TITLE: 6 Kinds of Commands

TEXT: Ephesians 4:25-31

PROPOSITION: There is some confusion about the commands for New Testament Christians.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Kinds

SCRIPTURE READING:

1. The Bible is full of commands.

2. Someone has counted more than 600 commands in the Law of Moses

3. Many do not understand some doctrinal matters because they do not understand how God (or parents) issue commands.

4. There are five kinds of commands.

Negative - “Thou shalt not”

1. Think of the 10 Commandments – Not kill, not steal, not take God's name in vain

2. In the New Testament – not worship idols, fornication, adultery, steal, lie

3. Many only think of “all that I CAN'T do” - everything is forbidden

Positive - “Thou shalt”

1. Not often in the “thou shalt” form – but – Do this:

2. Communion – “This do in remembrance of me”

3. Give – Upon 1^st day of week let every one of you give as prospered

4. Love – neighbor, enemy, brotherhood

5. Sing – Ephesians 5:19; James 5:14

6. Study – Study to show yourself approved unto God

7. Baptism – Mark 16:16

Generic -

1. Some commands (negative or positive) can leave some details open

2. Go preach – by boat, car, train, plane – method of travel = generic

3. Build ark – saw, hammer, nails – means to accomplish

4. Assemble – under a tree, in a building, in homes – place of meeting = generic

5. Baptism – creek, pond, river, bathtub, baptistry

Specific -

1. Some commands include details

2. Build ark – Gopher wood, 3 stories, window, door, dimensions

3. Sing – psalms, hymns, spiritual songs – not country, hip-hop

4. Give - 1^st day of week, cheerful

5. Communion – unleavened bread, fruit of the vine, 1^st day of week

Combination – Specific and Generic

1. Notice that I gave the same command as an example multiple times

2. Build ark – Wood (specific); tools to use (generic)

3. Sing – What to sing (specific); how many to sing (generic)

4. Baptism – Who (specific); where (generic)

Combination – Positive and Negative

1. Do not Lie – speak the truth Ephesians 4:25

2. Do not steal – work so you can share Ephesians 4:28

3. Put away bitterness – be kind Ephesians 4:30-31