Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophecies, but examine all things; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

Observation | Today we study our fifth of six imperatives, “do not despise prophecies, but examine all things.” First, let us learn of this restricting command against “despising” prophecies, which is having “contempt” for them, or to “set them at naught.” In this word “despise” is a range of meaning from having a low value of them, a sort of careless numbness, to having a negative value that would rather not hear or accept them. These responses and dispositions of the heart are forbidden by God. Proverbs 1:7 is an excellent parallel. “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Second, we must understand what meaning God gives to the word “prophecies” if we are to obey the command not to despise them. Even a basic look at the Scriptures will find the presence of “prophets” who “prophecy” in the Old Testament. These men of God repeatedly spoke “Thus says the Lord.” (Ex 4:22, 32:27, Joshua 24:2, Judges 6:8, 1 Samuel 2:27, 10:18, 15:2, 2 Samuel 7:5, 1 Kings 11:31, etc) These prophets were the heralds of God. Their job was to call people to trust in and obey the message that came from the King of Kings. One aspect of this heralding was to motivate people to obey the message, by warning them of the judgement their disobedience was bringing. This future telling aspect of the prophets has for some so called christians become the focal point and sole understanding of what “prophecy” is.

The danger of this error is a fascination and exaltation of the sensational above things deemed less awe inspiring like faith, repentance, and holy living. Further with this error “prophetic” future telling becomes fortune telling and the awe of such a thing becomes so fascinating that the original purpose is lost. What was the purpose of future telling? God revealed His judgements ahead of time to graciously call His people to trust Him and repent by obeying His Word.

A more in-depth study would be beneficial, but one can conclude that future telling in prophecy has ceased to be normal or expected today (1 Cor 13:8). Along with the regular working of miracles, the gift of healing, and speaking in tongues, such awesome displays of God’s power were necessary as a sign for the unbelieving that affirmed the revelation of God’s Word and New Covenant (1 Cor 12:12, 14:22). With the close of the apostolic age and the writing of scripture, that need ceased. A study of the New Testament reveals that these affirming “signs” also grew less common. So much so that much of the New Testament doesn’t even mention them. The point is that we shouldn’t expect the miraculous to be as normal as it was when Jesus and the apostles walked the earth.

Today, we have the authority and sufficiency of scripture. Then, future telling was an aspect of prophecy that existed as a sign and wonder to verify the truth of God’s message (Heb 2:4). Still even at that time, preaching and teaching were exalted over the more sensational act of speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:5, 12, 13, 27, 28). This conclusion of scripture is sometimes called cessationism (from the word “cease”). It is the study that shows that God has not ceased to do miraculous things, but that they have ceased to be common and ought not to be expected. In this way, the common view that prophecy is simply future telling is missing the mark.

So, to understand prophecy, let us look to the analogy of faith and let scripture interpret scripture. How does the New Testament define prophecy? 1 Corinthians 14:24–25 gives sufficient detail.“If all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that SURELY GOD IS AMONG YOU.” Let us define prophecy as scripture does then. Prophecy 1) convicts, 2) calls to account, 3) discloses secrets of the heart, 4) causes people to worship God and come to believe. Further 1 Corinthians 14:31 tells us that prophecy 5) teaches all and 6) exhorts all. Such a definition fits the role of one who speaks “thus says the Lord” still today in preaching and teaching the Word of God. The warning of specific future judgement is here again no longer necessary.

Therefore, as 2 Thessalonians 5:20 commands us “do not despise prophecies,” we must not have little care for and a negative disposition toward the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Consider how serious such a command of God is. Any soul that does not take the King of King’s Word seriously will have all the more to account for on the day of Judgement. Carelessness and ignorance are no excuse before a perfect and all-knowing judge. Especially when we’ve had opportunity to hear from that King’s heralds. Yet, we are graciously left with an additional warning to protect us from worthless preaching and the preaching of error, “but examine all things, hold fast to that which is good;”

So, our last lesson is that sitting under any teaching and preaching of God’s Word requires discernment. Whatever is “good” in God’s eyes, we are to “hold fast to.” So too is the contrary, whatever is not “good” in God’s eyes, we are NOT to hold fast to, but leave. Therefore, as we listen to holy scripture taught we must examine it. One way is by asking questions such as these: Is the teaching faithful to scripture? Is it accurate? Does it glorify God or man? Is it man’s wisdom? Is it just a story time and entertainment aimed at growing more followers for the preacher and the church? Or does the teaching exalt the Word by teaching it verse by verse? By unpacking the meanings of what God has said and applying it to our faith and obedience? Some examination of teaching may conclude that it is all “factual” and accurate knowledge, yet there is no application, or call for true faith, for repentance and/or holy living. Why must we be warned and on the watch to test prophecies? “Because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).” We must not be ignorant of this fact. We must not tolerate anything less and we must lovingly hold men accountable who abuse the Holy Word after we “examine all things.”

Application | Have I despised the preaching and teaching of God’s Word with a careless attitude? Or have I valued the faithful teaching of scripture so highly that I arrange my schedule to prioritize it above everything else? When I hear teaching that “discloses the secrets of my heart” and calls me to “account” what is my response? Do I get upset at the teacher and despise God’s Word? Or do I respond with repentance and change my life? Do I examine the preaching and teaching I sit under and seek only those teachers who are faithful to lift up scripture instead of themselves and their ability to entertain? As I examine those who herald God’s message, do I encourage those who are faithful (few do btw) and do I lovingly hold accountable those who do not?

Prayer | Father, I am sorry I have not cared more and longed more for the preaching and teaching of Your Word. I am sorry I have despised prophecies by not ordered my life to hear Your Word lead me to a life of stronger faith and obedience. Give me a hunger for your Word, a guarding against false prophets, and a great appreciation for the faithful teaching of it. That I would live for your glory alone. Amen.