Topical Bible: Contempt: Ministers should Give No Occasion For

◄ Contempt: Ministers should Give No Occasion For ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Contempt, in the biblical context, refers to the feeling or expression of disdain or disrespect towards someone or something considered unworthy of regard or attention. For ministers of the Gospel, it is imperative to live and serve in a manner that does not invite contempt from others, whether within the church or from the outside world. The Scriptures provide guidance on how ministers can avoid giving occasion for contempt, emphasizing the importance of integrity, humility, and exemplary conduct.

Biblical Foundations

1. 1 Timothy 4:12 : "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This verse underscores the importance of setting a positive example, regardless of age or experience. Ministers are called to live in such a way that their character and actions command respect and admiration, rather than contempt.

2. 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 : "We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way." Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for ministers to conduct themselves in a manner that does not hinder the Gospel or bring disrepute to their ministry. By living blamelessly, ministers can avoid giving others a reason to hold them in contempt.

3. Titus 2:7-8 : "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." This passage highlights the importance of integrity and sound teaching. Ministers are encouraged to live and teach in a way that leaves no room for legitimate criticism or contempt.

Practical Considerations

· Integrity and Honesty: Ministers should be known for their honesty and integrity in all dealings, both personal and professional. This includes financial transparency, truthfulness in communication, and faithfulness to commitments.

· Humility and Servanthood: Emulating Christ's example of humility and servanthood is crucial. Ministers should avoid arrogance and pride, instead serving others selflessly and with genuine love.

· Moral Purity: Maintaining moral purity is essential to avoid scandal and reproach. Ministers should be vigilant in guarding their hearts and actions, ensuring that they live above reproach in matters of personal conduct.

· Respectful Communication: Ministers should communicate with respect and grace, avoiding harsh or divisive language. Their speech should be edifying and seasoned with wisdom, reflecting the love and truth of the Gospel.

· Accountability: Establishing systems of accountability can help ministers remain faithful to their calling. This includes being open to correction and seeking counsel from trusted peers and mentors.

Challenges and Encouragement

Ministers face numerous challenges that can lead to contempt if not addressed properly. These include the pressures of leadership, the temptation to compromise, and the scrutiny of both believers and non-believers. However, by relying on the Holy Spirit and adhering to biblical principles, ministers can overcome these challenges and maintain a testimony that honors God and commands respect.

Ultimately, the call to avoid giving occasion for contempt is a call to reflect Christ in every aspect of life and ministry. By doing so, ministers not only protect their own reputations but also uphold the integrity of the Gospel they proclaim.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ...
... true, that to much frequency occasioned contempt, it would ... others to grumble: and
the Ministers hearing this ... worldly respects, that the faithful should lose so ...
/.../chap ii answering the reasons.htm

Epistle Lxviii. To Eusebius of Thessalonica.
... the peace of the Church, to the contempt and injury ... to it; but, as becomes ministers
of Almighty ... men, taking occasion of your assembly, should seek opportunity ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxviii to eusebius of.htm

The Preacher as a Man.
... with this in view, would be hypocrisy and deserve contempt. ... that heard him was, lest
he should make an ... astonished me to observe how easily ministers' wives in ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture vi the preacher as.htm

Degrees of Sin
... and illuminations, is joined with rejection and contempt of God ... if they could help
it, God should no longer be ... in wooing them by his Spirit and ministers to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 2 degrees of sin.htm

Preached on Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Fletcher ...
... worthy the imitation of all the parochial Ministers in the ... She added, O my dear master,
should you be ... how often he has rejoiced in being treated with contempt. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 133 preached on occasion.htm

Dedication
... endeavoring to bring the ministry into contempt, and the ... My second request to the
ministers in these kingdoms ... a sad case, that good men should settle themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... and on this account were held in contempt by the ... admiring audience; and front that
of ministers of the ... If the husbandman should gather two or three straggling ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

Preface by David Lewis.
... I read of the gestures of contempt that were ... therefore, for her sincerity, that all
should be favourable ... to that of Holy Church our mother, and her ministers. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/preface by david lewis.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... do signify in us ill-opinion, or contempt, anger, hatred ... Secondly, likewise ministers,
in the taxing sin and sinners ... 3. We should not cast reproach upon any man ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Preface
... even though the purport of it should be expressed ... by the suffrage of writers and
ministers eminent for ... often degenerate into anger or contempt, towards those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/preface.htm