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Grace & Legalism
This debate on Grace or Legalism has gone on for many centuries and will continue. Both camps are well stocked with believers. The arguments on both sides will rage till the Lord returns.
To begin simply with a brief summary, here are a few points.
1. Under the New covenant, what does God write on the hearts of his new children. (Jer. 31:31) Is it a differen't Law? Does the Holy Spirit only write parts of the Law, or perhaps only the parts we wish to keep.
Is Breaking the Law sin? I think both sides agree that it is.
Are there parts of the Law which we can now break with impunity, in our new freedom from the Law (Gal. ch 5)?
Jesus not only upheld the Law but added to it.
It is essential that all believers are well acquainted with the sermon on the mount, because Jesus commissioned his disciples to set up the Kingdom by teaching his Commandments- the commandments of the King. Many incidents and teachings which are repeated in Matthew's Gospel, as if to emphasise the truths.
Jesus definitely went further than Moses in his commands. Those in his Kingdom are assured of the Holy Spirit's help for those willing to keep them.
Those "extra miles" so to speak, would never be accomplished by pure human effort. There is no desire in the heart of sinful man to do the extra mile, or return good for evil.
But when grace comes, and the realisation that we are totally unworthy of anything but eternal separation from God, that love and grace is intended to melt our selfish hearts. So much so that we can find that we actually can love those who hate us and spitefully use, or steal from us. We can find another reason for doing such things. We do such things as to Jesus, who loved us and went so far as to give his life for us. Usually it may necessitate some kind of self denial or sacrifice, but when we realise Jesus is telling us to do, what is against our old nature, then it surely is a delight to have an opportunity to show our love for Him. He obeyed his father, for our sakes, did he not?
When we experience fully the love that God shows to us, then we can go beyond what might be the lawful requirements. Paul calls it resurrection life, for if we see to the dying to our own feelings and desires, then God will see to the resurrection. The real Christian life, is Christ's life and as such is super- natural life.
An oft quoted verse from those who are openly "anti-legalism", is that "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life". (2 Cor. 3:6)
While one is well aware of the context and veracity of that sentence, one could take the liberty of seeing it in another way, slightly mischieviously perhaps, by adding; "It is only after the letter kills, that the Spirit gives life.
The Letter is the letter of the Law. Until we accept the penalty of the Law and submit to its death sentence, ("I am crucified") then we can never be resurrected to New life in Christ.
2. Secondly, no-one has the right to judge another man's servant- for he or she will take their commands from their Master just like you or I.
No-one can judge how much grace another believer needs to continue in fellowship with God by faith. There is no limit to God's grace to those who continue to believe. For God knows that we show what we believe by the way we live. The children of Israel were very quick to say "Yes, we will obey all the commands" when they were offered to them. For if they obeyed they were promised blessing ;
Exod 19:5: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exod 19:8: And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
The reason they became a vile and rebellious nation was not because they did not want to be a pecuiliar treasure unto God, but because they believed their sins would make no difference. They always thought they were specially chosen and a peculiar treasure, even when Jerusalem was ransacked and the temple destroyed, they still believed that God would rescue them. He didnt. Most died as Babylon captives.
3. No doubt all will agree that "This is the Will of God - even your sanctification" but one man's legalism can be another man's Sanctification.
God is Holy, his children will be Holy. Nothing unclean is acceptable to God, which is the reason God divided animals into two catagories, the clean and the unclean,
All the ceremonial laws were covered by this principle of cleanliness and Holiness. They were all items, used in his "classroom" as illustrations.
The Highway of God's people is a Highway of Holiness.
This is the one highway which those who like Frank Sinatra sing I did it "My Way", should exclude the sentence "I tried each and every highway".
The Highway of Holiness is the highway of the king and his subjects
Grace: "Undeserved favour"
Anyone who is aware that they are a sinner, will truly be amazed and not to say delighted when they read and understand the epistle of Paul to the Galatians and the first five chapters of Romans.
For it brings to an end, what is often called a "yo-yo" Christian life, in which Sunday to Tuesday maybe, one feels one is a child of God, but gradually that feeling drains away by the end of the week. Sunday becomes like a weekly petrol station to the weary sinner’s engine.
When a believer, who is weighed down with the consciousness of continual guilt, fully understands these these two epistles, the gospel declared therein,will sound too good to be true. For there we see why the GOSPEL is so called, for it is truly GOOD NEWS for the sinner. It is such good news, one could be forgiven for not believing it (so to speak) Many fail to believe in it totally, and continue to think that they will be accepted by God by keeping commandments.
For in these scriptures we have the message of Grace which declares in no uncertain terms that God does not accept us and love us according to our merits of good behaviour. Our behaviour is secondary. The primary reason for our total acceptance is because of our faith;
Rom 4:16.Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;
For we learn that Christ Jesus took our place on the cross and took the penalty for breaking God’s law- which is death (separation from God). So then we can now reason that if when Christ died, I died, so the law which previously condemned me, can do so no longer. By faith, I am dead and so free from the condemnation of the Law.
So if I am free from the Law, I am free also from the condemnation of sin, for where there is no law there cannot be any sin.
So no longer need I struggle to behave in such a way in order to merit God’s acceptance. I am his child simply because I believe in what Jesus did and confess him to be my Saviour. I realise that my salvation does not depend upon my behaviour whether it be good or bad. Add to that the thought that it was God Himself who supplied the sacrifice to take away the great barrier of sin between us.
And the real cruncher comes when you ask the question, What happens to God’s attitude towards us if we continue in sin? And the scripture comes back with an amazing but very clear reply - “If you continue in sin, then grace will abound more than your sin abounds.”
Is not that the kind of news the sinner really wants to hear. For sin is to us by nature what we do naturally, and indeed what we enjoy doing.
Now if you have truly grasped what is already written then you surely must ask the question, Doesn’t sin matter to God anymore?
Knowing that He is a Holy God, the question intensifies.
Well hopefully you will see that this news of grace comes in chapters 3-5 of Romans and there are 16 chapters about the gospel in Romans. The first 8 chapters are about our belief and the second 8 chapters are about our behaviour. Many epistles divide in this fashion.
So chs. 3-5 do not constitute the complete Gospel.
Although Jesus died to justify the sinner, he did not die to justify sin.
In Romans we find a very significant phrase which is “consider the goodness and severity of God” (Rom 11:22)
Ah! I hear you say “so there’s a catch in this apparent offer of freedom”.
No certainly not. But what God wants us to see and learn is that sin will not bring the satisfaction that the Devil has made us think. Indeed sin will bear its fruit, whether we be christian or unbeliever.
God’s plan is to cause us to choose to turn from sin by our own free will.
Remember that Jesus said a few times “If you love me –keep my commandments and the person who loves me keeps my commands".
The method God uses to turn us away from doing our own will, to doing His will, is LOVE- For God is LOVE. That is why his grace abounds, and grace is undeserved favour.
So you should see why God has a purpose for lavishing his grace upon us so continuously and without question. We have all heard or known of a Mother’s love? God’s love is "100 times" greater.
Please note that in Galatians ch 2 Paul says that he does not "frustrate the Grace of God."
Gal 2:20-21: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (A.V.)
In other words he does not stop grace from accomplishing its purpose.
Paul allows the grace of God to cause him to reason that if God loved him so much that he gave his life for him, then maybe he should respond to that love and give his will over to God
We don’t have to, but we have the choice to please God or self. The power of his love, is deemed so powerfull that even a man born in sin, can find a reason to turn from sin, to love God first rather than himself.
However, it is absolutely essential that one is saturated in the grace and love of God, otherwise we will be tempted in the future to think that if we turn from sin and live righteously then God should love us even more and we subconsciously will come under the allusion that our righteousness is buttering up or endorsing, our salvation. (Rom 5:8)
God’s ultimate purpose for man is that not only will he be free from the condemnation of sin but free from the power of sin in his life. For then can God boast proudly of his children, in the face of the Devil, who once held sway over the lives of His created beings. "Once they chose to please self, but now they choose to please God"
This fact is recorded more grandly in Eph 3:8-12
Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.(NIV)
The heavenly realms mentioned above are the Satanic spiritual forces which had battled against God’s purposes since the Garden of Eden.
Those who are his children constitute “the church” and “church” means “the called-out ones”
We have been called out from the devil and his kingdom just as the Israelites were called out from Pharaoh and the land of Egypt.
From then on the Israelites journeyed by faith to a new land .
The Christian life is not only a journey to the new land but it is to inhabit the land and prosper in it. Hence there is a need to move on from these wonderful passages concerning grace and move into the full purpose of God for our lives.
So we now should realise that the good news we rejoiced in at the beginning of this booklet is but half the gospel. And half a gospel is no gospel.
In 2 Cor. 4:11 Paul speaks of “another” gospel, which was coming into the church even in His day, which constituted the good news with something added. So likewise, half a gospel is “another” gospel because it is good news with something subtracted.
This is the great temptation to which so many preachers, and ministers of the gospel, fall. The temptation is to please the people. Quantity, is the name of the game.
To begin simply with a brief summary, here are a few points.
1. Under the New covenant, what does God write on the hearts of his new children. (Jer. 31:31) Is it a differen't Law? Does the Holy Spirit only write parts of the Law, or perhaps only the parts we wish to keep.
Is Breaking the Law sin? I think both sides agree that it is.
Are there parts of the Law which we can now break with impunity, in our new freedom from the Law (Gal. ch 5)?
Jesus not only upheld the Law but added to it.
It is essential that all believers are well acquainted with the sermon on the mount, because Jesus commissioned his disciples to set up the Kingdom by teaching his Commandments- the commandments of the King. Many incidents and teachings which are repeated in Matthew's Gospel, as if to emphasise the truths.
Jesus definitely went further than Moses in his commands. Those in his Kingdom are assured of the Holy Spirit's help for those willing to keep them.
Those "extra miles" so to speak, would never be accomplished by pure human effort. There is no desire in the heart of sinful man to do the extra mile, or return good for evil.
But when grace comes, and the realisation that we are totally unworthy of anything but eternal separation from God, that love and grace is intended to melt our selfish hearts. So much so that we can find that we actually can love those who hate us and spitefully use, or steal from us. We can find another reason for doing such things. We do such things as to Jesus, who loved us and went so far as to give his life for us. Usually it may necessitate some kind of self denial or sacrifice, but when we realise Jesus is telling us to do, what is against our old nature, then it surely is a delight to have an opportunity to show our love for Him. He obeyed his father, for our sakes, did he not?
When we experience fully the love that God shows to us, then we can go beyond what might be the lawful requirements. Paul calls it resurrection life, for if we see to the dying to our own feelings and desires, then God will see to the resurrection. The real Christian life, is Christ's life and as such is super- natural life.
An oft quoted verse from those who are openly "anti-legalism", is that "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life". (2 Cor. 3:6)
While one is well aware of the context and veracity of that sentence, one could take the liberty of seeing it in another way, slightly mischieviously perhaps, by adding; "It is only after the letter kills, that the Spirit gives life.
The Letter is the letter of the Law. Until we accept the penalty of the Law and submit to its death sentence, ("I am crucified") then we can never be resurrected to New life in Christ.
2. Secondly, no-one has the right to judge another man's servant- for he or she will take their commands from their Master just like you or I.
No-one can judge how much grace another believer needs to continue in fellowship with God by faith. There is no limit to God's grace to those who continue to believe. For God knows that we show what we believe by the way we live. The children of Israel were very quick to say "Yes, we will obey all the commands" when they were offered to them. For if they obeyed they were promised blessing ;
Exod 19:5: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exod 19:8: And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
The reason they became a vile and rebellious nation was not because they did not want to be a pecuiliar treasure unto God, but because they believed their sins would make no difference. They always thought they were specially chosen and a peculiar treasure, even when Jerusalem was ransacked and the temple destroyed, they still believed that God would rescue them. He didnt. Most died as Babylon captives.
3. No doubt all will agree that "This is the Will of God - even your sanctification" but one man's legalism can be another man's Sanctification.
God is Holy, his children will be Holy. Nothing unclean is acceptable to God, which is the reason God divided animals into two catagories, the clean and the unclean,
All the ceremonial laws were covered by this principle of cleanliness and Holiness. They were all items, used in his "classroom" as illustrations.
The Highway of God's people is a Highway of Holiness.
This is the one highway which those who like Frank Sinatra sing I did it "My Way", should exclude the sentence "I tried each and every highway".
The Highway of Holiness is the highway of the king and his subjects
Grace: "Undeserved favour"
Anyone who is aware that they are a sinner, will truly be amazed and not to say delighted when they read and understand the epistle of Paul to the Galatians and the first five chapters of Romans.
For it brings to an end, what is often called a "yo-yo" Christian life, in which Sunday to Tuesday maybe, one feels one is a child of God, but gradually that feeling drains away by the end of the week. Sunday becomes like a weekly petrol station to the weary sinner’s engine.
When a believer, who is weighed down with the consciousness of continual guilt, fully understands these these two epistles, the gospel declared therein,will sound too good to be true. For there we see why the GOSPEL is so called, for it is truly GOOD NEWS for the sinner. It is such good news, one could be forgiven for not believing it (so to speak) Many fail to believe in it totally, and continue to think that they will be accepted by God by keeping commandments.
For in these scriptures we have the message of Grace which declares in no uncertain terms that God does not accept us and love us according to our merits of good behaviour. Our behaviour is secondary. The primary reason for our total acceptance is because of our faith;
Rom 4:16.Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;
For we learn that Christ Jesus took our place on the cross and took the penalty for breaking God’s law- which is death (separation from God). So then we can now reason that if when Christ died, I died, so the law which previously condemned me, can do so no longer. By faith, I am dead and so free from the condemnation of the Law.
So if I am free from the Law, I am free also from the condemnation of sin, for where there is no law there cannot be any sin.
So no longer need I struggle to behave in such a way in order to merit God’s acceptance. I am his child simply because I believe in what Jesus did and confess him to be my Saviour. I realise that my salvation does not depend upon my behaviour whether it be good or bad. Add to that the thought that it was God Himself who supplied the sacrifice to take away the great barrier of sin between us.
And the real cruncher comes when you ask the question, What happens to God’s attitude towards us if we continue in sin? And the scripture comes back with an amazing but very clear reply - “If you continue in sin, then grace will abound more than your sin abounds.”
Is not that the kind of news the sinner really wants to hear. For sin is to us by nature what we do naturally, and indeed what we enjoy doing.
Now if you have truly grasped what is already written then you surely must ask the question, Doesn’t sin matter to God anymore?
Knowing that He is a Holy God, the question intensifies.
Well hopefully you will see that this news of grace comes in chapters 3-5 of Romans and there are 16 chapters about the gospel in Romans. The first 8 chapters are about our belief and the second 8 chapters are about our behaviour. Many epistles divide in this fashion.
So chs. 3-5 do not constitute the complete Gospel.
Although Jesus died to justify the sinner, he did not die to justify sin.
In Romans we find a very significant phrase which is “consider the goodness and severity of God” (Rom 11:22)
Ah! I hear you say “so there’s a catch in this apparent offer of freedom”.
No certainly not. But what God wants us to see and learn is that sin will not bring the satisfaction that the Devil has made us think. Indeed sin will bear its fruit, whether we be christian or unbeliever.
God’s plan is to cause us to choose to turn from sin by our own free will.
Remember that Jesus said a few times “If you love me –keep my commandments and the person who loves me keeps my commands".
The method God uses to turn us away from doing our own will, to doing His will, is LOVE- For God is LOVE. That is why his grace abounds, and grace is undeserved favour.
So you should see why God has a purpose for lavishing his grace upon us so continuously and without question. We have all heard or known of a Mother’s love? God’s love is "100 times" greater.
Please note that in Galatians ch 2 Paul says that he does not "frustrate the Grace of God."
Gal 2:20-21: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (A.V.)
In other words he does not stop grace from accomplishing its purpose.
Paul allows the grace of God to cause him to reason that if God loved him so much that he gave his life for him, then maybe he should respond to that love and give his will over to God
We don’t have to, but we have the choice to please God or self. The power of his love, is deemed so powerfull that even a man born in sin, can find a reason to turn from sin, to love God first rather than himself.
However, it is absolutely essential that one is saturated in the grace and love of God, otherwise we will be tempted in the future to think that if we turn from sin and live righteously then God should love us even more and we subconsciously will come under the allusion that our righteousness is buttering up or endorsing, our salvation. (Rom 5:8)
God’s ultimate purpose for man is that not only will he be free from the condemnation of sin but free from the power of sin in his life. For then can God boast proudly of his children, in the face of the Devil, who once held sway over the lives of His created beings. "Once they chose to please self, but now they choose to please God"
This fact is recorded more grandly in Eph 3:8-12
Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.(NIV)
The heavenly realms mentioned above are the Satanic spiritual forces which had battled against God’s purposes since the Garden of Eden.
Those who are his children constitute “the church” and “church” means “the called-out ones”
We have been called out from the devil and his kingdom just as the Israelites were called out from Pharaoh and the land of Egypt.
From then on the Israelites journeyed by faith to a new land .
The Christian life is not only a journey to the new land but it is to inhabit the land and prosper in it. Hence there is a need to move on from these wonderful passages concerning grace and move into the full purpose of God for our lives.
So we now should realise that the good news we rejoiced in at the beginning of this booklet is but half the gospel. And half a gospel is no gospel.
In 2 Cor. 4:11 Paul speaks of “another” gospel, which was coming into the church even in His day, which constituted the good news with something added. So likewise, half a gospel is “another” gospel because it is good news with something subtracted.
This is the great temptation to which so many preachers, and ministers of the gospel, fall. The temptation is to please the people. Quantity, is the name of the game.
Legalism.
Firstly, let's establish that there is no doctrine in scripture known as "Legalism". It is a modernism, which has crept into the church during the last fifty years which many see as years of apostasy.
The only "scriptural" legalism worth noting is that which is probably interpreted from Paul's very strong opposition to the new Christian Jews, or even Gentiles, who were being persuaded that they still needed to be circumcised, under the law, if they were to be true children of Abraham, for this was a mark in the flesh that they were the children of Abraham. But Paul is adamant that the New Testament has no place for fleshly signs. He showed that Circumcision was but a foreshadow of the real (spiritual) circumcision under the New Testament. When believers identified with Jesus by faith in his death, burial and resurrection, their old fleshly life was cut off as far as God is concerned. His children are of the Spirit and not of the flesh. Paul interprets this as circumcision of the heart. The heart is the place where we believe. Paul boasted to the Galatians that the only marks he was proud of on his flesh were the marks of the cross, sustained by continuous persecution for the sake of the Gospel.The Galatian legalism also incorporated keeping holy "days, and months and times and years".
We live in days, when the church is in the world and the world is in the church, and much that is supposed to be "of the spirit" is really "of the flesh"
Much teaching is a compromise of truth, for the sake of not offending. For example, what Jesus taught as commandments in the sermon on the mount, are qualified by the normal desires of human nature. Christians will seek to justify their lifestyle, and life choices, and rather than admit they are not fulfilling the Lord's commands, they find some modern cliche excuses. The lamest reason is usually "we are not under law but under grace".
Granted we must all show grace to other christians and refrain from being a judge of another man's servant. Each christian must be fully persuaded in their own mind. We are all responsible for the path we choose to follow. Church leaders and preachers have a greater responsibility in their interpretation of scripture, in advising weaker members. All parties will grow together until the harvest.
Watchman Nee wrote a small book on Ephesians entitled “Sit, Walk, Stand.”
These three little words sum up the content and message of the book admirably. Because God has honoured our faith in his Son, he has poured out his grace on us, to be accepted in Jesus. We sit at rest, from our own works. This covers the doctrine of Justification by Faith.
The second phase of our christian life is to Walk. Walking is different from sittng. It implies not going our own way, but "following after Jesus." This is referring to the way we live now upon this earth, because we are now children of both kingdoms, God’s Kingdom and the Earthly Kingdom. A Kingdom denotes a KING and authority. So when we become a child of God, Christ becomes our king and we must learn to obey his commands. Not make excuses for not doing so. Note the final words Jesus gave to his disciples;
Matt 28:19-20
19 Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Commands are commands. They test our obedience. A young man who desires to join the forces, will walk into a recruiting centre one day and apply to willingly join the forces. From that second onwards his life is no longer his own. He is told to fill in a form- so he obeys. He is told to have a medical- so he obeys, he is told where to go for training- he obeys. Then follows a continuous volley of commands for every detail of his life, regarding his health, tidiness, dress, food, sleep, etc. And all that is before he goes into battle. He does it all for Queen or King and country.
King Jesus gives commands.- surely enough is said:
Our love for Jesus Christ must become suspect, if we are not obeying his commandments.
Sanctification:
His commands cover every area of earthly life. This constitutes what is known as the doctrine of Sanctification. God is Holy and commands us to be Holy also, for holiness and happiness are wedded together.
However at this point it is vitally important that we make clear how we are sanctified and how our behaviour is linked to this.
Sanctification means to be Holy. Sanctification is to do the will of God. But who among us can do such a thing every minute of every day. So to see HOW we are sanctified one has to read and meditate upon Hebrews ch 10.
This says that in the Old Testament the people constantly brought sacrificial animals as substitutes for their own sin. Thousands, yea probably millions of animals would have been slain throughout the centuries. But though they were fulfilling God’s commands, God took no real pleasure in their sacrifices. For what God really, really wanted was to find ONE person who could live in a Human body on this earth and do His will, that is – not to sin, to be Holy.
In this chapter we read a prophecy of Jesus saying “a body you have prepared for me”. Jesus took that body, came to earth and as the chapter also says, Jesus confessed “I delight to do your will O God”
So at last God found a man, in a human body who was SANCTIFIED- Holy like himself. The chapter goes on to explain that when we enter into Christ by faith, not only are we Justified by trusting in his blood to wash away our sin but also that his WILL also becomes, by faith, our WILL and so it says “By the which will (Christ’s) WE are sanctified”
So we receive both our Justification and Sanctification by FAITH- not works.
But here is a given fact of both natural and spiritual life. We express our faith by our behaviour. All men live according to what they believe.
If I believe I am justified then I will walk head high into the presence of God, coming boldly each day to His throne. This is what God wants to see. In fact he finds no pleasure in those who draw back and don’t enter in boldly. Likewise if we know and believe we are sanctified- a holy nation- we will live differently than all other nations. If we don’t believe we are dressed in white, we will have no urge to keep clean. What might seem OK for some people to do, we will come to realise through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, that it is not God’s will for us.
So this then leads us to question “What kind of behaviour should be seen in us”
The epistles of Paul are packed with such commands and exhortations for those who are sanctified. Many of his epistles are addressed to those who are sanctified- to the Saints- Holy People. (Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, Hebrews Peter, Jude) In Hebrews God’s people are addressed as HOLY Brethren (ch 3 v.1)
It is vitally important that we understand the two doctrines to which we have just referred.
There seems to be much confusion in the church today. Those who emphasise Grace and our righteousness being a free gift are apt to also emphasise the dangers of legalism. For Galatians is truly an exhortation to get rid of the Law and enjoy being under grace. Romans also clearly declares that if we continue in sin, then grace will abound. But Galatians reminds us that God’s grace has been showered upon us for a reason. The love of God shown towards us, surely must bring a response, if we truly are appreciating such love and grace.
1 John 4 19 says “We love him because he first loved us.” So our love response should be to want to please Him.
1 John 2:5 says; Herein is the Love of God perfected (comes to its fulfilled purpose) when we keep his word.
1 John 14:15; Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments”
"Who is it that loves God? It is the person who keeps his commandments."
So you see, we really have come under a different type of legalism. Under the old law we were simply commanded to do what by nature we didn’t want to do, but under Grace we should want to do what God commands us. Love is a powerful force when it operates through our will. There is nothing a person will refuse to do for someone who they really love. Greater love has no man than this that he gives his life for his friends
Our response to Calvary should reasonably be the giving of our lives, the offering of our bodies as a living sacrifice unto God (Rom 12:1)
Therefore we should speak of the dangers of legalism circumspectly, for one person's legalism could be another person's sanctification. The dangers of condemning legalism without truly defining what it means (end of the Law of Moses) could lead a second generation to see it as an excuse for spending their time, money and energy on the pleasures of the world and the satisfaction of the flesh. Indeed, sadly this can well be seen in part today among some strong exponents of anti-legalism. Hence the reason that a true understanding of these two great doctrines should be expounded.
Even in the early church, there were people who not only “frustrated” the grace of God, but also used it as an excuse for “lasciviousness”.
Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Some of Paul’s opponents accused him of preaching a gospel that in some distorted way, encouraged evil;
Rom 3:8
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? …….
They were interpreting the gospel as saying that if God’s love and grace can only be seen when we sin, so the more bad we do, the more we see how Good God is.
The key to the doctrine of justification is LOVE. God’s love for us has a purpose. The old parable of the wind and the sun trying to get the man to take off his heavy overcoat illustrates this powerful force of love.
In the days, pre- 1960, there was usually in the lifetime of most men and occasion when they laid down deposit for something ranging from £10 to £10,000, then a weekly payment of 50% to 90% of his wages for the rest of his life.
You would hardly think that even one man would willingly submit to such conditions, yet almost every man who married in those days, took on himself this commitment.
Today we might think of the mother at the side of her child’s bed, where they lay desperately ill. Despite much encouragement to eat and sleep, the mother, somehow desires neither fleshly satisfaction
We should not be surprised that a great section of the epistles is taken up in commands for Christian living. We are not justified by obeying these commands, for we are already justified by faith in Jesus Christ, but the work of the Holy Spirit is the work of leading us in holy paths. He is preparing the church, as a bride who one day will be joined to God in marriage. Our Sanctification is truly our response to the desires and promptings of the HOLY Spirit within us. It is his work to prepare the bride for her marriage to Christ and ch 4 16 explains that he does this by washing the bride "in the word of God.
There are two washings for the Christian:
Our justification comes by washing in the blood of Christ. This is an inward work which God sees. It is a matter of belief,
Our sanctification is a matter of behaviour and is the work of the Holy Spirit
So we can find at least 43 “commands” in this epistle. (Ephesians) If we obey them, then the word does indeed wash us clean and keeps us clean. How can a young man cleanse his way? (see columns later re two washings)
Each time one meditates upon Romans 8, truths appear much clearer. In Rom 8 we may ponder on the truth that we are God’s children, and we can truly say “Abba Father.”
This aspect of our relationship with God is vital to understand the two parts of the Gospel clearly- Justification by Faith and Sanctification.
All children have a thousand rules thrown at them during their growing up period- rules on how to behave in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, school, garden, in fact everywhere they are checked, rebuked and told how to behave properly.
It should not be surprising therefore that there are 43 commands in Ephesians, at least the same number in Rom 10-12, and scores in every other epistle.
Paul dished out commands everywhere surely in obedience to the great commission which was to make disciples and teach the Lord’s commands. (Matt 28:20)
The sermon on the mount is but a list of commands for those who are in the Lord’s Kingdom, on how to live in this temporal materialistic self- motivated world. The fact that He refers to them as sayings should not lessen its authority for in John 14:24 Jesus refers to his greatest commandment as a “saying.” “He that loves me not, keeps not my sayings: “
His commands are not optional: Luke 6:46 “And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Don’t be led astray by those who seem to preach a gospel that says “the Lord doesn’t mind how we live”. They obviously don’t understand the difference between righteousness and Holiness
Please compare these two columns;
Justification Sanctification
Inner Cleansing by Outer cleansing by
the blood the Word
Which God sees which man sees
Hearts sprinkled Heb. 10:24 body washed
Brazen Altar The Lava
Passover Pentecost
Work of Christ Work of the Holy Spirit
Matter of Belief Matter of Behaviour
If we know justification by faith then we are children of God, but whether we are obedience children is another thing.
We Trust in Christ for salvation and Obey the Spirit to grow as a child of God - “trust and Obey” to be happy in Jesus.”
That obedience is learnt by suffering- (as Jesus did) no-one likes doing what they are told - especially when they would not of their own free will choose to do such a thing. They die to their own will and do someone else's - Children of God should not be like earthly children who are prone to sulking and obeying reluctantly.
The cross applies when we enter the kingdom and applies continually by the Spirit to keep us dead to our own will.
We Preach the gospel and preach freedom from the law of Moses- Freedom from having to make an effort to save ourselves. Freedom from Guilt - Freedom from the penalty of Sin The good news offers salvation to those who merely rest- We sit on chairs in church. We rest in them. Whether we are 20 stone or 4 stone we all rest. Christ took the burden of our sin. We rest in that fact. He paid the debt we owed to God. We rest in that fact. We owe God nothing. He paid the penalty of the Law of Moses and so we rest in the fact that the law is fulfilled. When Christ died, we died. Being dead, the penalty for our sin is paid in full. The law is finished with us. We are dead to the Law. Therefore Sin which gets its power to condemn us from the Law, loses its power to separate us from God. He that is dead is free from sin. (Romans chs. 6 and 7)
When we become children of God then we are clearly instructed in the way we should behave in this world as children of God. Hence the church’s obligation to teach the epistles and the many rules found therein: Hundreds of them. Paul told Timothy to teach the commands he passed on to him. God is Holy so he wants his children Holy. Believe in a full Gospel
Here is that list of the commands in Ephesians. which love should energise us to want to keep.
Paul introduces these commands with this exhortation.
Eph 4:17-32
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,.... That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
Eph 5:1-5
1 Be therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:14-22
14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 6:1-5
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
4 And, fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:9-11
9 And, masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Later we will list hundreds of commands to be found in the New Testament. this writer doubts if any reader will even bother to read through the list, even though it is a scriptural summary of how christians should behave.
So may I crave your indulgence just to note the following few scriptures which clearly indicate that commands are as much part of the New Testament as of the Old
Matt 5:19 Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 7:26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Matt 11:11 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.)
Matt 12:50 For whoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Luke 6:46 And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 17:10 So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
In Thessalonians Paul refers to some specific commands he gave to the early church. One would expect that the same commandments would be given to the children of God today.
1Thes 4:1-4
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
II Th 3:4
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you.
II Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
II Th 3:10
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
I Th 3:12
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
II Th 3:14-15
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Finally just in case you are not convinced that we don’t finish with commandments when we enter into Christ, here are a few more. (over 400)
Pungent Preachers are prone to gaher their petty points from particular pieces of verses. Most of the following you may have well heard as a solitary text, quoted by the preacher, which he hijacks from the context to express his own worldly philosophies about the christian life.
Hopefully you will read the following with heart as well as mind, and desire to do God's will.
Firstly, let's establish that there is no doctrine in scripture known as "Legalism". It is a modernism, which has crept into the church during the last fifty years which many see as years of apostasy.
The only "scriptural" legalism worth noting is that which is probably interpreted from Paul's very strong opposition to the new Christian Jews, or even Gentiles, who were being persuaded that they still needed to be circumcised, under the law, if they were to be true children of Abraham, for this was a mark in the flesh that they were the children of Abraham. But Paul is adamant that the New Testament has no place for fleshly signs. He showed that Circumcision was but a foreshadow of the real (spiritual) circumcision under the New Testament. When believers identified with Jesus by faith in his death, burial and resurrection, their old fleshly life was cut off as far as God is concerned. His children are of the Spirit and not of the flesh. Paul interprets this as circumcision of the heart. The heart is the place where we believe. Paul boasted to the Galatians that the only marks he was proud of on his flesh were the marks of the cross, sustained by continuous persecution for the sake of the Gospel.The Galatian legalism also incorporated keeping holy "days, and months and times and years".
We live in days, when the church is in the world and the world is in the church, and much that is supposed to be "of the spirit" is really "of the flesh"
Much teaching is a compromise of truth, for the sake of not offending. For example, what Jesus taught as commandments in the sermon on the mount, are qualified by the normal desires of human nature. Christians will seek to justify their lifestyle, and life choices, and rather than admit they are not fulfilling the Lord's commands, they find some modern cliche excuses. The lamest reason is usually "we are not under law but under grace".
Granted we must all show grace to other christians and refrain from being a judge of another man's servant. Each christian must be fully persuaded in their own mind. We are all responsible for the path we choose to follow. Church leaders and preachers have a greater responsibility in their interpretation of scripture, in advising weaker members. All parties will grow together until the harvest.
Watchman Nee wrote a small book on Ephesians entitled “Sit, Walk, Stand.”
These three little words sum up the content and message of the book admirably. Because God has honoured our faith in his Son, he has poured out his grace on us, to be accepted in Jesus. We sit at rest, from our own works. This covers the doctrine of Justification by Faith.
The second phase of our christian life is to Walk. Walking is different from sittng. It implies not going our own way, but "following after Jesus." This is referring to the way we live now upon this earth, because we are now children of both kingdoms, God’s Kingdom and the Earthly Kingdom. A Kingdom denotes a KING and authority. So when we become a child of God, Christ becomes our king and we must learn to obey his commands. Not make excuses for not doing so. Note the final words Jesus gave to his disciples;
Matt 28:19-20
19 Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Commands are commands. They test our obedience. A young man who desires to join the forces, will walk into a recruiting centre one day and apply to willingly join the forces. From that second onwards his life is no longer his own. He is told to fill in a form- so he obeys. He is told to have a medical- so he obeys, he is told where to go for training- he obeys. Then follows a continuous volley of commands for every detail of his life, regarding his health, tidiness, dress, food, sleep, etc. And all that is before he goes into battle. He does it all for Queen or King and country.
King Jesus gives commands.- surely enough is said:
Our love for Jesus Christ must become suspect, if we are not obeying his commandments.
Sanctification:
His commands cover every area of earthly life. This constitutes what is known as the doctrine of Sanctification. God is Holy and commands us to be Holy also, for holiness and happiness are wedded together.
However at this point it is vitally important that we make clear how we are sanctified and how our behaviour is linked to this.
Sanctification means to be Holy. Sanctification is to do the will of God. But who among us can do such a thing every minute of every day. So to see HOW we are sanctified one has to read and meditate upon Hebrews ch 10.
This says that in the Old Testament the people constantly brought sacrificial animals as substitutes for their own sin. Thousands, yea probably millions of animals would have been slain throughout the centuries. But though they were fulfilling God’s commands, God took no real pleasure in their sacrifices. For what God really, really wanted was to find ONE person who could live in a Human body on this earth and do His will, that is – not to sin, to be Holy.
In this chapter we read a prophecy of Jesus saying “a body you have prepared for me”. Jesus took that body, came to earth and as the chapter also says, Jesus confessed “I delight to do your will O God”
So at last God found a man, in a human body who was SANCTIFIED- Holy like himself. The chapter goes on to explain that when we enter into Christ by faith, not only are we Justified by trusting in his blood to wash away our sin but also that his WILL also becomes, by faith, our WILL and so it says “By the which will (Christ’s) WE are sanctified”
So we receive both our Justification and Sanctification by FAITH- not works.
But here is a given fact of both natural and spiritual life. We express our faith by our behaviour. All men live according to what they believe.
If I believe I am justified then I will walk head high into the presence of God, coming boldly each day to His throne. This is what God wants to see. In fact he finds no pleasure in those who draw back and don’t enter in boldly. Likewise if we know and believe we are sanctified- a holy nation- we will live differently than all other nations. If we don’t believe we are dressed in white, we will have no urge to keep clean. What might seem OK for some people to do, we will come to realise through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, that it is not God’s will for us.
So this then leads us to question “What kind of behaviour should be seen in us”
The epistles of Paul are packed with such commands and exhortations for those who are sanctified. Many of his epistles are addressed to those who are sanctified- to the Saints- Holy People. (Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians, Hebrews Peter, Jude) In Hebrews God’s people are addressed as HOLY Brethren (ch 3 v.1)
It is vitally important that we understand the two doctrines to which we have just referred.
There seems to be much confusion in the church today. Those who emphasise Grace and our righteousness being a free gift are apt to also emphasise the dangers of legalism. For Galatians is truly an exhortation to get rid of the Law and enjoy being under grace. Romans also clearly declares that if we continue in sin, then grace will abound. But Galatians reminds us that God’s grace has been showered upon us for a reason. The love of God shown towards us, surely must bring a response, if we truly are appreciating such love and grace.
1 John 4 19 says “We love him because he first loved us.” So our love response should be to want to please Him.
1 John 2:5 says; Herein is the Love of God perfected (comes to its fulfilled purpose) when we keep his word.
1 John 14:15; Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments”
"Who is it that loves God? It is the person who keeps his commandments."
So you see, we really have come under a different type of legalism. Under the old law we were simply commanded to do what by nature we didn’t want to do, but under Grace we should want to do what God commands us. Love is a powerful force when it operates through our will. There is nothing a person will refuse to do for someone who they really love. Greater love has no man than this that he gives his life for his friends
Our response to Calvary should reasonably be the giving of our lives, the offering of our bodies as a living sacrifice unto God (Rom 12:1)
Therefore we should speak of the dangers of legalism circumspectly, for one person's legalism could be another person's sanctification. The dangers of condemning legalism without truly defining what it means (end of the Law of Moses) could lead a second generation to see it as an excuse for spending their time, money and energy on the pleasures of the world and the satisfaction of the flesh. Indeed, sadly this can well be seen in part today among some strong exponents of anti-legalism. Hence the reason that a true understanding of these two great doctrines should be expounded.
Even in the early church, there were people who not only “frustrated” the grace of God, but also used it as an excuse for “lasciviousness”.
Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Some of Paul’s opponents accused him of preaching a gospel that in some distorted way, encouraged evil;
Rom 3:8
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? …….
They were interpreting the gospel as saying that if God’s love and grace can only be seen when we sin, so the more bad we do, the more we see how Good God is.
The key to the doctrine of justification is LOVE. God’s love for us has a purpose. The old parable of the wind and the sun trying to get the man to take off his heavy overcoat illustrates this powerful force of love.
In the days, pre- 1960, there was usually in the lifetime of most men and occasion when they laid down deposit for something ranging from £10 to £10,000, then a weekly payment of 50% to 90% of his wages for the rest of his life.
You would hardly think that even one man would willingly submit to such conditions, yet almost every man who married in those days, took on himself this commitment.
Today we might think of the mother at the side of her child’s bed, where they lay desperately ill. Despite much encouragement to eat and sleep, the mother, somehow desires neither fleshly satisfaction
We should not be surprised that a great section of the epistles is taken up in commands for Christian living. We are not justified by obeying these commands, for we are already justified by faith in Jesus Christ, but the work of the Holy Spirit is the work of leading us in holy paths. He is preparing the church, as a bride who one day will be joined to God in marriage. Our Sanctification is truly our response to the desires and promptings of the HOLY Spirit within us. It is his work to prepare the bride for her marriage to Christ and ch 4 16 explains that he does this by washing the bride "in the word of God.
There are two washings for the Christian:
Our justification comes by washing in the blood of Christ. This is an inward work which God sees. It is a matter of belief,
Our sanctification is a matter of behaviour and is the work of the Holy Spirit
So we can find at least 43 “commands” in this epistle. (Ephesians) If we obey them, then the word does indeed wash us clean and keeps us clean. How can a young man cleanse his way? (see columns later re two washings)
Each time one meditates upon Romans 8, truths appear much clearer. In Rom 8 we may ponder on the truth that we are God’s children, and we can truly say “Abba Father.”
This aspect of our relationship with God is vital to understand the two parts of the Gospel clearly- Justification by Faith and Sanctification.
All children have a thousand rules thrown at them during their growing up period- rules on how to behave in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, school, garden, in fact everywhere they are checked, rebuked and told how to behave properly.
It should not be surprising therefore that there are 43 commands in Ephesians, at least the same number in Rom 10-12, and scores in every other epistle.
Paul dished out commands everywhere surely in obedience to the great commission which was to make disciples and teach the Lord’s commands. (Matt 28:20)
The sermon on the mount is but a list of commands for those who are in the Lord’s Kingdom, on how to live in this temporal materialistic self- motivated world. The fact that He refers to them as sayings should not lessen its authority for in John 14:24 Jesus refers to his greatest commandment as a “saying.” “He that loves me not, keeps not my sayings: “
His commands are not optional: Luke 6:46 “And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Don’t be led astray by those who seem to preach a gospel that says “the Lord doesn’t mind how we live”. They obviously don’t understand the difference between righteousness and Holiness
Please compare these two columns;
Justification Sanctification
Inner Cleansing by Outer cleansing by
the blood the Word
Which God sees which man sees
Hearts sprinkled Heb. 10:24 body washed
Brazen Altar The Lava
Passover Pentecost
Work of Christ Work of the Holy Spirit
Matter of Belief Matter of Behaviour
If we know justification by faith then we are children of God, but whether we are obedience children is another thing.
We Trust in Christ for salvation and Obey the Spirit to grow as a child of God - “trust and Obey” to be happy in Jesus.”
That obedience is learnt by suffering- (as Jesus did) no-one likes doing what they are told - especially when they would not of their own free will choose to do such a thing. They die to their own will and do someone else's - Children of God should not be like earthly children who are prone to sulking and obeying reluctantly.
The cross applies when we enter the kingdom and applies continually by the Spirit to keep us dead to our own will.
We Preach the gospel and preach freedom from the law of Moses- Freedom from having to make an effort to save ourselves. Freedom from Guilt - Freedom from the penalty of Sin The good news offers salvation to those who merely rest- We sit on chairs in church. We rest in them. Whether we are 20 stone or 4 stone we all rest. Christ took the burden of our sin. We rest in that fact. He paid the debt we owed to God. We rest in that fact. We owe God nothing. He paid the penalty of the Law of Moses and so we rest in the fact that the law is fulfilled. When Christ died, we died. Being dead, the penalty for our sin is paid in full. The law is finished with us. We are dead to the Law. Therefore Sin which gets its power to condemn us from the Law, loses its power to separate us from God. He that is dead is free from sin. (Romans chs. 6 and 7)
When we become children of God then we are clearly instructed in the way we should behave in this world as children of God. Hence the church’s obligation to teach the epistles and the many rules found therein: Hundreds of them. Paul told Timothy to teach the commands he passed on to him. God is Holy so he wants his children Holy. Believe in a full Gospel
Here is that list of the commands in Ephesians. which love should energise us to want to keep.
Paul introduces these commands with this exhortation.
Eph 4:17-32
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,.... That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
Eph 5:1-5
1 Be therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:14-22
14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 6:1-5
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
4 And, fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:9-11
9 And, masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Later we will list hundreds of commands to be found in the New Testament. this writer doubts if any reader will even bother to read through the list, even though it is a scriptural summary of how christians should behave.
So may I crave your indulgence just to note the following few scriptures which clearly indicate that commands are as much part of the New Testament as of the Old
Matt 5:19 Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 7:26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Matt 11:11 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.)
Matt 12:50 For whoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Luke 6:46 And why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 17:10 So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
In Thessalonians Paul refers to some specific commands he gave to the early church. One would expect that the same commandments would be given to the children of God today.
1Thes 4:1-4
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
II Th 3:4
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you.
II Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
II Th 3:10
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
I Th 3:12
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
II Th 3:14-15
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Finally just in case you are not convinced that we don’t finish with commandments when we enter into Christ, here are a few more. (over 400)
Pungent Preachers are prone to gaher their petty points from particular pieces of verses. Most of the following you may have well heard as a solitary text, quoted by the preacher, which he hijacks from the context to express his own worldly philosophies about the christian life.
Hopefully you will read the following with heart as well as mind, and desire to do God's will.
Section 1. Contains Direct Commands
Section 2. Contains Implied commands
Section 3. Contains exhortational commands
Direct Commands in the New Testament
Here is a very long list of New Testament commandments. Many commands of Paul are repeated to different churches, thus endorsing the fact that these were commands for all Christians
(If it were possible I would like to have offered a prize to any sinner who will take the time to read the rest of this booklet, but maybe the Holy Spirit, himself will encourage you to do so)
Commands in Matthew
Matt 3:2 And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt 3:7-8 .. flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet (that show) for repentance:
Matt 4:19 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matt 5:11-12 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matt 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you; Leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matt 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
Matt 5:29-30 And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. And if your right hand offend you, cut it off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.
Matt 5:34-37 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.
Matt 5:39 resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matt 5:40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
Matt 5:41 And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain.
Matt 5:42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.
Matt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matt 5:48 Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matt 6:2-4 Therefore when you do your alms, (make charitable gifts. .e.g. to the poor) do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.
Matt 6:6-7 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
Matt 6:17-18 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly.
Matt 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matt 6:33 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matt 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matt 7:5 You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother’s eye.
Matt 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Matt 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matt 7:13 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there:
Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matt 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Matt 9:13 But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Matt 9:38 Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matt 10:25-26 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.
Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt 10:31 Fear you not therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matt 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 18:8-9 Wherefore if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off, and cast them from you: it is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if your eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Matt 18:10 Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 18:15- Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto you as an heathen man and a publican.
Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Matt 20:26-27 But it shall not be so among you: but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Matt 22:21 Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Matt 23:8-10 But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Matt 24:42 Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord comes.
Matt 24:44 Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.
Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.
Matt 26:26-27 Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it;
Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Commands in Luke;
Luke 3:11 He answered and said unto them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise.
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Luke 3:12-13 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
Luke 4:8 You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall You serve.
Luke 4:12 You shall not tempt the Lord your God.
Luke 6:27-30 Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
And unto him that smites you on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that takes away your cloakl forbid not to take your coat also.
Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again.
Luke 6:35 do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;
Luke 6:36 Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Luke 10:36-37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and you do likewise.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:33 Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And you yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately.
Luke 14:13-14 But when You make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And You shall be blessed; for they cannot recompense you: for You shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:23-24 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves: If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent; You shall forgive him.
Luke 17:22-23 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when you shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife.
Luke 21:36 Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Commands in John
John 3:6-7 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
John 4:35 Say not you, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
John 12:35-36 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
John 13:13-14 You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
John 21:19 This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said unto him, Follow me.
Commands from Romans
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:6-7 For, for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:14 But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:4 Who are you that judges another man’s servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yea, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:15 But if your brother be grieved with your meat, now walk you not charitably. Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
Commands in 1 Corinthians
1 Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.
1 Cor 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be you followers of me.
1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Cor 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1 Cor 6:6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
1 Cor 6:8-10 Nay, you do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:18-19 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
1 Cor 7:27 Are you bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
1 Cor 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, You shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1 Cor 9:10 Or says he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploughs should plough in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.
1 Cor 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.
1 Cor 10:25-26 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.
1 Cor 10:31-32 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1 Cor 11:1 Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1 Cor 11:5 But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Cor 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1 Cor 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1 Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also says the law.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1 Cor 16:13-14 Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.
Commands in 2 Corinthians
2 Cor 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
2 Cor 13:11-12 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss.
Commands in Galatians
Gal 5:1-3 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Commands from Ephesians
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:266 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Eph 4:299 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:311 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be you kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 5:1 Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2-3 Honour your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and you may live long on the earth.
Eph 6:4 And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:9 And, you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Commands from Philippians
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes:
Phil 3:1-2 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Commands in Colossians
Col 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him: Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 3:1-2 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:8-10 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:12-13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
Col 3:14-15 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful.
Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Col 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
Commands in 1 & 2 Thessalonians
1Thes 4:2-4 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Thes 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Thes 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Thes 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Thes 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Thes 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Thes 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
II Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
II Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
II Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
II Th 3:133 But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. II Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Commands to Timothy (servant of the Lord)
1 Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Tim 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Tim 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1 Tim 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Tim 2:11-121 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1 Tim 3:2-6 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Tim 3:111 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Tim 4:6 If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto you have attained.
1 Tim 4:11 These things command and teach.
1 Tim 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear thee.
1 Tim 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1 Tim 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1 Tim 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1 Tim 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1 Tim 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Tim 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1 Tim 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure.
1 Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Tim 6:3-8 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
yourself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Tim 6:14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Tim 6:17-18 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:3-4 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Tim 2:15-16 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Tim 2:22-23 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
Commands to Titus
Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Titus 2:7 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;
Commands in Hebrews
Heb 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:35-36 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.
Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Heb 12:14-15 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb 12:25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:
Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for some have entertained angels unawares.
Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Heb 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Heb 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Commands in James
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:9-10 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man:
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James 1:22 But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 4:15 For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 5:1 Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
James 5:8 Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.
James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest you fall into condemnation.
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Commands in 1 & 2 Peter
1 Pet 1:13-15 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:22 Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 Pet 2:11-15 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Pet 3:1 Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1 Pet 3:2-4 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1 Pet 3:8-9 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing.
1 Pet 3:10-11 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1 Pet 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
1 Pet 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
1 Pet 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Commands in 2 Peter
2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:
2 Pet 3:13-14 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2 Pet 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
Commands in John
I Jn 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever.
I Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
I Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
I Jn 4:7-11 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother also.
I Jn 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
I Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
II Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
II Jn 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
3 John
3 Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Commands in Jude
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:20-23 But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Section 2. Contains Implied commands
Section 3. Contains exhortational commands
Direct Commands in the New Testament
Here is a very long list of New Testament commandments. Many commands of Paul are repeated to different churches, thus endorsing the fact that these were commands for all Christians
(If it were possible I would like to have offered a prize to any sinner who will take the time to read the rest of this booklet, but maybe the Holy Spirit, himself will encourage you to do so)
Commands in Matthew
Matt 3:2 And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt 3:7-8 .. flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet (that show) for repentance:
Matt 4:19 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matt 5:11-12 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matt 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you; Leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matt 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.
Matt 5:29-30 And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. And if your right hand offend you, cut it off, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.
Matt 5:34-37 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.
Matt 5:39 resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matt 5:40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
Matt 5:41 And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain.
Matt 5:42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.
Matt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matt 5:48 Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matt 6:2-4 Therefore when you do your alms, (make charitable gifts. .e.g. to the poor) do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does: That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which sees in secret himself shall reward you openly.
Matt 6:6-7 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
Matt 6:17-18 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly.
Matt 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matt 6:33 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matt 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matt 7:5 You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother’s eye.
Matt 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Matt 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matt 7:13 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there:
Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matt 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Matt 9:13 But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Matt 9:38 Pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matt 10:25-26 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.
Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt 10:31 Fear you not therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matt 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 18:8-9 Wherefore if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off, and cast them from you: it is better for you to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if your eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Matt 18:10 Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 18:15- Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto you as an heathen man and a publican.
Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Matt 20:26-27 But it shall not be so among you: but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Matt 22:21 Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Matt 23:8-10 But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Matt 24:42 Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord comes.
Matt 24:44 Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.
Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes.
Matt 26:26-27 Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it;
Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Commands in Luke;
Luke 3:11 He answered and said unto them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has meat, let him do likewise.
Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Luke 3:12-13 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
Luke 4:8 You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall You serve.
Luke 4:12 You shall not tempt the Lord your God.
Luke 6:27-30 Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
And unto him that smites you on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that takes away your cloakl forbid not to take your coat also.
Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again.
Luke 6:35 do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;
Luke 6:36 Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Luke 10:36-37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and you do likewise.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:33 Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And you yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he comes and knocks, they may open unto him immediately.
Luke 14:13-14 But when You make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And You shall be blessed; for they cannot recompense you: for You shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:23-24 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves: If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent; You shall forgive him.
Luke 17:22-23 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when you shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot’s wife.
Luke 21:36 Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Commands in John
John 3:6-7 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
John 4:35 Say not you, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
John 12:35-36 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
John 13:13-14 You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
John 21:19 This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said unto him, Follow me.
Commands from Romans
Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:6-7 For, for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:14 But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:4 Who are you that judges another man’s servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yea, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:15 But if your brother be grieved with your meat, now walk you not charitably. Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Rom 15:7 Wherefore receive you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
Commands in 1 Corinthians
1 Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God.
1 Cor 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be you followers of me.
1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
1 Cor 5:13 But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Cor 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1 Cor 6:6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
1 Cor 6:8-10 Nay, you do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:18-19 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
1 Cor 7:27 Are you bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
1 Cor 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, You shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1 Cor 9:10 Or says he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploughs should plough in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.
1 Cor 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.
1 Cor 10:25-26 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.
1 Cor 10:31-32 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
1 Cor 11:1 Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1 Cor 11:5 But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Cor 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1 Cor 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1 Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also says the law.
1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1 Cor 16:13-14 Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.
Commands in 2 Corinthians
2 Cor 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
2 Cor 13:11-12 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss.
Commands in Galatians
Gal 5:1-3 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Commands from Ephesians
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:266 Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Eph 4:299 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:311 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be you kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 5:1 Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2-3 Honour your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and you may live long on the earth.
Eph 6:4 And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:9 And, you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Commands from Philippians
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes:
Phil 3:1-2 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Commands in Colossians
Col 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him: Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 3:1-2 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:8-10 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:12-13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
Col 3:14-15 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful.
Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Col 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
Commands in 1 & 2 Thessalonians
1Thes 4:2-4 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Thes 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Thes 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Thes 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Thes 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Thes 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Thes 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
II Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
II Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
II Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
II Th 3:133 But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. II Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Commands to Timothy (servant of the Lord)
1 Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Tim 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Tim 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1 Tim 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Tim 2:11-121 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1 Tim 3:2-6 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Tim 3:111 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Tim 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Tim 4:6 If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto you have attained.
1 Tim 4:11 These things command and teach.
1 Tim 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear thee.
1 Tim 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1 Tim 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1 Tim 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1 Tim 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1 Tim 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Tim 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1 Tim 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure.
1 Tim 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Tim 6:3-8 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
yourself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Tim 6:14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Tim 6:17-18 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:3-4 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2 Tim 2:15-16 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Tim 2:22-23 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
Commands to Titus
Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Titus 2:7 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;
Commands in Hebrews
Heb 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:35-36 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.
Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Heb 12:14-15 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb 12:25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:
Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for some have entertained angels unawares.
Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Heb 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Heb 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Commands in James
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:9-10 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man:
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James 1:22 But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 4:15 For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knows to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 5:1 Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
James 5:8 Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.
James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest you fall into condemnation.
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Commands in 1 & 2 Peter
1 Pet 1:13-15 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:22 Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 Pet 2:11-15 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Pet 3:1 Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1 Pet 3:2-4 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1 Pet 3:8-9 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing.
1 Pet 3:10-11 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1 Pet 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
1 Pet 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
1 Pet 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Commands in 2 Peter
2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:
2 Pet 3:13-14 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2 Pet 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
Commands in John
I Jn 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever.
I Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
I Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
I Jn 4:7-11 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother also.
I Jn 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
I Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
II Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
II Jn 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
3 John
3 Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Commands in Jude
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:20-23 But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Implied Commands
Matt 5:22 But I say unto you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
Matt 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
Matt 6:15 But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matt 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matt 19:9-10 And I say unto you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away commits adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
Matt 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again your sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 4:4 That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, Lord, I will follow you; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.
John 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.
John 21:17 He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Do you love me? And he said unto him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love you. Jesus said unto him, Feed my sheep.
Rom 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
1 Cor 3:16-17 Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Cor 4:7 For who makes thee to differ from another? and what hast you that you didst not receive? now if you didst receive it, why dost you glory, as if you had not received it?
1 Cor 8:12-13 But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Cor 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Cor 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1 Cor 10:7 Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
1 Cor 10:8-10 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 Cor 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
1 Cor 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
1 Cor 11:20-21 When you come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
1 Cor 11:27-29 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
1 Cor 11:33-34 Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
2 Cor 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Cor 10:17-18 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
James 3:2-3 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
1 Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
I Jn 2:3-6 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
I Jn 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
I Jn 3:15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
I Jn 3:17-18 But whoso hath this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Matt 5:22 But I say unto you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
Matt 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matt 5:32 But I say unto you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
Matt 6:15 But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matt 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matt 19:9-10 And I say unto you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away commits adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
Matt 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again your sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 4:4 That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, Lord, I will follow you; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple.
John 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.
John 21:17 He said unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Do you love me? And he said unto him, Lord, You know all things; You know that I love you. Jesus said unto him, Feed my sheep.
Rom 8:13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
1 Cor 3:16-17 Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Cor 4:7 For who makes thee to differ from another? and what hast you that you didst not receive? now if you didst receive it, why dost you glory, as if you had not received it?
1 Cor 8:12-13 But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Cor 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Cor 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1 Cor 10:7 Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
1 Cor 10:8-10 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 Cor 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
1 Cor 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
1 Cor 11:20-21 When you come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
1 Cor 11:27-29 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
1 Cor 11:33-34 Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that you come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
2 Cor 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Cor 10:17-18 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
James 3:2-3 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
1 Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:
I Jn 2:3-6 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keeps his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that says he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
I Jn 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
I Jn 3:15 Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
I Jn 3:17-18 But whoso hath this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Exhortational Commands
Matt 10:38-40 And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me. He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.
Matt 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Matt 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Matt 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matt 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matt 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.
Luke 9:23-24 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it: but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Luke 9:35 This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whoever shall receive this child in my name receives me: and whoever shall receive me receives him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Luke 11:8-10 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in you be not darkness.
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as you have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 12:4-5 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Luke 12:8-9 Also I say unto you, Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Luke 12:21-311 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
John 11:40 Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto you, that, if You would believe, You should see the glory of God?
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 20:22-23 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive you the Holy Ghost: Whoever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whoever sins you retain, they are retained.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Cor 3:3-4 For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?
1 Cor 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1 Cor 7:9-10 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
1 Cor 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
1 Cor 7:36 But if any man think that he behaves himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sins not: let them marry.
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be you children, but in understanding be men.
1 Cor 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
2 Cor 6:3-10 Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As known, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Gal 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you are: you have not injured me at all.
Gal 5:25-26 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Gal 5:13-15 For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.
Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Gal 6:6-7 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:17-18 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:22-24 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.
Eph 5:3-4 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:6-7 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not you therefore partakers with them.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Eph 5:15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.
Phil 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1Thes 2:11-12 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1Thes 5:5-6 You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Matt 10:38-40 And he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me. He that finds his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.
Matt 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Matt 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Matt 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matt 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matt 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.
Luke 9:23-24 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it: but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Luke 9:35 This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whoever shall receive this child in my name receives me: and whoever shall receive me receives him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Luke 11:8-10 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in you be not darkness.
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as you have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 12:4-5 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Luke 12:8-9 Also I say unto you, Whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Luke 12:21-311 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
John 11:40 Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto you, that, if You would believe, You should see the glory of God?
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 20:22-23 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive you the Holy Ghost: Whoever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whoever sins you retain, they are retained.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Rom 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Cor 3:3-4 For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?
1 Cor 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1 Cor 7:9-10 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
1 Cor 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
1 Cor 7:36 But if any man think that he behaves himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sins not: let them marry.
1 Cor 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be you children, but in understanding be men.
1 Cor 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
2 Cor 6:3-10 Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As known, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
2 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Gal 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you are: you have not injured me at all.
Gal 5:25-26 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Gal 5:13-15 For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.
Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Gal 6:6-7 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Eph 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:17-18 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:22-24 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.
Eph 5:3-4 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:6-7 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not you therefore partakers with them.
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Eph 5:15-16 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.
Phil 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1Thes 2:11-12 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1Thes 5:5-6 You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Heb 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 6:12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Conclusion: (?)
When one first becomes a christian, it is usual that a pastor or someone else will seek to give you three points of advice.
1. To read the scriptures daily
2. To keep in touch with the Lord in prayer all the time- believe in and practice his presence.
3. To be a witness in your behaviour and your confession of faith
Sadly I read on line that a leading figure in anti-legalism quoted this as setting rules, when in truth we have been set free from the Law. It is disappointing that he should see it that way but personally I see it as sound advice. Young christian babies can't just be sent off into this world without some guidance. And to say "off you go - live happily, do as you please, never feel guilty again- live in grace". It almost makes the epistles redundant. Developing good habits at the start is a good thing in natural life and in the spiritual lfe.
Furthermore we are saved to serve. This is our worship. The Old Testament priests had a daily routine of service / worship which is reflected in the three pieces of advice, numbered above. In the Holy Place where the priest ministered daily,
1. They kept fresh bread on the table of shewbread.
2, They kept the Altar if incense burning 27/7. (the fire of which came from the fire of the Brazen Altar, which denotes Calvary)
3. They kept the Candlestick burning and shining out its light.
Hopefully this booklet has shown just how much "advice" is given in the writings of the apostles. Thankfully they were nearer the time of Jesus and his commands than the church leaders today, in this modern, materialistic, unbelieving generation. There is unfortunately no comparison today with the early church.
Unfortunately, there are many folk today who believe that the apostle Paul was "a man of his age and much that he taught is now out of date."
Certainly the world we live in is different than in Paul's day. But truth is stilll the same. The gospel and the christian life as outlined by Paul and the other New Testament writers is the same today. Following Jesus then, is following Jesus now.
A man may wear a hat in church like Mr Townsend, the "worship leader at the Keswick Convention, but the principle of honouring God as the head of the man, and man as the head of the woman is still a vital truth in God's agenda..
Scriptures addressed to slaves in Paul's day, are just as appropriate to the slaves of today. The world is still run by the rich on the backs of the poor. Slavery may be more sophisticated but the vast majority of employees would much rather not be employees. They would prefer to be free of such authority. The threat of being unemployed is the over hanging banner of mortgage and insurance societies, run by the rich.
The wages and social conditions may have changed, but the principle of being content and of doing all things as unto the Lord, avails today as it did in Paul's day.
The Word of the Lord abides forever.
Your comments are welcome- state if you do NOT want them publishing. You may use aliases if you wish
When one first becomes a christian, it is usual that a pastor or someone else will seek to give you three points of advice.
1. To read the scriptures daily
2. To keep in touch with the Lord in prayer all the time- believe in and practice his presence.
3. To be a witness in your behaviour and your confession of faith
Sadly I read on line that a leading figure in anti-legalism quoted this as setting rules, when in truth we have been set free from the Law. It is disappointing that he should see it that way but personally I see it as sound advice. Young christian babies can't just be sent off into this world without some guidance. And to say "off you go - live happily, do as you please, never feel guilty again- live in grace". It almost makes the epistles redundant. Developing good habits at the start is a good thing in natural life and in the spiritual lfe.
Furthermore we are saved to serve. This is our worship. The Old Testament priests had a daily routine of service / worship which is reflected in the three pieces of advice, numbered above. In the Holy Place where the priest ministered daily,
1. They kept fresh bread on the table of shewbread.
2, They kept the Altar if incense burning 27/7. (the fire of which came from the fire of the Brazen Altar, which denotes Calvary)
3. They kept the Candlestick burning and shining out its light.
Hopefully this booklet has shown just how much "advice" is given in the writings of the apostles. Thankfully they were nearer the time of Jesus and his commands than the church leaders today, in this modern, materialistic, unbelieving generation. There is unfortunately no comparison today with the early church.
Unfortunately, there are many folk today who believe that the apostle Paul was "a man of his age and much that he taught is now out of date."
Certainly the world we live in is different than in Paul's day. But truth is stilll the same. The gospel and the christian life as outlined by Paul and the other New Testament writers is the same today. Following Jesus then, is following Jesus now.
A man may wear a hat in church like Mr Townsend, the "worship leader at the Keswick Convention, but the principle of honouring God as the head of the man, and man as the head of the woman is still a vital truth in God's agenda..
Scriptures addressed to slaves in Paul's day, are just as appropriate to the slaves of today. The world is still run by the rich on the backs of the poor. Slavery may be more sophisticated but the vast majority of employees would much rather not be employees. They would prefer to be free of such authority. The threat of being unemployed is the over hanging banner of mortgage and insurance societies, run by the rich.
The wages and social conditions may have changed, but the principle of being content and of doing all things as unto the Lord, avails today as it did in Paul's day.
The Word of the Lord abides forever.
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