Month: April 2020

This next set of commands from God begin with the words “lay aside” which means quit doing what you’re doing. Stop would be a more accurate description nowadays. The commands to “honor” needs no explanation.

81. Lay aside every weight.
82. Run with patience the race before us.

Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

The problems of the world hinder the Christian from doing God’s work if we let it happen. The trick is to give those problems to Jesus who will carry those burdens for us which will release us to better serve God.

83. Cast your cares upon God.

1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

I added this command here because it ties in with the previous command and notes.

84. Honor fathers.
85. Honor mothers.

Ephesians 6:2-3 – Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a

promise: “that it will be well with you and you may live long on the earth”.

This in one of the ten commandments and God promises a long life for those who obey.

86. Honor widows.

1 Timothy 5:3 – Honor widows who are really widows.

87. Honor rulers.

1 Peter 2:17 – Honor all people, love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

This is a repeat of god’s command to obey civil authorities which God Himself established. See “Let everyone obey civil laws”.

88. Lay aside all envy.

1 Peter 2:1 – Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.

Envy is a form of covetousness and is a sin mentioned in the ten commandments.

89. Lay aside all evil speaking. See previous command, Scripture and notes.

73. Let wives be subject to their husbands.

Ephesians 5:22 – Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

74. Let wives reverence their husbands.

Ephesians 5:33 – Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

75. Let husbands love their wives.

Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.

76. Let the adorning of women be more inward than outward.

1 Peter 3:3-4 – Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

77. Let the afflicted pray.

James 5:13 – Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

God still heals the afflicted just like he did in Old Testament times. Pray in faith to be healed and it will come to pass if it’s God’s will.

78. Let your requests be made know to God.

Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

79. Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

James 1:19 – So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

80. Let everyone examine himself at communion.

1 Corinthians 11:28 – But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Bread is a metaphor for the body of Christ and drink of the cup refers to wine being the blood of Christ. Communion is given in remembrance of the cross where Jesus gave up his body and poured out his blood for our redemption. Jesus consecrated communion at the Last Supper. I’m a Baptist trying to explain something I know nothing about personally. Forgive me if I haven’t explained it correctly.

This set of commands from God is the “do” commands and the “let” commands. Let is just another way to say “do this”. The do and let commands require a little more effort and willpower on behalf of the believer. The more of God’s commands we cover the more likely we are to find redundancy, which I’ll try to point out. God usually gives us important information more than once and often multiple times to be sure we get it.

65. Do all things in decent order.

1 Corinthians 14:40 – Let all things be done decently and in order.

God wants believers to live their lives according to the instructions in the Bible.

66. Let your light shine.

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Believers are called on to emulate Christ in their lives which will attract unbelievers to God and glorify the Father.

67. Let everyone deny himself.

Matthew 16:24 – If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Believers are called on to obey the commands of God and suffer for Christ. Believers are called on not to conform to the world but to keep their eyes on Jesus. Believers are called on to bear up under the persecution they may face for worshiping God.

68. Let him share with the need.

Luke 3:11 – He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.

One of the many verses where God commands us to give to those in need. See also “Do not be weary in well-doing” and “Give freely, willingly and purposely as God has prospered”.

69. Let no man deceive himself.

1 Corinthians 3:18 – Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

God makes it clear the wisdom of men is foolishness. Get rid of pride and humble yourself before God and study His word that you may be counted wise.

70. Let everyone obey civil laws.

Romans 13:1 – Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

God placed governments over us. Obey their laws as long as they don’t contradict the commands of God.

71. Let your speech be with grace.

Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Be gracious to others and study God’s Word so you will have the wisdom to answer the questions others may have for you.

72. Let those who are taught support the teacher.

Galatians 6:6 – Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

That’s why we have church pastors paid a salary by tithing from the congregation.

57. Give freely.
58. Give willingly.
59. Give purposely.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

60. Give as God has prospered.

1 Corinthians 16:2 – On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

The four commands from God listed above refer to giving back to God as he has prospered you. This could be tithes, giving alms to the poor or any number of things that benefit people in need. Give as your heart moves you to the glory of God.

61. Give thanks.

Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

God repeatedly commands us to be thankful in prayer for the blessings we receive. We see it in God’s commands to, “Be thankful”, “Be anxious for nothing”, and “Be content with what you have”.

62. Give no place to Satan.

Ephesians 4:27 – Nor give place to the devil.

This is the tail end of the Scripture that says not to remain angry and don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. God is indicating anger gives Satan a potential foothold in our mind. Forgiveness of others and being Christ-centered is key to keeping the devil at bay. Other commands from God that address the dangers of Satan include, “Be vigilant” and “Be angry and sin not”.

63. Give no offense.

1 Corinthians 10:32 – Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks (Gentiles) or to the church of God.

God repeatedly commands us to get along with everyone, avoid strife and forgive those who persecute us. The Apostle Paul uses the word Greek here to refer to all unbelievers which we associate with the term Gentile. I inserted the word Gentile for understanding.

64. Give time to reading.

1 Timothy 4:13 – Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

There are at least half a dozen Scriptures where God explicitly tells believers to study God’s Word for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. That also means daily Bible reading and prayer. The Scripture above is probably the easiest to understand. This is exactly what I’m doing with my Bible study and blog. I have an unquenchable thirst for God’s Word and the need to share it with others. I’m waiting for Jesus to come just as God has commanded.

49. Be reconciled to a brother.

Matthew 5:24 – Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

God stresses mercy and forgiveness to eliminate strife in the body of Christ.

50. Be patient toward all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

2 Timothy 2:24 – And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

This is a rephrasing of commands of God previously covered where God says, “Be gentle to all men” and “Be ready to teach”.

51. Be patient in tribulation.

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.

God wants us to face hard times, suffering and persecution with patience. God will give us the strength to get through anything we face. Pray continuously and read your Bible daily to keep your faith strong.

52. Be content with what you have.

Hebrews 13:5 – Let you conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

Thou shalt not covet is one of the ten commandments. When you have salvation and the peace of God you have what’s important. Count the blessings you have because the rest doesn’t matter in the long run.
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53. Be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.

See the previous note for “Be content with what you have”.

54. Be separate from the unclean.

2 Corinthians 6:17 – Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you”.

This is a rephrasing of God’s consistent command to avoid evil men, false teachers, false prophets, evil companions and close association with unbelievers.

55. Be angry and sin not.

Ephesians 4:26 – “Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

This a repeat of God’s command, “Do not let the sun go down on you wrath”. See previous notes.

56. Be anxious for nothing.

Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

God tells us not to worry about anything. We are in God’s hands and he will provide us with all we need to prosper. God will do this because we are his children and dearly loved.

41. Be steadfast.
42. Be unmovable.
43. Be always abounding in God’s work.

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

This verse makes it clear why God has left us here on earth after we have been saved unto eternal life. The Great Commission, witnessing for Christ, is our primary work for the Lord. We are also to obey the Lord and do other good works that glorify God as we emulate Christ by the way we live our lives. We are to save as many souls as we can for the kingdom of God and persevere until Jesus comes.

44. Be vigilant.

1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Satan is like the cyborg in the terminator movies. He’s after your soul and he’ll never ever stop. Your only protection is God. Your only hope is to study the Bible so that you can put on the full armor of God to protect yourself.

45. Be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 – And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

All believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation and He stay with us until we die. Being filled with the Spirit is different. We have to pray to God to be filled with an abundance of His Spirit, usually for specific a purpose and for a limited time. The main thing is the filling of the Holy Spirit is temporary.

46, Be transformed.

Romans 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Upon salvation your are spiritually moved from death to eternal like and God starts the process of sanctification in your life by the renewing your mind. You are in the world but are not to be conformed to the world because it belongs to Satan. You cannot serve both God and Satan. Serve God only. We are aliens here, our citizenship is in heaven.

47. Be of one mind.

Romans 12:16 – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your minds on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Come before the Lord humble and without pride. Treat others as you would yourself.

48. Be an example to other believers.

1 Timothy 4:12 – That you may walk properly toward those who are outside; and that you lack nothing.

God is stressing we should live our lives for Christ so that we shine before men and glorify God. This will bring the unbeliever to God and encourage the faithful.

This next set of commands are the “be” commands. God is telling us to take some sort of appropriate action but this first requires us to know what to do, how to do it and when to do it. It all comes down to studying God’s Word so we know what the Lord requires of us in all circumstances. With this knowledge of God’s word and our intelligence, willpower and emotions we are equipped to obey the commands of God.

33. Be men in understanding, 1 Corinthians 14:20. Previously addressed under, “Do not be children in understanding.”

34. Be children in avoiding malice, 1 Corinthians 14:20 – See above. Be as innocent as children in your motives.

35. Be harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Witnesses for Christ have to be able to discern who is ready to hear the gospel of Christ and at the same time not argue with anyone or offend them.

36. Be as wise as serpents. See above Scripture and note.

37. Be gentle to all men.

2 Timothy 2:24 – And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

Ties in with the two previous commands. The believer must have self-control and humility when witnessing for Christ. When witnessing don’t reciprocate anger and gently disengage in the face of hostility or negative emotions. They are not ready.

38, Be ready to teach, 2 Timothy 2:24. See previous command. When witnessing for Christ you must be prepared to answer any question the unbeliever may have that will help them come to a decision for God. That requires that you study God’s Word.

39. Be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you.

1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

This is a rephrasing of the two previous commands, “Be ready to teach” and “Be gentle to all men”. God is telling us how we should witness for Christ so as not to put people off by warning us not to be argumentative and to know our facts through Bible study.

40. Be an example to other believers.

1 Timothy 4:12 – Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

We encourage other believers by being holy and glorify God by emulating Christ.

27. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

Ephesians 4:26 – “Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

Be reconciled with the object of your anger before your eyes close at night. Make peace with your enemies. Forgive those who have done you harm. Be merciful because God is merciful. If you do not forgive others God will not forgive you.

28. Do not provoke one another.

Galatians 5:26 – Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

God is telling us to humbly live at peace with others as brothers, without envy or hate.

29. Do not judge one another in doubtful things.

Romans 14:1 – Receive one who is weak in faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Don’t be judgmental but be ready to explain the reason for your faith to any who ask.

30. Do not cause others to stumble.

Romans 14:13 – Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

Don’t judge others. Don’t be the reason someone else is tempted to sin. Don’t be the reason someone else is unable to seek and find God. God will deal harshly with those who do this.

31. Do not forsake assembling together in worship.

Hebrews 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching.

All believers are the church and each is a member of the body of Christ. God intended us to worship together and support each other. A brick and mortar church is one way to do this but there are other ways to connect with fellow Christians to praise God.

32. Do not quench the Holy spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Do not quench the Spirit.

It is possible for the believer to sin to the point the indwelt Holy Spirit is inactive in your life. Scripture say to not grieve the Holy Spirit but this goes beyond that.

21. Do not be children in understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:20 – Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

This a very clear command from God to study the Bible to gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom. As children of God it’s our duty. We are of no use to the Father as witnesses for Christ until we know enough to teach others.

22. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

If you’re a Christian don’t marry an unbeliever and don’t enter any business partnership with unbelievers. If you become a Christian after marriage and your spouse is not a Christian don’t divorce them. Be an example to them of Godly living in the hope they will also come to Jesus. Association with unbelievers increases the temptation to sin.

23. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The moment you were saved you moved from death to life. You were moved from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. The moment you were saved the Holy Spirit of God indwelt you to seal you as God’s own possession. Any time you sin after that you are grieving the Holy Spirit because a holy God cannot abide sin.

24. Do not lay up treasures on earth.

Matthew 6:19 – Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

Earthly treasure is fleeting but heavenly treasure lasts forever. Do the work of God on this earth and God will credit your account in heaven. I’m talking mainly about witnessing for Christ but also helping the needy and doing other good works. When we emulate Christ on this earth we will be rewarded in heaven.

25. Don’t let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.

Matthew 6:3 – But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what the right hand is doing.

When you give to the poor or help someone do it anonymously to the glory of God and you will be rewarded in heaven. If you make your deeds known to men to look good in their eyes that is your reward and God will not reward you in heaven.

26. Do not let sin reign in the body.

Romans 6:12 – Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

We are powerless against the lusts of the flesh without the Holy Spirit inside us. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome our sin. We may never get rid of sin completely but with effort we can sin less and less over time as we mature in our faith.

I’m fond of the “do not” commands because God makes it very clear what not to do and you always know when you’ve disobeyed. The good news is you can immediately ask for forgiveness, which God promises to grant, and then you try to do better. The key is to come before God humbly and with a contrite heart because God loves to dispense mercy. Your walk with God is a journey, a life-long sanctification process whereby you grow in Christ over time.

16. Do not be like the hypocrites in prayer.

Matthew 6:5 – And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

See my previous comments on how to approach the throne of grace. Prayer is a private conversation between you and God and not to impress others or puff yourself up. God tells you when you speak to him you need to go to a quiet, private place and shut your door so as not to be disturbed. God makes it clear he won’t answer prayers done for show.

17. Do not be afraid of men.

Luke 12:4 – And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

God is telling believers once they’ve received the gift of eternal life by his grace they are friends of God. This life is brief and we’re all going to die at some point. Believers are in God’s hands and our security is guaranteed so we need fear no one. The one to fear is God, if you are not his friend, because only God can send a person to hell for eternity.

18. Do not be conformed to this world.

Romans 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Once God has given you salvation unto eternal life your priority becomes your spiritual life and doing the will of God. The world will hate you for this because you cannot serve both God and man. Never forget our citizenship is in heaven. We’re visiting down here to determine whether we serve God or Satan. Choose wisely.

19. Do not be drunk with wine.

Ephesians 5:18 – And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

Dissipation means a waste of energy or resources. God is telling you drinking is a waste of time better spent seeking the will of God in your life. When you’re drinking your guard is down making you an easier target for Satan. Satan is trying to destroy you 24/7 so why would you leave yourself wide open to attack? Be moderate in all things.

20. Do not bid false teachers Godspeed.

2 John 10-11 – If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

Do not bless anyone who espouses anything other than God’s Word or have close intimate contact with them or you will be tarred with the same brush.