Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
July 28, 1982
NUMBER 12, PAGE 8

Despising The Church Of God

Lloyd Moyer

The church of God is a "spiritual house." (1 Peter 2:5) Its work is spiritual. When the church engages in the gratifying of the fleshly appetites of man to attract and hold members, the purpose of the church has been prostituted.

Paul condemned the church in Corinth for this very thing. (1 Cor. 11:22) "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God...." (emp. mine, LM.) Here the church was engaged in satisfying the physical appetite. Paul says that in so doing they despised the church of God. Thayer says the word despise means, "to contemn, despise, disdain, to think little or nothing of": Page 338. W. E. Vine, in his book, "An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words," defines the word, "to think down upon or against anyone, (kata, down, phren, the mind) hence signifies to think slightly of, to despise."

From the above we learn that those who are of the disposition of mind that the church of God should engage in things which gratify or satisfy the physical appetites of man actually DESPISE the church. That is — they "think little or nothing of" the church; it shows that they "think slightly of" the church of God. I'm sure that the people who advocate "church recreation and social activities," "mountain camps," "church kitchens," "youth meetings," "fellowship halls" in which to eat and drink; do not realize that they despise the church of God. However, the fact remains that they do. They have made a materialistic institution out of that which God ordained a spiritual house. To turn from the gospel as the drawing and holding power, to the appealing to, and gratifying of fleshly appetites is to become worldly minded. It shows a disbelief of and a lack of confidence in the gospel as God's power.

If members were wholly converted to the truth and wholly committed to a spiritual life, they would not have to depend on worldly things to thaw people. Nor would they have to engage in those things which appeal to the fleshly man to hold members. Where ever these things are utilized, it is proof that the members do despise the church of God. Not only do the scriptures prove this (1 Cor. 11:22); but it is a principle which is recognized by those in the world. Any club or organization which has a program or plan they wish to promote realizes the importance of food and entertainment. We read of "kickoff breakfasts," "luncheons" and "dinners" given for the purpose of promoting something or to raise funds.

In the May 19, 1962, issue of The Saturday Evening Post there appears an article written by Mr. Harold H. Martin, titled, "The Communist Party, U. S. A." In commenting about the "thin membership" of the party and its need for raising funds, Mr. Martin says, "As a result the membership is constantly beseeched for special donations. The Worker is freckled each week with announcements of lectures, seminars, bazaars, rummage sales, suppers, dances, picnics and youth gatherings at which a call for funds is made. Like the church, which its members despise, the party relies heavily on gatherings at which food is served." (emp. mine, L.M.) I would to God that my brethren had as discerning minds as Mr. Martin. He can see that members of an organization despise that organization when it has to turn to such things to promote its cause. He quotes the "general Secretary" of the Communist Party in this country, Mr. Gus Hall.: "We try to eat our way into a state of solvency." Yes, the world and denominational groups have long since turned to such things to attract and hold members. I am ashamed to say that many churches of Christ are aping them. Paul said, "....shall I praise you in this? I praise you not?' (1 Cor. 11:22)

Brother, Sister, if you are a member of a church which appeals to and gratifies the fleshly desires of man to promote its cause, you may be sure that God is not pleased, nor will He continue to be with such a church. God already had arrangements for the satisfying of the physical appetites before the church was established. Jesus did not die to establish the church intending that the church do what was already being done and that which could have been done if the church had never come into existence. God help us not to despise the church of God.

— 116 Seaview Drive, El Cerrito, California