Topical Bible: Contempt of Ministers, is a Despising of God

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Contempt of ministers, as understood within the Christian tradition, is not merely a disregard for human authority but is seen as a direct affront to God Himself. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of the role and calling of ministers as God's appointed servants and messengers.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible establishes the authority of ministers as divinely ordained. In the Old Testament, the Levites and priests were set apart for the service of God, and their role was to mediate between God and the people. In the New Testament, this role is expanded to include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Despising God's Messengers

Contempt for ministers is equated with despising God because these individuals are seen as His representatives. In 1 Samuel 8:7 , when the Israelites rejected Samuel's leadership, God said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." This passage underscores the principle that rejecting God's appointed leaders is tantamount to rejecting God Himself.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament reinforces this idea. Jesus, in sending out His disciples, said in Luke 10:16 , "Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me." This statement highlights the continuity between the authority of Christ, His messengers, and ultimately God the Father.

Respect for Authority

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of respecting those in spiritual authority. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 , he writes, "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." This exhortation reflects the high regard in which ministers should be held, not for their own sake, but because of their divine commission.

Consequences of Contempt

The Bible also warns of the consequences of despising God's ministers. In Numbers 16, the rebellion of Korah against Moses and Aaron serves as a stark example. Korah's contempt for their leadership was met with severe judgment from God, illustrating the seriousness with which God views such actions.

Role of the Congregation

While ministers are to be respected, the congregation also has a role in discerning and holding leaders accountable to biblical standards. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received. This balance ensures that respect for ministers does not lead to blind allegiance but is rooted in a shared commitment to God's truth.

In summary, contempt of ministers is viewed within the biblical framework as a serious offense against God, reflecting a broader principle of respect for divinely appointed authority. This understanding calls for a reverent attitude towards those who serve in spiritual leadership, recognizing their role as representatives of God's will and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:16
He that hears you hears me; and he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises him that sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 4:8
He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who has also given to us his holy Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... to feel a sort of dislike and contempt for his ... But the persons I speak of, as despising
this world ... this reason it is difficult for Christian ministers to speak ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

The Praise of Men.
... offices of teachers or of God's ministers, they generally ... no; whatever censure, contempt,
or ridicule attaches to ... of supposing that the world's despising us is ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... It is high time therefore, for thy ministers, O God ... But the drunkard, despising the
goodness and bounty of ... leave my companions, I must expect contempt: for they ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm

Doctrines of Carpocrates.
... of the Jews, regarded these with contempt, and that ... same sphere as his, and therefore
despising in like ... been mentioned] to another angel, who ministers to him ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxv doctrines of carpocrates.htm

Agree with Thine Adversary
... spirit, which He has appointed as ministers of His ... unhealthy from their parents'
sins, despising their parents ... written, Hardness of heart, and Contempt of God's ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvii agree with thine.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 3-Jan
... by this also the subordinate class of ministers (tous diakonous ... that by fear He may
destroy contempt; and when the ... on the ground and not despising the little ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily viii 1 cor iii.htm

The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ
... other), was there not some, that despising the money ... prudent and politic than the
faithful ministers are in ... to bring all my preachers to envy, shame, contempt? ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/the sermon that the reverend.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... requite us with scorn and hatred and contempt, and account us ... And how sadly do many
ministers come off under ... too much in their master, and despising those that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
... power been given from above to Satan and his ministers. ... which the Lord avenges this
arrogance and contempt of his ... we have said as to not despising our liberty ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 of vows the.htm

Rejection of Christianity.
... Despising, therefore, as they did, the whole system, it ... persuasion, or from a settled
contempt of the ... also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv rejection of christianity.htm