The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

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TOJ #12: Believers are meek. [Matt. 5:5] Although the OT passage Jesus seems to have in mind (Psa. 37:9-34) probably envisioned an earthly fulfillment of this prophecy, the ultimate promised land (Num. 14:16) will be heavenly (John 14:2-3, Rev. 21:1-3). Meekness describes a moral quality akin to love rather than a personality type, such as introversion. It is also related to humility (TOJ #10) and peacemaking (TOJ #16).

>>>TOP #127: Spiritual warfare involves demolishing thoughts that are ungodly and anti-Christ. [2Cor. 10:1-5] Paul referred to his meekness and gentleness and even timidity, but then went on to discuss waging war against arguments and his authority as an apostle of the Lord for building up believers, especially in the churches he had established by sharing the gospel of Christ (in 2Cor. 10:8-18).

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

>>>TOP #192: Gentleness should be evident to all. [Phil. 4:5] This brief command is a fruit of the Spirit cited in Gal. 5:23 and is also found in 1Pet. 3:15.

>>>TOP #296: Always be prepared to answer those who ask for the reason for hope of heaven, but do this with gentleness and respect. [1Pet. 3:15] This means that Christians should be willing to share their testimonies or explain why they believe Jesus is Messiah and Lord.
 
TOJ #13: Believers’ craving for righteousness will be satisfied. [Matt. 5:6//Luke 6:21a] Luke’s wording appears to refer to physical hunger. They will be filled with “good things” (Psa. 107:9) or the Holy (Righteous) Spirit {Luke 11:13}. TOJ #15 is a significant restatement of this truth, and a major component of righteousness is the subject of the next beatitude.

TOJ #15: Believers will become pure/righteous. [Matt. 5:8] Purity is synonymous with moral perfection, which is a goal not attained in this lifetime (Phil. 3:12-16) except vicariously by spiritual union with God’s perfect Son, the author or source of salvation (Heb. 2:10, 4:14-15, 5:8-9, TOJ #21). However, those who were with Jesus did see God the Son {John 14:8-10}.

The process of becoming perfect or like Christ is called sanctification. {John 17:17}. In heaven all saints will be pure and behold Him in His Shekinah or glorified body (Psa. 11:7, 15:1-2, 24:3-5, Rev. 22:3-5).

>>>TOP #188: The goal of Christian faith is to become blameless. [Phil. 2:14-16] Note that being indwelt by the HS does not result in immediate actual perfection, which remains a lifelong goal (as Paul will teach in Phil. 3:12).

>>>TOP #191: Christians should behave in accordance with what they have learned as they continue to learn God’s will/word. [Phil. 3:15-17] Paul cites himself as an example. Those who habitually sin indicate that their profession of Christ is false (cf. TOP #167 & 211).

>>>TOP #167: Those who claim to be Christians but typically sin are I-dolaters bound for divine wrath. [Eph. 5:3&5-6, Phil. 3:18-19] Paul said not to be partners or associate with such pseudo-Christians (v.7).

>>>TOP #206: Focus on heavenly life and stop sinning. [Col. 3:1-14] The sins Paul cited included: sexual immorality, greed/I-dolatry, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (cf. TOP #136). The heavenly behavior he mentioned included: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience forgiveness and love (cf. TOP #138).

>>>TOP #220: Christians need to be completely sanctified. [1Thes. 5:23-24] Elsewhere sanctification is spoken of as though it occurred completely at conversion (Rom. 15:16, 1Cor. 1:2 & 6:11), but here it seems to be an ongoing process beginning at conversion and continuing toward perfection until death, which makes sense or jibes with TOP #188 & 191.
 
TOJ #14: Believers manifest Faith by showing mercy. [Matt. 5:7] This teaching is stated in other words {in Matt. 6:14-15, 9:13, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:36-38, 17:3-4} and negatively in James 2:13. Jesus illustrated this principle with the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant {Matt. 18:21-35}, and He exemplified it while on the cross with a prayer for forgiveness {Luke 23:34}. Mercy can be appropriated only by those who repent of their wrong attitudes and actions (Matt. 18:15-17). See TOJ #114. Reflecting God’s love is the normative sign of saving Faith (TOJ #148). The distinction between love and mercy parallels that between Faith and faithful works. Showing mercy does not mean allowing anarchy (Rom. 13:4b); there is a time for leniency and a time for logical consequences (Eccl. 3:3; cf. TOJ #30).

>>> TOJ #114: God forgives those who repent. [Luke 15:11-32] In the Parable of the Lost Son, notice that every sin was forgiven (1John 1:9). Surely we will leave jealousy and other sinful attitudes behind when we graduate to heaven. The heavenly or holy saint is described by Paul in several places (such as Col. 3:1-14; cf. TOJ #8, #29 & #74).

>>>TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [Matt. 5:43-47//Luke 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (Rom. 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (Rom. 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114).

>>>TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [Rom. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves.

>>>TOP #166: Imitate God/Christ by being kind, compassionate and forgiving. [Eph. 4:32-5:2] These are forms of love (cf. TOP #138).

>>>TOP #64: Have empathy and live in harmony. [Rom. 12:15-16a &18, 1Pet. 3:8-9] Peace and unity rather than arguing and divisiveness is a theme in Paul’s epistles, and James addressed this in Jam. 4:1-2. Jesus prayed that believers would be one in John 17:23.

>>>TOP #135: Christians should love one another. [1Pet. 1:22 = Gal. 5:6&14] Enough said.
 
TOJ #15: Believers will become pure/righteous. [Matt. 5:8] Purity is synonymous with moral perfection, which is a goal not attained in this lifetime (Phil. 3:12-16) except vicariously by spiritual union with God’s perfect Son, the author or source of salvation (Heb. 2:10, 4:14-15, 5:8-9, TOJ #21). However, those who were with Jesus did see God the Son {John 14:8-10}. The process of becoming perfect or like Christ is called sanctification. {John 17:17}. In heaven all saints will be pure and behold Him in His Shekinah or glorified body (Psa. 11:7, 15:1-2, 24:3-5, Rev. 22:3-5).

>>>TOP #188: The goal of Christian faith is to become blameless. [Phil. 2:14-16] Note that being indwelt by the HS does not result in immediate actual perfection, which remains a lifelong goal (as Paul will teach in Phil. 3:14-15).

>>>TOP #191: Christians should behave in accordance with what they have learned as they continue to learn God’s will/word. [Phil. 3:14-17] Paul cites himself as an example. Those who habitually sin indicate that their profession of Christ is false (cf. TOP #167 & 211).

>>>TOP #167: Those who claim to be Christians but typically sin are I-dolaters bound for divine wrath. [Eph. 5:3&5-6, Phil. 3:18-19] Paul said not to be partners or associate with such pseudo-Christians (v.7).

>>>TOP #211: Saving faith in the Gospel should be augmented by faith in the fullness of God’s Word. [1Thes. 3:10] This truth teaches the difference between the essential kerygma regarding God’s requirement for salvation and secondary or subsequent teaching regarding spiritual growth toward maturity.
 
TOJ #16: Believers are peacemakers. [Matt. 5:9a] All souls should strive for peace (Rom. 12:16-18) and unity (Eph. 4:3). An application of this teaching is made by Jesus later in His sermon. {Matt. 5:23-24} This attribute should not be equated or confused with antinomianism (not having criminal laws) or pacifism (not resisting aggressor nations), but it does correlate with TOJ #14 & #29. Slogans advocating peace should always include a reference to freedom and justice. (Also see Eccl. 3:8 & Rev. 12:7, 19:11.) The opposite of this truth is TOJ #157.

>>>TOJ #14: Believers manifest Faith by showing mercy. [Matt. 5:7]

>>>TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [MT 5:38-42//LK 6:29-30]

>>>TOP #73: May God give believers a spirit of unity. [Rom. 15:5b-7&9, 16:17] The opposite spirit of divisiveness is demonic and condemned in Rom. 16:18 and Tit. 3:9-11. Jesus prayed for oneness in John 17:20-23, by which they will glorify or bring praise to God.

>>>TOP #77: Be perfectly united with no divisions or quarrels. [1Cor. 1:10-13] Paul said there were reports that people were following Paul, Apollos or Cephas instead of Christ, who was crucified for them and into whose name they were baptized (v.13-16).

>>>TOP #104: The Lord’s Supper should be observed in accordance with the example of Jesus. [1Cor. 11:17-34, 12:25] This means for the purpose of memorializing Christ’s death rather than for eating a meal. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for divisiveness that caused their meetings to do more harm than good.

>>>TOP #152: The Gospel is God’s peace plan for humanity. [Eph. 2:14-17] Paul commanded peace in Rom. 5:1, 8:6, 12:18 & 14:19, 1Cor. 7:15 and 2Cor. 13:11.

>>>TOP #156: Strive for spiritual unity or oneness, because there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God/Father. [Eph. 4:3-6] Achieving oneness answers the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23.
 
TOJ #17: Believers are spiritual children of God. [Matt. 5:9b] Paul (in Rom. 8:15-17) and John (in 1John 3:1 & 5:2) called Christians (including Messianic Jews) the children of God, and Moses described the Israelites by this phrase (Deut. 14:1). The writer of Hebrews said, “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.” (Heb. 2:11-14)

>>>TOP #38: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who indwells those who are in Christ, making them God’s children. [Rom. 8:1&9-16] John refers to the indwelling of Jesus in Rev. 3:20.

>>>TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [Rom. 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24), and he referred to the joy of heaven as God’s glorious riches (Eph. 1:18, 3:16, Phil. 4:19, Col. 1:27, cf. 1Pet. 1:8-11).
 
TOJ #18: Believers may be persecuted. [Matt. 5:10-12//Luke 6:22-23, John 15:18] Jesus’ crucifixion is the paradigm (1Pet. 2:21), but Believers also may be martyred because of their faith.

History teaches that persecution may occur in some nations and eras more than in others. {Matt. 24:9-10&12//Mark 13:9//Luke 21:12-13} It may be in the form of ostracism or excommunication (cf. TOJ #102) by family. {Matt. 10:35-36//Luke 12:52-53, John 16:2a} The persecutors may threaten physical harm or death. {Matt. 10:21//Mark 13:12//Luke 21:16}

If possible, Believers should “flee”. {Matt. 10:23} (See TOJ #63.) Of course, Believers should not be intolerant persecutors when they are the majority or in powerful positions.

Although all Believers have the hope of heaven whether or not they suffer persecution, it may be that those who experience greater suffering develop an increased capacity for enjoying the good life both on earth and in heaven. This would be comparable to the fact that those who have studied a subject such as art or mathematics have a deeper appreciation for artistic or mathematical endeavors than those less experienced or knowledgeable.

>>>TOP #29: The HS’s love while suffering produces perseverance and moral character. [Rom. 5:3-5] Without God’s love believers would lose hope and fail to keep on believing and developing moral maturity.

>>>TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [Rom. 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24), and he referred to the joy of heaven as God’s glorious riches (Eph. 1:18, 3:16, Phil. 4:19, Col. 1:27, cf. 1Pet. 1:8-11).

>>>TOP #59: Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. [Rom. 12:12a] This is akin to Phil. 4:4&10-13, where patience is described as being content whatever the circumstances.

>>>TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [Rom. 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (Matt. 5:11, cf. 1Pet. 2:19-21).
 
TOJ #19: Believers teach the value of LGW and obeying GRFS to the world. [Matt. 5:13-16] Whereas salt seasons and preserves food, believers (who manifest the beatific attributes) make the world a better place to live and save converts from moral corruption. {Mark 9:49-50//Luke 14:34-35}

Believers not only are blessed but also are a blessing to others. However, the possibility of becoming “no longer good for anything” implies the need for perseverance (1Tim. 1:18-20, cf. TOJ #60). “Light”, which symbolizes God (Psa. 27:1, 1John 1:5), is reflected by Jesus (John 9:5) and believers (Eph. 5:8-9). Just as the purpose of lighting a lamp is to illuminate a room, so the reason believers remain in this world is to provide spiritual light {Luke 11:33, 12:35}. This TOJ is almost the same as #65. The light symbol is found also in TOJ #39 & #171 (cf. TOJ #34).

>>>TOJ #65: Spirit-filled Christians speak God’s Word. [Matt. 10:19-20//Mark 13:11//Luke 21:14-15, John 15:20-21] They are spiritually one {John 17:20-26, Luke 10:8-16} or walking with God, so they reflect the divine viewpoint {Matt. 16:19, John 20:22-23}. Paul (in 1 Cor. 4:1) seems to restate this point (cf. John 13:20 1Pet. 2:9). John said (in John 3:34), “The one whom God has sent [Messiah] speaks the words of God; to him God gives the Spirit without limit.” And Jesus said, “As you [God] sent me into the world, I have sent them [His disciples] into the world. . . . I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (John 17:18&20) The authority to trample on snakes {Luke 10:19} surely is meant metaphorically! {Matt. 10:40-42}

>>>TOP #255: By learning Scripture Christians may be wise regarding correct doctrine, rebuking and righteousness, becoming equipped for doing good works. [2Tim. 3:14-17&4:5] This a significant nuance or elaboration of TOP #157 & 202. Paul applies it by charging Timothy with preaching God’s Word, correcting false doctrine, rebuking sin and encouraging persevering faith.

>>>TOP #157: Christ gave various gifts regarding teaching God’s Word so that God’s people would grow spiritually and become mature. [Eph. 4:7-15, cf. TOP #202 &255] Although salvation is by faith, becoming spiritually mature is by good works or continuing to cooperate with the loving Spirit of God (cf. Eph. 2:10).

>>>TOP #202: Repentance or conversion should be followed by learning more of God’s Word (LGW) in order to avoid being deceived by false arguments or doctrine. [Col. 2:4-8, cf. TOP #255 & 256]. This truth, called discipleship or sanctification, is akin to TOP #155 & 157. The part of GW that is necessary to believe for salvation is the Gospel (which may be called the kerygma or preaching), and the additional learning that needs to occur for spiritual maturation is the “all truth” in JN 16:13 and the “all things/everything” in MT 28:20 (which may be called the didache or teaching).

>>>TOP #78: The Gospel seems foolish to unbelievers, but it is the wisdom of God. [1Cor. 1:18-25]

>>>TOP #79: God chose the weak to demonstrate His saving power so that no one should boast. [1Cor. 1:27-31 & 3:18-21]

>>>TOP #80: God revealed His secret wisdom by His Spirit or the mind of Christ. [1Cor. 2:1-16] This TOP combines “mystery” (TOP #74) with “wisdom” (TOP #78), which may be in the context of opposing Gnosticism that was common at that time.]

>>>TOP #81: Believers who are infants in Christ need to be weaned, so they will not behave like sinful unbelievers. [1Cor. 3:1-6]
 
TOJ #20: Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Covenant. [Matt. 5:17-18] This fact was emphasized by Luke. {Luke 16:17, 18:31, 22:37, 24:25-27&44-47} An apparent purpose of the writer of Hebrews was to explain how this fact laid the foundation for the New Covenant (Heb. 1:1-2, 3:1-6, 7:22, 9:15). The reason God chose the Jews (OT) was to prepare the way for all people to choose Jesus as Messiah/Lord (NT). (See TOJ #177; Isa. 40:3//Matt. 3:3.)

>>>TOJ #177: John and Moses (the OT prophets) testified about Jesus. [John 5:31-40,45-47, 8:56] The correct interpretation of the OT points to Jesus as Messiah/Christ. Paul also taught this (in Acts 26:22-23; cf. TOJ #20 & #159).

>>>TOP #1: God chose Israel for the purpose of providing the Savior Jesus, who was crucified but raised from the dead in fulfillment of prophecy, and through whom the good news regarding forgiveness of sins by faith in Him is proclaimed. [Acts 13:16-39, 1Cor. 15:4]

>>>TOP #9: The Gospel of God is that Jesus was a descendant of David, who was revealed by His resurrection to be the Son of God and Christ the Lord. [Rom. 1:1-4] Paul says God graced him with apostleship for the purpose of calling all Gentiles to faith and obedience, including the Romans (v.5-6).

>>>TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [Rom. 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] In verses 1-5 Paul noted how sad it is that those who are part of the human ancestry of Christ reject him as Messiah (and are therefore not Abraham’s spiritual children). Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in s/e or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ (who is to be praised or glorified forever as God over all, amen) and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).

>>>TOP #47: Christ is the end of the law and the beginning of righteousness by faith in Jesus as Lord. [Rom. 10:1-13, cf. Heb. 7:18-10:1] In Hebrews this truth is indicated by saying that the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant. Jesus indicated this truth (in Matt. 5:17-48) by saying that righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, and that “You have heard it was said… But I tell you…”, and finally, “Be perfect.”
 
TOJ #21: GRFS is moral perfection. [Matt. 5:19-20&48//Luke 6:32-34] And no one is perfect (Rom. 3:22; Adam & Eve were created merely innocent/good).

The Pharisees were criticized by Jesus for being self-righteous hypocrites (TOJ #134), who did not practice what they preached, which was a superficial and legalistic understanding of God’s will that stressed traditions and laws over loving relationships (TOJ #87).

The way to achieve perfection or purity (TOJ #15) or the “fullness of Christ” is explained in Romans 3:21-5:1. The key is Faith in Jesus (God as revealed) or repenting of the Sin of unbelief, which are opposite sides of the same coin (cf. TOJ #8).

>>> TOP #25: All have sinned by breaking moral law but may be justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s redemption or atonement. [Rom. 3:9-26] Verse 21 states that “the Law and Prophets testify” or prepare the way for the new revelation of righteousness from God apart from the Law, which takes up where Romans 1:17 left off. Verse 22a says that “righteousness from God” or s/e comes through faith “in Jesus Christ” (cf. Eph. 2:8), a phrase Paul used eleven times in Ephesians 1:3-14 to indicate s/e. Verse 22b says that God’s righteousness is given “to all who believe—there is no difference”” signifying that all sinners may believe or be s/e (cf. 1Tim. 2:3-4, John 3:16, Tit. 2:11), because there is no favoritism (#22).

>>>TOP #36: Christians serve God in a new way of the Spirit rather than in the old way of the written code. [Rom. 7:1-6] Paul illustrated this truth by citing the case of a woman being released from marriage if her husband dies. Similarly, Christians have been released from the dead letter of the law so that they may serve God in the new way of the Spirit.

>>>TOP #98: Christians should practice what they preach. [1Cor. 9:24-27 & 10:1-5] Paul illustrates this by comparing seeking heaven (a crown that will last forever) to competing for an earthly prize and to the Israelites who failed to qualify for entering Canaan. We might note that the rock which provided them water is viewed as equivalent to Christ. This implies that OT foreshadowings augment general revelation in serving as a proto-gospel (TOP #10).

>>>TOP #131: Do not pervert the Gospel of Christ by reverting to belief that salvation is earned via observing the law. [Gal. 1:6-9, 5:1-12] Such doctrine is anathema or condemned (1Cor. 16:22). The purpose of the law of Moses was to lead people to faith in Christ (Gal. 3:22-24). This truth is akin to TOP #37.

>>>TOP #204: Observing the Sabbath or other laws not reaffirmed in the NT is optional. [Col. 2:16-17 & 21-23, cf. Rom. 14, TOP #70] Such laws are optional because they are not part of the eternal moral code, but even observing those is not the way to obtain salvation and the HS.
 
TOJ #22: Do not rage. [Matt. 5:21-24] The TOJ against rage or unrighteous anger combines lessons from the Beatitudes: the meek allow God’s love to conquer rage, the merciful replace rage with forgiveness, and the peacemakers try to resolve the rage in others.

Jesus taught that rage is as wrong as murder because it leads to murder and is morally equivalent to murder (Jam. 2:10).
Paul spoke of righteous anger in Ephesians 4:26, and Jesus expressed it in John 2:13-16. Jesus wants conflicts between Believers resolved before presuming to worship God (ASAP). The correct way to resolve conflicts is indicated by TOJ #100.

>>>TOJ #100: Communicate! [Matt. 18:15-17a] Or in the words of Paul, speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). This TOJ is closely related to the next one. Communication is the method for converting Sinners (Rom. 10:14) and for maturing saved sinners (Heb. 5:11-6:1). Note the four steps for resolving disagreements: talk privately, include a neutral third party to facilitate the discussion, enlist mature church representatives to act in lieu of a court, and then excommunicate the person who is acting like a pagan (TOJ #102).

>>>TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [Rom. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves.

>>>TOP #57: Love one another, hate what is evil and cling to what is good. [Rom. 12:9-10] 1Thes. 5:21 says to test everything, hold on to the good, and avoid every evil.

>>>TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [Rom. 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (Matt. 5:11, cf. 1Pet. 2:19-21).

>>>TOP #77: Be perfectly united with no divisions or quarrels. [1Cor. 1:10-13] Paul said there were reports that people were following Paul, Apollos or Cephas instead of Christ, who was crucified for them and into whose name they were baptized (v.13-16).

>>>TOP #107: The most excellent way of serving God is by manifesting multifaceted love. [1Cor.12:31-14:1, 16:14] This is called the fruit of the Spirit in GL 5:22-23 (TOP #138). Love will remain after tongues cease and new knowledge (the NT?) is canonized. (Regarding 1Cor. 13:2, cf. Matt. 17:20.)

>>>TOP #121: God’s love for all motivates the ministry of reconciliation. [2Cor. 5:14-21] Believers receive God’s love via the gift of the Holy Spirit per TOP #29 (cf. #119).

>>>TOP #138: The fruit of the Spirit is love in various manifestations. [Gal. 5:22-23] This teaching elaborates #135. The varieties of love include such qualities as joy TOP #189), peace (#64), patience (#155), kindness (#166), goodness (#187&188), faithfulness (#9&15), gentleness (#192) and self-control (Tit. 2:2-12 = TOP #214), which seems to mean sobriety. Paul pointed out that there are no laws against these attributes.

>>>TOP #158: Spiritual maturity is manifested by speaking the truth in love. [Eph. 4:14-16] This is contrasted with the sinful lifestyles of many Gentiles (4:17&19).

>>>TOP #162: Christians should not have unrighteous rage. [Eph. 4:26a] A way to avoid wrongful rage is to make things right by night (v.26b-27). James also teaches this (in JM 1:19-20).
 
TOJ #23: Avoid lawsuits. [Matt. 5:25-26//Luke 12:58-59] Paul found the fact that two Believers would go to court to be an extreme embarrassment to the gospel of peace (1Cor. 6:1-9a), even though the civil legal system should be an extension of the divine moral command to rebuke and isolate sinners. This is another application of TOJ #16.

>>>TOP #86: It disgraces Christ for Christians to sue one another. [1Cor. 6:1-8]

Although Paul does not say as much regarding this topic as he did about the previous TOJ, it is interesting that he says the saints
will judge the world and the angels (cf. Matt. 19:28). Also, he views lawsuits as signs of being defeated, presumably by Satan,
and as accompanied by cheating and wrong-doing, so he recommends being cheated as preferable. Perhaps this reflects the TOJ #29.

>>>TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [Matt. 5:38-42//Luke 6:29-30] The principle Jesus wants to supersede that of limited vengeance or “eye for eye” (Exo. 21:24, Lev. 24:20, Deut. 19:21) is found in Proverbs 25:21-22. Whenever we are insulted, we should consider the source of lies (Eph. 6:12). We should be more concerned about our good witness than legal rights (2Tim. 2:23-26). Paul affirmed this ideal in Romans 12:17-21.

>>>TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [Rom. 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (Matt. 5:11, cf. 1Pet. 2:19-21).
 
TOJ #24: Do not desire to fornicate. [Matt. 5:27-30] God intends for sexual union to express marital commitment. Lust is not merely admiring physical beauty. It is possible to admire a flower without wanting to pick its petals. Neither is lust being tempted to fornicate or commit adultery. Jesus Himself may have been tempted in this way (Heb. 2:18). Lust is the desire to have extra-marital sexual intercourse, so that you would if you could “get away with it” or not experience negative consequences, such as disease, unwanted pregnancy and divorce.

Pornography is that which encourages, recommends or promotes fornication or lust. It is immoral because it subverts happy marriages and family values. Jesus sought to convey the severity of the sin of lust by saying it would be better to lose the offending part of the body. (See the next TOJ.) However, many people seem to view masturbation as worse than fornication or even rape. The misery resulting from sexual immorality includes horrible illnesses, but ungodly people prefer to cure the physical disease rather than their spiritual sickness.

>>>TOP #11: Sinful desires include sexual lusts or perversions. [Rom. 1:24-27] This may be why A&E became aware of being naked following their sin.

>>>TOP #85: A community of believers should not associate with immoral people who claim to be Christians. [1Cor. 5:1-13, Tit. 3:9-11] Sins cited include sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness and swindling (cf. TOP #13) in the first passage and arguing, quarreling and divisiveness in the second. Such excommunication is an appropriate of approved form of judging.

>>>TOP #89: Honor God by not committing sins with your body, in which His HS dwells. [1Cor. 6:12-20] This means by not engaging in sexual immorality.

>>>TOP #90: Marriage is the right relationship for sexual intimacy. [1Cor. 7:1-5, 25-28 & 36-39] Jesus taught this truth in Matt. 19:4-6.

>>>TOP #136: Do not cite freedom in Christ as an excuse for committing sins. [Gal. 5:13] These sins or “acts of the sinful nature” include: sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, rage, drunkenness… and conceit (Gal. 5:16-20&26). These evil behaviors manifest the opposite of saving faith and love or living/being led “by the Spirit”.

>>>TOP #206: Focus on heavenly life and stop sinning. [Col. 3:1-14] The sins Paul cited included: sexual immorality, greed/I-dolatry, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (cf. TOP #136). The heavenly behavior he mentioned included: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience forgiveness and love (cf. TOP #138).
 
TOJ #25: Do not be complacent about sins. [Matt. 5:29-30, 18:7-9//Mark 9:43-48] A soul who seems apathetic about striving for perfection may be a pseudo-Christian (TOJ #48) or a carnal Christian, who is likely to commit apostasy (TOJ #75). {John 5:14} If they do, they will be “cut off” {John 15:2} and “thrown into the fire” {John 15:6}. Actually, they cut off themselves and jump to their eternal death (Rom. 1:18-32).

Moral character is the crucial aspect of our humanity {Luke 13:27}. It is better to be beautiful morally than physically. An attractive person with an ugly personality is “like a gold ring in a pig’s snout” (Pro. 11:22).

>>>TOJ #48: Not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is one. [Matt. 7:21-23//Luke 6:46] A person’s words and deeds manifest his/her genuine Faith or values. Many so-called Christians seem not to hunger to LGW. (See TOJ #13.) One hopes that they have not accepted a pseudo- or semi-gospel and become inoculated against the real thing or full gospel. {Matt. 12:33-35, Luke 13:26-27}

>>>TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [Rom. 2:3-5] God’s kindness or patience with sinners is meant to lead them toward repentance, which implies that sinners are able to repent because of God’s leading, and those who do not repent but instead stubbornly resist God’s leading are storing up wrath against themselves

>>>TOP #19: On Judgment Day God will enforce just punishment via souls reaping what they have sown or done. [Rom. 2:5-6, cf. TOP #83 & #141] Punishment is just because God does not show favoritism (TOP #22). This truth is akin to karma (Gal. 6:7-9).

>>>TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [Rom. 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.

>>>TOP #35: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Rom. 6:23] Romans 6:15-23 describes s/e in terms of being slaves to whom one willingly obeys, whether to sin or to obedience of God’s teaching that leads to righteousness, which results in eternal life “in Christ Jesus our Lord”. For those who reject God’s gift, death is eternal.

>>>TOP #46: Those who reject God’s will/POS will experience His wrath and destruction. [Rom. 9:22-29] Sodom and Gomorrah are cited as examples, and Paul cited Isaiah saying (in Isa. 10:22-23) only a remnant of Israel would be saved.

>>>TOP #87: The wicked will not go to heaven. [1Cor. 6:9-10] This includes the same sinners listed in TOP #85.

>>>TOP #130: Aim for perfection. [2Cor. 13:11, Phil. 3:12-15, Col. 1:10] This does not refer to having righteousness via spiritual circumcision or faith (TOP #24&47), justification, redemption (TOP #25) or reconciliation (TOP #30) that is obtained or imputed at the moment of conversion/repentance, but rather to actual righteousness, moral renewal (TOP 34,36&55), conforming to Christ (TOP #41), becoming loving and ceasing to sin (TOP #68&69).
 
Would you like to talk about moral free will.

With all respect moral free will comes in many forms

And many will definitely have there own understanding of moral free will and many morals

But I wonder Did Jesus act freely with moral responsibility
 
Jordon said:
Would you like to talk about moral free will.

With all respect moral free will comes in many forms

And many will definitely have there own understanding of moral free will and many morals

But I wonder Did Jesus act freely with moral responsibility
Click to expand...

I just noticed your post. I have talked a lot about MFW on various threads to counter tulipism.
Yes, Jesus had MFW per Heb. 2:14-18. Beyond that I believe the following:

Can God be evil? Is God the Father able to change His will, is God the Son free to sin, and could God the Holy Spirit become demonic?
Is it possible for God to be tricky? If God cannot do what He has decreed to be evil, then He would not be as free as volitional creatures, and there would be no basis for praising His holiness. Paul (in Rom. 9:16-21) upholds the freedom of God to love or hate as He chooses. Just as God created physical laws such as gravity, so He created moral laws such as “love everyone” and determined a plan of salvation involving the atoning death of Messiah to win our redemption from hell. Thou shalt love (Matt. 22:37-40).

The cliché “might makes right” is true; it is because God is almighty that only He can determine what is right ultimately. There is no super-divine authority that determines God; God is self-determined. The only basis humans have for evaluating whether God is just is understanding how God’s acts and judgments are consistent with the moral principles He has ordained for those created in His image (Rom. 3:22-26). God’s decision to be all-loving is free because God could have chosen to anoint Satan to embody evil logic/lies rather than Jesus to manifest love and truth (John 1:14, Phil. 2:9-11), and this earthly existence would be hell (Rev. 19:11-13, 20:7-10 & 21:6-8).

If God were ever to change His mind, it would mean that God is tricky and that morality is ultimately arbitrary. Thus, ultimate reality would indeed be a farce. This is why we should be eternally grateful that God has decreed loving to be right, and He promises never to change (Mal. 3:6). Let us praise God in the spirit of Psalm 66:1: “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing to the glory of his name; Offer him glory and praise!” :love:

Over...
 
GWH said:
I just noticed your post. I have talked a lot about MFW on various threads to counter tulipism.
Yes, Jesus had MFW per Heb. 2:14-18. Beyond that I believe the following:

Can God be evil? Is God the Father able to change His will, is God the Son free to sin, and could God the Holy Spirit become demonic?
Is it possible for God to be tricky? If God cannot do what He has decreed to be evil, then He would not be as free as volitional creatures, and there would be no basis for praising His holiness. Paul (in Rom. 9:16-21) upholds the freedom of God to love or hate as He chooses. Just as God created physical laws such as gravity, so He created moral laws such as “love everyone” and determined a plan of salvation involving the atoning death of Messiah to win our redemption from hell. Thou shalt love (Matt. 22:37-40).

The cliché “might makes right” is true; it is because God is almighty that only He can determine what is right ultimately. There is no super-divine authority that determines God; God is self-determined. The only basis humans have for evaluating whether God is just is understanding how God’s acts and judgments are consistent with the moral principles He has ordained for those created in His image (Rom. 3:22-26). God’s decision to be all-loving is free because God could have chosen to anoint Satan to embody evil logic/lies rather than Jesus to manifest love and truth (John 1:14, Phil. 2:9-11), and this earthly existence would be hell (Rev. 19:11-13, 20:7-10 & 21:6-8).

If God were ever to change His mind, it would mean that God is tricky and that morality is ultimately arbitrary. Thus, ultimate reality would indeed be a farce. This is why we should be eternally grateful that God has decreed loving to be right, and He promises never to change (Mal. 3:6). Let us praise God in the spirit of Psalm 66:1: “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing to the glory of his name; Offer him glory and praise!” :love:

Over...
Click to expand...
tulipism that's a new one lol.

Haha I don't mind that, I will accept the label,

But is there any moral free will in tulipism. ?

And before I go into discussion here

Which condition are we discussing moral free will in a saved person filled with the spirit.

Are we talking about moral free will in an unsaved person ?

Or are we only talking about Gods moral free will ? Or mans own moral free will.

Just wondering , 🤔 anyhoo ready for snoring now got work in 5 hours
 
Jordon said:
tulipism that's a new one lol.

Haha I don't mind that, I will accept the label,
But is there any moral free will in tulipism. ?
And before I go into discussion here
Which condition are we discussing moral free will in a saved person filled with the spirit.
Are we talking about moral free will in an unsaved person ?
Or are we only talking about Gods moral free will ? Or mans own moral free will.

Just wondering , 🤔 anyhoo ready for snoring now got work in 5 hours
Click to expand...

I am talking about MFW implied by Jesus commanding sinners to repent and seek God's salvation (Matt. 4:17 & 7:7)
and indicating (in John 3:16-18) that God loves the whole world and saves whoever believes in the Son, so whoever
does not believe is justly condemned and inspiring Paul to write (in Rom. 1:20 & 2:14-16) that even creation and
conscience reveal God's moral requirement, so no one can use tulipism or lack of MFW as an excuse for not cooperating
with GW (1Tim. 2:3-4) and being saved.
 
GWH said:
I am talking about MFW implied by Jesus commanding sinners to repent and seek God's salvation (Matt. 4:17 & 7:7)
and indicating (in John 3:16-18) that God loves the whole world and saves whoever believes in the Son, so whoever
does not believe is justly condemned and inspiring Paul to write (in Rom. 1:20 & 2:14-16) that even creation and
conscience reveal God's moral requirement, so no one can use tulipism or lack of MFW as an excuse for not cooperating
with GW (1Tim. 2:3-4) and being saved.
Click to expand...
well you can call his grace moral free will, then to. Decreed from an eternal plan

Romans 1:20. Means all are without excuse means all are seen in his light
 
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Jordon said:
well you can call his grace moral free will, then to. Decreed from an eternal plan

Romans 1:20. Means all are without excuse means all are seen in his light
Click to expand...

Yes, MFW was part of God's gracious eternal plan.
Without excuse means for rejecting God's grace.
 
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