What are his commandments?
- Thread starter LeeLoving
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191» Eph 5:21 . . Submit to one another out of respect for Christ.
The Greek word translated "respect" basically means fright; which is
intended that way quite a few times throughout the New Testament. But I
really don't think this verse is saying Jesus' followers should be afraid of him
like folks will be gripped with terror during the Tribulation; e.g. Rev 6:15-17.
No; here in Ephesians respect is likely speaking of a social grace whereby
we're careful to avoid disappointing folks who mean a great deal to us like
spouses, grandchildren, and BFF.
The Greek word translated "submit" means to subordinate (as a verb) which
is just the opposite of dominance and/or control.
A workable synonym for the kind of submission we're talking about here is
"deference" which Webster's defines as: affected, or ingratiating, regard for
others' wishes; viz: honor.
So then; this isn't about a pecking order. What we're talking about here is
consideration; defined by Webster's as thoughtful of the rights, and the
feelings, of others.
The thing is: it means a lot to Christ when we regard people as worthy of
more honor than ourselves not because we have to, but because doing so
makes his day. (cf. John 14:23)
_
191» Eph 5:21 . . Submit to one another out of respect for Christ.
The Greek word translated "respect" basically means fright; which is
intended that way quite a few times throughout the New Testament. But I
really don't think this verse is saying Jesus' followers should be afraid of him
like folks will be gripped with terror during the Tribulation; e.g. Rev 6:15-17.
No; here in Ephesians respect is likely speaking of a social grace whereby
we're careful to avoid disappointing folks who mean a great deal to us like
spouses, grandchildren, and BFF.
The Greek word translated "submit" means to subordinate (as a verb) which
is just the opposite of dominance and/or control.
A workable synonym for the kind of submission we're talking about here is
"deference" which Webster's defines as: affected, or ingratiating, regard for
others' wishes; viz: honor.
So then; this isn't about a pecking order. What we're talking about here is
consideration; defined by Webster's as thoughtful of the rights, and the
feelings, of others.
The thing is: it means a lot to Christ when we regard people as worthy of
more honor than ourselves not because we have to, but because doing so
makes his day. (cf. John 14:23)
_
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192» Eph 5:22 . .Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Husbands, in a manner of speaking, are a figure of Christ in the Christian
home. So then: wives ought to afford their husbands the same degree of
value, courtesy, and civility that they would give Christ were he their
spouse. In other words; it's not the husband himself who merits his wife's
best behavior, it's his position in the home. For example:
"Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and
showing respect for the aged. I am The Lord." (Lev 19:32)
Rising to one's feet for the elders among us carries over to revering God
because He too is an elder among us. God likely doesn't look His age but we
really should keep in mind that no one is older than He. (cf. Dan 7:9) Taking
this back to the beginning, Adam was made superior to his wife not because
of his gender, rather, because of his age relative to her age. (Gen 3:16 &
1Tim 2:11-13)
The Greek word for "submit" in this verse is the very same for submit in Eph
5:21, and never means that wives take orders from their husbands as if
marriage were an arrangement similar to a monarch and a commoner.
What we're talking about here is deference rather than obedience. An
attitude of deference is mandatory for Christians on both sides of the gender
aisle-- both men and women.
Deference is agreeable, approachable, tactful, and diplomatic. Deference
isn't confrontational, demanding, assertive, militant, dominating, nor always
clamoring "I am woman! Hear me roar!"
In a nutshell: deference is just the opposite of defiance. Christian wives
striving for equality with their men have not yet learned what it means to
associate with a husband as they would Christ.
_
192» Eph 5:22 . .Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Husbands, in a manner of speaking, are a figure of Christ in the Christian
home. So then: wives ought to afford their husbands the same degree of
value, courtesy, and civility that they would give Christ were he their
spouse. In other words; it's not the husband himself who merits his wife's
best behavior, it's his position in the home. For example:
"Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and
showing respect for the aged. I am The Lord." (Lev 19:32)
Rising to one's feet for the elders among us carries over to revering God
because He too is an elder among us. God likely doesn't look His age but we
really should keep in mind that no one is older than He. (cf. Dan 7:9) Taking
this back to the beginning, Adam was made superior to his wife not because
of his gender, rather, because of his age relative to her age. (Gen 3:16 &
1Tim 2:11-13)
The Greek word for "submit" in this verse is the very same for submit in Eph
5:21, and never means that wives take orders from their husbands as if
marriage were an arrangement similar to a monarch and a commoner.
What we're talking about here is deference rather than obedience. An
attitude of deference is mandatory for Christians on both sides of the gender
aisle-- both men and women.
Deference is agreeable, approachable, tactful, and diplomatic. Deference
isn't confrontational, demanding, assertive, militant, dominating, nor always
clamoring "I am woman! Hear me roar!"
In a nutshell: deference is just the opposite of defiance. Christian wives
striving for equality with their men have not yet learned what it means to
associate with a husband as they would Christ.
_
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193» Eph 5:23-24 . . For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, of which he is the savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in
everything.
Christians, no less, have tried to circumvent those instructions by quoting
Paul to refute Paul; for example Gal 3:26-28
But if we were to make Gal 3:26-28 a rule in family affairs; then Christian
marriages would be non binary unisex arrangements; and that, to say the
least, is quite unacceptable.
Though both husband and wife are equals as believers, and equally Christ's
body, they are definitely not equals in marriage though they be one flesh;
just as Christ and his Father are not equals in the Godhead though they be
one deity.
_
193» Eph 5:23-24 . . For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, of which he is the savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in
everything.
Christians, no less, have tried to circumvent those instructions by quoting
Paul to refute Paul; for example Gal 3:26-28
But if we were to make Gal 3:26-28 a rule in family affairs; then Christian
marriages would be non binary unisex arrangements; and that, to say the
least, is quite unacceptable.
Though both husband and wife are equals as believers, and equally Christ's
body, they are definitely not equals in marriage though they be one flesh;
just as Christ and his Father are not equals in the Godhead though they be
one deity.
_
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194» Eph 5:25-27 . . Husbands love your wives, etc.
The English word translated "love" in that passage is conjugated from the
Greek verb agapao (ag-ap-ah'-o) which is a very easy kind of love to
practice because it's more about benevolence than affections. Agapao--
unlike phileo (fil-eh'-o) --doesn't require that we like people or be fond of
them.
Examples of agapao are: kindness, courtesy, greetings, civility, loyalty,
thoughtfulness, sympathy, loyalty, lenience, tolerance, patience, charity,
long-suffering, deference, hospitality, generosity, etc.
This is very fortunate because some wives are impossible to like. However,
the command to love one's enemies also applies in a man's relationship with
a difficult woman who's just as much his enemy as any other.
_
194» Eph 5:25-27 . . Husbands love your wives, etc.
The English word translated "love" in that passage is conjugated from the
Greek verb agapao (ag-ap-ah'-o) which is a very easy kind of love to
practice because it's more about benevolence than affections. Agapao--
unlike phileo (fil-eh'-o) --doesn't require that we like people or be fond of
them.
Examples of agapao are: kindness, courtesy, greetings, civility, loyalty,
thoughtfulness, sympathy, loyalty, lenience, tolerance, patience, charity,
long-suffering, deference, hospitality, generosity, etc.
This is very fortunate because some wives are impossible to like. However,
the command to love one's enemies also applies in a man's relationship with
a difficult woman who's just as much his enemy as any other.
_
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195» Eph 5:28-33a . . Husbands ought to love their wives as their own
bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his
own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for
we are members of his body.
. . ."For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to
his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery--
but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also
must love his wife as he loves himself,
That, of course, is a practical application of the so-called golden rule; which
first shows up in the Bible at Lev 19:18, applied at Lev 19:34, and reiterated
at Matt 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
The opposite of the golden rule would be for a husband to do unto his wife
the very things that he does do not enjoy being done to himself; either by
word or by deed.
I'm not a qualified marriage counselor, but in my unprofessional opinion,
were couples to practice the golden rule in their association with each other,
it would go a long ways towards preventing their relationship from becoming
a cold war instead of a home.
There are toxic wives out there who do not deserve their husband's
affections; and in fact have done all in their power to destroy them.
Nevertheless, it is his Christian duty to continue looking after her, and to
treat her well as if his very life depended upon it in spite of the fact that she
may be someone he deeply regrets courting.
_
195» Eph 5:28-33a . . Husbands ought to love their wives as their own
bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his
own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for
we are members of his body.
. . ."For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to
his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery--
but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also
must love his wife as he loves himself,
That, of course, is a practical application of the so-called golden rule; which
first shows up in the Bible at Lev 19:18, applied at Lev 19:34, and reiterated
at Matt 7:12 and Luke 6:31.
The opposite of the golden rule would be for a husband to do unto his wife
the very things that he does do not enjoy being done to himself; either by
word or by deed.
I'm not a qualified marriage counselor, but in my unprofessional opinion,
were couples to practice the golden rule in their association with each other,
it would go a long ways towards preventing their relationship from becoming
a cold war instead of a home.
There are toxic wives out there who do not deserve their husband's
affections; and in fact have done all in their power to destroy them.
Nevertheless, it is his Christian duty to continue looking after her, and to
treat her well as if his very life depended upon it in spite of the fact that she
may be someone he deeply regrets courting.
_
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196» Eph 5:33b . . The wife must respect her husband.
The Greek verb for "respect" essentially refers to fright; and is used just that
way in numerous places throughout the New Testament.
Some translators render it "reverence" defined by Webster's as honor or
respect; felt or shown; which means that wives don't especially have to like
their husbands in order to respect them, nor even have to admire them. An
attitude of respect will do in lieu of felt respect. In other words: the Christian
wife would do well to stifle the disgust she feels for her husband and be civil.
"You have heard that it was said: You shall love your neighbor, and hate
your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who
persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in
heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends
rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love
you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?"
(Matt 5:43-48)
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also
love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you,
what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same." (Luke 6:31-33)
I overheard a female caller on radio imperiously announcing to Dr. Laura
that she couldn't respect her husband. So Dr. Laura asked her why. The
caller responded: Because he doesn't deserve it. So Laura asked the caller:
Have you earned your husband's love? The caller retorted: I don't have to
deserve his love. It's a husband's duty to love his wife just as she is.
So Laura pointed out that the caller was practicing a double standard. She
demanded that her husband love her unconditionally, while refusing to
respect him unconditionally. And on top of that; had the chutzpah to dictate
the rules of engagement regardless of how her husband might feel about it;
thus making herself not only impossible to like, but also quite difficult to live
with.
_
196» Eph 5:33b . . The wife must respect her husband.
The Greek verb for "respect" essentially refers to fright; and is used just that
way in numerous places throughout the New Testament.
Some translators render it "reverence" defined by Webster's as honor or
respect; felt or shown; which means that wives don't especially have to like
their husbands in order to respect them, nor even have to admire them. An
attitude of respect will do in lieu of felt respect. In other words: the Christian
wife would do well to stifle the disgust she feels for her husband and be civil.
"You have heard that it was said: You shall love your neighbor, and hate
your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who
persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in
heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends
rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love
you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?"
(Matt 5:43-48)
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also
love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you,
what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same." (Luke 6:31-33)
I overheard a female caller on radio imperiously announcing to Dr. Laura
that she couldn't respect her husband. So Dr. Laura asked her why. The
caller responded: Because he doesn't deserve it. So Laura asked the caller:
Have you earned your husband's love? The caller retorted: I don't have to
deserve his love. It's a husband's duty to love his wife just as she is.
So Laura pointed out that the caller was practicing a double standard. She
demanded that her husband love her unconditionally, while refusing to
respect him unconditionally. And on top of that; had the chutzpah to dictate
the rules of engagement regardless of how her husband might feel about it;
thus making herself not only impossible to like, but also quite difficult to live
with.
_
12Truly, truly, I say to you, the one believing in Me, the works that I do, also he will do. And he will do greater than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12
15“If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15
24 "He 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 14:24
49For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” John 12:49-50
15“If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15
24 "He 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 14:24
49For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” John 12:49-50
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197» Eph 6:1 . . Children, obey your parents in The Lord, for this is right.
The Greek word translated "obey" in that verse basically means to pay
attention; viz: to heed; to mind.
The primary reason given for children minding their parents is simply that
it's the right thing to do.
The parents of the command are "in The Lord" in other words: this rule
doesn't pertain to kids with secular parents; which is a good loop hole
because there may come times for kids to disobey their parents out of
loyalty to a higher power. (cf. Matt 4:10, Matt 10:37)
Incidentally, notice how little the respect that parents get from their insolent
progeny in modern television sit-coms, Hollywood movies, and advertising.
It's a reflection of modern American culture's attitude towards doing what's
right. Kids today are encouraged to do what's wrong in their homes instead
of doing what's right. Modern entertainment trains children how to be
demonic instead of divine.
* Kids that mind their parents are usually much the happier for it. The brats
and the rebellious typically end up living in a home that's more like Hell than
Heaven.
_
197» Eph 6:1 . . Children, obey your parents in The Lord, for this is right.
The Greek word translated "obey" in that verse basically means to pay
attention; viz: to heed; to mind.
The primary reason given for children minding their parents is simply that
it's the right thing to do.
The parents of the command are "in The Lord" in other words: this rule
doesn't pertain to kids with secular parents; which is a good loop hole
because there may come times for kids to disobey their parents out of
loyalty to a higher power. (cf. Matt 4:10, Matt 10:37)
Incidentally, notice how little the respect that parents get from their insolent
progeny in modern television sit-coms, Hollywood movies, and advertising.
It's a reflection of modern American culture's attitude towards doing what's
right. Kids today are encouraged to do what's wrong in their homes instead
of doing what's right. Modern entertainment trains children how to be
demonic instead of divine.
* Kids that mind their parents are usually much the happier for it. The brats
and the rebellious typically end up living in a home that's more like Hell than
Heaven.
_
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198» Eph 6:2-3 . . Honor your father and mother-- which is the first
commandment with a promise --that it may go well with you and that you
may enjoy long life on the earth.
The promise doesn't guarantee long life; it promises that, should you
perchance survive to a ripe old age, they'll be good years. In other words;
though a demon seed may live long and prosper, that doesn't necessarily
mean they'll have a pleasant time of it. Things like happiness, peace, love,
understanding, and contentment may end up eluding them every step of the
way.
The Greek word translated "honor" in Eph 6:2 basically means to prize, viz:
to fix a valuation upon; to revere, to think highly of.
The very same word is used at Matt 15:4-6 where Jesus related the fifth
commandment to caring for one's dependent parents. Compare that to 1Tim
5:4 where it's said:
"If a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to
put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying
their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."
I should point out that one's parents need not be deserving of honor. They
only need to be one's parents; whether good parents or bad parents makes
no difference. Compare that to Lev 19:32 where respect for senior citizens is
required merely because God says so. The citizen need not earn people's
respect; all that's required of them is old age.
_
198» Eph 6:2-3 . . Honor your father and mother-- which is the first
commandment with a promise --that it may go well with you and that you
may enjoy long life on the earth.
The promise doesn't guarantee long life; it promises that, should you
perchance survive to a ripe old age, they'll be good years. In other words;
though a demon seed may live long and prosper, that doesn't necessarily
mean they'll have a pleasant time of it. Things like happiness, peace, love,
understanding, and contentment may end up eluding them every step of the
way.
The Greek word translated "honor" in Eph 6:2 basically means to prize, viz:
to fix a valuation upon; to revere, to think highly of.
The very same word is used at Matt 15:4-6 where Jesus related the fifth
commandment to caring for one's dependent parents. Compare that to 1Tim
5:4 where it's said:
"If a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to
put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying
their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."
I should point out that one's parents need not be deserving of honor. They
only need to be one's parents; whether good parents or bad parents makes
no difference. Compare that to Lev 19:32 where respect for senior citizens is
required merely because God says so. The citizen need not earn people's
respect; all that's required of them is old age.
_
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199» Eph 6:4 . . Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring
them up in the training and instruction of The Lord.
Too often the first half of that verse is omitted and the focus swung entirely
upon the second. Well; let's break ranks and include the first half for a
change because a daddy's parenting style has far more effect upon a
growing child than his religion.
To begin with: despotism, tyranny, totalitarianism, and injustice are not The
Lord's way of raising kids; but rather; His way is the manner of a shepherd;
and "good" shepherds aren't cruel to their flocks.
Maybe you don't burn your kids with cigarettes, pour Tabasco sauce in their
eyes, or lock them in a hall closet without food and water for two days; but
do you ignore their opinions, demean them with denigrating labels, ridicule
them, threaten their lives, work them as slaves without compensation, deny
them things just so you won't appear to indulge them, and/or say "no" to
their requests for no good reason than that you don't want to seem weak
and under their control?
Do you routinely abuse their human rights, and/or relegate them to the level
of livestock rather than bona fide human beings with feelings and a mind of
their own? Do you nurture within them a feeling of importance, of belonging
in your home, or do you make them feel like an invasive species and/or an
uninvited guest? Kids pick up on things like that.
_
199» Eph 6:4 . . Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring
them up in the training and instruction of The Lord.
Too often the first half of that verse is omitted and the focus swung entirely
upon the second. Well; let's break ranks and include the first half for a
change because a daddy's parenting style has far more effect upon a
growing child than his religion.
To begin with: despotism, tyranny, totalitarianism, and injustice are not The
Lord's way of raising kids; but rather; His way is the manner of a shepherd;
and "good" shepherds aren't cruel to their flocks.
Maybe you don't burn your kids with cigarettes, pour Tabasco sauce in their
eyes, or lock them in a hall closet without food and water for two days; but
do you ignore their opinions, demean them with denigrating labels, ridicule
them, threaten their lives, work them as slaves without compensation, deny
them things just so you won't appear to indulge them, and/or say "no" to
their requests for no good reason than that you don't want to seem weak
and under their control?
Do you routinely abuse their human rights, and/or relegate them to the level
of livestock rather than bona fide human beings with feelings and a mind of
their own? Do you nurture within them a feeling of importance, of belonging
in your home, or do you make them feel like an invasive species and/or an
uninvited guest? Kids pick up on things like that.
_
~
200» Eph 6:5-6 . . Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear,
and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them no
only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ,
doing the will of God from your heart.
The Greek word translated "slaves" is ambiguous; it can mean slaves by
either voluntary or involuntary means.
The first would be something like an indentured slave; which Webster's
defines as a contract binding one person to work for another for a given
period of time. Jacob is a good biblical example of indentured slavery. He
sold fourteen years of his life to uncle Laban in exchange for Rachel's hand
in marriage. (Gen 29:18, Gen 29:27)
The practical application applies to giving one's employer an honest day's
work for an honest day's pay. But pay is not really the primary issue.
Subordination is the primary issue, and has been in this epistle since 5:21.
Christ's followers may not like the idea, but they are not independent agents
with Christ; no, he owns them: bought and paid for as flesh on the line.
● 1Cor 6:19-20 . .You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body.
So then, the Father's people really ought to serve workplace employers with
a conscientious regard for their indentured-slavery status with Christ; which
is really difficult for American believers because their country has such an
abhorrence for slavery and such a high regard for freedom, revolution, and
independence; and when they're mistreated and/or treated unfairly, they
react; which is not always a good thing for Christians to do.(1Pet 2:18-19)
_
200» Eph 6:5-6 . . Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear,
and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them no
only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ,
doing the will of God from your heart.
The Greek word translated "slaves" is ambiguous; it can mean slaves by
either voluntary or involuntary means.
The first would be something like an indentured slave; which Webster's
defines as a contract binding one person to work for another for a given
period of time. Jacob is a good biblical example of indentured slavery. He
sold fourteen years of his life to uncle Laban in exchange for Rachel's hand
in marriage. (Gen 29:18, Gen 29:27)
The practical application applies to giving one's employer an honest day's
work for an honest day's pay. But pay is not really the primary issue.
Subordination is the primary issue, and has been in this epistle since 5:21.
Christ's followers may not like the idea, but they are not independent agents
with Christ; no, he owns them: bought and paid for as flesh on the line.
● 1Cor 6:19-20 . .You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body.
So then, the Father's people really ought to serve workplace employers with
a conscientious regard for their indentured-slavery status with Christ; which
is really difficult for American believers because their country has such an
abhorrence for slavery and such a high regard for freedom, revolution, and
independence; and when they're mistreated and/or treated unfairly, they
react; which is not always a good thing for Christians to do.(1Pet 2:18-19)
_
Do you mean that we can commit adultery and murder now, whereas Israel couldn't? Do you see where your statement breaks down?
After much study and thought trying to interpret Scripture correctly, I came to the conclusion that what disappeared with the new covenant were the outward forms of the old-covenant laws, that is, all the regulations concerning the Sabbath, food laws, animal sacrifices, and the commandments not to murder or have sex outside of marriage.
What continues on are the inner principles or ideas of the old-covenant laws, that is, resting and worshiping on one day in seven, cleansing our inner lives from the uncleanness of sin, trusting in Jesus' one sacrifice to give us his power to overcome sin, and preserving and protecting life and marriage, respectively.
After much study and thought trying to interpret Scripture correctly, I came to the conclusion that what disappeared with the new covenant were the outward forms of the old-covenant laws, that is, all the regulations concerning the Sabbath, food laws, animal sacrifices, and the commandments not to murder or have sex outside of marriage.
What continues on are the inner principles or ideas of the old-covenant laws, that is, resting and worshiping on one day in seven, cleansing our inner lives from the uncleanness of sin, trusting in Jesus' one sacrifice to give us his power to overcome sin, and preserving and protecting life and marriage, respectively.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV)
9 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,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 3:15 (KJV)
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
9 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,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 3:15 (KJV)
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
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201» Eph 6:9a . . And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not
threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is
in Heaven,
I have yet to discover a passage in the Bible either condemning or forbidding
slavery. I'm not saying there are none; it's just that as for myself, I have yet
to run across one. But I have discovered passages related to the treatment
of slaves.
"in the same way" hails back to Eph 6:7 where it says:
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men"
Note that herein masters are not required to liberate their slaves; rather, to
treat them with good will; roughly defined as benevolent interest or concern,
i.e. kindness and charity.
In a situation where both the slave and his owner are Christians, things
become just a bit complicated because they're siblings together in God's
family (Gal 3:28). Therefore, Christ's law is to be exemplified by both the
slave and his master.
● John 15:12-13 . . My command is this: Love each other as I have loved
you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends.
A slave owner willing to sacrifice his life to protect his slaves would be an
unusual master; but that is the very thing expected from him when he's a
Christian and his slaves are Christians; and should probably be the attitude
of a Christian supervisor towards his Christian employees: which is the
attitude of a good shepherd rather than that of a self-serving predator.
_
201» Eph 6:9a . . And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not
threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is
in Heaven,
I have yet to discover a passage in the Bible either condemning or forbidding
slavery. I'm not saying there are none; it's just that as for myself, I have yet
to run across one. But I have discovered passages related to the treatment
of slaves.
"in the same way" hails back to Eph 6:7 where it says:
"With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men"
Note that herein masters are not required to liberate their slaves; rather, to
treat them with good will; roughly defined as benevolent interest or concern,
i.e. kindness and charity.
In a situation where both the slave and his owner are Christians, things
become just a bit complicated because they're siblings together in God's
family (Gal 3:28). Therefore, Christ's law is to be exemplified by both the
slave and his master.
● John 15:12-13 . . My command is this: Love each other as I have loved
you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends.
A slave owner willing to sacrifice his life to protect his slaves would be an
unusual master; but that is the very thing expected from him when he's a
Christian and his slaves are Christians; and should probably be the attitude
of a Christian supervisor towards his Christian employees: which is the
attitude of a good shepherd rather than that of a self-serving predator.
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202» Phil 1:27 . .Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy
of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear
about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit,
contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.
"conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" is talking
about Christian social skills, e.g. kindness, courtesy, tact, diplomacy,
tolerance, lenience, civility, encouragement, sympathy, compassion, etc.
Those kinds of behaviors have the effect of bonding people instead of
alienating them. When people are bonded, they are more likely to pull
together instead of working independently and/or against each other as
competitors, i.e. rivals.
_
202» Phil 1:27 . .Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy
of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear
about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit,
contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.
"conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" is talking
about Christian social skills, e.g. kindness, courtesy, tact, diplomacy,
tolerance, lenience, civility, encouragement, sympathy, compassion, etc.
Those kinds of behaviors have the effect of bonding people instead of
alienating them. When people are bonded, they are more likely to pull
together instead of working independently and/or against each other as
competitors, i.e. rivals.
_