“Despise not prophesyings.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (KJV)
“Do not scoff at prophetic messages.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (NLT)
“Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (MSG)
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Mean?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:20, the Apostle Paul gives a clear and important directive to the believers in Thessalonica. He instructs them specifically not to despise prophesyings. But what does that truly mean for us today? Prophecy, throughout the Bible, is often understood as a message from God, communicated to His people, normally through a specific messenger. In this verse, Paul is encouraging the church to respect and honor these messages from the Lord instead of dismissing them. This attitude fosters an environment where believers can grow together in faith and wisdom. It also acknowledges the significant role that the Holy Spirit plays in leading us through prophetic words. This teaching shows us that God still speaks to us today, and we should remain open to His guidance through prophecy.
When we consider the meaning of this verse, it’s crucial to remember that the context is about the community of believers. Paul encourages unity and mutual respect within the church. He understands that prophetic messages can sometimes be challenging or meet with skepticism. Yet, he seeks to remind the church of the importance of being receptive to the voices that God uses to communicate His will. As we go through our individual and collective journeys, keeping our hearts and minds open to His messages is vital for our spiritual growth.
1 Thessalonians 5:20 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:20, it becomes clear that this verse holds significant meaning for the church as a body of believers. Paul’s admonition serves as a reminder for us not to take lightly the prophetic words that are shared within our communities. We are called to acknowledge and appreciate the ways God speaks to us, especially when those messages come from trusted spiritual leaders or fellow believers. By not despising prophecies, we foster a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to share what the Lord has laid on their hearts.
The term “despise” conveys a strong sense of disregard or dismissiveness. When Paul uses this word, he cautions us against easily discounting prophetic messages. It is easy to scoff at things we do not understand or that challenge our way of thinking. However, this verse invites us to adopt an attitude of openness and curiosity. By doing so, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, helping us to discern the truth within the messages shared with us. In 1 Corinthians 14:29, Paul provides additional context by saying that prophecies should be weighed, along with the input of other members of the congregation. We are encouraged to discuss, pray over, and evaluate prophetic messages together as a community, rather than rejecting them outright.
As believers, we must also reflect on what it means for us personally. If someone shares a prophetic word with us, rather than pushing it away, we must ask God for guidance in how to interpret it. Is there truth in it? How does it align with Scripture? In this way, we cultivate spiritual maturity and deepen our relationship with the Lord, seeking a closer walk with Him. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul speaks about the variety of spiritual gifts and how prophecy is among them, illustrating its significance as a divine communication tool within the church.
Ultimately, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 challenges us to have discernment with prophetic messages while respecting the process through which God speaks to His people. By being open to what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world around us, we keep our hearts in tune with His voice and affirm our commitment to serve Him in unity and love.
Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:20
The context of 1 Thessalonians 5:20 is vital to understanding its significance. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church at Thessalonica, which he had founded during his missionary journeys. This church had faced persecution and confusion regarding various teachings, particularly about the return of Christ. So, Paul’s overall message encourages the Thessalonian church to stay strong in their faith and community, providing many practical applications in the closing chapter.
Before mentioning not to despise prophecies, Paul highlights the importance of testing everything and holding on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This instruction emphasizes discernment in all areas of faith, reminding readers that not every message characterized as prophetic is genuinely from God. The inclusion of prophecy seeks to ensure that believers remain vigilant, anchoring themselves firmly in God’s Word as their ultimate guide. They were living in a time of social upheaval and uncertainty, and the church needed to be united in hope, trust, and spiritual fortitude.
The verses leading up to 1 Thessalonians 5:20 address how followers of Christ should treat one another, which ties into the notion of prophecy being a communal experience rather than an isolated activity. The body of believers grows and thrives through mutual encouragement, inspiration, and guidance found in one another’s input. The command to not despise prophesyings reveals that God values communication among His people and that the church should maintain a posture of openness and exploration of God’s will.
Keeping the context in mind, we see that Paul’s message underscores the need for unity in the church, especially regarding all aspects of spiritual growth. When we foster an environment where prophetic words are shared, weighed, and discussed, we create opportunities for growth and strength in our faith journeys. The hesitancy to embrace or share prophecies not only limits our relationship with God but can also damage the fellowship among believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Thessalonians 5:20
As we explore the key components of 1 Thessalonians 5:20, we can gain a deeper understanding of its intended message. The verse begins with the command not to despise prophesyings. This succinct instruction is packed with meaning and significance. The term “prophesyings” refers to messages or revelations that come from God. These messages may come through various forms such as speaking gifts, visions, or dreams. Regardless of the vehicle for these messages, we are reminded of the importance of overall humility and candor as we engage with them.
The second key part lays in the admonition against despising. The term “despise” symbolizes the danger of disregard or dismissiveness towards something valuable. Paul recognizes that we could easily adopt a cynical attitude or dismiss messages as less relevant. However, by warning against this attitude, he emphasizes the need for an open heart and willingness to consider new insights from the Lord.
This approach helps us to embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As believers, we should remain sensitive to God’s voice and, in doing so, cultivate our spiritual maturity. We want our actions and beliefs to be rooted in humility, acknowledging that God speaks through various means to instruct us. This openness can enhance our relationships with one another as we explore faith and community together.
Lastly, we should also refer to the context in which this instruction was given. The early church faced numerous challenges, believed symbols, and teachings that often conflicted with the main message of the gospel. In a world full of confusion, the message of prophecy can provide direction and clarity. When we honor prophetic messages belonging to other believers, we encourage connections that strengthen the body of Christ and usher us closer toward God’s will. By breaking down the verse in this way, we uncover the wisdom and application found in Paul’s exhortation.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Thessalonians 5:20
The lessons we can glean from 1 Thessalonians 5:20 are countless and transformative. One of the most pressing takeaways is the importance of community. In today’s world, we often feel isolated, even in a crowd. Paul’s call to not despise prophecies encourages a culture of support and love among believers. It reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. We belong to the body of Christ, where each member has an important role to play.
This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes towards the prophetic words shared within our congregations. Do we support and encourage those who share these messages? Or do we dismiss or ridicule them? If we want to create an inviting place for spiritual growth, we must cultivate an atmosphere of respect and appreciation as we approach the gifts God has placed within His people. This kind of environment paves the way for deeper conversations, greater understanding, and an overall sense of connection.
Another lesson originates from the notion of discernment. Paul encourages us to test and weigh what is shared in prophetic messages. This teaches us not to accept every message at face value but to explore its alignment with God’s Word and Spirit. The Bible has a wealth of wisdom that we should consistently turn to, allowing His truth to ground us. This careful consideration enhances our faith, enabling us to confidently accept and cherish what is genuinely from the Lord.
Finally, we learn about the significance of being receptive to God’s voice. As Paul instructed the Thessalonians to not despise prophesying, we must remain open to how He communicates with us today. This could involve community prayer, seeking wisdom from our fellow believers, or listening deeply for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Our faith grows as we engage with the various channels through which God desires to speak. We invigorate our relationship with Him, positioning ourselves to hear His messages and discern His will for our lives.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting prophetic messages as we navigate our faith journeys. This verse decidedly focuses on the communal aspect of being part of the body of Christ. We are encouraged to listen, engage, and discern messages from God in a way that builds up our communities of faith. By discarding skepticism and embracing humility, we allow God to work through our fellow believers, resulting in spiritual growth for everyone involved.
As we continue exploring the richness of God’s Word, let us apply the truths we have learned from this verse to our individual and corporate experiences. Together, we will cultivate a nurturing environment that honors the prophetic messages God shares with us, ultimately deepening our love for Him and each other. If you would like to further enrich your understanding of Scripture, consider exploring the theme of prophecy in other verses, such as 1 Corinthians 14:17 or deepen your knowledge about community in 1 Samuel 20:3.