I want to issue a public apology to my son, Bryant, who I love with all my heart. As I was editing this Bible study on Feb. 8th, 2024, I recognized my hypocrisy when I was correcting you. I have prayed to God the Father to forgive me and to put it in your heart to forgive me as well. Being a faithful Christian is a life-long process that includes making many mistakes. You were absolutely right about my approach being unloving and I recognize that now. God has used this Bible study to correct me, and I will try harder to be a better father. God has humbled me to see my errors and I hope you allow Him to humble you to see your errors as well. Please remember that being forgiving is essential for receiving forgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15).
Setting the Tone
In this third installment of our series What Should You Be Doing and Why, we discuss what Jesus Christ said about the law of God. It is an unfortunate reality that many who profess to be the followers of Jesus Christ are actually followers of men. Heb. 12:2 tells us that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. Despite this fact, His words are ignored so that men may promote their own doctrine. You, as a Christian, must be a follower of Jesus Christ rather than a follower of the teachings of men. Ignore every doctrine that contradicts the clear teachings of Jesus.
Clear or Unclear?
The main purpose of the opening paragraph was to prepare your mind for a hard topic that must be discussed. As you read the quoted verses below, ask yourself was Jesus clear or unclear?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matt. 5:17-18)
Jesus tells us what NOT to think! He told you, me, and anyone else with ears to hear and eyes to see NOT to think that He came to destroy the law or the prophets. This is early in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus was laying a foundation for His followers (Matt. 7:24-25). Matthew records three consecutive chapters of hard-hitting doctrine from the mouth of Jesus Christ in the early stages of His ministry. Every doctrine in Matthew chapters 5 through 7 is reaffirmed elsewhere in the New Testament which proves its validity beyond the crucifixion of Jesus.
Now, some think that the words, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” means that Jesus’ followers do not have to worry about the law or the prophets, but this is far from the truth. Jesus said not one piece of the law or prophets will pass away until heaven and earth pass away! So, when will that happen? We do not have to speculate about the time of this event. John wrote, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Rev. 21:1) This event takes place after the millennial reign of Jesus Christ which is recorded in Revelation chapter 20.
This means not one piece of the law has passed away. Why? Because heaven and earth have not passed away! Is this clear or unclear?!?! No teacher, minister, prophet, evangelist, or apostle of Jesus would be teaching anything contrary to Jesus Christ. DO NOT let others tell you what to think if Jesus told you not to think it!!!
What You Should Be Doing?
As discussed in the first installment of this series, Christians should be learning the explicit commands of Jesus Christ and implementing them. Jesus’ words are not recorded so that we can merely meditate on them. Those words were recorded so that we can know how we are to live.
In the second installment of this series, we covered Matt. 5:14-16. God has outlined a foundation of good works known as the Ten Commandments. This moral law is the foundation for all other laws recorded by Moses. This moral law is summarized by the two great commandments (Matt. 22:35-40). Many use the previously cited verses as reason to ignore the rest of the commandments, but this is not what Jesus taught. He was merely answering the question asked of Him. Also note the following:
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19-20)
Did you notice that Jesus is talking about breaking one of the least commandments? This is right after saying He did not come to destroy the law! Do you recognize that Jesus expects you to keep the least of the commandments?
The Greek word translated as least was used in verses such as Matt. 2:6, Matt. 25:40, and Luke 12:26. The term least could refer to size, amount, or dignity. Jesus was trying to show His disciples how important it is to teach and do the commandments that appear to be the most insignificant. This is an issue of faithfulness and is exemplified by the following verse:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Please reread the previously quoted verse. That which is least should be simple, easy, requiring very little effort to accomplish. If we are unwilling to do that which is least, how can we be willing to do that which is great?
Read Matt. 5:17-20 again. The expectation that Jesus lays out for His followers is that we must not break the least of the commandments and teach others to break them. This is what we are not supposed to do, but the purpose of this series is to discuss what we should be doing. So, what should we be doing?
The plain answer: We should be learning all the commandments of God (from least to greatest) so that we can keep them and teach them!!!
Do What Jesus Commands
The book of Revelation teaches us that the saints will be made kings and priests unto God (Rev. 1: 3-6; Rev. 5:8-10; Rev. 20:4-6). Jesus also discusses this concept in the parable of the pounds (see Luke 19:11-27). In this parable, Jesus discusses giving His faithful servants rulership over cities!
Many who read the parable of the pounds miss a lot of subtle points Jesus makes in the parable. First, recognize that Jesus gave the parable because His disciples thought the kingdom of God would immediately appear (verse 11). His disciples understood that the kingdom of God is a literal thing that will appear. Second, the king, being Jesus, expected His servants to occupy until He returned (verse 13). The word occupy was translated from a Greek word meaning to busy oneself with, i.e. to trade. Third, seven out of ten of His servants did not appear before Him.
This third point is scary to think about. If this parable is taken literally, then it shows that 70% of Jesus’ servants did not appear before Him with results. He gave ten of His servants a pound each and told them to occupy until He comes. When they were called before Him, only three of His servants are recorded as coming before Him to present their work.
Verse 14 shows that His citizens refused to be ruled by Him. This raises an important question: is this referring to the seven servants or are the citizens a different group of people? I cannot dogmatically give an answer to this question, but it is interesting to think about. If it is referring to Jesus’ servants, then it means that 70 percent of His servants refuse to be ruled by Him and His laws. If it is referring to a different group, then it is pointing to the difference between His servants and this group. Either way, the takeaway should be that Jesus’ servants are expected to be faithful to Him by doing what He says and being ruled by Him through the laws He has established.
Let me reiterate, if you desire to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you must be faithful to what He has commanded!!! Those who choose not to be ruled by Him will be considered His enemies when He returns (reread verse 27). Again, this is a scary thought. Do you want to be considered as an enemy of Jesus Christ at His return? I surely do not want to be an enemy of Jesus Christ, and I hope you feel the same way!
Now, consider the third servant in verses 20-26. This servant feared (respected) Him, but it wasn’t enough to motivate him to do as he was commanded. Please do not miss this point. Do you fear the Lord, but make excuses not to do what He has commanded? It will not end well for those who fear Jesus but refuse to carry out His commands. Any servant in this category will lose what he has been given!
Remember, Jesus’ expectation is that we do and teach the least of His commandments. We do not get to pick and choose which commands suit our interests. Read Matt. 7:21-23. Note that the people Jesus is referring to had done many wonderful works in His name. The Greek word translated into wonderful works is the same word that was translated as mighty works and miracles. These people had performed miracles in Jesus’ name, yet He calls them workers of iniquity which means illegality, i.e. violation of law or wickedness according to the Strong’s Concordance. These people refused to keep His laws!
When mentioning the same sermon, Luke recorded Jesus as saying, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). It is not enough to recognize Jesus as Lord. We must also do what He says!!! Being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a game to be played; it is serious business. It is so serious that Jesus gives a similar parable later in His ministry as recorded in Luke 13:23-28.
Are you eating and drinking in the presence of Jesus? Is He teaching you through His Spirit? Even if the answer to these questions is yes, you can still be considered as a worker of iniquity! (verses 26-27) Jesus says that the workers of iniquity will be thrusted out of the kingdom of God (verse 28). None of us should expect to be in God’s kingdom if we do not do and teach the least of the commandments. This does not mean we will not make mistakes, but it does mean that we will set our hearts to faithfully carry out His commands like the prophets of old. If we cannot be faithful enough to strive to keep the least of His commands, then we should not expect to be made kings and priests in His kingdom!!!
Prerequisites
It is at this point in our study that we must discuss the prerequisites for doing and teaching the least of the commandments of God. It should be obvious that you cannot teach someone what you do not know or understand. Consequently, the first step in meeting Jesus’ expectations is to learn the commandments of God. You cannot learn what you avoid reading. This means you and I must dedicate time to reading and understanding the law of God.
There is a certain attitude we must have in order to be successful in this learning process. Read the following carefully: Ps. 1:1-2; Ps. 119:14-16, 77-78. This is the attitude that King David had towards God’s law. This same David is going to be resurrected and given rulership over Israel once more (Jer. 30:8-9). David faithfully tried to keep God’s law and will be rewarded with rulership in the kingdom of God!
Now notice what God said to Joshua after the death of Moses:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Josh. 1:8)
This is not about legalism. This is about the expectation of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their expectation of us is codified in the law; therefore, the law must be in our mouths and must be our meditation day and night.
Would you like to be a king and priest of God in His kingdom? Then you need to study and learn His law! God will not allow workers of iniquity in His Kingdom. God has clear expectations for His kings and priests!
“And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.” (Deut. 17:18-20)
This is what God expects of His kings and priests. This is where King David developed the attitude he had towards God’s law. We must set our hearts to learn God’s laws, even the least of them. We must read them all the days of our lives. We must do them and not turn to the left or the right. This is why Jesus said enter in at the strait gate in Luke 13:24 and Matt. 7:13-14. Jesus did not turn to the left or the right of God’s law and neither should we!
Now, look at what John the apostle said about setting our hearts to this purpose.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (I John 3:18-22)
It is a shame that the professing Christian world ignores such powerful admonition from the apostles that Jesus Christ personally trained. Their teachings echo His own, yet many use the apostles’ discussions of grace as an excuse not to keep the law. Diligent study of the letters of the apostles will prove that they proclaimed that we must keep His commandments.
You and I must learn to dedicate time to studying the law of God every day. This is more important than you may realize at this point, but let me assure you that in His law you will find out how to be loving, how to be joyful, how to be peaceable, how to be patient, how to be gentle, how to be virtuous, how to be faithful, how to be humble, and how to exercise self-control which are the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Paul the apostle explains there are no laws against these characteristics because the law promotes the kind of character that is pleasing to God including the least of the commandments!
Teaching the Least of the Commandments
Once you begin to learn the commandments and implement them in your own life, you can begin teaching others. If you have children, then start by teaching them what you are learning. Read Deut. 6:4-9 describes how to teach your children God’s ways. Verse 7 shows that we are to discuss the law of God in our daily comings and goings. The law is even to be placed on the posts and gates of our houses. This is to be done as a reminder to you and your family; it is not for show. These commands are reiterated in Deut. 11:18-20.
After you begin to practice and teach the law of God to your children, you can begin teaching those outside of your family what you are learning. You should not teach others what you are not implementing in your life!!! To teach others to do what you do not is to make yourself a hypocrite. See Rom. 2:20-23. Hypocrisy will not point anyone to God! Be careful not to teach what you do not keep because it reflects poorly on God (Rom. 2:24).
When you are teaching others, keep 1 Tim 1:5-8 in mind. These verses discuss the purpose of the law. Verse 5 says that the end of the commandment is charity. End means the result and charity means the love of God. The result (or consequence) of keeping God’s mandate should be the development of the love of God! The love of God develops out of a pure heart, a good conscience, and unfeigned faith, all of which we should have if we are going to teach others God’s way. Paul told Timothy that there were some during their time who had turned away from this understanding. The teaching of the law is not about beating others over the head with the points of the law. It is about affirming the way God desires us to be out of love, good conscience, and faithfulness towards God Almighty. Included in this is sharing the desire of God, that none should perish (II Pet. 3:9).
Know that God desires mankind to love Him with all his heart and to love his neighbor as himself and He has established laws to codify this desire (Matt. 22:36-40). The whole law hangs on these two points, and you will understand this more and more as you study it. You will also understand how much better life would be if the world willfully chose to follow God’s instructions. You will desire out of a pure heart that all men would live as you live with Jesus Christ strengthening you to live a life pleasing to God the Father which was the attitude of Paul (Acts 26:28-29; Heb 13:20-21).
How to Teach the Things of God
There is a great misunderstanding among Christians about how to teach others the word of God. Some believe we must pass out Bible tracts, develop persuasive arguments, create videos, newsletters, pamphlets, etc. Though these things are not evil, they are not derived from the example of Jesus Christ. These things are the ideas of men as technology has developed. It is my opinion that the development of such resources is a financial burden and distracts from the most effective forms of teaching. To develop pamphlets, tracts, videos, etc.; requires a bunch of glamour and glitter which distracts from the message Jesus preached. Again, these things aren’t evil; however, they require enormous amounts of energy, labor, and currency. Jesus did not waste His time developing products to teach others. He simply taught wherever He went. You can do the same. Keep it simple. There is no need to entice others to listen to the word of God with glamour and glitz. Teach the truth and let God do the convicting and drawing in!
Jesus, who was a carpenter, did not build buildings and infrastructure to get His message out. He went inside existing structures and taught there (Luke 4:16; Matt. 4:23; Matt. 9:35; John 18:20). In the gospel accounts, we also see Jesus teaching in the houses of others. I cannot possibly list all the verses of Jesus teaching in the homes of others. Please research this matter for yourself.
Jesus also taught outside in the open air. The Sermon on the Mount was taught to the disciples of Jesus outside on top of a mountain. Judas was Jesus’ treasury, yet Jesus did not use their resources to build structures for His ministry. I am not emphatically making this point to denigrate others. I am trying to illustrate that a ministry does not need to be glamourous to onlookers nor does it require large amounts of debt and long-term financial commitments. A ministry simply needs to be honoring to God the Father and Jesus Christ. Clear your mind from ideas of emulating all the fanciful ministries of men and keep the work of God simple without distractions.
Most importantly, you can teach others through your example, that is how you live your life. Look at what Paul said to Timothy concerning teaching others:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (I Tim. 4:12-13)
Paul tells Timothy to be an example to believers in words, in behavior (conversation), in love (charity), in attitude (spirit), in belief of the truth (faith), and in cleanliness (purity). Be sure to look up these definitions for yourself. Notice that Paul did not tell Timothy to be an example in words alone. He encouraged Timothy to be an example in character alongside his words. We also can teach others through our examples of godly character. After teaching through our example, we are to give attention to reading the word of God, words of comfort (the promises of God), and doctrine.
Another way of teaching others can be found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16)
Humans are musical creatures. We love music so much that we pay others to bring us music. We also learn many concepts through the songs of others. Unfortunately, secular society has used music to corrupt the minds of the masses. The good news is that you can use music to teach the word of Christ. This does not mean you have to repeat the psalms of David and others. God has made each one of us creative. You can develop songs that encourage, inspire, and teach others about the things of God! An easy way to start is to create songs for your children. Be careful not to waterdown the teachings of God or focus on being catchy. The goal is to teach and admonish, not become famous (David was not famous for his psalms while he was alive). Anyone can do this. You do not have to be a great singer to accomplish this. Focus on what you want to teach (or need to teach) and develop a way to sing about it. Then take that song and teach your children. As you may know, songs stay in your memory a lot longer than lectures do. This is why satan has influenced the world to create degenerative music. Make songs that glorify God and teach them to others.
Lastly, I want to point out the most overlooked method of teaching others the commandments of God. This method is the reason why we have the New Testament! Recognize that the majority of the New Testament is made of personal letters from the apostles of Jesus Christ. They wrote these letters to the churches in different cities. These letters included warnings, rebukes, encouragement, prophecy, doctrine, and much more. You too can write letters to the brethren when necessary. If you employ this tactic, remember to do so in humility and for the benefit of those who will read it. It is easy to become arrogant and condescending especially when correcting someone, but we can avoid this by praying to God for the appropriate words to write.
I encourage you all to reread this Bible study several times to fully grasp what has been written. The Christian lifestyle requires effort on our part. There is work to do. We must learn to be faithful to Jesus Christ by doing what He told us to do. It will take time to implement much of what is written above. In full transparency, I have not mastered it, but I have set my heart to learn all of God’s expectations and to live by them, and you can too!!!
The 2 Olive Trees 