Basic NT Commands

The way

Basic New Testament Commands

_{A Study of the New
Testament Commands and their relation to the Christian walk}

_{by Rev. K. M. Pauley}

_{A publication of CBF
Ministries}

INTRODUCTION

A. The Way requires the discipline of obedience.

Matthew 5:19 HCSB Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:26-27 HCSB But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!"
Luke 6:46 HCSB "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say?

B. Just because the Way is based on grace doesn’t diminish God’s commands.

Luke 16:16-17 HCSB "The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has been proclaimed, and everyone is strongly urged to enter it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the law to drop out.

C. Obedience of these commands is our minimum service.

Luke 17:10 HCSB In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves; we've only done our duty.'"

D. We demonstrate our love of God through our obedience.

John 14:15 HCSB "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:21 HCSB The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him."
John 15:10 HCSB If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commands and remain in His love.
James 1:22 HCSB But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

E. It is our relationship with Christ, not our obedience of God’s laws, however, that makes us righteous.

Romans 10:4 HCSB For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
1 Corinthians 7:19 HCSB Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter, but keeping God's commandments does.
1 Corinthians 14:37 HCSB If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord's command.
Galatians 5:18 HCSB But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Hebrews 8:7 HCSB For if that first covenant had been faultless, no opportunity would have been sought for a second one.
Hebrews 12:24-25 HCSB to Jesus (mediator of a new covenant), and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not reject the One who speaks; for if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven.

F. Our obedience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a sign of our right relation to God.

1 John 2:3-6 HCSB This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: 6 the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 3:22-24 HCSB and can receive whatever we ask from Him because we keep His commands and do what is pleasing in His sight. 23 Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. 24 The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.
1 John 5:2-5 HCSB This is how we know that we love God's children when we love God and obey His commands. 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 4 because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5 And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Arguing over trivialities

Romans 14:1 HCSB Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don't argue about doubtful issues.
1 Timothy 1:3-7 HCSB As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach other doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, although they don't understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.
Titus 3:9-11 HCSB But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
1 Corinthians 4:5 HCSB Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

Authority

and Children

Ephesians 6:1 HCSB Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right.
Colossians 3:20 HCSB Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

and Work

Ephesians 6:5 HCSB Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ.
Colossians 3:22 HCSB Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.
Titus 2:9-10 HCSB Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back 10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

and Government

Romans 13:1-8 HCSB Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. 4 For government is God's servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God's servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God's public servants, continually attending to these tasks. 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor. 8 Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
1 Peter 2:17 HCSB Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.

and Church Leaders

Titus 3:1 HCSB Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
Hebrews 13:17 HCSB Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

and the elderly

Titus 2:3-5 HCSB In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be sensible, pure, good homemakers, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered.
1 Peter 5:5 HCSB Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

and Freedom

Matthew 23:9-10 HCSB Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called masters either, because you have one Master, the Messiah.
Acts 4:18-20 HCSB So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it's right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Acts 17:10-11 HCSB As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea. On arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
1 John 2:27 HCSB The anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need anyone to teach you. Instead, His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
1 Peter 2:9 HCSB But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Complaining and Negativity

1 Corinthians 10:9-13 HCSB Let us not tempt Christ as some of them did, and were destroyed by snakes. 10 Nor should we complain as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.
Philippians 2:14-15 HCSB Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

Elderly, the

Titus 2:2-4 HCSB Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and children,
1 Peter 5:5 HCSB Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Excellence

Matthew 5:48 HCSB Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 Corinthians 10:31 HCSB Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-24 HCSB So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 6:14-15 HCSB "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.

Good works

Matthew 5:13-16 HCSB "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 2:8-10 HCSB For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-- 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His creation--created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 4:21-24 HCSB assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth is in Jesus: 22 you took off your former way of life, the old man that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on the new man, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Holiness and Separation

Matthew 5:29-30 HCSB If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell!
Mark 9:45-47 HCSB And if your foot causes your downfall, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell--[the unquenchable fire, 46 where Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.] 47 And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,

Note: Most people take these words as hyperbole intended to emphasize the fact that sin is so serious it must be dealt with in a radical way. Look, for another example at Luke 14:26 where Jesus tells us that we cannot be His disciples if we do not “hate” our own family. We are told in other passages to “honor” our parents, to “love” our wives, to not “frustrate” our children. So the obvious interpretation must be that our love for Christ must be so intense that in comparison, our love for our families pale. When the claims of God and humans conflict, the disciple must give God the priority. The specification of “right eye” (5:30) and “right hand” (5:30) are references to one’s best eye and hand and are added pointers to Jesus’ intent. Whatever may feed the imagination and lead to sin must be expunged. Rather, the Bible’s prescription for godliness calls on us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable – the excellent and praiseworthy and not the depraved and degenerate (Philippians 4:8).

Matthew 7:6 HCSB Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.

Note: The point of the analogy is that “dogs” are incapable of recognizing the sacred, and that “pigs” care nothing for pearls. Why then should we expect those without any relationship with God to accept the moral standards of believers? Rather than respond to efforts at moral uplift, the corrupt are more likely to turn and “tear you to pieces” (Matt. 7:6). The way to affect society is to focus on the Gospel and its promise of personal relationship with God. Morality follows conversion, rather than precedes it. The believer who attempts to use biblical standards to reform society is putting the cart before the horse and will not prevail.

Mark 1:15 HCSB "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!"
Romans 6:12-13 HCSB Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. 13 And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.
Romans 12:1-2 HCSB Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:9 HCSB Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:21 HCSB Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Romans 13:14 HCSB But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 HCSB I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- 10 by no means referring to this world's immoral people, or to the greedy and swindlers, or to idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. 11 But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother who is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a reviler, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
1 Corinthians 6:14-17 HCSB God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are the members of Christ? So should I take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Absolutely not! 16 Do you not know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For it says, The two will become one flesh. 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 HCSB Flee from sexual immorality! "Every sin a person can commit is outside the body," but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
2 Corinthians 7:1 HCSB Therefore dear friends, since we have such promises, we should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of God.
Ephesians 4:29-31 HCSB No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness.
Ephesians 5:3-4 HCSB But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4 And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.
Ephesians 5:11 HCSB Don't participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead, expose them.
Ephesians 5:18 HCSB And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit:
Philippians 4:5 HCSB Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Note: Here we see the motivation behind our desire for holiness, separation and the consistent application of gracious compassion.

Philippians 4:8-9 HCSB Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Colossians 3:4-10 HCSB When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore, put to death whatever in you is worldly: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God's wrath comes on the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. 8 But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his practices 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of his Creator.
Colossians 4:5-6 HCSB Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 HCSB Don't stifle the Spirit. 20 Don't despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every form of evil.
1 Timothy 2:8-10 HCSB Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. 9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense; not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God.
2 Timothy 2:16-19 HCSB But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 17 And their word will spread like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness.
2 Timothy 2:20-26 HCSB Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and earthenware, some for special use, some for ordinary. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. 24 The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap, having been captured by him to do his will.
Titus 3:8-11 HCSB This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
James 4:7-8 HCSB Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
James 5:12 HCSB Now above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. Your "yes" must be "yes," and your "no" must be "no," so that you won't fall under judgment.
1 Peter 1:14-16 HCSB As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance 15 but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.
1 Peter 2:11-12 HCSB Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.
1 Peter 4:1-5 HCSB Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same resolve--because the One who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin-- 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will. 3 For there has already been enough time spent in doing the will of the pagans: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry. 4 In regard to this, they are surprised that you don't plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation--and they slander you. 5 They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.
1 John 5:21 HCSB Little children, guard yourselves from idols.
3 John 1:11 HCSB Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
Jude 1:21-24 HCSB keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 22 Have mercy on some who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; on others have mercy in fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy,

Judgment, proper

Matthew 7:1-6 HCSB "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 7:12 HCSB Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them--this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 18:15-18 HCSB "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he won't listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. 17 If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you. 18 I assure you: Whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven.
Romans 12:9 HCSB Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 HCSB but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every form of evil.
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 HCSB We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually. 15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For: who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:5 HCSB Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.
Galatians 2:11-14 HCSB But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. 12 For he used to eat with the Gentiles before certain men came from James. However, when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, because he feared those from the circumcision party. 13 Then the rest of the Jews joined his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, "If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?"
1 Timothy 5:19-21 HCSB Don't accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. 21 I solemnly charge you, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 HCSB Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Titus 1:13-16 HCSB This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith 14 and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commandments of men who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work.
Titus 2:14-15 HCSB He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works. 15 Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
James 4:11-12 HCSB Don't criticize one another, brothers. He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
1 John 4:1-3 HCSB Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. 3 But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now.

Life witness

Luke 9:23-26 HCSB Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. 25 What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.

Love

Matthew 5:44-48 HCSB But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Note: Jesus is not rejecting the Old Testament teaching of an eye for an eye. The Old Testament principle was intended to limit the punishment that could be imposed for a hostile or accidental act. Far from being primitive, it was morally advanced for the time. Jesus did exactly what he had done in other teachings recorded in Matthew 5: look behind the law to expose the principle it expressed. Compare this concept of looking for the spirit of the law instead of the letter to 2 Corinthians 3:6 “[God] made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Romans 2:29 says that “he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” In the case of this law, which in essence outlawed vengeance, the underlying principle is forgiveness and grace. Rather than strike back we are to adopt God’s approach and love even those who have become our enemies.

Mark 12:29-31 HCSB "This is the most important," Jesus answered: Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, The Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 "The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
Luke 3:11 HCSB He replied to them, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."
Luke 6:36 HCSB Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 17:4 HCSB And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

Note: Jesus had just told his disciples to forgive again and again. The disciples were aware of how difficult this was. They asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus dismissed their request, saying, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you” (v.6). He then told a story about a servant who did the day’s tasks his master set for him and served his master dinner. When the day was done, he expected no praise because he had only done his duty.

The disciples, in asking for more faith, had missed the point. Faith might be fine for planting mulberry trees in the sea. But Jesus, their Master, had commanded them to forgive. The issue here is not one of faith but of obedience.

This passage illustrates a principle we must use to solve many Bible difficulties. Jesus’ familiar words and images were repeated over and over during his three years of ministry. They frequently were applied to make different points. To understand the image, we must look carefully at the context in which it is used.

Romans 12:9-21 HCSB Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Romans 16:16 HCSB Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 HCSB If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Note: Love must the ultimate goal. Everything else is secondary.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 HCSB Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; 5 does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Note: All the characteristics of love demonstrate that it is, at its core, a servant attitude.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 HCSB Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. 13 Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Note: True love demands maturity and a long view of things.

Galatians 5:13-15 HCSB For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
Galatians 6:1-3 HCSB Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. 2 Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself.
Galatians 6:10 HCSB Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Ephesians 4:31-32 HCSB All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 5:1-2 HCSB Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Colossians 3:12-17 HCSB Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. 14 Above all, put on love--the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful. 16 Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Hebrews 13:1-4 HCSB Let brotherly love continue. 2 Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it. 3 Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily. 4 Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.
1 Peter 1:22-25 HCSB By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again--not of perishable seed but of imperishable--through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower drops off, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached as the gospel to you.
1 Peter 3:8-12 HCSB Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble, 9 not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing. 10 For the one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, 11 and he must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it, 12 because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Marriage and Family

Matthew 5:31-32 HCSB "It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Mark 10:6-9 HCSB But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife,] 8 and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, man must not separate."
Romans 7:2-3 HCSB For example, a married woman is legally bound to her husband while he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law regarding the husband. 3 So then, if she gives herself to another man while her husband is living, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law. Then, if she gives herself to another man, she is not an adulteress.
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 HCSB I command the married--not I, but the Lord--a wife is not to leave her husband. 11 But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband--and a husband is not to leave his wife. 12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is willing to live with him, he must not leave her. 13 Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband, and he is willing to live with her, she must not leave her husband. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the Christian husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to peace. 16 For you, wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Or you, husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife?
Ephesians 5:22-33 HCSB Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord, 23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ is head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless. 28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own flesh, but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 since we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

Note: The Greek word used here, hypotasso, implies subordination of oneself to someone or something, whether a slave to a master or a citizen to the government. But the way the word is used throughout the New Testament reveals that submission is a most complex concept. It may be forced (Luke 10:17) or voluntary (James 4:7), to social structures (Rom. 13:1), to individuals (1 Peter 2:18). Most importantly, Christians voluntarily submit to each other in various Christian relationships. Here submission speaks equally of concern for others and respect for their roles and gifts (Rom. 12:10; Ephesians 5:21; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5). It is particularly important in understanding the implications of submission to remember that Christ called on spiritual leaders to live as slaves (doulos) to other believers (Matt. 20:27).

In the context of Christian interpersonal relationships it is clear that a wife’s submission to her husband does not mean either inferiority, surrender of one’s identity, or abject subservience. Instead, the command suggests that the wife minister to the husband by taking the lead in responding to him, even as he takes the lead in treating her with love. It does not mean that the husband has the right to make every decision in a marriage and that the wife’s sole role is to obey. Head is not a synonym for boss.

In fact, Paul goes on to define exactly what he means by head in the context of the marriage relationship. The husband’s headship over the wife is modeled on that of Christ over the church. Christ exhibited his headship by loving the church and giving himself for her “to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish.” The husband who fulfills his role as head of his wife will love her selflessly and will be willing to give up his own aspirations to help his wife achieve her full potential as a person.

The Christian marriage is thus characterized by MUTUAL SUBMISSION. The wife submitting to her husbands leadership, the husband submitting to his wife’s needs out of love. Compare this interpretation to the following verses, especially 1 Peter 3:7.

Ephesians 6:1-4 HCSB Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother--which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Colossians 3:18-21 HCSB Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and don't become bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won't become discouraged.
1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16 HCSB But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to practice their religion toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God…Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever…If any believing woman has widows, she should help them, and the church should not be burdened, so that it can help those who are genuinely widows.
1 Timothy 5:5-6 HCSB The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; 6 however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
1 Timothy 5:14-15 HCSB Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us. 15 For some have already turned away to follow Satan.
1 Peter 3:1-6 HCSB Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live, 2 when they observe your pure, reverent lives. 3 Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes; 4 instead, it should consist of the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes. 5 For in the past, the holy women who hoped in God also beautified themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do good and aren't frightened by anything alarming.
1 Peter 3:7 HCSB Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Military Service

Luke 3:14 HCSB Some soldiers also questioned him: "What should we do?" He said to them, "Don't take money from anyone by force or false accusation; be satisfied with your wages."
Luke 14:31-32 HCSB "Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with 10,000 to oppose the one who comes against him with 20,000? 32 If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

Money and Wealth

Matthew 6:3-4 HCSB But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB "Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:33-34 HCSB Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won't grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Romans 13:8 HCSB Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Galatians 6:6-9 HCSB The one who is taught the message must share his goods with the teacher. 7 Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up.

Note: cp 1 Timothy 5:17 HCSB The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Colossians 3:1-2 HCSB So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.
1 Timothy 6:8-11 HCSB But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 11 Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
Hebrews 13:5 HCSB Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
Hebrews 13:16 HCSB Don't neglect to do good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
1 John 2:15 HCSB Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world--

Mutual Consideration

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 HCSB Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory. 32 Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Philippians 4:4-5 HCSB Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, 25 not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
1 Peter 2:17 HCSB Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.
Jude 1:21-24 HCSB keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 22 Have mercy on some who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; on others have mercy in fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy,
Romans 14:21 HCSB It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.

Prayer

Matthew 6:5-8 HCSB "Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, don't babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they'll be heard for their many words. 8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:16-18 HCSB "Whenever you fast, don't be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They've got their reward! 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, 18 so that you don't show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Colossians 4:2 HCSB Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 HCSB Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don't stifle the Spirit.

Speech

Colossians 4:6 HCSB Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Ephesians 4:29-31 HCSB No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness.

Suffering and Non-Resistance

Matthew 5:38-48 HCSB "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don't resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Luke 6:26-36 HCSB Woe to you when all people speak well of you, because this is the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets. 27 "But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don't hold back your shirt either. 30 Give to everyone who asks from you, and from one who takes away your things, don't ask for them back. 31 Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do what is good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Romans 12:17-21 HCSB Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 HCSB The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap, having been captured by him to do his will.
1 Peter 2:18-21 HCSB Household slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel. 19 For it brings favor if, because of conscience toward God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if you endure when you sin and are beaten? But when you do good and suffer, if you endure, it brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.
1 Peter 4:1-2 HCSB Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same resolve--because the One who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin-- 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God's will.
1 Peter 4:19 HCSB So those who suffer according to God's will should, in doing good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.

Vows

Matthew 5:34-37 HCSB But I tell you, don't take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither should you swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your word 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no.' Anything more than this is from the evil one.

Work

Ephesians 6:5-8 HCSB Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. 6 Don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will from your heart. 7 Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.
Ephesians 6:9 HCSB And masters, treat them the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their and your Master is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
Colossians 3:22-25 HCSB Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord--you serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 4:1 HCSB Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
Ephesians 6:5-8 HCSB Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. 6 Don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will from your heart. 7 Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.
Ephesians 6:9 HCSB And masters, treat them the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their and your Master is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
1 Timothy 6:1-2 HCSB All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God's name and His teaching will not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach and encourage these things.
2 Timothy 2:15 HCSB Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
Titus 2:9-10 HCSB Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back 10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

Worship

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 HCSB How is it then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification. 27 If any person speaks in another language, there should be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and someone must interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, that person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. 30 But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. 32 And the prophets' spirits are under the control of the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting. 36 Did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord's command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. 40 But everything must be done decently and in order.

Note: The women should be silent. In 1 Corinthians 11:5 Paul states women can pray and prophesy in public worship. Why would he contradict himself in 14:35 by saying that women cannot speak in church? Thus his purpose was not to define the role of women but to establish a fitting (vv. 34-35) and orderly (vv. 27-31) way of worship (v.40).

In Greek there is no punctuation. Some versions (New Century, New International Version, and Contemporary English Version) put “as in all the churches” at the beginning of verse 34, implying that the following would be a common practice. Therefore the way this section is punctuated is open to interpretation.

In 1 Corinthians 7:1 Paul refers to a letter written to Paul by the leaders of the church in Corinth when he mentions “the things about which you wrote”. Many scholars of the New Testament who are familiar with the technicalities of the Greek language insist that part of this chapter is actually a quote taken from that source. Most of the specific issues Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians, in fact, are topics that were included in that letter.

The Greek symbol h (with a grave accent) is used at the beginning of verse 36 to signal to the reader that the preceding statement is quoted. Because Greek does not have what we know as quotation marks, this device is used instead. (Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., "Shared Leadership," Christianity Today, October 3, 1986, 124; Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 17.)

“…just as the Law also says” (v.34) What law is this referring to? There is no law in the Old Testament that says women cannot speak. There is no reference to a Scripture given here. That’s because it is not referring to an Old Testament law but to a Jewish Rabbinical tradition that the Corinthian church had adopted. “Out of respect to the congregation, a woman should not herself read in the law. It is a shame for a woman to let her voice be heard among men. The voice of a woman is a filthy nakedness.” – Mishna Sotah 3.4; B. Sotah 20a. It should be noted that the Jewish Talmud is a collection of comments by rabbis who disagree, and the statement here about the “obscenity” of teaching women the law of God is challenged. However, many scholars of early Jewish thought believe the quote here represents the prevalent opinion of rabbis in the first century. Women were not allowed to study the Torah or to become disciples of rabbis.

“In 1 Corinthians 14 we are caught in an intricate interplay between quotations from a missing letter from the Corinthians and Paul’s solutions to problems the letter had raised. The verse is clearly not repeating a law of Scripture and cannot be taken as a universal command for women to be silent in church. That interpretation would flatly contradict what the apostle had just said three chapters earlier.” Kenneth S. Kantzer, “Proceed With Care,” Christianity Today, October 3, 1986

This interpretation makes sense of the first section of the passage in which he speaks of spiritual gifts and their practice in the church. These gifts are not assumed to be male only (see v. 6 “Brothers and sisters” also v. 20). We know that there are female “prophetesses” and vv. 23-29 deal with the orderly use of prophecy in the church. Then all of a sudden he changes tack and tells women to be quiet? Then what does v. 36 mean? Why does he then go back to dealing with prophecy in vv. 37-40? It only makes sense if vv. 34-35 are a quote and v.36 is a rebuke.

The very harshness of the language in v. 35 gives another clue that this “Law” is actually a man-made rule invented by the same type of legalistic Judaizers that Paul publicly opposed in the churches of Galatia and Colossae. Paul is quoting those who held to a degrading view of women – and who actually described women in Jewish writings as vile and disgraceful.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 HCSB Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don't stifle the Spirit. 20 Don't despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every form of evil.

1 Timothy 2:11-15 HCSB A woman should learn in silence with full submission. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. 13 For Adam was created first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.

Note:

1. LOIS AND EUNICE Cp. Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy 1:5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2. According to Acts 16:1, Timothy’s mother was a Jewish Christian. Here we learn that his grandmother too was a Christian. Timothy’s father, however, was a Greek and apparently an unbeliever (Acts 16:1). It was probably because of him that Timothy had not been circumcised as a child. Since Paul addressed Timothy as a young man some 15 years later (1 Timothy 4:12) he must have been in his teens at this time. Statements concerning his mother’s faith and silence concerning any faith on his father'’ part suggest that the father was neither a convert to Judaism nor a believer in Christ. A Jewish boy formally began to study the OT when he was five years old. His mother and grandmother taught Timothy at home even before he reached this age. Apparently his mother’s teaching continued well into his teens, even when he would have already been considered a man.

3. So Paul is here instructing a man who was saved and a disciple and now a pastor of a church because his mother and grandmother taught him from birth, until at least well into his teens, to keep the women quiet. That they are not to teach or exercise authority over a man. But he commends them in 1 Timothy 1:5. How ironic that people twist Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:12 in order to make a blanket prohibition against women teaching men, when in 2 Timothy 1:5 he commends Lois and Eunice for teaching Timothy the faith!

4. PRISCILLA Cp. Acts 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquilla, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them. Acts 18:24-28 Now a Jew named Apollos, and Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

5. Priscilla is the diminutive form of Prisca. Since no mention is made of a conversion and since a partnership is established in work (see v.3), it is likely that they were already Christians. They many have been converted in Rome by those returning from Pentecost or by others at a later time. Apollos was not baptizing in the name of Jesus (see 19:2-4). Apollos knew something about Jesus, but basically he, like John, was still looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. His baptism was based on repentance rather than on faith in the finished work of Christ.

6. Rom. 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. They helped Paul found the church at Corinth (Acts 18:1-4). They had left Corinth with Paul and had gone to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). Evidently they were still there, and a church was meeting at their house; it now sends greetings. House churches were common in this early period (cf. Rom. 16:3-5; Philem. 2). 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Since Paul fully expected to die soon (v.6) these people are the ones he most wanted to greet before he met his death. So:

Priscilla was already a Christian before Paul met her.
She was worthy of being called a “fellow worker in Jesus Christ.”
She took a man who was an Apostle aside and educated him further in his walk with Christ and met no rebuke.
She had a church in her house.
She was so important to Paul and his work that as he faced death, he made sure he said goodbye to her. This in a society where women were chattels, not to speak, not to be educated.

7. The Greek word for “to have authority over” is authentein, and it is the only time in the New Testament this word is used. Normally, the Greek word exousia is used for “authority”. Bible scholars have noted that authentein has a forceful and extremely negative connotation. It can be translated “to dominate,” “to usurp” or “to take control”. It could be translated “to declare oneself to be the author of.” Because some Gnostic priestesses believed woman was actually created before man, it is possible that they were teaching the church at Ephesus that woman was the originator of man. Often when this word was used in ancient Greek literature it was associated with violence or even murder.

Worry

Matthew 6:25-34 HCSB "This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? 27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don't labor or spin thread. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! 30 If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't He do much more for you--you of little faith? 31 So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' 32 For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 Peter 5:6-7 HCSB Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.