Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:10-11
"Let No One Despise You"
Intro.
1. Despise is used to translate two words in NT:
a. ĕxŏuthĕnĕō: “To make of no account” (Thayer, 225); Treat with contempt; to count as nothing; to hold in low esteem, set at naught; to reject (not receive), Gal. 4:14.
b. pĕriphrŏnĕō: “To set one’s self in thought beyond (exalt one’s self in thought above” (Thayer, 507); to look down on.
2. Despising others (both words) is produced by selfish attributes:
a. Self-righteousness, Lk. 18:9.
b. Arrogance, 1 Cor. 1:28.
c. Divisive attitude and actions, 1 Cor. 11:22.
3. Three times, Paul said, “let no one despise” someone or something.
4. Examine them to be sure we do not fall into this sin.
I. LET NO ONE DESPISE GOD’S WORKER (TIMOTHY), 1 Cor. 16:10-11.
A. Because He does the Work of the Lord (like the apostle), 16:11.
B. Do not Treat Him in a Way that Causes Him to Fear, 16:10.
1. Do not let this happen.
2. How could (can) this happen?
a. By rejecting what Timothy taught, 2 Tim. 4:3; 2 Cor. 10:10-11.
b. By opposing him if he didn’t fit into one of their clics (1:12).
c. By not “sending him on his way” – By hindering, renouncing or otherwise not fully supporting him in his work, 16:11.
C. The Preacher who Preaches Truth Must not be Despised for Doing His Work, 1 Tim. 4:13, 15.
1. Should be commended and encouraged, 3 Jno. 5-8.
a. By complaining that preacher doesn’t work – has it easy.
b. By comparing preachers, 2 Cor. 10:12.
2. By thinking the preacher is on a vacation when he travels to preach somewhere else (cf. Timothy).
D. The Elders Who Rule Well Must not be Despised for Doing theirWork, cf. 1 Tim. 5:17-19; 1 Thess. 5:12-13.
1. Honor, esteem highly; do not look down on.
2. Obey their rule (lead) with submission, not complaint.
II. LET NO ONE DESPISE YOUR YOUTH, 1 Tim. 4:12.
A. Your Conduct will Either Produce or Prevent being Despised.
1. Youthful inexperience (cf. Rehoboam, 2 Chron. 13:7).
2. Youthful lusts and youthful conceit do not serve the Lord, 2 Tim. 2:23-25 (foolish, ignorant disputes will cause you to be held in low esteem, 2:14).
3. Youthful failure to be respectful of the aged, 1 Tim. 5:1-2.
B. Do not Give an Opportunity to the Adversary.
1. Young men, Titus 2:6-8.
2. Young women (and young widows), Titus 2:4-5; 1 Tim. 5:11-15.
III. LET NO ONE DESPISE YOU FOR SPEAKING GOD’S TRUTH, Titus 2:15
A. Speak, Exhort and Rebuke with All Authority, Titus 2:1.
1. Authority of heaven, via the Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. Authority of God, 1 Tim. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:5.
3. Authority of the apostles, 1 Cor. 4:17.
B. How this Happens Today.
1. Discredit the messenger when he preaches the word with authority. Attack the messenger: Preacher, Elders, etc. (Unrighteous judgment)
a. Charge him with arrogance for definitive preaching.
b. Charge him with inconsistency, 2 Cor. 10:8-11.
c. Charge him with having an air of superiority when he stands on the firm, unshakeable ground of truth.
d. Drum up personal opposition, 3 Jno. 9-10; 1 Cor. 1:12.
2. Mock those who boldly speak God’s truth and do God’s will, cf. Neh. 4:1-3, 4-6.
Conclusion
1. We must never despise God’s workers, faithful young people, and those who faithfully teach and preach the truth.
2. The faithful must “endure afflictions” – One of which is being unjustly despised for righteousness’ sake, 2 Tim. 4:5; Matt. 5:10-12.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: July 18, 2017