What are his commandments?

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Magenta

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262» 1Thess 5:21-22 . . Evaluate everything carefully; hold fast to that
which is good; abstain from every form of evil.


In this instance: every form of evil pertains to the wild utterances of
prophesy mongers. They seem to show up most often whenever there's a
major crisis; e.g. insane government policies, economic collapses, massive
earthquakes, tsunamis, and diseases like the Black Plague, Spanish flu, and
the Corona Virus.
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1 Timothy 6:8-10
:)
 

Webers.Home

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263» 1Thess 5:27 . . I adjure you by The Lord to have this letter read to all
the brethren.

I think it safe to say that Paul wasn't talking about picking out a verse here
and there as a spring board to a sermon, no, he meant the whole epistle,
not just excerpts.

The word "adjure" has a variety of meanings; they all pretty much relate to
putting someone under a solemn obligation (e.g. Matt 26:63-64) viz: church
officers who neglect reading Paul's epistle(s) to their congregations are in
serious dereliction of duty.
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Webers.Home

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2Thess 2:1-4 . . Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in
mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, that
the day of Christ is at hand.

. . . Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except
there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is
worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, presenting himself that he
is God.

The temple of God will be located in the city of Jerusalem in the country of Israel.
Seeing as how there is no temple there now, then we should beware falling prey to
fanatical claims that the current global chaos is a sign that the end is near.
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Webers.Home

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265» 2Thess 2:15 . . Brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which
you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

The "traditions" to which Paul refers are in two categories: (1) word of
mouth, and (2) in writing. Seeing as how Paul and his contemporaries are no
longer available for personal appearances, then the only reasonably reliable
traditions in existence are the ones they left us in writing, i.e. the New
Testament epistles.
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Webers.Home

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266» 2Thess 3:6-10 . . In the name of The Lord Jesus Christ, we command
you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live
according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know
how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with
you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.

. . . On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that
we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not
have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you
to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man
will not work, he shall not eat.

People unemployed due to circumstances beyond their control are exempt
from that directive. It specifically targets what we here in the USA call a
bum: which Webster's defines as someone who sponges off others not
because they can't find work; but because they have an aversion to work;
viz: they avoid work as if it were an inconvenient imposition on their leisure
time.
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Webers.Home

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266» 2Thess 3:11-13 . .We hear that some among you are idle. They are
not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in The
Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for
you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

I'm pretty sure that the "brothers" in that passage are church officers seeing
as how it speaks of "some among you" which would indicate the
congregation.

Some might not think that holding down a job qualifies as Christianity but it
certainly does, especially when working for a living is categorized as "doing
what is right".

1John 3:7 . . Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who
does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
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Webers.Home

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267» 2Thess 3:14 . . If anyone does not obey our commands in this letter,
take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel
ashamed.


Back then when churches were small cells meeting in private homes rather
than auditoriums seating hundreds of people, it was easy for church officers
to hold their congregation's feet to the fire. Nowadays, forget it. Church
sizes are such that officers haven't a clue what's going on in the lives of their
membership roles. As a result, modern churches are permeated with conduct
unbecoming.


2Thess 3:15 . .Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother.


Mandatory consequences were usually for the purpose of discipline; viz:
child rearing. So when officers ostracize one of Christ's followers, they
should keep in mind that the errant follower is one of their own: a sibling
around the table in God's home. So wayward followers shouldn't be
permanently culled from the herd as if they're the devil in disguise. They
aren't devils; no, they're just naughty kids that deserve grounding, so to
speak. (cf. 2Cor 2:6-11)


NOTE: Quite a bit of the material in the apostle Paul's letters to Timothy and
Titus contain written instructions for church officers; but as his instructions
are very likely of interest to seminary students on a path towards becoming
church officers; they bear repeating on the internet just in case one or more
wanna-bees happen to be looking in. If so, then please consider our
comments merely a primer, i.e. a taste of the really good stuff available
from seminary faculties.
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1 John 2:3-5
King James Version

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

So what are his commandments?
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:37-38

49For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 1249-50

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:23-24

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
 

Beckworth

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1 John 2:3-5
King James Version

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

So what are his commandments?
His commandments are in His “covenant” or law and that can be found in the Bible. 1 Cor. 2:16 says “we have the mind of Christ.” That’s why His Word is so important. He has told us all we need to know in His word.

If you want to know what His commandments are concerning any Bible subject, just do a study of that subject, reading all of the Bible scripture on that subject and you will have not only “the mind of Christ” on that subject but also all of His commandments on that subject. Psalms 119:160 says that the ENTIRETY or SUM of His word is truth.
 

Webers.Home

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268»1Tim 1:3-5 . . As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-- remain in
Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor
give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather
than godly edification which is in faith.

The epistles of Timothy and Titus are sometimes called the pastoral epistles
because Paul's instructions target mainly church managers rather than
congregations.

"no other doctrine" is the information Paul mentioned in another letter.

2Thess 2:15 . . So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions
which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

"by letter from us" would of course include 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus; and
all the other epistles too, including Peter's, James', John's, and Jude's.
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Webers.Home

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269» 1Tim 2:8-9 . . I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath and evil thoughts.

Lifting up one's hands is the posture of an anxious beggar seeking charity
and compassion. Holy hands are loyal hands. Other kinds of hands should be
kept at one's side till such a time as they qualify as true blue, thru and thru.

The Greek word for "wrath" means hot desire. It's sometimes translated
anger, indignation, and vengeance. The idea is that a believer should never
pray out of spite and/or use prayer as a tool to hurt somebody's feelings.
That is the ugliest abuse of the privilege of prayer that I can possibly
imagine. In my opinion, people who pray out of spite are no different than
slanderers, witches, sorcerers, and voodoo priests. Especially annoying are
people who can't keep a civil tongue in their heads, and then have the nerve
to say "you're in our prayers"
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Webers.Home

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270» 1Tim 2:9-10 . . In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in
modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing piety)
with good works.

The Greek word for "sobriety" means soundness of mind; viz: sane,
composed, and self controlled. A woman in the throes of hysteria, passionate
rage, misandry, door-slamming, or a hissy fit doesn't fit the definition.

Some folk, obsessed with asceticism, use that verse to prove it's wrong for
women to use cosmetics and dress themselves in current fashions. But the
passage doesn't forbid that. What it forbids is a woman putting a higher
priority on her appearance than her character.

The old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" applies here as well as
in literature. I've met women with tattoos, studs in their tongues,
multicolored hair, fishnet stockings, outrageous earrings, tight-fitting concert
tee shirts, low-slung hip huggers, and black lipstick that were really peaches
while I've met elegant, neatly dressed women with horrible personalities.
They say a rose in any language is still a rose; yeah, well, a pig, no matter
how it's dressed, is still a pig whether in belly shirts and flip-flops or haute
couture.

Prov 11:22 . . An attractive woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring
in a pig's snout. (cf. 1Pet 3:1-6)

The Greek word for "shamefacedness" is aidos means bashfulness, i.e.
diffidence; which is just the opposite of insolence, impudence, and
brazenness. Bashful people have a hard time looking people in the eye
because they are so shy, non-confrontational, timid, self conscious, and non
assertive. What we're looking at here relates to one of The Lord's beatitudes.

Matt 5:3 . . Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.

That's a very comforting beatitude because it confirms that there's coming a
day when difficult people will be eradicated.
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Webers.Home

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271» 1Tim 2:11 . . Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire
submissiveness.

The Greek word for "submissiveness" basically refers to subordination; in
this case voluntary.

That word appears in a number of applications. In Matt 22:12 it means
tongue tied. In Mark 4:39 it means calm down. In 1Tim 5:18 it infers
suppression. In 1Tim 2:15 it means to negate, i.e. render invalid and/or
unworthy of consideration.

During my 80 years on this planet; I've encountered quite a few women that
enjoy debating with men; and especially pointing out men's faults and/or
proving men wrong. I don't know why they're like that, I guess it's just a
female thing. But Christ doesn't allow it.

If 1Tim 2:11 is telling me anything at all it's that Christ doesn't want to see
Christian women debating, quarrelling, or arguing with men in church; and
that includes Sunday school discussions. In point of fact, according to 1Cor
14:35, women aren't even allowed to raise their hands and ask a question.

Gender equality is a big issue out in the world; but God forbid it should
become an issue in church because divine edicts trump human opinions.

Ps 16:11 . . Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the
nations, exalted on the earth.
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Webers.Home

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272»1Tim 2:12-15 . . I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority
over a man, but to remain quiet.

The "my church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 16:18 isn't meant to be steered
by personal opinions, popular culture, and/or political correctness. He has
some say about it and his say is the final word.

In the "my church" males are the gender designated to captain the ships;
not the females. I don't trust a church supervised by female managers and
pastors. Why? Because it tells me that Christ isn't supreme among those
people; they've as much as voted him out.
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Webers.Home

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273»1Tim 2:15 . . Women shall be preserved through the bearing of children
if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

In other words, it isn't necessary for women to be pastors, deacons, and/or
adult Sunday school teachers in order to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and
effectively. Homemaking is just as high a calling as any in church.

Can a female church manager or a pastor; continue in faith, love, and
sanctity with self-restraint? In point of fact, it is a non sequitur to say a
female church manager or pastor continues in faith. If she did, she would be
neither a church manager nor a pastor. This is precisely why God rejected
Cain's offering. It was a perfectly good offering, and no doubt Cain had
brought God the very same thing in the past, but God rejected it that time
because that's the one time that Cain failed to offer it in faith. (Gen 4:7, Heb
11:4)
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Webers.Home

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274» 1Tim 3:2a . . An overseer, then, must be above reproach

The Greek word for "overseer" is basically refers to supervisors.

Why must they be above reproach? Because the work they do is a "good"
work (1Tim 3:1) but much good can be ruined by even a little wickedness.

Ecc 10:1 . . Dead insects will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes,
an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.

Before the wonders of modern chemistry, perfumes were made (and many
still are) from animal and vegetable sources. Those, being 100% organic in a
time when chemical preservatives didn't exists, could spoil if the perfumer
wasn't careful to keep his product protected from exposure to temperature,
insects, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. All the skills and patience
and knowledge exercised in the making of expensive ointments could be
completely annulled by simply forgetting to put the cap (or the cork;
whatever) back on a jar.

Anyway, Ecc 10:1 certainly rings true in this day and age as Christianity's
credibility steadily diminishes because of its ongoing morality scandals,
embezzling, and deplorable cover-ups.
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Webers.Home

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275» 1Tim 3:2b . . An overseer, then, must be the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says that a church officer can
have only one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says
that he can be married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a
divorced man.

Seeing as how this is ambiguous; I suggest letting church boards decide it
for themselves among themselves.
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Webers.Home

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276» 1Tim 3:2c . . An overseer, then, must be temperate

This kind of temperance relates to avoiding extremes of behavior or
expression, e.g. hostility, rage, shouting, tantrums, militant demands, and
obnoxious remarks, viz: a personality that's self controlled, reasonable,
mature, and levelheaded.
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Webers.Home

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277» 1Tim 3:2d . . An overseer then. . must be self controlled.

The Greek word translated self controlled also means circumspect; which
basically pertains to considering the possible ramifications of one's conduct,
i.e. prudence: the very opposite of an impulsive personality which doesn't stop
and think about what they're doing.
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Webers.Home

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278» 1Tim 3:2e . . An overseer then. . must be respectable

The Greek word translated "respectable" basically means orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed, and polite. They bathe often too.
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