Gleanings in First Thessalonians
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:25-28
Brethren, pray for us.
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
(the home stretch.)
This is the closing of the book of First Thessalonians.
A call to the brothers and sisters to “pray for us” – meaning Paul and company, because they are out and about doing the work of the Lord in perils each and every day:
2Cor 11:23-28
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
This is not uncommon for Paul to request this:
2Thess 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
Eph 6:18-19
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Col 4:2-4
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Prayer, don’t leave home without it nor shortchange your brethren of it, especially them that labour among you.
Greeting with the “holy kiss”. I did allude to this a couple of posts ago, it sounds odd for us today, because we think it might be gay (and we don’t want to be gay, in today’s sense of the usage). But it is not. It is just form of greeting, salutation (not lustful desire in an inordinate perverted way, etc.).
Some “kiss”-es in the Bible:
Gen 27:26
And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
(A father and son, a greeting and show of respect.)
2Sam 20:9
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
(Joab and Amasa were both seasoned, manly military men, a couple of beast warriors, this isn’t no pride parade… this was a respectful salutation.)
Psa 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
(This is in reference to respect to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords… need I say more?)
Luke 7:45
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
(Christ talking with a Pharisee, salutation.)
Mat 26:48
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mark 14:44
And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
Luke 22:47-48
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
(A greeting.)
Now we have the “holy” kiss:
Rom 16:16
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
1Cor 16:20
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
2Cor 13:12
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
1Thess 5:26
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
Again, it is the same thing, but now we are in a setting with the individuals greeting the other individuals who are both in the body of Christ, holy brethren; I believe it then becomes a “holy kiss” and “holy” greeting, a “holy” salutation.
In verse 27, Paul states: “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.” Paul is giving command about what to do with this letter, and gives us a glimpse on how God is going to preserve scripture: he is going to have the holy brethren, copy it and send it out, using imperfect ink and parchment, and it will be copied and copied and copied, and sent out to other churches. This process will take place until the advent of modern printing, collation of manuscripts into edited copies, and bound in a book.
Also, it indicates that this epistle and the information therein was not solely for the Thessalonian church, as we can see, we have it today, we are gentiles, Paul was the apostle to the gentiles, etc.
And verse 28, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen”
Are we saved? If yes, then we have that grace – and we can carry that same grace to others, “seasoned with salt” no doubt (Col 4:6).
Amen.
This concludes our First Thessalonians gleanings.
Grace and Peace James.
See I made it through the book. I think we shall go directly into Second Thessalonians next, unless I change my mind.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Monday, September 23, 2024
1Thess 5:23-24 Wholly, blameless, and faithful.
Gleanings in First Thessalonians
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:23-24
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.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Only God can sanctify us, especially “wholly”, Entirely; completely; perfectly.
Remember, to sanctify is in a general sense, to cleanse, purify or make holy; and to separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use; and to purify; to prepare for divine service, and for partaking of holy things.
Our final phase of sanctification will be future at the Lord’s coming.
Here at the end of chapter 5, we have another reference to our catching up, the coming of the Lord, being saved from wrath, being with the full members of the body of Christ as we have had in the previous four chapters… our hope:
1Thess 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Thess 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Thess 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1Thess 4:16-17
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
And now here at the near end of chapter 5.
Paul again is praying for us and our well doing, (not for material benefit, financial gains and wealth and the name it and claim it prayer program,) his prayer is heartfelt, as a benefit to God and you and the body of Christ.
Again, looking at our composition, we are made up of three parts, given in the order of importance to God: spirit, soul and body (we always think of it in the order of body, soul and spirit – we can usually see how it shows how we are grounded).
Our spirit is going to absorb the words of God, scripture, the Bible, and let us know the correct way to think, it is our connection with God. The soul is the essence of our being, our heart, our will and bed of emotions of which we have a part in modifying either to the spirit or to the flesh. The body is this suit we carry around the soul and spirit that is connected tot his physical world.
Paul spends a lot of time telling us how to live and I think that is what is at play when we talk about being blameless.
To be “preserved blameless”: we will be preserved, all three parts can be preserved, if we just do those things that are pleasing to God in this time that we have. God will do his part – we have the free gift. We just have to trudge through “this present evil world” (Gal 1) aligning ourselves to the Lord’s will in this time. Paul exhorts us many times about the opportunity to be “blameless”:
1Thess 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Col 1:19-23
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Phl 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Phl 2:15-16
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:23-24
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.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Only God can sanctify us, especially “wholly”, Entirely; completely; perfectly.
Remember, to sanctify is in a general sense, to cleanse, purify or make holy; and to separate, set apart or appoint to a holy, sacred or religious use; and to purify; to prepare for divine service, and for partaking of holy things.
Our final phase of sanctification will be future at the Lord’s coming.
Here at the end of chapter 5, we have another reference to our catching up, the coming of the Lord, being saved from wrath, being with the full members of the body of Christ as we have had in the previous four chapters… our hope:
1Thess 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Thess 2:19
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Thess 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1Thess 4:16-17
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
And now here at the near end of chapter 5.
Paul again is praying for us and our well doing, (not for material benefit, financial gains and wealth and the name it and claim it prayer program,) his prayer is heartfelt, as a benefit to God and you and the body of Christ.
Again, looking at our composition, we are made up of three parts, given in the order of importance to God: spirit, soul and body (we always think of it in the order of body, soul and spirit – we can usually see how it shows how we are grounded).
Our spirit is going to absorb the words of God, scripture, the Bible, and let us know the correct way to think, it is our connection with God. The soul is the essence of our being, our heart, our will and bed of emotions of which we have a part in modifying either to the spirit or to the flesh. The body is this suit we carry around the soul and spirit that is connected tot his physical world.
Paul spends a lot of time telling us how to live and I think that is what is at play when we talk about being blameless.
To be “preserved blameless”: we will be preserved, all three parts can be preserved, if we just do those things that are pleasing to God in this time that we have. God will do his part – we have the free gift. We just have to trudge through “this present evil world” (Gal 1) aligning ourselves to the Lord’s will in this time. Paul exhorts us many times about the opportunity to be “blameless”:
1Thess 3:13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Col 1:19-23
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Phl 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Phl 2:15-16
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
1Cor 1:4-9
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
(notice how this structure is essentially the same as 1Thess 5:23-24)
Blameless-(adj) Without fault; innocent; guiltless; not meriting censure.
Getting some insight from other places in the word of God, we see that it is not about being “sinless” or about doing everything perfect, however, it does cover doing the things the way they are to be done:
“Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?” (Matt 12:5) – the sabbath was for rest, no work, yet the priests, according to the law, had to do work on the sabbath days, divinely inspired work, but work nonetheless.
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luk 1:6); now in this case, John the Baptist’s parents were not sinless, but they did all things according to the ordinances of the law, therefore they were “blameless”.
“Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Phl 3:6); here Paul was not sinless, however, he did things according to the law, therefore: blameless.
So we may have our faults, but we can adjust and correct them, and do according to the instructions out of the scripture, and be “blameless”.
Phl 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” is the footnote to our “preservation” that Paul brings to our attention. I am not that faithful, but God is; it is through him that we are given the “earnest of the Spirit” (Eph 1:13-14) until the redemption of our bodies, it is through him that we are put into Christ – we will not miss out on the remainder of our salvation.
2Tim 2:11-13
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Phl 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Deut 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
1Cor 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2Thess 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
Lam 3:22-23
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Grace and Peace James
Wholly, blameless, and faithful.
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
(notice how this structure is essentially the same as 1Thess 5:23-24)
Blameless-(adj) Without fault; innocent; guiltless; not meriting censure.
Getting some insight from other places in the word of God, we see that it is not about being “sinless” or about doing everything perfect, however, it does cover doing the things the way they are to be done:
“Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?” (Matt 12:5) – the sabbath was for rest, no work, yet the priests, according to the law, had to do work on the sabbath days, divinely inspired work, but work nonetheless.
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luk 1:6); now in this case, John the Baptist’s parents were not sinless, but they did all things according to the ordinances of the law, therefore they were “blameless”.
“Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Phl 3:6); here Paul was not sinless, however, he did things according to the law, therefore: blameless.
So we may have our faults, but we can adjust and correct them, and do according to the instructions out of the scripture, and be “blameless”.
Phl 2:15
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” is the footnote to our “preservation” that Paul brings to our attention. I am not that faithful, but God is; it is through him that we are given the “earnest of the Spirit” (Eph 1:13-14) until the redemption of our bodies, it is through him that we are put into Christ – we will not miss out on the remainder of our salvation.
2Tim 2:11-13
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Phl 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Deut 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
1Cor 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2Thess 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
Lam 3:22-23
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Grace and Peace James
Wholly, blameless, and faithful.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
1Thess 5:16-22 Prove. Hold. Abstain.
Gleanings in First Thessalonians
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:16-22
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
I love these verses. Taken as a unit, you have a compressed “will of God” verse package that can always keep you on the right path…. (and you will not get charged extra for this portable power pack for the pre-tribulation patriot!)
Rejoice Evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (you should be in the will of God if you are doing these things.)
I always think of Psalm 1 for some reason for the person living under the Jewish dispensation:
Psa 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
That is how I feel about these verses in First Thessalonians 5: to be planted by the waters and bringing forth fruit, always growing and prospering. Amen, amen, amen.
Verse 21 “Prove all things”… what do we think that means?
I suppose it means that we should check everything out, don’t just take someone’s word for it, or some preacher’s take on it, or some church’s stance on it, or some religious institutions explanation of it, or some scholars educational spin on it, etc. Prove all things; prove it. Remember the verse from Acts 17 I used last installment:
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Here are a few more to ponder:
Matt 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Rom 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Eph 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Phl 1:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
1John 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.
But with proving anything, you must needs have a standard -you have to have a faultless firm stable rule of which to measure things against. That rule/standard is not arbitrary or subjective – it is the infallible Bible of which you have in your possession. Find the Bible you deem that God has deemed infallible, and start proving.
And to finish off the verse, “hold fast that which is good.” There you have it. The good stuff keep. The good stuff own. The good stuff is for you to hold fast, securely, tightly, surely. Prov 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”
Remember this one form Romans, “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”( Rom 16:19). Hold fast to it and be wise unto it, but the rest, but the evil, be simple towards it, it has no value (yet that is what the carnal mind consumes itself with learning about; the human is a strange creature in its fallen state.)
And here is the clencher, verse 22, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I think we know what “abstain” means – to restrain, to refrain, to hold back from, to keep from action – do not partake in. “from all appearances…” wha? From anything that looks questionable my friend. “from all appearances of evil”. There you go. Simple, direct, to the point. Does Paul list them? Do you need them listed? Is it that hard to figure out? Do you have a conscience? Or is it seared? (1Tim 4:2). This is not rocket science here guys. But here are a few to give some appearance…
Gal 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1Cor 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Cor 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
Eph 4:17-19
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Rom 1:22-32
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Those are some of the easy obvious ones to see and avoid – but the appearance as well, are we giving off any appearances of these things, and the other subtle ones?
For something to see, visible, manifested openly, how about:
Rom 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
1Cor 10:31-33
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
2Cor 8:21
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
We have what we need for a pleasing to God Christian life:
Rejoice Evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Amen, amen, amen.
Grace and peace James.
Prove. Hold. Abstain.
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:16-22
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
I love these verses. Taken as a unit, you have a compressed “will of God” verse package that can always keep you on the right path…. (and you will not get charged extra for this portable power pack for the pre-tribulation patriot!)
Rejoice Evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (you should be in the will of God if you are doing these things.)
I always think of Psalm 1 for some reason for the person living under the Jewish dispensation:
Psa 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
That is how I feel about these verses in First Thessalonians 5: to be planted by the waters and bringing forth fruit, always growing and prospering. Amen, amen, amen.
Verse 21 “Prove all things”… what do we think that means?
I suppose it means that we should check everything out, don’t just take someone’s word for it, or some preacher’s take on it, or some church’s stance on it, or some religious institutions explanation of it, or some scholars educational spin on it, etc. Prove all things; prove it. Remember the verse from Acts 17 I used last installment:
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Here are a few more to ponder:
Matt 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Rom 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Eph 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Phl 1:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
1John 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.
But with proving anything, you must needs have a standard -you have to have a faultless firm stable rule of which to measure things against. That rule/standard is not arbitrary or subjective – it is the infallible Bible of which you have in your possession. Find the Bible you deem that God has deemed infallible, and start proving.
And to finish off the verse, “hold fast that which is good.” There you have it. The good stuff keep. The good stuff own. The good stuff is for you to hold fast, securely, tightly, surely. Prov 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”
Remember this one form Romans, “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”( Rom 16:19). Hold fast to it and be wise unto it, but the rest, but the evil, be simple towards it, it has no value (yet that is what the carnal mind consumes itself with learning about; the human is a strange creature in its fallen state.)
And here is the clencher, verse 22, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I think we know what “abstain” means – to restrain, to refrain, to hold back from, to keep from action – do not partake in. “from all appearances…” wha? From anything that looks questionable my friend. “from all appearances of evil”. There you go. Simple, direct, to the point. Does Paul list them? Do you need them listed? Is it that hard to figure out? Do you have a conscience? Or is it seared? (1Tim 4:2). This is not rocket science here guys. But here are a few to give some appearance…
Gal 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
1Cor 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Cor 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
Eph 4:17-19
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Rom 1:22-32
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Those are some of the easy obvious ones to see and avoid – but the appearance as well, are we giving off any appearances of these things, and the other subtle ones?
For something to see, visible, manifested openly, how about:
Rom 12:17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
1Cor 10:31-33
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
2Cor 8:21
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
We have what we need for a pleasing to God Christian life:
Rejoice Evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Amen, amen, amen.
Grace and peace James.
Prove. Hold. Abstain.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
1Thess 5:20 ...a prophesying not i despise
Gleanings in First Thessalonians
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:20
Despise not prophesyings.
“Despise not” means exactly what it says, I do not think there is any problem with understanding that phrase. However, when we get to “prophesyings” we sort of start looking bewildered and perplexed and not sure where to go with it
Chapter 5
1Thess 5:20
Despise not prophesyings.
“Despise not” means exactly what it says, I do not think there is any problem with understanding that phrase. However, when we get to “prophesyings” we sort of start looking bewildered and perplexed and not sure where to go with it
[much like the “greet all the brethren with a holy kiss” (Rom 16:16; 1Cor 16:20; 2Cor 13:12; 1Th 5:26)…I gotta do wha?].
Prophesying usually accompanies prophets and we immediately/usually think of the foretelling of future events; that is just how we have been conditioned. And it is an important proof God uses to prove he is who he says he is. So if that is the case, who are our prophets? And what are they prophesying? There are enough false prophet charlatans out there to fill two Grand Canyons, who hoodwink large masses of people into donating money that they do not have in bogus ‘prophet-izational’ efforts – which things I do – I say: I do - DESPISE.(!)
So, what do we do? In our efforts to exegete the previous verse, we determined that the Spirit and scripture might tell us what we need to know; so that shall be our method here. But first, let us look at the Webster’s 1828 for his definition:
PROPH'ESY, verb intransitive
1. To utter predictions; to make declaration of events to come. (Jeremiah 11:21.);
2. In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to exhort. (1 Corinthians 13:9. Ezekiel 37:4.)
Hmmmmm, let us take him to task on this to see if it holds shall we? Yes, we shall. I know the first definition about ‘predictions’ is what we usually think of, and that is true – let’s hone in on the second definition about speaking the inspired words of God, because that is the meaning that usually goes forgotten, unnoticed or unknown.
Let us look at his verse references on that definition:
Eze 37:4
Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
So in this reference, the prophet Ezekiel is communicating the words from the LORD to the dry bones.
1Cor 13:9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
Again it seems as though it is about the same context, but I would not say these are the greatest examples.
Let’s dig deeper.
Here is an example where “prophesying” is associated with giving thanks and praise:
1Chr 25:1-3
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
Here is a reference where the seer (the old word for prophet) is to speak the law to the people, to speak right things (of which the Jews do not want to hear at this point in their rebellion against God):
Isa 30:9-10
That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
This is one of my favorites:
Mic 2:6, 11
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. ...
If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
So this is more or less the same, communicating the words of the LORD, giving instruction from God, that they do not want to hear – because it is convicting, and human nature does not want to hear things that convict when we are basking in wrong.
Lastly let us look at a spot in Exodus when referencing God, Moses and his brother Aaron:
Exo 6:28-30
And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
[...Here Moses does not want the role of the spokesman, because of his “uncircumcised lips”, which is taken to be of slow speech or stammering; continuing on…]
Exo 7:1-2
And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
So we see in this group of verses, Exodus 6:28-7:2, that the role of the prophet was to speak what God has said at hat time – Aaron was to be “prophet” to Moses’ “god” position; in reality Moses was the “prophet” to the LORD God. God spoke to Moses, then Moses speaks those very words to Aaron, and Aaron speaks those very words to Pharaoh. Now the prophet, or the office of the prophet, was to convey the words, and the message, that God wanted delivered to whom it was to be delivered to. The “prophesying” is the words of the “prophet” and could include warning, instruction or foretelling of future events, etc., however, it was all from the LORD and it was the message and words that the LORD wanted to be used.
I hope that helped. : ) I know I enjoyed it.
So coming back to our verse in First Thessalonians, “Despise not prophesyings” hits a bit more different, now that we know we are dealing with the word of God (So Webster’s definition was aligned biblically). So when we see “prophesying” or “prophet” or “prophesying” in New Testament letters/epistles/books it does not necessarily always mean someone “forth telling” of future events. That is a dangerous game to play today if people are going to stand up today and claim they have a new revelation or prophecy from God these days, and it is even more dangerous for the foolish listener (who are not “...more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11)
One thing that is being discussed here is that “the words of God”, the preaching, the scripture being spoken, is not to be despised. It couples right up to the previous verse about ‘quenching’ the Spirit.
Another thing, historically referring to the writing of this epistle to the Thessalonians (First Thessalonians being either the first or second letter written by Paul to be included in the New Testament (NT) canon of scripture, i.e. the NT Bible), is that at this point in history there is no physical 27 New Testament books yet collected and circulating as a NT Bible. Therefore, the office of the prophet was in need and useful and fulfilled a purpose because the newness of the NT church. The office of the prophet was given as a spiritual “gift”, but it was not to be a lasting permanent thing for the body of Christ, it was going to be done away with at a point in time.
1Cor 12:27-30
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Cor 13:8-10
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.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Eph 4:8, 11-1
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ...
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;…
So part of that office (of a prophet) is that we, the body of Christ, get a “perfecting”, that we get an “edifying”, until we come “in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God”; it was to have an accomplishment of providing the substance of “faith” and “knowledge” for us the body of Christ to grow into and by. Now, I will say, that this is when the canon of scripture was completed, and recognized as such, and copied out, and started being collected together for the body of Christ to learn, grow, understand, be edified, and to study and rightly divide. But he says “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”(1Cor 13:8-9). So it has a point on which it is to stop. And your modern day deceiver and twister of scripture (the false prophet) will play on the biblically ignorant just as the serpent did on Eve in the garden. Tis sad, however but true.
But the body of Christ is not to “despise” “prophesyings”. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2Tim 4:2); because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Tim 3:16-17). Also:
1 Cor 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Now there are prophecies all through the Bible, and a multitude which are yet to come to fruition. There is a whole end time scenario to be played out, that has references from Genesis all the way through Revelation. We do not despise those, but we also know that they will not happen while we are on this earth prior to the rapture. The next event to happen as concerning the body of Christ is the catching up, but until then, God does not see fit to continue to have the office of the prophet for the body of Christ in this current time – everything we need for us to know past, present and future is in that printed word of scripture contained in the 39 OT books and 27 NT books.
(I hope that was clear – sometimes I know what I want to say, but when I go to type it, my hands cannot keep up with my thoughts; plus I never really learned how to type.)
Grace and Peace James. Despise not prophesyings, just my incoherent ramblings.
Prophesying usually accompanies prophets and we immediately/usually think of the foretelling of future events; that is just how we have been conditioned. And it is an important proof God uses to prove he is who he says he is. So if that is the case, who are our prophets? And what are they prophesying? There are enough false prophet charlatans out there to fill two Grand Canyons, who hoodwink large masses of people into donating money that they do not have in bogus ‘prophet-izational’ efforts – which things I do – I say: I do - DESPISE.(!)
So, what do we do? In our efforts to exegete the previous verse, we determined that the Spirit and scripture might tell us what we need to know; so that shall be our method here. But first, let us look at the Webster’s 1828 for his definition:
PROPH'ESY, verb intransitive
1. To utter predictions; to make declaration of events to come. (Jeremiah 11:21.);
2. In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to exhort. (1 Corinthians 13:9. Ezekiel 37:4.)
Hmmmmm, let us take him to task on this to see if it holds shall we? Yes, we shall. I know the first definition about ‘predictions’ is what we usually think of, and that is true – let’s hone in on the second definition about speaking the inspired words of God, because that is the meaning that usually goes forgotten, unnoticed or unknown.
Let us look at his verse references on that definition:
Eze 37:4
Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
So in this reference, the prophet Ezekiel is communicating the words from the LORD to the dry bones.
1Cor 13:9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
Again it seems as though it is about the same context, but I would not say these are the greatest examples.
Let’s dig deeper.
Here is an example where “prophesying” is associated with giving thanks and praise:
1Chr 25:1-3
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
Here is a reference where the seer (the old word for prophet) is to speak the law to the people, to speak right things (of which the Jews do not want to hear at this point in their rebellion against God):
Isa 30:9-10
That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
This is one of my favorites:
Mic 2:6, 11
Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. ...
If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
So this is more or less the same, communicating the words of the LORD, giving instruction from God, that they do not want to hear – because it is convicting, and human nature does not want to hear things that convict when we are basking in wrong.
Lastly let us look at a spot in Exodus when referencing God, Moses and his brother Aaron:
Exo 6:28-30
And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
[...Here Moses does not want the role of the spokesman, because of his “uncircumcised lips”, which is taken to be of slow speech or stammering; continuing on…]
Exo 7:1-2
And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
So we see in this group of verses, Exodus 6:28-7:2, that the role of the prophet was to speak what God has said at hat time – Aaron was to be “prophet” to Moses’ “god” position; in reality Moses was the “prophet” to the LORD God. God spoke to Moses, then Moses speaks those very words to Aaron, and Aaron speaks those very words to Pharaoh. Now the prophet, or the office of the prophet, was to convey the words, and the message, that God wanted delivered to whom it was to be delivered to. The “prophesying” is the words of the “prophet” and could include warning, instruction or foretelling of future events, etc., however, it was all from the LORD and it was the message and words that the LORD wanted to be used.
I hope that helped. : ) I know I enjoyed it.
So coming back to our verse in First Thessalonians, “Despise not prophesyings” hits a bit more different, now that we know we are dealing with the word of God (So Webster’s definition was aligned biblically). So when we see “prophesying” or “prophet” or “prophesying” in New Testament letters/epistles/books it does not necessarily always mean someone “forth telling” of future events. That is a dangerous game to play today if people are going to stand up today and claim they have a new revelation or prophecy from God these days, and it is even more dangerous for the foolish listener (who are not “...more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11)
One thing that is being discussed here is that “the words of God”, the preaching, the scripture being spoken, is not to be despised. It couples right up to the previous verse about ‘quenching’ the Spirit.
Another thing, historically referring to the writing of this epistle to the Thessalonians (First Thessalonians being either the first or second letter written by Paul to be included in the New Testament (NT) canon of scripture, i.e. the NT Bible), is that at this point in history there is no physical 27 New Testament books yet collected and circulating as a NT Bible. Therefore, the office of the prophet was in need and useful and fulfilled a purpose because the newness of the NT church. The office of the prophet was given as a spiritual “gift”, but it was not to be a lasting permanent thing for the body of Christ, it was going to be done away with at a point in time.
1Cor 12:27-30
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Cor 13:8-10
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.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Eph 4:8, 11-1
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ...
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;…
So part of that office (of a prophet) is that we, the body of Christ, get a “perfecting”, that we get an “edifying”, until we come “in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God”; it was to have an accomplishment of providing the substance of “faith” and “knowledge” for us the body of Christ to grow into and by. Now, I will say, that this is when the canon of scripture was completed, and recognized as such, and copied out, and started being collected together for the body of Christ to learn, grow, understand, be edified, and to study and rightly divide. But he says “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”(1Cor 13:8-9). So it has a point on which it is to stop. And your modern day deceiver and twister of scripture (the false prophet) will play on the biblically ignorant just as the serpent did on Eve in the garden. Tis sad, however but true.
But the body of Christ is not to “despise” “prophesyings”. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2Tim 4:2); because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Tim 3:16-17). Also:
1 Cor 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Now there are prophecies all through the Bible, and a multitude which are yet to come to fruition. There is a whole end time scenario to be played out, that has references from Genesis all the way through Revelation. We do not despise those, but we also know that they will not happen while we are on this earth prior to the rapture. The next event to happen as concerning the body of Christ is the catching up, but until then, God does not see fit to continue to have the office of the prophet for the body of Christ in this current time – everything we need for us to know past, present and future is in that printed word of scripture contained in the 39 OT books and 27 NT books.
(I hope that was clear – sometimes I know what I want to say, but when I go to type it, my hands cannot keep up with my thoughts; plus I never really learned how to type.)
Grace and Peace James. Despise not prophesyings, just my incoherent ramblings.
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