righteousness.

• Matthew 7:3-5 warns against hypocrisy: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” 

4. Community Involvement: Some situations require communal discernment.

• Matthew 18: this Chapter advises escalating correction from private to one or two witnesses, and then to the broader Church if necessary. This safeguards accountability and protects the individual while maintaining unity.

Historical Examples of Correction

Throughout Church history, correction has been vital for preserving truth:

The Apostolic Letters: Paul frequently corrected doctrinal errors in early churches, such as the Galatians’ deviation from salvation by faith (Galatians 1:6-9) or the Corinthians’ misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14).

• Galatians 1:6-9, "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!"

  
  

• 1 Corinthians 12:1-4, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit."

Reformation Movements: The Protestant Reformation corrected centuries of doctrinal error and corruption in the medieval Church, returning to Scripture as the authority and emphasizing salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

These examples illustrate that correction, while sometimes uncomfortable, is essential for the health and vitality of the Church.

Practical Steps for Correcting Error Today

1. Identify the Issue Biblically: Determine if the teaching or practice contradicts Scripture. Examine relevant passages and consult reliable, Christ-centered scholarship.

2. Approach in Love and Humility: Initiate correction privately and gently, aiming for restoration rather than confrontation. (Galatians 6:1).

• Galatians 6:1, "Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well."

3. Provide Scriptural Evidence: Use Scripture to explain why the practice or teaching is inconsistent with God’s Word, avoiding personal attacks.

4. Encourage Repentance and Restoration: Correction should lead to renewed obedience and alignment with Christ-centered truth.

5. Escalate When Necessary: If private correction fails, involve trusted leaders or a small group to ensure accountability and protection of the Church (Matthew 18:16-17).

• Matthew 18:16-17, "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

Application and Reflection

This week, reflect on areas of your personal life or church environment that may require correction.

Discussion Questions

1. Are there beliefs, practices, or attitudes inconsistent with Scripture?

2. How can you approach correction with humility and love?

3. Are you open to receiving correction from others for the sake of growth and restoration?

4. What steps can I take this week to address an area of spiritual error in my life or community?

5. How can I balance truth and love when correcting others?

6. Who can I seek for guidance or mentorship in addressing difficult issues biblically?

7. Why is correction necessary for the health of the Church?

8. How does Scripture guide both the process and motivation for correction?

9. What are common obstacles to effective correction, and how can they be overcome?

10. How can leaders and members work together to uphold truth while maintaining unity?

11. How does humility and self-examination enhance the effectiveness of correction?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which guides us in truth and equips us to restore others in love. Teach us to discern error with wisdom, correct with humility, and act in a spirit of restoration rather than pride. Help us to remain faithful to Christ as the center of our lives and our Church. May our corrections build up the body of Christ and Glorify Your name.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Week 9 Preview | Next Monday: March 2, 2026

Next week, we will study “Maintaining Christ as the Center in Worship, Teaching, and Fellowship”, focusing on practical ways believers and churches can ensure that every aspect of church life reflects the supremacy of Christ and aligns with Scripture.