Studying God's Word

98. Have confidence in God.

Hebrews 10:35 – Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Confidence is the same as faith and we know without faith we cannot please the Lord.

99. Come out from among the world.

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”.

A similar command, “Be separate from the unclean”, was listed earlier. We are to live spiritual lives in obedience to God. The physical world belongs to Satan. Choose whom you serve.

100. Count it joy when you are tempted.

James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

God will reward us for all our hardship and suffering on behalf of our faith. To share the suffering of Christ is to be blessed.

101. Treat others as you expect to be treated.

Matthew 7:12 – Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The golden rule is a central tenet of the Bible.

102. Bring up children in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 – And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the lord.

Children who are exposed to the Bible early and receive the gospel of Christ early are much more likely to become believers.

103. Be careful not to despise the little ones.

Matthew 18:10 – Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Children have a special place in heaven and those who harm children have a special place in hell reserved for them.

104. Earnestly contend for the faith.

Jude 3 – I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

God is again commanding us to contend with the devil for the souls of men by witnessing for Christ.

105. Exhort one another.

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

Exhort means to encourage and support. God intended Christians to fellowship together for this reason. There is strength in numbers. See “Do not forsake assembling together in worship”.

106. Have no fellowship with darkness.

Ephesians 5:11 – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

90. Do all to God’s glory.

Colossians 3:`7 – And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Continually praise God for all your blessings.

91. Do all things without murmuring or disputing.

Philippians 2:14 – Do all things without complaining and disputing.

92. Grow in grace.

2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Another command from God to study God’s Word in order to grow spiritually.

93. Hold forth to the Word of life.

Philippians 2:16 – Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

A command to obey the commands of God so that you may be rewarded in heaven.

94. Study to show yourself approved to God.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Again, study God’s Word to know the truth and be approved by God.

95. Be aware of yourself and your doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:16 – Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Know the gospel of Christ and make sure you are prepared to witness to unbelievers.

96. Desire the milk of the Word.

1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

I’ll bet there are two dozen commands in the Bible to study God’s Word.

97. Present your body to God.

Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

God’s number one priority for believers is to witness for Christ to save as many lost souls as possible. This command of Jesus to his disciples just before His ascension we refer to as the Great Commission.

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.