Have you noticed that unhealthy foods often smell so good and taste so nice and healthy foods are not as appealing? A wise person will discipline himself to eat healthy and not despise it. The same is true about Bible preaching. Other things may be more exciting or fun, but biblical preaching is good for us. Today we are going to see the importance of keeping a good attitude toward preaching. Read 1Th 5:20.

Transition

As we study this verse, I want to point out three things we must examine.

1st we must examine…

The Definitions

  1. What does the word “despise” mean?
    1. The word translated “despise” means to consider as nothing, to belittle, to scorn, to treat with contempt.
    2. Here are some of the ways the word is used in the Bible.
      1. In Luke 18:9, Jesus told of self-righteous people who despised others.
      2. Luke 23:11, tells us that during Jesus’ trial, Herod and his men set Jesus at naught and mocked Him.
      3. Paul wrote in 1Co 6:4 that the Corinthian church was to choose who were least esteemed to be judges of conflicts.
      4. In 2Co 10:10, Paul mentioned that some said of him that his body was weak and his speech contemptible.
    3. The overall meaning then is that something is of little value and thus not important.
  2. What does the word “prophesying” mean?
    1. Prophesying sometimes referred to fore-telling of God’s word.
      1. When this was the definition, God was giving a new divine revelation directly to a prophet who was then writing it down or telling it to others. (2 Peter 1:21) “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
      2. However, fore-telling prophecies during the first century would cease. (1 Corinthians 13:8) “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”
      3. Those “parts” of God’s divine revelation is what Paul said would cease when the Bible was completed. (1 Corinthians 13:10) “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
      4. Fore-telling prophecies no longer exist today. We have all that God’s wants us to know written in the pages of the Bible.
    2. Prophesying also referred to forth-telling of God’s word.
      1. When this was the definition, a preacher was preaching a message that God had already given. He was explaining the Bible. He was teaching Bible truths. (Romans 12:6) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”
      2. Conservative Bible teachers generally agree on this. For example, Greek scholar A.T. Robertson states, “Word means forth-telling (προ-φημ) rather than fore-telling and is the chief of the spiritual gifts (1Co 14) and evidently depreciated in Thessalonica as in Corinth later.”
      3. Harry Ironside adds, “A person who prophesies is not necessarily a foreteller. He may be a “forthteller,” one who tells forth the mind of God; and of course his message will always be based on the Word of God.”

2nd we must examine…

The Interpretations

  1. The first century interpretation
    1. Before the Bible was completed, God was still giving His divine revelations in part. He gave a part here and a part there, but no one yet had the whole.
    2. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, this was still the case. They did not have the completed Word of God. Paul taught them much that God had revealed to him and that he had studied from the Old Testament. Preachers within the congregation would get other parts of revelation directly from God.
    3. There was a real temptation for some in the congregation to despise the Word received from a fellow Christian. Perhaps they thought the revelations received and taught by Paul were superior. Evidently, there were people in the congregation who thought some prophecies were useless and refused to heed them.
    4. Others may have despised the forth-telling of God’s word as well. They simply did not like listening to preaching.
  2. The present interpretation
    1. When the Bible was completed, the need for God to reveal bits and pieces or parts of His revelation was no longer needed. All fore-telling of God’s word stopped when the Bible was complete before the end of the first century.
    2. Today, the word “prophecy” in this verse only applies to the forth-telling or preaching of God’s Word. Christians are not to despise or think little of preaching. God has chosen preaching as His vehicle for expounding the Bible.
    3. God acknowledges that preaching is often considered foolish by worldly wise men. (1 Corinthians 1:18) “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

3rd we must examine…

The Applications

  1. We must be sure we do not despise Bible preaching
    1. Make it a priority to attend Bible preaching services. Some people only attend church when it is convenient. It is never wise to work during a preaching service if it is not absolutely necessary. If you must miss a church service, make it a priority during the next few days to listen to the sermon on our website.
    2. Pray for each preaching service before it begins and asking God to challenge you and teach you from His Word. Also by praying for the preacher as he preaches and by praying that God would use His word in the lives of others who are present.
    3. Bring a Bible and following along during preaching. Looking up verses that are mentioned will help you learn. It will also enable you to check on what is being said.
    4. Take notes during preaching. This is an excellent way to gain more from a sermon.
    5. Focus your attention when the Bible is preached.
      1. Never pass notes to those near you.
      2. Never draw pictures or do unrelated things.
      3. Pay attention and do not daydream.
    6. Apply Bible truth that is preached. The apostle James wrote, (James 1:22) “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
  2. We must evaluate Bible preaching
    1. We must make sure the preaching is biblical. The next verse in our text reminds us of this. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
    2. If I say something that does not seem to line up with Scripture, come and talk to me about it.
    3. Sermons are available on the web by the thousands. Be cautious! Listening to preaching that is unbiblical is not wise. It will plant seeds of doubt in the mind. Continuing to listen to unbiblical preaching will water those seeds of doubt. Before you know it, the false ideas will sprout and grow in your heart and mind. I have seen this happen numerous times in the lives of well-meaning Christians.

Conclusion

I am sure there have been times that each of us has despised biblical preaching in one way or another. If God has brought to your attention a way in which you have been treating Bible preaching like it was not important, you need to get that right with God and make every effort to change. Despise not prophesyings.

Song: Take My Life and Let – 393
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Despise Not Prophesyings
19 June 2016 AM – 1Thessalonians 5:20 – 1Th2016 – Scott Childs