Topical Bible: Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Saints

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Contempt, as exhibited by the wicked towards the saints, is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the tension between those who follow God's ways and those who reject them. This disdain is often rooted in the moral and spiritual opposition between the righteous and the unrighteous.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. Mockery and Derision: The wicked frequently mock the saints, belittling their faith and trust in God. In Psalm 123:3-4, the psalmist pleads for mercy, expressing the scorn they endure: "We have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud." This passage underscores the persistent ridicule faced by the faithful from those who are haughty and dismissive of God's people.

2. Persecution and Hostility: The contempt of the wicked often escalates to active persecution. In the New Testament, Jesus warns His followers of the hatred they will face: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). This enmity is a reflection of the world's rejection of Christ and, by extension, His followers.

3. Moral and Spiritual Opposition: The contempt shown by the wicked is not merely personal but is deeply rooted in a spiritual conflict. Proverbs 29:27 states, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." This verse highlights the inherent opposition between the values of the righteous and the wicked, leading to mutual disdain.

4. Vindication of the Righteous: Despite the contempt they face, the saints are assured of God's ultimate vindication. In Psalm 37:12-13, the psalmist writes, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This assurance provides comfort to the saints, reminding them that God's justice will prevail.

5. Endurance and Faithfulness: The saints are called to endure contempt with patience and faith. In 1 Peter 4:14, believers are encouraged: "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." This perspective transforms contempt into a source of blessing, as it aligns the believer with Christ's own sufferings.

Theological Implications

The contempt of the wicked towards the saints serves as a reminder of the broader spiritual battle between good and evil. It reflects the world's rejection of God's authority and the moral order He has established. For the saints, enduring such contempt is part of their calling to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.

The Bible consistently portrays the saints as those who, despite being marginalized and scorned by the world, are precious in God's sight. Their faithfulness amidst contempt is a testament to their hope in God's promises and their commitment to His righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:141
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget your precepts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... praise, nor because we study to exhibit powers of ... and correct the sinner, treatest
thy Benefactor with contempt!". ... by another who is lawless and wicked, and to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... man are spiritual wisdom, temperance, patience, contempt of all ... not only be able
to deride wicked men, but ... exhorting one another, may exhibit great improvement ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily viii an exhortation to.htm

The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion.
... shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among ... and beginning of the third century
exhibit a considerable ... and, to dispute his prerogatives, a contempt of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter xiii the theory of.htm

The Mystery
... to despise, or to irritate by contempt, so that ... spirits besides, with his disgraceful
and wicked fables and ... to be esteemed by God, who exhibit themselves as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The Alarum
... If ever we should exhibit the angels' wakefulness, it ... nor suffer his government to
be treated with contempt. ... this text: "God is angry with the wicked every day ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... before God and supplicating Him, we do not exhibit even so ... our contempt; for that
this is a contempt is plain ... say to thee on That Day, "O wicked and villainous ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... When he would lead us away from wicked practices, and ... And now would ye have me exhibit
examples of secular ... was for his hospitality, for his contempt of riches ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... representing him are false and wicked fictions; and ... his presence being brought into
contempt by foolish ... Indeed, brothels exhibit their inmates more chastely and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... These are the playthings of the Wicked One, who is ... them: but in order that I might
exhibit to you ... up for us the doctrine which was in contempt: farewell, scene ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the ...
... in a manner the object of derision and contempt among the ... day a man shall turn from
his most wicked way, I ... not wish it." Often does the son exhibit this loving ...
/.../sermon xxxvii delivered on the.htm