The Great Deceiver
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 NASB
Test – When John wrote his letters, the messianic congregations were under attack. Buffeted between Hellenism through Gnostic and pagan religions and the Judaism that rejected Yeshua as the Messiah, the early followers of the Way had to know how to evaluate claims made by teachers. In the past, Moses provided two tests. First, if the words spoken by a man claiming to be a prophet did not come true, then that man was not from God (Deuteronomy 18:22). Second, even if the man’s predictions came true, any man who led the people toward idolatry was not from God (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Certainly John was aware of these tests, but now he adds another. Anyone who claims that Yeshua did not come in the flesh is a false prophet. John’s test is aimed directly at Gnosticism and its cousin, Docetism. Today this heretical view has all but disappeared among Christians. That makes us think we have met the tests for prophets, but maybe this conclusion isn’t quite right. Docetism may have disappeared, but other false teachings have taken its place.
In John’s day, the teaching that Yeshua only appeared to be a man (but was really God disguised in human form) was a formidable Hellenistic enemy of the faith. On the opposite side was the continued battle with Judaism that Yeshua wasn’t really God at all. He was just another man, certainly not the Messiah. Followers of the Way had to combat both of these opposing views. But that didn’t remove the tests provided by Moses. Those were firmly established in the Torah. Today we have settled the Docetic heresy and we hope that by our way of life we will encourage Jews to recognize Yeshua as the Messiah, but we still have a problem with Moses. John’s use of the verb dokimazo exhorts us to try, to test, to discern and distinguish those teachings that lead to idolatry and reject them and the ones who promote them. The root behind this verb is the idea of accepting what has been received and proved. You find the same thought in 2 Timothy 2:15; the man approved by God who needs not be ashamed. But here’s the catch. What John considered accepted and proved is the Torah observance of Yeshua and the utter reliability and applicability of the Tanakh. In other words, Moses’ second test validates John’s claim of Yeshua’s divinity and His role as the Messiah because it leads directly to a life built on the Torah. Anything else leads toward idolatry. The rejection of God’s instructions for living implies the rejection of the God who gives the instructions.
Now we have an enormous problem. The Church has rejected Docetism, upholding John’s test, but it fails to meet the conditions of Moses’ tests. In fact, one might argue that the Church itself is the great deceiver, suggesting that it is no longer necessary to practice what God said in the Old Testament. Such a claim implies that it is no longer necessary to believe what Yeshua Himself said. Such a claim would have been idolatry for John and all followers of the Way. How we came to accept what the Church taught but reject what Scripture teaches is a very long story, but it doesn’t change the situation. We have failed to test the spirits because we have rejected Moses. We threw out the tests that would have kept us on track and then claimed that we could alter Scripture to fit our own discernment. Unless we take seriously this shift in our own history, we will continue toward idolatry even when we believe the truth about Yeshua.
John wrote about those prophets who denied the human reality of Yeshua. We aren’t fighting that battle. Our concern is much older. Moses wrote about those prophets who spoke true words but lead the people astray. That seems to be our fight. It’s far more subtle and far more dangerous. And few there will be who find the narrow gate.
Topical Index: test, dokimazo, prophets, Docetism, 1 John 4:1
When I first studied Deuteronomy 13, I was shocked that anyone who living in the midst of God’s people (and, presumably, aware of His intervention on their behalf), would lead others to worship false gods. However, when I read the phrase ‘whom you have not known’, I realized that the people probably were seduced into idolatry. With the strict prohibition and penalty, surely no one would intentionally do that. They likely did not intend to go there, it may have just gradually happened. Sound familiar?
If we make the effort to follow THE WAY that is clearly written, and ask for His help for that which is not quite so clear to us, I am confident that He is faithful to keep us.
“Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” – Romans 3:31
I picked this up awhile back and thought it to be a “keeper.”
The SOURCE Test: Is the Bible their source of information?
The SAVIOR Test: What do they believe about Jesus?
The SUBJECT Test: Is Jesus the sole object of their worship?
The SALVATION Test: Do they teach Ephesians 2.8-10
The SANCTIFICATION Test: Do they teach and preach and live holiness in their lives and ministry?
The exhortation of Jude:
build yourself up in your faith
be faithful in your prayer life
keep yourselves in the love of G-d
be constantly looking for the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ
show mercy on those who are caught up in the teachings of the apostates and help rescue them from what they are falling into.
What is their definition of holiness? Does it match up with the Bible’s definition of holiness i.e. that which Moses, Yeshua and all the apostles and prophets taught? “If you love me, keep my commandments.” “Any one who says he loves God but does not keep the commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.”
Rodney, concerning holiness, we need to remember: Holiness is not the way to Christ- Christ is the Way to holiness. “For of Him and to Him and through Him are all things. Holiness in HD? (high-def), “Him.” -“It is the LORD.” Once again, (maybe for the first time), He said: “Follow me.” Do as I do. And (of course) -“if you love me, -keep my commandments.” “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” Old Testament references?- “shema” (listen and obey). New Covenant commentary?- “trust and obey” for there is no other way. His was a life of obedience. As His talmudim today- ours is to be also.
As His own mother said unto the servants, (that’s us!)- “whatever He says unto you- do it.” “Do these things and you will live.”
As one of the rabbi’s said, “I will do Torah, and then I will understand.” Torah is “every word that has proceeded forth from the mouth of G-d.”
Here is where the rubber meets the road. If Yeshua is the Messiah, (and He is- amein?), then every word that has left the lips of our LORD, our ADONAI, our Master-Teacher, is the word of G-d. Remember His words? (Adam..) then “shema” O Israel, the LORD,- Jesus (who is the) Christ, (the Annointed ONE) is G-d. Should we listen to Him? Shall we have “this man” to reign over us? -Oh yes!!.. “please..”
” A new commandment I give unto you..”- Who does this man think He is, that He can command people? Oh my friends, -both Jewish and Gentile..- the LORD, He is G-d. It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves- We are His by right of creation. (That’s right, it was the Creator who was crucified..”) Find this to be strange? -Me too. Stranger still- we knew exactly who is was we were executing. We were fully aware, this man was the Messiah and yet nailed Him to the tslav, (the execution stake).
Carl, -if what you are saying is true..- then we (purposefully, intentionally) killed G-d. We did, and we do everyday also, by (again- purposefully, intentionally) not doing, not heeding, not hearkening, to His words. We are still (to this very day) saying, in effect..- “we will not have this man to reign over us.”
Not only are we His by right of creation, we are His (again) by right of Calvary. We (who are His) have been bought with a price, -the precious blood of the sinless, stainless, sacrificial Lamb. Friends, it was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished..-His dying breath has brought me life- I know that it is finished.
Again, it is not only the “ten words” or even the “613.” Man (-that’s me) shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Messiah (the Annointed ONE, the Resurrected ONE, the now living ONE, the ever victorious ONE, the interceding ONE, the ever-pleading ONE, the compassionate ONE) the LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, the Lamb of G-d who has taken away the sins of the world.
From shadow to substance, the Bible is our “Him” book. “Behold the Lamb.” “Behold your G-d and your King.” His name is Salvation. His words? -“Remember me.”
Now if only there were Someone to remind us of all the things He said…Oh!.. -that’s right! “It is written” in John 14.26 . Is this (also) His command? -“..comfort one another with these words.”
“Rodney, concerning holiness, we need to remember: Holiness is not the way to Christ- Christ is the Way to holiness.”
Indeed, Carl, indeed. In deed (pun intended) we become like him. WWJD? Obey the Torah, keep the Feasts of YHVH, zakar (remember – speak and act on behalf of) the Shabbat and keep it Set Apart, heal the sick, feed the poor, study Torah, prayer and so on. To be holy is to be set apart for His purpose. Something that is set-apart is readily seen, readily identifiable as different, “sticks out like a sore thumb” if you like.
You are right – holiness is not the way to Christ – he was freely given, out of grace and love, as our redemption. Holiness – being set apart – is a process that happens through study and deed as we learn to walk and practice walking as he walked.
What were the 3 great works of Messiah? Creation (in the beginning), redemption (at Passover) and restoration (to come at a future Feast of Tabernacles – may it be soon, in our day). Shalom.
I found this very interesting article on Facebook the other day. It demonstrates that there are in fact more commandments in the apostolic writings than in the Tanakh. I’m not completely sure that I agree with the article 100%, given that some of the these “commandments” are instructions or admonishments given in letters about specific issues to specific assemblies at specific places and times. Nevertheless, it makes for a good starting point for discussion and study, especially given that pretty much all of them can be traced back to their origins in Torah. In fact, it might be said that these examples simply give application to commandments already given in Torah.
It would be interesting to take each of these and cross-reference them to Torah instructions to produce a harmonised list. I leave that as an exercise for the reader ;-).
Brit Chadasha 1050 Renewed Covenant Commandments
by Cheryl Searson Lindsay on Thursday, 21 April 2011 at 00:36
RENEWED COVENANT COMMANDMENTS
Many people get all up tight about the 613 instructions given in the Torah. They fail to understand that in the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) some have counted at least 1050 instructions, each of which can be tied back to one or more of the 613 of Torah.
The life of Yeshua, His teachings, and the teachings of His disciples do not lead us away from Torah, but are further revelation of Torah.
Due to repetitions we can classify them under about 800 headings. They cover every phase of man’s life in his relationship to God and his fellowmen, now and hereafter. If obeyed, they will bring rich rewards here and forever; if disobeyed, they bring consequences…… if we confess our sin He is faithful to forgive our sin but we are to walk in all the Light that we have – may we all continue to walk in obedience to Him and His Ways….
Note:Proper Names and spellings of Yahweh, Yeshua etc., are not necessarily restored on this note….
They are divided below under their various headings.
Three Ways of Greatness:
1. Be a servant (Matthew 23:11).
2. Teach Torah (Matthew 5:19).
3. Walk in humility (Luke 9:48).
Seven “Abstains”—Abstain From:
1. Idols (Acts 15:20).
2. Fornication (Acts 15:20,29; 1 Thes. 4:2-3)
3. Strangled meats (Acts 15:20)
4. Eating blood (Acts 15:20)
5. Meats offered to idols (Acts 15:29)
6. All appearance of evil (1 Thes. 5:22)
7. Fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11)
Seven things to avoid:
1. Troublemakers (Romans 16:17)
2. Profane and vain babblings (1 Tim. 6:20)
3. False science (1 Tim. 6:20)
4. Unlearned questions (2 Tim. 2:23)
5. Foolish questions (Titus 3:9)
6. Genealogies (Titus 3:9)
7. Arguments about the law (Titus 3:9)
Three “Asks”:
1. Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7)
2. Ask no return of goods (Luke 6:30)
3. Ask life for backsliders (1 John 5:16)
Two things to awake to:
1. Awake to righteousness (1 Cor. 15:34)
2. Awake to life (Ephes. 5:14)
Seventy-four “Be’s”:
1. Be exceeding glad (Matthew 5:12)
2. Be reconciled to a brother (Matthew 5:24)
3. Be perfect (Matthew 5:48; 2 Cor. 13:11)
4. Be wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16)
5. Be harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)
6. Be ready for the coming of Messiah(Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40)
7. Be content with your wages (Luke 3:14)
8. Be merciful as God (Luke 6:36)
9. Be like faithful servants (Luke 12:36)
10. Be thankful (Col. 3:15)
11. Be at peace among selves (1 Thes. 5:13)
12. Be patient toward all people (1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Tim. 2:24)
13. Be no partaker of sin (1 Tim. 5:22)
14. Be sober and hope (1 Peter 1:13)
15. Be sober and pray (1 Peter 4:7)
16. Be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, and patience (aged men, Titus 2:2)
17. Be sober, love husbands and children (young women, Titus 2:4)
18. Be sober minded (young men, Titus 2:6)
19. Be in behavior as becoming to saints (aged women, Titus 2:3)
20. Be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient (young women, Titus 2:5)
21. Be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)
22. Be of good cheer (John 16:33)
23. Be baptized (Acts 2:38)
24. Be converted (Acts 3:19)
25. Be transformed (Romans 12:2)
26. Be kind of brotherly love one to another (Romans 12:10; Ephes. 4:32)
27. Be fervent in spirit (Romans 12:11)
28. Be patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12)
29. Be given to hospitality (Romans 12:13)
30. Be afraid, if lawless (Romans 13:4)
31. Be no idolater (1 Cor. 10:7)
32. Be followers of Paul as he followed Yeshua (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17)
33. Be followers of God (Ephes. 5:1)
34. Be followers of the faithful and patient (Hebrews 6:12)
35. Be children in malice (1 Cor. 14:20)
36. Be men in understanding (1 Cor. 14:20)
37. Be stedfast (1 Cor. 15:58)
38. Be unmoveable (1 Cor. 15:58)
39. Be always abounding in God’s work (1 Cor. 15:58)
40. Be strong in the Lord (1 Cor. 16:13; Ephes. 6:10; 2 Tim. 2:1)
41. Be of good comfort (2 Cor. 13:11)
42. Be of one mind (Romans 12:16; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8)
43. Be separate from the unclean (2 Cor. 6:17)
44. Be renewed in spirit (Ephes. 4:23)
45. Be angry and sin not (Ephes. 4:26)
46. Be tenderhearted one to another (Ephes. 4:32)
47. Be filled with the Spirit (Ephes. 5:18)
48. Be likeminded (Phil. 2:2)
49. Be one of accord (Phil. 2:2)
50. Be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6)
51. Be an example to believers in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12)
52. Be a partaker of afflictions of following Torah (2 Tim. 1:8; cp. 1 Peter 4:1)
53. Be gentle to all people (2 Tim. 2:24)
54. Be apt to teach (2 Tim. 2:24)
55. Be instant in season, out of season (2 Tim. 4:2)
56. Be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8,14; cp. Matthew 5:16)
57. Be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5)
58. Be doers of the Word (James 1:22)
59. Be afflicted and mourn (James 4:9)
60. Be patient till Messiah comes (James 5:7-8)
61. Be holy in conversation (behavior) (1 Peter 1:15-16)
62. Be pitiful (1 Peter 3:8)
63. Be courteous (1 Peter 3:8)
64. Be examples of the flock of God, not lord over it (1 Peter 5:3)
65. Be subject one to another (1 Peter 5:5)
66. Be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5)
67. Be sober (1 Peter 5:8)
68. Be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)
69. Be mindful of prophecies and commandments (2 Peter 3:2)
70. Be diligent to be found in peace (2 Peter 3:14)
71. Be diligent to be without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:14)
72. Be faithful to death (Rev. 2:10)
73. Be watchful, strengthen self (Rev. 3:2)
74. Be zealous and repent (Rev. 3:19)
Thirty “Be Not’s”:
1. Be not like the hypocrites in prayer (Matthew 6:5)
2. Be not like the heathen in prayer (Matthew 6:8)
3. Be not as hypocrites in fasting (Matthew 6:16)
4. Be not called “Rabbi” (Matthew 23:8)
5. Be not called “Master” (Matthew 23:9)
6. Be not afraid of man (Luke 12:4)
7. Be not of doubtful mind (Luke 12:29)
8. Be not many teachers (James 3:1)
9. Be not afraid of terror (1 Peter 3:14)
10. Be not troubled (1 Peter 3:14)
11. Be not ignorant of time with God (2 Peter 3:8; cp. Isaiah 57:15)
12. Be not deceived: 10 classes not to inherit the kingdom (1 Cor. 6:9-10)
13. Be not conformed to world (Romans 12:2)
14. Be not slothful in business (Romans 12:11)
15. Be not conceited (Romans 12:16)
16. Be not overcome of evil (Romans 12:21)
17. Be not mere servants of men (1 Cor. 7:23)
18. Be not children in understanding (1 Cor. 14:20)
19. Be not deceived by evil companions (1 Cor. 15:33)
20. Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14-15)
21. Be not entangled again with keeping the law (Galatians 5:1)
22. Be not deceived: man will reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7-8)
23. Be not partakers with sinners (Ephes. 5:7)
24. Be not unwise about God’s will (Ephes. 5:17)
25. Be not drunk with wine (Ephes. 5:18)
26. Be not weary in well doing (2 Thes. 3:13)
27. Be not ashamed of God (2 Tim. 1:8)
28. Be not slothful (Hebrews 6:12)
29. Be not forgetful of strangers (Hebrews 13:2)
30. Be not carried about with different strange doctrines (Hebrews 13:9)
Four things to believe:
1. The gospel (Mark 1:15)
2. God’s existence (Hebrews 11:6)
3. On Messiah Yeshua (1 John 3:23)
4. God rewards diligent seeking (Hebrews 11:6).
One thing not to believe:
1. Believe not every spirit (1 John 4:1).
Fourteen “Beware’s”:
1. Beware of false prophets (Matthew 7:15)
2. Beware of people (Matthew 10:17)
3. Beware of leaven (doctrine) of Pharisees (Matthew 16:6-12)
4. Beware of leaven (doctrine) of Herod (Mark 8:15)
5. Beware of hypocrisy (Luke 12:1)
6. Beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15)
7. Beware of scribes (Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46)
8. Beware of lest you despise God and perish (Acts 13:40-41)
9. Beware of dogs (false teachers, Phil. 3:2; Isaiah 56:10)
10. Beware of evil workers (Phil. 3:2)
11. Beware of the concision (Jews, Phil. 3:2)
12. Beware of being spoiled through philosophy (Col. 2:8)
13. Beware of being spoiled through vain deceit (Col. 2:8)
14. Beware of backsliding (2 Peter 3:17)
Two classes to bless:
1. Those who curse you (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28)
2. Persecutors (Romans 12:14)
Three things to cast out or away:
1. The beam out of own eyes (Matthew 7:5; Luke 6:42)
2. Devils (Matthew 10:8)
3. All your cares upon God (1 Peter 5:7)
One thing not to cast away:
1. Your confidence in God (Hebrews 10:35)
Five things to charge:
1. Men to be blameless (1 Tim. 5:7)
2. The rich to be humble (1 Tim. 6:17)
3. The rich to trust in God (1 Tim. 6:17)
4. The rich to do good works (1 Tim. 6:18)
5. The rich to lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 6:19)
Two classes to comfort:
1. One another—fellow believers (1 Thes. 4:18; 1 Thes. 5:11)
2. The feeble-minded (1 Thes. 5:14)
Five things to consider:
1. The ravens (Luke 12:24)
2. The lilies (Luke 12:27-28)
3. Truth (2 Tim. 2:7)
4. That you are capable of falling (Galatians 6:1)
5. Yeshua (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:3)
Three things to continue in:
1. Love (John 15:9)
2. Prayer (Romans 12:12; Col. 4:2)
3. Truth (2 Tim. 3:14)
Two things to covet:
1. The best gifts (1 Cor. 12:31)
2. To prophesy (1 Cor. 14:39); cp. things not to covet (Exodus 20:17; Deut. 5:21)
Ten “Do’s”:
1. Do good to them that hate you (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27)
2. Do to others what you expect of them (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31)
3. Do violence to no man (Luke 3:14)
4. Do good (Luke 6:35; Romans 13:3)
5. Do this (put God first) and live (Luke 10:28)
6. Do all to God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17,23)
7. Do all things without murmuring and disputing (Phil. 2:14)
8. Do those things which were seen and heard in me (Paul, Phil. 4:9)
9. Do your own business (1 Thes. 4:11)
10. Do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5)
Ten “Do Not’s”:
1. Do not alms before people (Matthew 6:1)
2. Do not sound trumpet before you when giving alms (Matthew 6:2)
3. Do not do works of Pharisees (Matthew 23:3-33)
4. Do not love in word only (1 John 3:18)
5. Do not give heed to fables (1 Tim. 1:4)
6. Do not give heed to genealogies (1 Tim. 1:4)
7. Do not err (James 1:16)
8. Do not commit adultery (James 2:11)
9. Do not kill (James 2:11)
10. Do not fashion self according to former lusts (1 Peter 1:14)
Two things to endure:
1. Hardness (2 Tim. 2:3)
2. Sufferings (2 Tim. 4:5)
Whom to fear:
1. God (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5; 1 Peter 2:17; Rev. 14:7)
Three things not to fear:
1. Man (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5)
2. Persecutors (Matthew 10:26)
3. No lack of provision (Matthew 10:31; Mark 6:8-9; Luke 12:7)
Five things to feed:
1. Enemies (Romans 12:20)
2. Lambs (John 21:15)
3. Sheep (John 21:16,17)
4. Flock of God (1 Peter 5:2)
5. The congregation (Acts 20:28)
Four things to flee from:
1. Fornication (1 Cor. 6:18)
2. Idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14)
3. Hurtful lusts (1 Tim. 6:9-11)
4. Youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22)
Ten things to follow:
1. Yeshua (Matthew 4:19; Matthew 8:22; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:23; John 21:19)
2. Love (1 Cor. 14:1; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)
3. Good (1 Thes. 5:15; 3 John 1:11)
4. Righteousness (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)
5. Godliness (1 Tim. 6:11)
6. Faith (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)
7. Patience (1 Tim. 6:11)
8. Meekness (1 Tim. 6:11)
9. Peace (2 Tim. 2:22; Hebrews 12:14)
10. Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
Seven things about giving:
1. Commanded: give (Luke 6:38)
2. Whom to give to:
(1) Him that asks (Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:30)
(2) Needy saints (Romans 12:13)
(3) God (Col. 3:17; Rev. 14:7)
3. Whom not to give to:
(1) Give not holy things to rebels (Matthew 7:6)
(2) Give no place to Satan (Ephes. 4:27)
4. What to give:
(1) Holy things (Matthew 7:6; Matthew 10:8)
(2) Give thanks (Ephes. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; Col. 3:17; 1 Thes. 5:18)
(3) Give time to reading, exhortation, doctrine (1 Tim. 4:13)
(4) Give self wholly (1 Tim. 4:15)
(5) Give glory to God (Rev. 14:7)
5. What not to give:
(1) Give no offense (1 Cor. 10:32)
(2) Give no heed of fables and commandments of human beings (Titus 1:14)
6. How to give:
(1) Freely (Matthew 10:8; 2 Cor. 9:6)
(2) Good measure (Luke 6:38)
(3) As God has prospered (1 Cor. 16:2)
(4) Willingly (2 Cor. 8:12)
(5) With purpose (2 Cor. 9:7)
(6) Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7)
7. Blessings promised for giving:
(1) Returns on the basis of giving (Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6)
(2) Reward (Matthew 10:42)
(3) All grace abounding (2 Cor. 9:8)
(4) All sufficiency (2 Cor. 9:8)
(5) Eternal righteousness (2 Cor. 9:9)
(6) Increased fruits (2 Cor. 9:10)
(7) Enrichment in all things (2 Cor. 9:11)
Five “Go’s”:
1. Go two miles (Matthew 5:41)
2. Go teach (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. Go preach (Mark 16:15)
4. Go not from house to house (Luke 10:7)
5. Go and do likewise (Luke 10:37)
Seven “Have’s”:
1. Have faith (Mark 11:22; Romans 14:22-23)
2. Have no fellowship with darkness (Ephes. 5:11)
3. Have no respect of persons (1 Tim. 5:21; James 2:1-10)
4. Have honest conversation (1 Peter 2:12)
5. Have compassion (1 Peter 3:8; Jude 1:22)
6. Have a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16)
7. Have fervent love (1 Peter 4:8)
Thirteen “Hold’s”:
1. Hold forth Word of life (Phil. 2:16)
2. Hold fast to the good (1 Thes. 5:21)
3. Hold faith (1 Tim. 1:19)
4. Hold a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19)
5. Hold fast sound doctrine (2 Tim. 1:13)
6. Hold fast till Messiah comes (Rev. 2:25)
7. Hold fast what you have (Rev. 3:11)
8. Hold your crown (Rev. 3:11)
9. Hold reputation of ministers (Phil. 2:29)
10. Hold eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12,19)
11. Hold hope (Hebrews 6:18)
12. Hold confidence (Hebrews 3:6,14)
13. Hold what is heard and received (Rev. 3:3)
Six classes to honor:
1. Fathers (Luke 18:20; Ephes. 6:2)
2. Mothers (Matthew 19:19; Mark 10:19)
3. Others (Romans 12:10)
4. Widows indeed (1 Tim. 5:3)
5. All people (1 Peter 2:17)
6. Kings—rulers (1 Peter 2:17)
Seven things to keep:
1. Keep commandments (Matthew 19:17; John 14:15)
2. Keep no company with the 6 classes of professed believers (1 Cor. 5:11)
3. Keep yourself pure (1 Tim. 5:22)
4. Keep the Torah until Messiah comes (1 Tim. 6:14)
5. Keep the good entrusted you (2 Tim. 1:14)
6. Keep yourself from idols (1 John 5:21)
7. Keep yourself in God’s love (Jude 1:21)
Six things to lay aside:
1. Wickedness (James 1:21)
2. All malice (1 Peter 2:1)
3. All guile (1 Peter 2:1)
4. All hypocrisies (1 Peter 2:1)
5. All envies (1 Peter 2:1)
6. All evil speakings (1 Peter 2:1)
One Hundred “Let’s”:
1. Let your light shine (Matthew 5:16; Luke 12:35).
2. Let your conversation be yea, nay (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12).
3. Let your enemy have your cloak (Matthew 5:40; Luke 6:29).
4. Let blind leaders alone (Matthew 15:14).
5. Let everyone deny themselves (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
6. Let him take up cross (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:23).
7. Let him hear (Mark 4:23; Luke 14:35).
8. Let him share with the needy (Luke 3:11).
9. Let your loins be girded (Luke 12:35).
10. Let everyone take your purse and script (Luke 22:36).
11. Let him sell his garment, buy sword (Luke 22:36).
12. Let your love be genuine (Romans 12:9).
13. Let everyone obey the civil laws (Romans 13:1).
15. Let everyone take heed how he builds upon Christ (1 Cor. 3:10).
16. Let no man deceive himself (1 Cor. 3:18).
17. Let every man have his own wife (1 Cor. 7:2).
18. Let every woman her own husband (1 Cor. 7:2).
19. Let spouses satisfy each other in sexual relations (1 Cor. 7:4-5).
20. Let them who cannot restrain marry (1 Cor. 7:9).
21. Let husbands and wifes remain unmarried if they separate or, be reconciled (1 Cor. 7:11).
22. Let the unbelieving ones depart who refuse to remain (1 Cor. 7:15).
23. Let every man abide in his calling (1 Cor. 7:17-24).
24. Let no one seek to erase circumcision (1 Cor. 7:18).
25. Let no one be circumcised (as a religious rite, 1 Cor. 7:18).
26. Let a father give his daughter in marriage if she desires it (1 Cor. 7:36-38).
27. Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor. 10:12).
28. Let no man seek wealth selfishly (1 Cor. 10:24).
29. Let the woman cut her hair if her head is uncovered (1 Cor. 11:6).
30. Let the woman wear a covering if cutting and shaving the hair be a shame (1 Cor. 11:6).
31. Let everyone examine self when taking the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:28).
32. Let the hungry eat at home, not at the Passover (1 Cor. 11:34).
33. Let the speaker in tongues pray for the interpretation (1 Cor. 14:13).
34. Let all things be done to edifying (1 Cor. 14:26).
35. Let no more than 3 messages in tongues be given in one service (1 Cor. 14:27).
36. Let one interpret (1 Cor. 14:27).
37. Let the mind of Yeshua be in you (Phil. 2:5).
38. Let your moderation be known (Phil. 4:5).
39. Let your requests be known to God (Phil. 4:6).
40. Let no one judge you with regard to meats, drinks, holy days, new moons, and sabbath days (Col. 2:14-17; Romans 14:5-7).
41. Let no one rob you of your reward by some vain religion (Col. 2:18).
42. Let peace rule the heart (Col. 3:15).
43. Let the Word dwell in you (Col. 3:16).
44. Let speech be with grace (Col. 4:6).
45. Let no one deceive you about the day of Messiah being at hand (2 Thes. 2:3).
46. Let no man despise youth (1 Tim. 4:12).
47. Let the speaker in tongues keep silent in church speaking to himself and God if no interpreter present (1 Cor. 14:28).
48. Let the prophets speak two or three messages and let others judge (1 Cor. 14:29).
49. Let times be shared in revelation (1 Cor. 14:30).
50. Let women learn quietly in church or at home (1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11).
51. Let everyone acknowledge regulation of spiritual gifts to be commandments of God (1 Cor. 14:37).
52. Let rebels to truth remain ignorant (1 Cor. 14:38).
53. Let all things be done in decent order (1 Cor. 16:2).
54. Let everyone give as God prospers (1 Cor. 16:2).
55. Let all things be done in love (1 Cor. 16:14).
56. Let everyone give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7).
57. Let rebels to truth be accursed (1 Cor. 16:22; Galatians 1:8-9).
58. Let everyone prove their own work (Galatians 6:4).
59. Let those taught support the teacher (Galatians 6:6).
60. Let the thief steal no more (Ephes. 4:28).
61. Let the thief labor instead of stealing to have to give to others (Ephes. 4:28).
62. Let no corrupt conversation come from your mouth (Ephes. 4:29).
63. Let bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice be put away (Ephes. 4:31).
64. Let no man deceive you with vain words (Ephes. 5:6).
65. Let the wives be subject to their husbands (Ephes. 5:22,24; Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
66. Let the husbands love their wives (Ephes. 5:25,28,33; Col. 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).
67. Let the wives reverence their husbands (Ephes. 5:33).
68. Let your conversation (behavior) be becoming of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
69. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory (Phil. 2:3).
70. Let each esteem other better than himself (Phil. 2:3).
71. Let worthy elders be doubly honored (paid) (1 Tim. 5:17).
72. Let servants honor masters (1 Tim. 6:1).
73. Let masters respect servants (1 Tim. 6:2).
74. Let every disciple depart from iniquity (2 Tim. 2:19).
75. Let no man despise you (Titus 2:15).
76. Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1).
77. Let conversation be without covetousness (Hebrews 13:5).
78. Let patience work perfectly (James 1:4).
79. Let one who lacks, ask for wisdom (James 1:5).
80. Let him ask in faith (James 1:6).
81. Let the exalted rejoice (James 1:9).
82. Let the humble rejoice (James 1:10).
83. Let no man lay temptation to God (James 1:13).
84. Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19).
85. Let the wise demonstrate wisdom and knowledge (James 3:13).
86. Let the light-hearted sinners become remorseful (James 4:9).
87. Let the afflicted pray (James 5:13).
88. Let the merry sing psalms (James 5:13).
89. Let the sick call elders (James 5:14).
90. Let elders pray for sick, anointing with oil (James 5:14-15; cp. Mark 6:13).
91. Let adorning be more inward than outward (1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 Tim. 2:9-10).
92. Let everyone refrain tongue from evil, and lips from guile (1 Peter 3:10).
93. Let everyone shun evil, do good, seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11).
94. Let ministers speak for God (1 Peter 4:11).
95. Let no one suffer as a murderer, thief, evil doer, or busybody (1 Peter 4:15).
96. Let no one be ashamed to suffer as a disciple, but be thankful (1 Peter 4:16).
97. Let Messiah sufferers commit their souls to God (1 Peter 4:19).
98. Let eternal life abide in you (1 John 2:24-25).
99. Let no man deceive you about being righteous (1 John 3:7).
100. Let him that hath an ear, hear (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; Rev. 3:6,13,22).
Twelve “Let Not’s”:
1. Let not your left hand know what the right hand does (Matthew 6:3).
2. Let not man sever those who are married (Matthew 19:6).
3. Let not good be evil spoken of (Romans 14:16).
4. Let not sin reign in the body (Romans 6:12).
5. Let not him that eateth despise him that does not (Romans 14:3).
6. Let not him that eateth not judge him that does (Romans 14:3).
7. Let not the wife depart from her husband (1 Cor. 7:10).
8. Let not the husband put away his wife (1 Cor. 7:11).
9. Let not the disciple put away the unsaved companion who wishes to remain (1 Cor. 7:12,13).
10. Let not the sun go down on wrath (Ephes. 4:26).
11. Let not fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting be mentioned among you as becometh saints (Ephes. 5:3-4).
12. Let not unworthy widows be supported by the church (1 Tim. 5:9-16).
Forty-two “Let us’s”:
1. Let us walk honestly (Romans 13:12).
2. Let us cast off works of darkness (Romans 13:12).
3. Let us put on armor of light (Romans 13:12).
4. Let us follow things of peace (Romans 14:9).
5. Let us follow things that edify (Romans 14:19).
6. Let us please neighbor for good (Romans 15:2-3).
7. Let us be sincere (1 Cor. 5:8).
8. Let us not commit fornication (1 Cor. 10:2-3).
9. Let us not tempt God (1 Cor. 10:9).
10. Let us not murmur (1 Cor. 10:10).
11. Let us cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of body and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1).
12. Let us perfect holiness (2 Cor. 7:1).
13. Let us walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
14. Let us not desire vain glory (Galatians 5:26).
15. Let us not provoke one another (Galatians 5:26).
16. Let us not envy one another (Galatians 5:26).
17. Let us not be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).
18. Let us do good to all people (Galatians 6:10).
19. Let us do good especially to fellow Christians (Galatians 6:10).
20. Let us who are mature press forward toward the mark (Phil. 3:14-15).
21. Let us walk by the same rule (Phil. 3:16).
22. Let us mind the same thing (Phil. 3:16).
23. Let us not sleep spiritually (1 Thes. 5:6).
24. Let us watch and be sober (1 Thes. 5:6,8).
25. Let us be content with food and raiment (1 Tim. 6:8).
26. Let us fear losing the soul (Hebrews 4:1-2).
27. Let us labor to be saved (Hebrews 4:11).
28. Let us hold fast our profession (Hebrews 10:23).
29. Let us come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19-23).
30. Let us go on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1).
31. Let us draw near to God (Hebrews 10:22).
32. Let us provoke to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
33. Let us not forsake assembling together in worship (Hebrews 10:25).
34. Let us exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25).
35. Let us lay aside every weight (Hebrews 12:1).
36. Let us lay aside besetting sin (Hebrews 12:1).
37. Let us run race with patience (Hebrews 12:1).
38. Let us look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).
39. Let us have grace to serve God (Hebrews 12:28).
40. Let us bear Yeshua’s reproach (Hebrews 13:13).
41. Let us offer our sacrifice of praise to God continually (Hebrews 13:15).
42. Let us love one another (1 John 4:7,11).
Eight “Let Us Not’s”:
1. Let us not walk in rioting (Romans 13:13).
2. Let us not walk in drunkenness (Romans 13:13).
3. Let us not walk in chambering (Romans 13:13).
4. Let us not walk in wantonness (Romans 13:13).
5. Let us not walk in strife (Romans 13:13).
6. Let us not walk in envying (Romans 13:13).
7. Let us not judge one another in doubtful things (Romans 14:13).
8. Let us not cause others to stumble (Romans 14:13).
Three ways to live:
1. Live peacefully (Romans 12:18; 2 Cor. 13:11).
2. Live free from anxiety and undue care (1 Cor. 7:28-35).
3. Live no longer in lusts of sin (1 Peter 4:2).
Four commands to “Love”:
1. Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27,35).
2. Love your fellow disciples (John 13:34; John 15:12,17; Galatians 5:14; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:23; 2 John 1:5).
3. Love the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17).
4. Love your brother (1 John 4:21).
Two things not to love:
1. The world (1 John 2:15)
2. Things in the world (1 John 2:15)
Three ways to love:
1. Fervently (1 Peter 2:22)
2. With a pure heart (1 Peter 2:22)
3. As brethren (1 Peter 3:8)
One Person to pray to:
1. Pray to your Father (Matthew 6:6; Matthew 9; John 16:23-26)
Three things to pray for:
1. Your persecutors (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28)
2. For laborers (Matthew 9:38; Luke 10:2)
3. For one another (James 5:16)
Two ways not to pray:
1. Use not vain repetitions like the heathen (Matthew 6:7).
2. Do not pray as hypocrites (Matthew 6:5).
Three ways to pray:
1. After this manner pray (Matthew 6:9-13)
2. Ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7:7-11)
3. Pray in the Spirit (Jude 1:20)
Four things to prove:
1. Prove yourself (2 Cor. 13:5).
2. Prove what is acceptable to God (Ephes. 5:10).
3. Prove all things (1 Thes. 5:21).
4. Prove accusations against elders (1 Tim. 5:19).
Eight “Put Away’s”:
1. Put away wicked people from the congregation (1 Cor. 5:13).
2. Put away lying (Ephes. 4:25).
3. Put away all bitterness (Ephes. 4:31).
4. Put away wrath (Ephes. 4:31).
5. Put away anger (Ephes. 4:31).
6. Put away clamor (Ephes. 4:31).
7. Put away evil speaking (Ephes. 4:31).
8. Put away all malice (Ephes. 4:31).
Six “Put Off’s”:
1. Put off the old man (Ephes. 4:22; Col. 3:9).
2. Put off anger (Col. 3:8).
3. Put off wrath (Col. 3:8).
4. Put off malice (Col. 3:8).
5. Put off blasphemy (Col. 3:8).
6. Put off filthy conversation (Col. 3:8).
Twelve “Put On’s”:
1. Put on Messiah (Romans 13:14).
2. Put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12).
3. Put on the new man (Ephes. 4:24; Col. 3:10).
4. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephes. 6:11,13).
5. Put on the bowels of mercy (Col. 3:12).
6. Put on kindness (Col. 3:12).
7. Put on humility (Col. 3:12).
8. Put on meekness (Col. 3:12).
9. Put on longsuffering (Col. 3:13).
10. Put on love (Col. 3:14).
11. Put on the breastplate of faith and love (1 Thes. 5:8).
12. Put on the hope of salvation (1 Thes. 5:8).
One class not to rebuke:
1. Elders (1 Tim. 5:1)
Three things to rebuke:
1. Certain sinners (1 Tim. 5:20)
2. Rebels (Titus 1:13)
3. Works of darkness (Ephes. 5:11)
Two ways to rebuke:
1. With all authority (Titus 2:15)
2. With all longsuffering (2 Tim. 4:2)
Two commands to rejoice:
1. Rejoice (Matthew 5:12; Romans 15:10)
2. Rejoice evermore (1 Thes. 5:16)
Four things to rejoice in:
1. Hope (Romans 12:12)
2. Blessings of others (Romans 12:15)
3. The Lord (Phil. 3:1; Phil. 4:4)
4. Suffering for Messiah (1 Peter 4:13)
Five things to remember:
1. What you are saved from (Ephes. 2:11-12)
2. Those who suffer (Hebrews 13:3)
3. Those who lead you (Hebrews 13:7)
4. Truth (Jude 1:17-18; Rev. 3:3)
5. Backsliding, and repent (Rev. 2:5)
Four things to seek:
1. God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31)
2. God in prayer (Matthew 7:7)
3. To edify the church (1 Cor. 14:12)
4. Things above (Col. 3:1)
One command to stand fast:
1. Stand fast, and hold to Biblical traditions (2 Thes. 2:15)
Three things to stand fast with:
1. Loins girt about with truth
2. Breastplate of righteousness
3. Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephes. 6:14-15)
Five things to stand in:
1. Faith (1 Cor. 16:13)
2. Liberty (Galatians 5:1)
3. One spirit (Phil. 1:27)
4. One mind (Phil. 1:27)
5. The Lord (Phil. 4:1)
Eight things to think on:
1. Things about your true self (Romans 12:3; 1 Cor. 3:18)
2. Things true
3. Things honest
4. Things just
5. Things pure
6. Things lovely
7. Things of good report
8. Things of virtue (Phil. 4:8)
One way to think:
1. Think soberly (Romans 12:3)
Five commands to “submit”:
1. Submit one to another (Ephes. 5:21).
2. Submit to God (James 4:7).
3. Submit to every ordinance of man (1 Peter 2:13-14; Romans 13:1-8).
4. Younger ones are to submit to their elders (1 Peter 5:5).
5. Wives must submit to their husbands ((Ephes. 5:22; Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
Twelve “Take’s”:
1. Take no anxious thought for necessities of life (Matthew 6:25,31; Luke 12:22-30)
2. Take no anxious thought of tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)
3. Take no anxious thought of defense (Matthew 10:19; Mark 13:9-11; Luke 12:11-12; Luke 21:14)
4. Take my yoke upon you (Matthew 11:29)
5. Take advantage of freedom (1 Cor. 7:21)
6. Take the Passover in remembrance of Messiah (1 Cor. 11:24-26)
7. Take the shield of faith (Ephes. 6:16)
8. Take the helmet of salvation (Ephes. 6:17)
9. Take the sword of the Spirit (Ephes. 6:17)
10. Take oversight of the flock willingly (1 Peter 5:2)
11. Take oversight of the flock without thought of personal gain (1 Peter 5:2)
12. Take a humble seat (Luke 14:8)
Eighteen “Take Heed’s”:
1. Take heed that you do not alms to be seen by people (Matthew 6:1).
2. Take heed not to despise little ones (Matthew 18:10).
3. Take heed not to be deceived (Matthew 24:4; Mark 13:5; Luke 21:8).
4. Take heed what you hear (Mark 4:24).
5. Take heed how you hear (Luke 8:18).
6. Take heed to walk in the light (Luke 11:35).
7. Take heed to rebuke and forgive (Luke 17:3).
8. Take heed not to get drunk (Luke 21:34).
9. Take heed not to surfeit (Luke 21:34).
10. Take heed not to be overcome with cares (Luke 21:34).
11. Take heed to yourselves (Matthew 13:9; Luke 17:3; Luke 21:34; Acts 20:28).
12. Take heed to the flock of God (Acts 20:28).
13. Take heed lest you misuse your liberty (1 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 13).
14. Take heed lest you fall (1 Cor. 10:12; Romans 11:21).
15. Take heed to your ministry (Col. 4:17).
16. Take heed that you destroy not one another (Galatians 5:15).
17. Take heed to yourself and your doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16).
18. Take heed not to backslide (Hebrews 3:12).
Four “You Shall’s”:
1. You shall worship God only (Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8).
2. You shall serve God only (Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8).
3. You shall love neighbors as yourself (Matthew 5:43; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14).
4. You shall love God wholeheartedly (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).
Eight “You Shall Not’s”:
1. You shall not tempt the Lord (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12).
2. You shall not kill (Matthew 5:21; Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20;Romans 13:9).
3. You shall not commit adultery (Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9).
4. You shall not pray to be seen by people (Matthew 6:5).
5. You shall not steal (Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9).
6. You shall not bear false witness (Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9).
7. You shall not covet (Romans 13:9).
8. You shall not muzzle the ox treading corn (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18).
Two ways not to walk:
1. As Sinners (Ephes. 4:17)
2. As fools (Ephes. 5:15)
Seven things to walk in:
1. The Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
2. Love (Ephes. 5:2)
3. The light (Ephes. 5:8-9; 1 John 1:7)
4. Watchfulness (Ephes. 6:18)
5. Yeshua (Col. 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 5:17)
6. Wisdom (Col. 4:5)
7. Honesty (1 Thes. 4:12)
200 Miscellaneous Commands:
1. Abhor what is evil (Romans 12:9).
2. A bishop must be (see characteristics of, 1 Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9).
3. Abide in Messiah (John 15:4).
4. Abide with worthy ones (Matthew 10:11-13; Mark 6:10; Luke 9:4; Luke 10:5-8).
5. Accuse none falsely (Luke 3:14).
6. Add to graces of a disciple(2 Peter 1:5-7).
7. Admit your own unprofitableness (Luke 17:10).
8. Admonish one another (Col. 3:16).
9. Admonish the unruly (2 Thes. 3:15).
10. Agree with your adversary (Matthew 5:25).
11. Allow no liberty to ensnare you to commit sin (1 Cor. 10:25-30).
12. Allow no lust of evil in the your body (1 Thes. 4:5).
13. Allow no cursing and blessing from the same mouth (James 3:10).
14. Anoint your head and wash face when fasting (Matthew 6:17).
15. Arm your self with a mind to suffer for Messiah (1 Peter 4:1).
16. Avenge not yourself (Romans 12:19).
17. Awake from death to light (Ephes. 5:14).
18. Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
19. Behave like men (1 Cor. 16:13).
20. Bid no false teacher “Godspeed” (2 John 1:10-11).
21. Bring proof of your repentance (Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8).
22. Bring your children up in the Lord (Ephes. 6:4).
23. Build up your faith (Jude 1:20).
24. Call the poor to your feast (Luke 14:13).
25. Children, obey your parents (Ephes. 6:1; Col. 3:20).
26. Cleanse the lepers (Matthew 10:8).
27. Cleanse your hands you sinners (James 4:8).
28. Cleave to good (Romans 12:9).
29. Collect just dues only (Luke 3:13).
30. Come out from among them (2 Cor. 6:17).
31. Command and teach these things (1 Tim. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:2).
32. Commit the truth to faithful teachers (2 Tim. 2:2).
33. Confess your faults one to another (James 5:16).
34. Count it joy when you are tempted (James 1:2).
35. Cut off offending members (Matthew 5:29-30; Matthew 18:8,9).
36. Deacons must be (see 1 Tim. 3:8-12).
37. Defraud not (Mark 10:19).
38. Desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1).
39. Desire the milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2).
40. Despise not prophesyings (1 Thes. 5:20).
41. Destroy none with non-essentials (Romans 14:15; 1 Cor. 8:13).
42. Draw near to God (James 4:8).
43. Eat your own bread in quietness (2 Thes. 3:12).
44. Earnestly contend for faith (Jude 1:3).
45. Edify yourselves with singing (Ephes. 5:19).
46. Edify one another (1 Thes. 5:11).
47. Enter the straight (narrow) gate (Matthew 7:13; Luke 13:24).
48. Examine yourself as to faith (2 Cor. 13:5).
49. Exercise in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
50. Exhort servants to obey (Titus 2:9-10).
51. Exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).
52. Fear not (Luke 12:32)!
53. Fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12).
54. Follow peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
55. Forbear one another (Col. 3:13).
56. Forbid not children (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16).
57. Forbid not tongues (1 Cor. 14:39).
58. Forget not to share (Hebrews 13:16).
59. Forgive 490 times (Matthew 18:22).
60. Forgive (Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 6:37; Ephes. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
61. Fret not in servitude (2 Cor. 7:21).
62. Gird up loins of mind (1 Peter 1:13).
63. Give place to wrath (Romans 12:19).
64. Give your enemy a drink of water (Romans 12:20).
65. Give no occasion to the adversary (1 Tim. 5:14).
66. Glorify God in your body and spirit (2 Cor. 6:20; cp. Romans 12:1-2).
67. Grieve not the Holy Spirit (Ephes. 4:30).
68. Grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).
69. Grudge not against another (James 5:9).
70. Harden not your hearts (Hebrews 3:8-15).
71. Hate flesh-spotted garments (Jude 1:23).
72. Have no respect of persons (partiality, prejudice) (1 Tim. 5:21).
73. Have the same love (Phil. 2:2).
74. Have no fellowship with works of darkness (Ephes. 5:11).
75. Heal the sick (Matthew 10:8; Luke 10:9).
76. Help propagate truth (3 John 1:8).
77. Humble yourselves (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
78. Husbands, love your wives (Ephes. 5:25,28; Col. 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).
79. Husbands, be not bitter against your wives (Col. 3:19).
80. Instruct rebels in meekness (2 Tim. 2:25).
81. Intreat others according to 1 Tim. 5:1-2.
82. Judge not (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37).
83. Have faith before God for things not condemned in Scripture (Romans 14:22-23).
84. Know how to control your body (1 Thes. 4:4).
85. Lay not up your treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19).
86. Lay up your treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20; Luke 12:33-34).
87. Lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12).
88. Leave your parents and cleave to your wife (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; Ephes. 5:31).
89. Lend, hoping for nothing back (Luke 6:35).
90. Lie not (Col. 3:9).
91. Lift up hands that hang down (Hebrews 12:12).
92. Look not everyone on your own things only (Phil. 2:4).
93. Look diligently not to fail of grace (Hebrews 12:15).
94. Look diligently lest any root of bitterness defile (Hebrews 12:15).
95. Look diligently lest any be a fornicator (Hebrews 12:16-17).
96. Look to yourselves not to lose reward (2 John 1:8).
97. Look for mercy unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).
98. Lust not after evil things (1 Cor. 10:6).
99. Make a tree good or corrupt (Matthew 12:33).
100. Make no provision for lusts (Romans 13:14).
101. Make full proof of ministry (2 Tim. 4:5).
102. Make straight paths (Hebrews 12:13).
103. Mark troublemakers (Romans 16:17; Phil. 3:17).
104. Mark the unruly (2 Thes. 3:14).
105. Marvel not if you are hated by the world (1 John 3:13).
106. Masters, be good to servants (Ephes. 5:9; Col. 4:1).
107. Meditate upon things of (1 Tim. 4:15).
108. Mind not the high things (Romans 12:16).
109. Minister as good stewards (1 Peter 4:10).
110. Mortify offending physical members (Col. 3:5; Romans 8:12-13).
111. Neither be of doubtful mind (Luke 12:29).
112. No man is to defraud his brother (1 Thes. 4:6).
113. Neglect not spiritual gifts (1 Tim. 4:14; cp. 2 Tim. 1:6).
114. Obey your leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
115. Offer the other cheek (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29).
116. Ordain no one in a hurry (1 Tim. 5:22).
117. Owe nothing but love (Romans 13:8).
118. Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
119. Pass the time in fear (1 Peter 1:17).
120. Pay your taxes (Romans 13:6).
121. Pay just dues (Romans 13:7).
122. Praise the Lord (Romans 15:11).
123. Preach (Matthew 10:7,27; Mark 16:15; 2 Tim. 4:2).
124. Present your body to God (Romans 12:1).
125. Provide things honestly (Romans 12:17).
126. Provoke not your children to wrath (Ephes. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
127. Purge out the old leaven (evil influence) (1 Cor. 5:7).
128. Purify your hearts of doubt (James 4:8).
129. Put others in remembrance of the essentials (2 Tim. 2:14).
130. Quench not the Spirit (1 Thes. 5:19).
131. Raise the dead (Matthew 10:8).
132. Receive (accept) weak brethren (Romans 14:1).
133. Receive one another (Romans 15:7).
134. Receive the Word with meekness (James 1:21).
135. Reckon yourself as dead to sin (Romans 6:11).
136. Reckon yourself as alive to God (Romans 6:11).
137. Recognize the truth (1 Cor. 10:15).
138. Redeem the time (Ephes. 5:16; Col. 4:5).
139. Reject heretics (Titus 3:10).
140. Refuse to support young widows from church funds (1 Tim. 5:11).
141. Remind people of the seven things of Titus 3:1-2.
142. Render no evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:17).
143. Repent (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Rev. 2:16; Rev. 3:19).
144. Resist not evil (Matthew 5:38-39).
145. Resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).
146. Restore backslider in meekness, considering your own life (Galatians 6:1).
147. Run to obtain (1 Cor. 9:24).
148. Salute none by the way (Luke 10:4).
149. Salute your leaders (Hebrews 13:24).
150. Sanctify God in your heart (1 Peter 3:15).
151. Save some with fear (Jude 1:23).
152. Search the Scriptures (John 5:39).
153. Seek not eats and drinks (Luke 12:29).
154. Sell to help the needy (Luke 12:33).
155. Serve the Lord (Romans 12:1).
156. Servants, obey masters (Ephes. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25; 1 Peter 2:18).
157. Set the least to judge (1 Cor. 6:4).
158. Set your affections above ( Col. 3:2).
159. Shake off the dust of your feet (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; Luke 10:10-11).
160. Show charity to other ministers (Luke 9:49-50).
161. Show yourself as a pattern (Titus 2:7).
162. Show fourthings of (Titus 2:7-8).
163. Sin not (1 Cor. 15:34).
164. Sing with grace in heart (Col. 3:16).
165. Shun vain babblings (2 Tim. 2:16).
166. Speak and do things in view of the judgment day (James 2:12).
167. Speak truth (Ephes. 4:25).
168. Speak sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).
169. Speak no evil of your brethren (James 4:11).
170. Stablish your hearts (James 5:8).
171. Strengthen your feeble knees (Hebrews 12:12).
172. Strive together for the gospel faith (Phil. 1:27).
173. Study to be quiet (1 Thes. 4:11).
174. Study (be diligent) to show yourself approved (2 Tim. 2:15).
175. Support the weak (1 Thes. 5:14).
176. See that no one renders evil for evil (1 Thes. 5:15).
177. Swear not (James 5:12; Matthew 5:33-36).
178. Tarry one for another (1 Cor. 11:33).
179. Tarry for power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8).
180. Teach one another (Col. 3:16).
181. Teach no other doctrine that the truth (1 Tim. 1:3).
182. Tell your brother his fault alone first (Matthew 18:15-17).
183. Trust God for your needs as you work (Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3; Luke 10:4).
184. Understand the will of God (Ephes. 5:17).
185. Use not your liberty as an occasion to sin (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 1:16).
186. Use hospitality without grudging (1 Peter 4:9).
187. Warn the unruly (1 Thes. 5:14).
188. Watch and pray (Matthew 24:42; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:33,35; Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36; Ephes. 6:18; Col. 4:2).
189. Watch in all things (2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Cor. 16:13).
190. Weep with others (Romans 12:15).
191. Withdraw from disorderly brethren (2 Thes. 3:6,14).
192. Withdraw from evil people (1 Tim. 6:3-6).
193. Wives of deacons must be (1 Tim. 3:11).
194. Wives, submit to your husbands (Ephes. 5:22; Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
195. Work with your own hands (1 Thes. 4:11).
196. Work, or do not eat (2 Thes. 3:10-11).
197. Work out own salvation (Phil. 2:12).
198. Yield not your members to sin (Romans 6:13).
199. Yield yourself to God (Romans 6:13).
200. Yield your members to righteousness (Romans 6:13).
Two eternal rights of the redeemed:
1. Right to the tree of life
2. Right to enter the New Jerusalem
Rodney.. that is quite a list of “do’s and don’ts!” Someone once wrote:- “the Christian life is not difficult..- it is impossible.” I would have to agree.. (especially after looking at this list..) How is this ever possible? I need some help here.. now where might I find some help?..
He said, (it is written) “without me you can do nothing.” He also said, (it is written) “with G-d all things are possible.” To do “what is written”- I must have two things. I must have the motivation and the means. Why do I even want to do these things? Where does “desire” come from? Do I want to live like this? Is there worth and value in these living like this?
Forgive me for even thinking like this, (must be the Greek in me..), but “what’s in it for me?”
Friends, “a life of obedience is a life of blessing.” How do I know this? -by looking at Him and remembering Him. His words and His witness are true. Obedience is the model and the method of our Master.
Is it worth living like this? Hmm.. (-nothing good comes easy..) Will there be sacrifice and hardship? Yes. Will there be pain and tears? Yes. Will the journey be worth it? Yes. How do we know these things? – Look unto Him, “who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross-despising the shame.”
We are not traveling alone. We have ample and abundant Help along the Way. Have you ever witnessed “providence” (the provision of G-d) “up close and personal”? I have..- every day. “Amazing grace”, abundant grace and assiduous grace. Friends, G-d is good, -all the time,- and to every one.
Ah.. the highway of holiness..- Are we there yet? lol!
Carl, that is a good note.
Rodney, I have that downloaded on my ipod from a previous post from Skip. It is written I believe by Finnis Jennings Drake. At least that is the name at the top of the internet posting from Skip’s reference site.
oops! Looks like it should be “Dake” as the last name. not Drake.
I just taught through the book of II Peter. II Peter 2:1 was an exhortation that “just as” there had been false prophets in the past, there would be false teachers in the present and to come. I took this as a springboard to jump back into the Deuteronomy “tests” for false prophets as being a foundational way to “test” all messages of our times that are delivered through human agency.
What is peculiar is the context of the Deuteronomic tests. And what is even more peculiar were the reasons that God agreed with His people to…as God said to put “My Words in his mouth” (prophets and succession of prophets as the text implies). Deuteronomy 18, in its context, describes the fact that the Israelites would be going into dispossess idolatrous people of their land – there would be plenty of “messages” that would be false and it would be easy to see how the Israelites could end up “marrying” these false “messages” and making them their own. Turns out that part of the reason God agreed to use a human agent to communicate or mediate His words was because of, well, fear…the people liked the fact that Moses stood between them and a Holy God because Moses could speak to and hear from God (and live), while they probably weren’t so certain of their outcome if asked to be in the presence of this Holy God. His Words, directly communicated, would be too much for them. So God agrees with human mediation of His true Words and agrees to continue the human agency and mediation of His Words through prophets. That is the context of Deuteronomy 18….So no wonder that the Deuteronomy 18 test would be one of accuracy and truth. If the Word is from God through a prophet (one of their own, chosen by God etc.), then it better reflect the true character and nature of a God who cannot lie.
The Deuteronomy 13 test is clearly a test of and warning against a prophet (human agent) whose words appear to be accurate – because what he says comes true – but then adds a “message” that calls on the worship and service of other gods other than worship and service of the One True God (Matt 4:10; Rom 1:25). In our parlance, this would be those who promote a “Jesus and” gospel. The “and” is what many have tried to add to “I Am” God. It is popular and attractive because we get to define God. What is peculiar about this passage warning against idolatry in Deut 13, is that the text indicates that this false prophet is allowed to communicate his “message” because it is basically a test of faith in the One True God. This is God testing you to see if you love the LORD your God with all your heart etc. (13:2-3). And how do we pass this test? Not only by not listening to this “message” but also, the text continues, by following the Lord, fearing Him, keeping His commandments, listening to His voice, serving Him and clinging to Him. Sounds very personal to me and quite singular in its devotion and fidelity (Deut 6:4).
So, since Carl has offered his “discernment test”, I will offer mine and purely on the basis of reflecting back on the Deuteronomic tests (and their context) and the specific warnings against false messengers and false messages provided in several NT passages (including II Peter 2-3, Jude, II Cor 11 etc.)….The test is Romans 1:25 and affirmed in Matt 4:10 by our Lord. Does the messenger or message call me to “worship and serve” the Creator or the created thing? Doesn’t matter if it is a Jewish message, a Catholic message, a Christian message or a secular message, the question I need to answer is who or what am I ultimately being asked to “worship and serve?”
From there, the only danger I can perceive in “testing” messengers or messages of “truth” is simply whether or not I have the right Jesus, right gospel and right spirit (II Cor 11) or whether like Eve, I am being led astray (which takes me back not to Hellenism but back to the Garden) into believing in another Jesus, another gospel or another spirit – again, a fashioning or re-imaging of God into my creation of Who He is and what He demands rather than Who God is and how He has revealed Himself to man.