// Required code

Have you considered 1 Timothy 3:1-14? Maybe it is time to!

Galatians 6:1 … YE WHICH ARE SPIRITUAL … (are you?)

1. Wants to see the glory and honour of God advanced through his life, even if it means that he himself must suffer temporary dishonour or loss.
   (Luke 17:16-17; Rom 4:20; Rev 14:7; Rev 16:9) John the forerunner – John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease”, 1 Corinthians 10:31 “do all to the glory of God”
   (Such a man prays “Hallowed be Thy name,” and silently adds, “at any cost to me, Lord.”)
2. Wants to carry his cross.
   This is not the “time and chance” of (Ecc 9:11; Hebrews 10:32-34; Acts 5:41; 2 Timothy 3:12; Galatians 6:12)
   But that extra adversity that comes to us as a result of our obedience to Christ (Mt 16:24; Mk 8:34; 10:21; Lk 9:23)
   2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
   Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
3. Desires to die right rather than to live wrong.
   1Co 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
4. Desires to see others advance even at his expense. Phil 2:17; 2 Cor 12:15.
   John the forerunner – John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
5. Sees everything from God’s viewpoint, even if it humbles him and exposes his ignorance to the point of real pain.
   (2 Kings 6:17; Luke 12:16-20) And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
6. Habitually makes eternity-judgments instead of time-judgments. Plowing a field
7. Desires to be holy rather than happy. Lev 11:44,45;19:2; 20:7, 26;1 Pet 1:15-16;Prov 23:7,26;Rom14:22
   (John Wesley said of the members of one of the early Methodist societies that he doubted that they had been made perfect in love because they came to church to enjoy religion instead of to learn how they could become holy.)
   Such a man would rather be useful than famous and would rather serve than be served.
   You cannot be a good leader without being a good servant.
   Scripture speaks of some things that bring happiness to the spiritual:
   Obedience – John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
   Clear conscience – Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
   Enduring rather than fleeing trials – James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (Heb 11)
   Suffering for HIM – 1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (Heb 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.) Martyred missionary Jim Elliot said it best: “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”[1]
   Reproached for HIS name – 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
   Witnessing – Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
   Is your ekklesia (Gathering Centre, Church) like a cruise ship, where people focus on having a good time?
   or an aircraft carrier, where they come for fuel, and leave on missions to be ambassadors for God?

Knowing our level of spirituality requires self-examination!

1. What do we want most? (Pr 23:26 My son, give me thine heart,) (Ps 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.[LEB – Ps 42:1 As °a deer longs for streams of water°, °so my soul °longs for you, O God.])
2. What we think about most.( Pr 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:)
3. How we use our money. (Mt 6:24 noone…;Lu 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.- [no one, or no household slave, or no personal slave]) your threefold enemy (the world/flesh/devil) will use money to use you, or you will overcome and use money for HIS glory.
4. What we do with our leisure time. (Time is another thing we can “spend”, but it can also be redeemed [Eph 5:16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.])
5. The company we enjoy. (1 Co 15:33 °Do not be deceived°! “Bad company corrupts good °” – or ruins good °morals.”)
6. Whom and what we admire. (Elijah/Elisha, Moses/Joshua, 1 Kings 12:13 Rehoboam answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him 14 And spake to them after the counsel of the young men)
7. What we laugh at. (What is our motive for laughter? In Gen 18 Sarah laughed in unbelief, but in Gen 21, at the birth of the prophesied Isaac, she laughed in joy How do you feel about the laughter? Does laughter have its place? Ec 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; I think scripture makes it clear there is a time for it.)
   [Based on a sermon by A. W. Tozer]
   [1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 279). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Are we to Judge?
(Matthew 7:1)

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)”

Is ALL judgment forbidden?

Should we never judge others when they do wrong?

I commuted to my work in Toronto, Canada for 18 years. I travelled on the “GO train” (Government of Ontario Transit). At the station in Pickering I, on a number of occasions, encountered people smoking where they should not. Now, Canada is a free country, is it not?

In one encounter I chose to confront the smoker. Not everyone in the line waiting for the train wanted to arrive at their destination smelling of smoke. Although not happy there was some initial submission. Then a few minutes later he was back to confront me. “What right do you have to correct me for smoking!” I pointed to the sign nearby, and then to another a little farther away.

Now as I consider (Matthew 7:1), I think of the free country, and how the scriptures wish us to be free from certain kinds of judgment. John MacArthur puts it well in his Study Bible, “(Matthew 7:1) Judge not. As the context reveals, this does not prohibit all types of judging (Matthew 7:16). There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise with careful discernment (John 7:24). Censorious, hypocritical, self-righteous, or other kinds of unfair judgments are forbidden;[1]”

But even in a free country, there are things deemed right, and things deemed wrong. There are rules and signs that allow or even insist on certain behaviors, or conversely, do not allow them. These are backed by the authority of some level of government, institution or other entity. (Matthew 7:1) is part of a larger work that needs to be considered as a whole. So, the same authority that insists we be free of the wrong kind of judgment (stating you should not do it and you should not have to accept it) elsewhere requires the right kind of judgment be maintained. That authority is GOD!

Therefore, let us go on to consider some places in God’s Word that require analyzing and evaluating the words or actions of another and taking action, in other words, judging.

[1] MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1404). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

Our standard – our guide is the Word of God.

We are commanded to judge in a number of situations that God says require it!
We cannot follow the convictions of the culture or take one scripture out of context

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
(2 Timothy 3:16)

How is your ATTITUDE?

Humility:
We need to keep from thinking too highly of ourselves, or others

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” (1 Corinthians 4:6-14)

Impartiality:
Can you judge without partiality as God does and instructs us to?

“Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” (2 Chronicles 19:7)

“These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.” (Proverbs 24:23)

“To have respect of persons is not good: For for a piece of bread that man will transgress.” (Proverbs 28:21)

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34)

“For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11)

“And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)

“But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Colossians 3:25)

“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:” (1 Peter 1:17)

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)

“Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, According as ye have not kept my ways, But have been partial in the law.” (Malachi 2:9)

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)

“I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21)

Love:
Can you judge with Love?

Have you considered (1 Corinthians 13) (the love chapter)?
The disciples were rebuked for suggesting judgment without love (Luke 9:54-56)
The Lord describes what He expects of His servants (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

“And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:54-56)

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

Mercy:
Can you judge with Mercy?

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (James 2:13)

Righteousness:
Can you judge Righteously?

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

Are you spiritually discerning enough to be handling it?

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Is it your place?

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)

Are they within the sphere we should be judging?

“For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

Have you, or do you do the same thing?

“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:1-4)

Are we not to scrutinize our leaders?

1 Timothy 3: The whole chapter suggests we hold leaders to a standard

“A bishop (overseer, leader, guide) then must be … (1 Timothy 3:2)

“And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10)

If the Fruit (the result) is bad, do we not pass judgment on the source… does that not then affect our attitude and actions toward them?

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them .” (Matthew 7:15-20)

Does not the oversight of an assembly have a responsibility to watch for, and deal with wolves, and the perverse?

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:29-31)

Are we to judge divisive people?

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;” (Titus 3:10) (a person who stirs up division, factious)

Do we need to watch for, and react to those who get into sin; into disobedience to God?

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Can we rebuke without first judging the need?

“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:20)

We need to know who to “reprove, rebuke, exhort”

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

We need to deal with those that are “unruly”, “feebleminded”, “weak”

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)

If it is in the assembly we need to deal with blasphemers and “empty talkers”

“Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:20)

“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16-18)

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:” (1 Timothy 6:20)

1 Cor 5:11,12,13 – if you see it, report it. If you do it, confess it. The welfare of the Assembly is at stake. Assembly oversight will need to deal with it.

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Corinthians 5:1-13, KJV 1900)

Are you judging an action, a habit or a motive?

We can, and often must judge actions and even more so habits.

However, we cannot look into the heart to discern a motive. Only God can do that. How can we know it for sure? Attempting to judge motives is dangerous, and often disastrous!

7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Are you judging an unlearned lamb or an older ewe or ram that should know better?

A new lamb in The Lord is to be lead and taught. They may require gentle instruction to correct them.

A seasoned Christian may require more of a rebuke when they should know better.

Are people guilty until proven innocent, or innocent until proven guilty?

Hearsay is not good grounds for correcting someone. There should be a confession or two or more witnesses.

“But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16)

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1)

“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19, KJV 1900)

“Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” (Luke 12:57)

If a personal issue, will you follow the Biblical pattern?

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

What is the consequence of withholding Judgment?

[A moral problem not dealt with results in Moral decline]

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6)

[A doctrinal problem not dealt with results in Spiritual decline]

“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9)

Failing to follow scripture’s instruction, yea, command has an effect on:

offender – Does he know his fault? Will he repeat it? With same person? With others?

offended – Can he not grow bitter, estranged? Has he not lost his brother?

assembly – Division among and/or loss of members? Damage to the testimony

church – Division and bitterness, lack of effectiveness in the world (salt/light)

The Godhead – The bride of the Son is distressed by offence and disobedience

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city:And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19, KJV 1900)

Delaying following scripture’s instruction, yea, command has an effect on:

offender – Does he know his fault? Will he repeat it? With same person? With others?

offended – Can he not grow bitter? Has he not lost a brother?

assembly – Division among and/or loss of members? Damage to the testimony

church – Division and bitterness

The Godhead – The bride of the Son is distressed by offence and disobedience

“Because sentence against an evil deed is not carried out quickly, the heart of humans fills up within them to do evil.”
(Ecclesiastes 8:11, LEB)

What is the consequence of proper, scriptural Judgment?
Being faithful to follow scripture’s instruction, yea, command has an effect on:

offender – He knows his fault. He is not so likely to repeat it?

offended – Has he not gained his brother?

assembly – Unity restored

church – Division and bitterness averted

The Godhead – Honoured by obedience and a good testimony

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;” (Psalm 133:1-2)

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Who is exempt as an offender or offended? NOONE!

Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Discipline… How much is encompassed in that word!

Discipline is given and received. There needs to be a “Discipliner” and a “Disciplinee”

It might be giving advice to someone, living before someone, or seeking to correct someone.

It might be being on the receiving end of any of these, receiving advice from someone, observing the life of someone, or receiving correction from someone.

What relationships lend themselves naturally to the application of discipline?

Let me know what comes to your mind.

I see the following:

God to Person

– God’s direct dealings with an individual and their response.

Person to Self

– We need to keep ourselves in check. The flesh needs to be controlled, the world filtered and the Devil resisted.

Person to Another

– In our dealings with others we need to be able to be mutually accountable.

Father to Family, Mother to children

– Order in the home is essential and will reap benefits in other areas

Mentor to Disciple

– Having chosen or been chosen a mentor a good example is required.

Assembly to Member

– Order in God’s House is imperative. Leaders must lead; others follow.

Employer to Employee

– With the common goal in mind we succeed. Again, leaders must lead; others follow.

Government to Citizen

– Anarchy never betters a country.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment” Jim Rohn

With a world in confusion much of the time regarding the application of this vital concept, what does God’s word say about the various aspects of discipline?

Discipline
Leader / Discipliner	Instruct /Teach	Model / Mentor	Correct/ Punish/Chastise
God to Person	2 Timothy 3:16 Romans 15:4	1 Peter 1:16 John 13:14-15	Hebrews 12:5-11
Person to Self	1 Corinthians 14:32 2 Timothy 2:15		1 Corinthians 9:27
Person to Another	2 Timothy 2:24-25 Matthew 18:15-18 James 5:19-20	Philippians 3:17 Galatians 6:1	Romans 16:17 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Father to Family Mentor to Disciple	Ephesians 6:4 Titus 2:1-10	Genesis 18:19	(Negative) 1 Samuel 3:13 (Eli) 1 Kings 1:6 (David) (Positive) Proverbs 13:24 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 23:13-14
Assembly to Member	1 Timothy 1:3-7 1 Timothy 1:18-19 Titus 1:13 2 Timothy 2:2	Hebrews 13:7 Hebrews 13:17	1 Timothy 5:20 Titus 3:10 2 Timothy 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:14 1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 18:15-18 1 Timothy 1:20
Employer to Employee	1 Peter 2:17-18 Ephesians 6:5-8 Romans 13:1-7	2 Samuel 23:3
Government to Citizen	Romans 13:1-7		Genesis 9:6 Romans 13:1-7
Disciple / Disciplinee Learner/Follower	Listen/Study	Observe/Copy	Submit/Reform

The Ten Commandments in our day Are we required to follow the old testament commandments given from God to Moses for the Israelites in our time? (Absolutely uncanny how much Moses looks like Charlton Heston : -)

	I am Yahweh (Jehovah, Yehovah, Jahweh, Yahweh)[1] your God	Prologue
1	You shall have no other gods before me	Matthew 22:37;Mark 12:30;Luke 10:27;1 Corinthians 16:22;Ephesians 6:24;2 Thessalonians 3:5;Philemon 5;James 1:12;Jude 21;1 Corinthians 8:4
2	You shall not make for yourself an idol	1 Corinthians 6:9;1 Corinthians 8:4;1 Corinthians 10:19-20;Acts 15:20;2 Corinthians 6:16;1 Thessalonians 1:9;1 John 5:21;Romans 1:23
3	You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh	Matthew 5:33-37;Matthew 23:16-22;James 5:12
4	Remember the Sabbath day	Colossians 2:16-17;Hebrews 8:5;Hebrews 10:1;Romans 14:5;Galatians 4:9-11
5	Honor your father and mother	Luke 2:51;Matthew 15:4-6;Matthew 19:16-19;Mark 7:10-12;Mark 10:19;Luke 18:20;Ephesians 6:2-3
6	You shall not kill	Matthew 5:21-22;Matthew 19:16-19;Mark 10:19;Luke 18:20;Romans 13:9
7	You shall not commit adultery	Matthew 5:27-28;Matthew 5:32;Matthew 19:9;Matthew 19:18;Mark 10:11-12;Mark 10:19;Luke 16:18;Romans 13:9;James 2:11;2 Peter 2:14;1 Corinthians 6:9
8	You shall not steal	Matthew 19:18;Mark 10:19;Luke 18:20;Romans 13:9;Titus 2:10
9	You shall not bear false witness	Colossians 3:9;James 3:14;Matthew 19:18;Mark 10:19;Luke 18:20;Romans 13:9
10	You shall not covet your neighbor’s house You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife	1 Corinthians 5:11;Ephesians 5:3;Colossians 3:5;Hebrews 13:5;2 Peter 2:3;2 Peter 2:14

We see God’s real desire in his dealings with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was before the Ten Commandments and the law.

It was about a relationship of promise, said relationship to produce loyalty from the heart rather than outward obedience only.

Solomon articulated this in (Pro 23:26) “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways”

This is carried over into the NT as Christians are called “Children of Abraham” (Gal 3:7) and “Abraham’s seed” (Gal 3:29).

“All Your Heart” (relating to the Lord) is found 21 times in the Bible (all your/thy/thine heart) 17X in the OT, and 3 in the NT. 7X  Love 6X  Serve 5X  Obey 4X  Turn/Return 2X  Seek/Fear 1X  Hear/Know/Trust/Believe/Turn Not Aside/Put Away/Prepare Your Hearts The NT occurrences command Love 3X, and Believe 1X, putting the emphasis clearly on the internal, and not outward conformity. Matthew adds “all thy soul” and “all thy mind“, also internal. Mark, and Luke repeat, but also add “all thy strength” which could be a working out of the faith within.

The first two commandments present our required attitude toward the Godhead.

Commandment #1:  You shall have no other gods before me

The first commandment asserts the Godhead IS to be before all else in the thoughts, words, and deeds of our lives.

The following scriptures indicate this commandment is still in force in the NT.  In the NT it is applied to ALL!

 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)”And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)”And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:27)”If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” (1 Corinthians 16:22)”Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24)”And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)”hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;” (Philemon 5)”Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.“(James 1:12)”keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21)”As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.” (1 Corinthians 8:4)

Commandment #2:  You shall not make for yourself an idol

The second commandment asserts everything else IS NOT to have that place. This has not changed from OT to the NT.  In the NT it is applied to ALL!

 

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,” (1 Corinthians 6:9)”As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.” (1 Corinthians 8:4)”What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” (1 Corinthians 10:19-20)”But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:20)”And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16)”For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” (1 Thessalonians 1:9)”Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:21)”and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” (Romans 1:23)

Commandment #3:  You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh

Speaking any of the names of the Godhead lightly is still offensive to the members of the Godhead. Using it in an oath is spoken against.

In his careful study of the Ten Commandments, the Dutch scholar Jochem Douma mentions three ways that God’s name was commonly profaned in Old Testament times: in sorcery, in false prophecy, and in the taking of false oaths.^[2]“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God‘s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5:33-37)”Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.” (Matthew 23:16-22)”But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” (James 5:12)

Commandment #4:  Remember the Sabbath day

While the Sabbath is no longer commanded, the first day of the week is mentioned three times as being significant to the NT believer. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) suggests we will benefit from coming together to worship our Lord, observe the remembrance feast the Lord instituted as it was in the early days of the NT. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7) and edify one another.

This day was also seen as a convenient time to gather a collection to be used to help man, and bring honour to God. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Mat 12:1-8, Mk 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5 Eating from field Mat 12:9-13, Mk 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11;13:10-17;14:1-6, Jn 5:1-15;7:14-24;9:13-16 Healing^[3]“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)”Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Hebrews 8:5)”For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1)”One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)”But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” (Galatians 4:9-11)

In the words of John MacArthur:

“The Sabbath would also stand, therefore, as a counter to evolutionary ideas prevalent in false religion. Moses, in the review of the Decalogue, also linked the observance of the Sabbath with Israel’s exodus from Egypt and specified that this was why Israel was to keep it (Deut. 5:12-15). Significantly, the command for the Sabbath is not repeated in the NT, whereas the other 9 are. In fact, it is nullified (cf. Col. 2:16-17). Belonging especially to Israel under the Mosaic economy, the Sabbath could not apply to the believer of the church age, for he is living in a new economy.^[4]“  (MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 125). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.)

Commandment #5:  Honor your father and mother

Our Lord, both by example (Luke 2:51), and re-statement in these other scriptures, re-affirms this command.

“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)”For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” (Matthew 15:4-6)”And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 19:16-19)”For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;” (Mark 7:10-12)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Luke 18:20)”Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)

Commandment #6:  You shall not kill

Does not the NT take this even further, condemning anger and hatred that could lead to murder?

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:21-22)”And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 19:16-19)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Luke 18:20)

Commandment #7:  You shall not commit adultery

Does not the NT take this even further, condemning the look of lust that could lead to adultery, and restating emphatically the marriage bond is not to be broken lightly?

 

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)”But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” (Matthew 5:32)”And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)”He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,” (Matthew 19:18)”And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)”Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” (Luke 16:18)”For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Romans 13:9)”For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” (James 2:11)”Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” (2 Peter 2:14)”Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,” (1 Corinthians 6:9)

Commandment #8:  You shall not steal

Does not the NT take this even further, condemning covetousness that could lead to theft?

 

“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,” (Matthew 19:18)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Luke 18:20)”For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Romans 13:9)”Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Titus 2:10)

Commandment #9:  You shall not bear false witness

Clearly restated in the NT

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” (Colossians 3:9)”But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” (James 3:14)”He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,” (Matthew 19:18)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” (Mark 10:19)”Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.” (Luke 18:20)”For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Romans 13:9)

Commandment #10:  You shall not covet your neighbor’s house You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife

“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” (Mark 7:1-13)”But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)”But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” (Ephesians 5:3)”Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Colossians 3:5)”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)”And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2:3)”Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” (2 Peter 2:14)Note: All references are from the KJV 1900^[1] Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 1, p. 140). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.^[2] Ryken, P. G., & Hughes, R. K. (2005). Exodus: saved for God’s glory (pp. 579-580). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.^[3] Diebel, B. (n.d.). Questions On Dispensations.^[4] MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 125). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

Requirements For A Messenger

Paul, the apostle writes to his son in the faith in 2 Timothy.
The truth that was entrusted to Paul is being passed on to Timothy as well as many others.

In chapter 2 Paul outlines the requirements for being a good messenger using a number of metaphors.

1. A Genuine Child-{2Ti 2:1-2}
2. A Good Soldier-{2Ti 2:3-4}
3. A Dedicated Athlete-{2Ti 2:5}
4. A Toiling Farmer-{2Ti 2:6}
5. Application of the Metaphors-7-14{2Ti 2:7,8-9,10-11,12-13,14}
6. A Careful Craftsman-15-18{2Ti 2:15-16,17-18}
7. A Clean Vessel-19-21{2Ti 2:19,20,21}
8. A Bondslave of The Lord Jesus-22-26{2Ti 2:22-23,24-25,26}
   
   

A Genuine Child

{2 Ti 2:1-2}  In the physical realm the child will have a DNA pattern closely matching the parent.
In the spiritual realm Paul is urging Timothy to follow him; to live a pattern of life like his.

I refer to this “spiritual DNA” as:
D uty to the
N ext
A ge

To care for the assemblies of God’s people, and the people that are a part of those assemblies-{2 Cor 11:28}
It was imperative Timothy also make spiritual children of his own {2 Tim 4:2}
{As Paul did – 2 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Cor 4:17; Philem 10}

A Good Soldier

{2 Ti 2:3-4} Timothy is to fight, enduring hardness,
{As Paul did – 2 Cor. 11:23–24,25,26,27-28,29 Plus 2 Tim 1:8,2:9-10}
avoiding distractions and keeping the goal of pleasing the Commander In Chief in mind at all times.

A Dedicated Athlete

{2 Ti 2:5}  Timothy is to run being mindful to follow the rules that allow the desired goal to be reached; a victory and reward without the chance of being disqualified.

{As Paul did – 1 Cor 9:26} Will run with purpose,
{Phil 2:16} Will preach so that on the day of Christ I will have pride in their spiritual progress
{Phil 3:12,13-14} Will press on to the goal, not held back by the past
{Gal 2:2} Will run in fellowship with other apostles

A Toiling Farmer

{2 Ti 2:6} Timothy is to labour in the field planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting a crop for The Lord.
{As Paul did – 1 Cor 3:6;Gal 4:19}

A Careful Craftsman

{2 Ti 2:15-16,17-18} Timothy is to build following God’s plan laid out His Word Accurately
{As Paul did – 1 Cor 3:10}

A Clean Vessel

{2 Ti 2:19,20,21}  Timothy is to prepare himself as a vessel emptied, cleansed, and dedicated to The Lord.

{As Paul was – Acts 9:15; 2 Cor 4:6,7}

A Bondslave of The Lord Jesus

{2 Ti 2:22-23,24-25,26}  Timothy is to behave as a servant avoiding unnecessary conflict, keeping his desires in check, going after righteousness, teaching and correcting as required. His attitude must be one of gentleness, patience and meekness.
{As Paul was – 2 Corinthians 4:5}

This advice is in one of the books referred to as “the pastoral epistles” This would certainly be paramount for someone who takes the title of “Pastor“. However, the word in scripture simply means “shepherd”. Anyone seeking to tend or feed the flock of God should strive to attain to what is being urged upon Timothy by his father in the faith.  While the degree may vary the action words highlighted above should be followed to some degree by all Christians.