Don’t Throw It Out

As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: “It’s a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians–and I am one of them.”

In reality, joy is the byproduct of obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5.19 says— “Quench not the Spirit”. It is the only way we can live the Spirit-filled-full of joy-kind of life we read about in scripture. The key is the next line…  “Despise not prophesyings.” (20)

In the first century church, before the cannon of scripture was complete, there were Apostles like Paul and Prophets like Silas. They were the mouthpieces of God and the final authority until the New Testament could be written. It is important to note that “prophesyings” are not necessarily the same as ‘prophecies’. In this text for instance, it is not foretelling, but forth-telling. Today we would call it ‘preaching’. Since the book of Revelation was written we have the final authority of faith and practice for New Testament believers and their assemblies—The Bible. What God says on this or that is found here in scripture, revealed by the Spirit. 

There could be an obvious problem… not all who said they were Apostles or Prophets were actually authentic. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 7.15— “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” John also said in 1 John 4.1— “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” This may have turned some of the members of the church to the possibility of doubt in what they were hearing.  

This is where the real punch of the text comes alive. If we despise what God truly wants, then we would naturally ‘quench’ Him. Which is why Paul continues to explain how we should approach everything with ‘discernment’— “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (21-22). In our day, the words of the Bible are the words of God, breathed upon every page, by His Spirit. It is our final authority! By this we is discern all things, hold to good and run from evil. What God-loving believer wouldn’t want to know for sure what God wants?  

I’ve taken the liberty to list a couple of questions that might be helpful to ask yourself and reflect on:

1) What does it mean to despise? 

Some have said—‘I don’t despise what the Bible says…I mean, I don’t hate it…’ But the word “despise” (exoutheneite) is from: exou, to cast out; and theneito—to nothing. So it means to ‘reduce or cast out as nothing’. To regard something as lacking any value is despise. To throw out is despise. 

2) Am I despising God’s word? 

Do I simply regarding it as ‘normal’ or disregarding it by throwing it out as supreme compared to the mix of thoughts and advices I listen to?

3) What does that look like, exactly?

Personally… I have been known to blow off a preacher or two. I’ve even argued with them in my head. I know believers who pick and chose when they are going to show up to services just because who may be speaking. 1 Corinthians says that’s ‘carnal’ and not much different than the world. We are commanded to ‘rightly divide the word of truth.’ So I get it when someone is not doing that, but when they are…who are we to despise it?

Corporately… We are in an age when it’s popular to look down upon the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Some have even tossed it out, which is the definition of despise. When asked why a person goes to a particular church, they should say things like: community, friendship, and worship, but not at the expense of the Word of God. It’s being disposed of. It’s being replaced. 

4) Why is this happening?  

If there is no Word, then no way of judging what is true, what is right, what is bad, what should be done, and what should be avoided. The Devil has cunningly removed the source on how to follow and love God. This is vital! It is also impossible to know without the Word. Well intentioned believers over the years have asked what I believe about a particular social or church related topic.  When I reply with scripture, many times it is despised. No sweat with me, they are despising the source, not me. This was from church-going believers, not the world. They are just those who ‘think’ like the world because they do not know what the Word says. 

5) What are the long-lasting consequences?

When you despise the Word, the delivery of it, or the acceptance of it… you are cutting off all three eternal resources to your spiritual growth: Spirit of God, Church of God, and the Word of God. HIs desire is in verse 23— “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”He doesn’t just want your church attendance— He wants to set you apart (sanctify) yourself as His. He wants to grow you wholly— your spirit, soul (mind will and emotions) and even your body. All of this is done by the practice of the Word of God in your life. The absence of His Word blocks HIs working in you as verse 24 says— “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” This is His will for you. But when you despise His revelations, you despise Him. You are only hurting yourself by hindering your relationship with your Heavenly Father.  

Folks, I’ve learned to love truth. To see the sanctifying ability of truth as Jesus said in John 17.17. I’ve also learned how essential it is to never toss it aside…Don’t Throw It Out!