The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)

[Jordon]

TOJ #35: You may request physical as well as spiritual necessities. [Matt. 6:11//Luke 11:3] God is the ultimate source of material blessings (Jam. 1:17), and He is concerned about our complete welfare, wanting everyone to be fed, clothed and sheltered {Matt. 6:32, 25:31-46, TOJ #34} as well as saved.

>>>TOP #61: Share with believers in need. [Rom. 12:13a] This is stated in Eph. 4: 28 as working to earn something to share.

>>>TOP #62: Practice hospitality. [Rom. 12:13b] This is mentioned also in 1Pet. 4:9 & 3John v.8. It is enjoined for church leaders in 1Tim. 3:2 and Tit. 1:8. Such help enabled house churches to meet (Rom. 16:23) and missionaries to spread the Gospel (Acts 28:7).

>>>TOP #125: Christians who have plenty should share with believers who are needy. [2Cor. 8:12-15] This passage (8:1-9:15) refers to Paul’s collection for the Christians in Jerusalem mentioned in 1CR 16:1-4, which is stated as a desire rather than as a command (8:8&13), referencing the example during the Exodus when the Israelites gathered manna in the desert (EX 16:16-18).

>>>TOP #126: Charity should be given willingly, because God loves a cheerful giver. [2Cor. 9:6-7] Paul said that God will bless those who are generous with continued prosperity in every way that will result in much thanksgiving to God.

>>>TOP #163: Instead of stealing, Christians must earn a living and share surplus with worthy needy brethren. [Eph. 4:28] We can infer that lazy folks do not deserve to have such sin abetted but must reap what they do not sow (cf. TOP #226).

>>>TOP #195: Learn to be content whatever the circumstances. [Phil. 4:11-13] God will enable believers to endure anything.

>>>TOP #212: Do not be dependent on anybody. [1Thes. 4:12] This TOP is akin to #163.

>>>TOP #216: Warn those who are idle. [1Thes. 5:14] This is elaborated in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.

>>>TOP #226: He who will not work shall not eat. [2Thes. 3:6-15] In this passage Paul elaborates on the warning against idleness he gave in 1Thes. 5:14 (TOP #216) and against stealing in Eph. 4:28 (TOP #163). In practical political terms, this teaching supports workfare.

>>>TOP #239: Christians who are poor through no fault of their own should be supported by their families. [1Tim. 5:3-4&8] Paul said that those who do not help members of their families have denied the faith, apparently because it contradicts the compassion of Christ. This is yet another teaching emphasizing that faith without loving fruit is false (TOP #87, 138, 208, etc.), or dead per Jam. 2:17. That this does not apply to those who are not really poor or are poor because of laziness (TOP #226) is indicated by the phrase “really in need”.

>>>TOP #240: Poor Christian widows (and others, presumably) should be helped by the church only if they meet certain criteria. [1Tim. 5:5-6&9-10] These criteria include: Having no family to help, not spending on pleasure, not being young or healthy enough to earn income, and having a reputation for good deeds.

>>>TOP #249: Christians who are rich should be rich in good deeds by generously sharing their wealth. [1Tim. 6:17-19] By doing this they lay up treasure in heaven (TOJ #38).

Everything your citing really only point towards Gods moral law being evident in all humanity really.

Everybody knows it's wrong to do evil, but everybody didn't have a choice to have Gods moral law live in there nature. It's just paints the picture as far as I can See that Gods objective moral law is sown in everyone

 

[GWH]

TOJ #36: Admit your faults as you forgive others theirs. [Matt. 6:12//Luke 11:4a] The second part of this teaching echoes #14. Genuine saving Faith motivates loving forgiveness. Confession is the key to having a right relationship with God (1John 1:9), which is manifested by mercy (TOJ #148). {Mark 11:25, Matt. 18:15-17}.

>>>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 #148: Faith in/love for God is manifested by loving behavior toward people. [Matt. 25:31-46] The evidence of saving Faith is loving behavior. {John 13:35, 15:12-13} It is the fruit of the Spirit {John 15:4-8} (also see Gal. 5:22-23), rather than ability to work miracles (Matt. 24:24). This love is the basis for essential unity among all Christians {John 15:17, 17:20-23}. Faith without love is counterfeit (Jam. 2:17). Satisfying GRFS is manifested by any type of personality (introverted, extroverted, etc.) as long as one is loving, but no good work merits salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), because no one is perfect (Phil. 3:12) except God (Heb. 5:7-9; TOJ #106).

>>>TOP #124: Godly sorrow motivates repentance or confession of sins that leads to salvation rather than to regret. [2Cor. 7:8-12] The apparent context for this TOP is Paul’s reproof of sin involving his command of excommunication in a previous epistle, perhaps 1Cor. 4:18-5:13 (TOP #85).

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

 

[GWH]

TOJ #37: Pray for power to resist temptations. [Matt. 6:13//Luke 11:4b] This also was a major theme of Paul’s instruction about prayer (Eph. 1:17-19, Phil. 1:9-11, Col. 1:10-12) as well as of James’ (Jam. 4:2, 1:5,12-13). Jesus reiterated this teaching on the Mount of Olives before He was betrayed. {Matt. 27:41//Mark 14:38//Luke 22:40&46} We know that God will always grant this prayer request (1Cor. 10:13). This prayer seems equivalent to protection from the evil one {John 17:15}.

TOP #146: New believers need revelation beyond the Gospel in order to grow in knowledge of God. [Eph. 1:15-19, 3:16-19] Knowledge of GW implies power to cooperate with the HS and resist Satan's temptation to sin/hate, which is the fruit of the HS (Phil. 1:9-11, Col. 1:10-12, Gal. 5:22-23). The way for Paul’s prayer to be answered is indicated in Eph. 4:11-16.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #38: Store your treasures in heaven. [Matt. 6:19-21//Luke 9:58] The point of this teaching is not so much the location but the definition of treasure {Luke 12:32-34}. Spiritual truths and moral virtues are more valuable than material possessions (Eph. 1:18, 2:7, 3:9&16, Col. 1:27, 2:2-3; TOJ #118).

>>>TOJ #118: Materialism is anathema. [Matt. 19:23-24//Mark 10:23-25//Luke 18:24-25] It is the sin of greed that Paul equated with idolatry (Col. 3:5, Eph. 5:5), which is antithetical to satisfying GRS (1Cor. 6:10). Jesus {in Luke 12:16-21} told the Parable of the Rich Young Fool to illustrate this truth. (Also see TOJ #41, 50, & 85.) Beware of the false “profit motive”!

>>>EPH 1:18-19a, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

This reverence to the “eyes of the heart” must mean the enlightening of the mind, so that they may not remain in the darkened or ignorant of the hope of salvation or resurrection to heaven which Jesus has promised. Jesus said he came to call sinners (Matt. 9:13), that many are invited but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14), and that few find the narrow gate (Matt. 7:14). In Eph. 4:1 Paul will exhort those who are called to be worthy of it. Again the blessing of heaven is called a rich inheritance and also power.

>>>EPH 2:7-10, “In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The purpose of God’s POS is that in the present (NT) age God might reveal “the incomparable riches” of eternal life in heaven, experienced as kindness because of the atonement of CJ. Such salvation or heaven is a gift received via faith. All we have is gifted by God per 1Cor. 4:7, and so salvation is not earned; faith is not meritorious. The reason for God’s creation of a holy humanity is so they will reflect His love to all manifested by good works, which are the fruit of the HS (Gal. 5:22-23) and a way of life in which we should walk.

>>>EPH 3:7-9, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”

This reiterates v. 2. The reference to “the working of his power” is vague, but it might refer to the “Damascus Road” (cf. the comment regarding Eph. 1:1). Regarding “the unsearchable riches of Christ”, see the comment on Eph. 1:1&10. Riches will be mentioned again in Eph. 3:16 (cf. Col. 1:27, Rom. 9:23 & 11:33). “Everyone” must include the Jews, and “administration” must include revelation and explanation of the mystery (cf. Eph. 1:9-10 & 2:11-22).

>>>EPH 3:14-17a, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Paul prays for the Ephesians not to be discouraged, apparently continuing the line of thought that began in v.1, and kneeling indicates humility (cf. Phil. 2:10, Rom. 14:11). The exact meaning of this regarding the “name” is unclear. Paul referred to the riches of Christ in Eph. 3:8, 2:4 & 7 and 1:18. God’s power was cited in Eph 3:7 & 1:19, where it referred to raising Christ from the dead. The Spirit was mentioned in Eph. 3:5, 2:18 & 22 and 1:13. Christ’s indwelling is indicated in Rev. 3:20.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #39: Be filled with spiritual light/truth. [Matt. 6:22-23//Luke 11:34-36] This rather parenthetical analogy utilizing the light-darkness dichotomy seems to mean that our eyes are good and our souls enlightened if we see the glory of God and appreciate His truth (Psa. 119:105, John 1:4-9&14). Sharing our light with others was the emphasis in TOJ #19, and #186 teaches that Jesus is the light personified.

>>>PS 119:11 & 105. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” This verse and verse 105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”, teach the importance of learning/memorizing Scripture. Notice how figurative language (metaphor) is used to convey truth. Rather than saying the Bible is literally true, we should say the Bible contains truth, expressed both figuratively and by literal language.

>>>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}

>>>TOJ #186: Jesus is the light or God/GW incarnate. [JN 8:12, 9:5, 14:6] John’s gospel stated this in the opening section (JN 1:1&4-9). Several OT verses spoke of light as representing God (PS 27:1, IS 60:19 MIC 7:8) or GW (PS 119:105). Jesus spoke GW {JN 8:26, 12:49-50, 15:15} or truth {JN 18:37b}, and so He illuminates the right way to live {JN 12:35-36, 46}. (See TOJ #19, #38, #178 & #203.)

>>>TOP #69: Stop sinning and become like Jesus. [Rom. 13:12-14] This TOP is equivalent to #68, which underlie other variations on this theme, such as #57-67. Becoming like Jesus is described as being clothed with the LJC and as putting on the armor of light.

>>>TOP #117: Those who reject the Gospel of Christ are blinded by the god of this age. [2Cor. 4:1-15] Despite preaching the truth plainly or without deception, the light is veiled to the minds of those who are perishing because the grace of God does not reach them. Why some souls are blinded by a “god” or not reached while others believe in the one God is not explained.

>>>TOP #168: Sinfulness is signified by darkness and savedness by light, which is goodness and truth. [Eph. 5:8-9]. Such imagery is significant enough to include and view as a teaching (cf. 1Thes. 5:5).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #40: Accept God’s lordship. [Matt. 6:24//Luke 16:13] Lordship is a 100% loyalty that excludes idolatry (Gal. 5:20, Eph. 5:5) or adoration of anything other than what God approves (Rom. 12:2). If we do not decide to love the Lord, we hate Him. There is no middle or third option. If we hear the gospel and do not choose to believe in Jesus, then God knows that in our heart we are rejecting Him. {John 3:18, 8:24} (See TOJ #122.) {Matt. 12:30//Luke 11:23}

>>>TOJ #122: Whoever is not against Christ is on God’s side. [Mark 9:40//Luke 9:50] Morality is a duality. Reality is designed so there are only two spiritual/moral poles or sides (not an ethical Yin-Yang). The phrase “in my/your name” indicates that the person was a Believer but was not one of the Twelve. Perhaps one could consider him as foreshadowing denominations in the Church.

Different flavors of Christianity are fine (as are truth-seeking souls at different places along the pilgrim path between God-consciousness and hearing the Gospel of Jesus), and various Christian organizations working in harmony is a great witness, but the sin of denominationalism begins when factional strife develops (1Cor. 3:3-9). Comparing this TOJ with #40, perhaps the synthesis is that if we do not decide, God will know why, so we should have a good reason for not being with Jesus (and there is none). {John 3:18}

>>>TOP #4: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [Acts 16:31] Acts 17:3 clarifies that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, who had to suffer and rise from the dead (cf. TOP #1). This question was also asked of Jesus (Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25 & 18:18). Romans 1:17 says salvation is “from first to last” or “faith to faith”, possibly meaning from the first moment of repentance at conversion until sanctification ends at death.

>>>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 #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [Rom. 5:1-5] This echoes Eph. 2:8 by describing s/e as justification through faith, Eph. 1:5 & 7 by using the phrase “through Jesus Christ”, and Eph. 2:14 by describing s/e as having peace with God. Verses 2 & 5 also echo Eph. 2:18 & 3:1 by describing s/e as having access to God’s grace via the Holy Spirit.

>>>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 #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.

>>>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).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #41: Do not worry. [Matt. 6:25-34//Luke 12:22-31] Worry is wrong. If we value eternal life highly, we will not worry greatly about troubles in this life. See TOJ #85. This truth is expressed in the Serenity Prayer: “Lord, grant me courage to change what I can, patience to endure what I cannot change, and wisdom to know the difference.” Note that Jesus did not say “do not work or sow or plan.” {John 14:1&27}

>>>TOJ #85: Heaven is worth everything. [Matt. 13:44-45//Mark 10:29-30//Luke 18:29-30] It is well worth the wait and the cost of every earthly pain or sacrifice or persecution for admitting Faith in Christ (Phil. 3:7-8). {Matt. 10:32-33, 16:25-27, 19:28-29, Mark 8:36, Luke 9:25-26} (See TOJ #38.)

>>>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 #118: Earthly troubles are outweighed by eternal glory. [2Cor. 4:16-18]

>>>TOP #189: Christians should be glad or rejoice despite circumstances involving suffering. [Phil. 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:4 & 10-12] This is the theme in PHP, beginning with 1:4, and it echoes Psa. 9:14.

>>>TOP #193: Do not be anxious about anything, but instead pray to God. [Phil. 4:6-7] This is similar to TOJ #41: Do not worry.

>>>TOP #195: Learn to be content whatever the circumstances. [Phil. 4:11-13] God will enable believers to endure anything.

>>>TOP #247: Christians should be content with the blessing of bare necessities for life, because the love of money causes all kinds of evil. [1Tim. 6:5-10, 2Tim. 3:2] Those who preach godliness in order to make money are corrupt and stray from faith in Christ (cf. 6:21 & TOJ #38&40). All kinds of evil are listed in 2Tim. 3:2-4.

>>>TOP #249: Christians who are rich should be rich in good deeds by generously sharing their wealth. [1Tim. 6:17-19] By doing this they lay up treasure in heaven (TOJ #38).

>>>TOJ #38: Store your treasures in heaven. [Matt. 6:19-21//Luke 9:58] The point of this teaching is not so much the location but the definition of treasure {Luke 12:32-34}. Spiritual truths and moral virtues are more valuable than material possessions (Eph. 1:18, 2:7, 3:9&16, Col. 1:27, 2:2-3; TOJ #118).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #42: Temper reproof with love so you will not be judgmental. [Matt. 7:1-5//Luke 6:37, 38b, 41-42] Jesus condemned hypocrisy (TOJ #134) or having a spiritual superiority complex (TOJ #31) more than any other sin (Matt. 23). However, he did not condemn repentant sinners (TOJ #53), and saints/Believers should be very careful that their explanation of divine wrath does not impugn God’s love as taught by Paul in Romans 5:5-10.

Jesus exemplified this teaching when He reproved the adulterous woman {John 8:11}. [Note that the NIV questions the reliability of Matt. 7:53-8:11, but the story certainly seems compatible with the character and TOJ.] As John 3:17 states, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world.” Note that this teaching does not mean saints should not be discerning or reproving (John 7:24, 1Cor. 12:10, 2Cor. 13:6; cf. TOJ #101).

>>>TOJ #31: Have humility. [Matt. 6:1-8&16-18, 23:5-12] Humility in this context refers to the opposite of the pride of hypocrites. Alms should be given anonymously, and prayer should be done privately, without endless babbling like pagans (cf. Amos 4:4-5). Simply praying for God’s will to be done is sufficient, which is how Jesus prayed in the garden before his betrayal. Jesus is concerned with why we give or pray more than with how much we contribute or talk.

Perhaps the greatest temptation for mature Believers is feeling proud of their moral progress (Pro. 16:18, 29:23). The satisfaction of pleasing our Lord should be the only reward we desire as we look forward to heaven (Matt. 25:21&23). Jesus illustrated this trait in the Parable of the Two Prayers {Luke 18:10-14}. Jesus cited young children as examples of humility {Matt. 18:3-4//Luke 18:16-17}.

>>>TOJ #134: Woe to hypocrites! [Matt. 23:13-39, 16:6] Although this is certainly related to TOJ #68 & #87, Jesus denounced this particular sin so forcefully that we ought to list it separately. Hypocrisy is pretending or claiming (falsely) to be righteous or godly or Christian. Such people have trees in their eyes (Matt. 7:3) and camels in their stomachs (Matt. 23:24)! They are spiritually blind and morally foolish. {Luke 11:37-52, 12:1, 20:45-46, Mark 12:38-39}

>>>TOJ #53: Jesus calls all sinners to be saved. [Matt. 9:12-13//Mark 2:17//Luke 5:31-32] Here sinners are viewed as sick; elsewhere as blind. {John 9:41} Although some may claim to be good, all have sinned (TOJ #185), even those who were raised by godly parents and never Sinned or rebelled against their Faith. God saves all who respond to Jesus’ call {Matt. 11:28-29} by accepting His Lordship (TOJ #49). Jesus likens lost souls to stray sheep {Matt. 18:12-14//Luke 15:4-7} and to missing silver coins {Luke 15:8-10}. All were once little ones {Matt. 18:10} like Zacchaeus, who was considered to be one of the greatest sinners. {Luke 19:9-10}

>>>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 #17: God’s judgment of sinners is based on Truth. [Rom. 2:2]

>>>TOP #70: Do not judge believers on the basis of secondary disputable doctrines. [Rom. 14:1-12] An example is whether or not it is right to eat meat. Another is whether the Sabbath is more holy than other days of the week (cf. Col. 2:16). This TOP is akin to #204.

>>>TOP #129: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the Christian faith. [2Cor. 13:5] Apparently, the self-test includes aiming for perfection (v.9).

>>>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.

 

[GWH]

TOJ #43: Do not fellowship with enemies. [Matt. 7:6] Do not dance with demons. All fields are not ripe for harvest. In contrast with the situation in Matthew 9:37, some people are demonic and dangerous (Matt. 10:16-17). Here such people are called dogs and pigs, and the gospel or TOJ are pearls of wisdom. Jesus said whenever saints encounter demonic people to “shake the dust off your feet” and leave. {Matt. 10:14&23}

>>>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).

Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors. Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (Matt. 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. Luke 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (Matt. 18:30-34, Gal. 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.

>>>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 #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 #113: Bad company or friends can corrupt those who began with good character. [1Cor. 15:33-34] Such people ignore God.

>>>TOP #123: Do not be yoked with unbelievers. [2Cor. 6:14] This applies not only to marriage but also to friendships as mentioned in TOP #112.

>>>TOP #207: Be wise with outsiders, making the most of opportunity, salting conversation. [Col. 4:5-6, 1Thes. 4:12 & 1Tim. 6:12] Presumably, the opportunity and salting Paul has in mind is that of witnessing for Christ (cf. TOP #181, 1Pet. 3:15-16 & Matt. 5:13).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #44: Ask/seek/knock. [Matt. 7:7-11/Luke 11:9-13] These three synonyms are three, four and five letter words for GRFS. Ask what is true, seek salvation, and knock on heaven’s door (cf. Heb. 11:6). The parallel passage in Luke makes this clear, because instead of “good gifts” it says the Holy Spirit will be given to those who ask. (See TOJ #197.) Sincerely seeking salvation is regarded by God as the beginning of righteousness, because God knows that were a truthseeker given the opportunity to hear the Gospel, he/she would believe and be saved or sanctified {John 17:17}.

>>>>>>TOJ #197: The Holy Spirit will indwell and guide truth-seekers until Christ returns. [John 14:16-18,23&26, 15:26, 16:13-15] The Holy Spirit has always been God’s connection with Believers (Num. 11:25, Deut. 35:31-35, Psa. 51:11) and always will be in heaven. However, Jesus and the NT taught this truth more fully.

A soul enters the path of salvation at the moment he/she decides to ask/seek/knock, but all primitive paths eventually converge onto the highway to heaven at the point of accepting Christ (TOJ #49). James 1:5&17 teaches this truth in terms of wisdom. Its converse is that those who are not truth-seekers will not LGW/satisfy GRFS. {Matt. 21:24-27//Mark11:29-33//Luke 20:3-8, Matt. 22:18//Mark 12:15//Luke 20:23-24}

>>>TOJ #49: God elects to save all who elect Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile. [Matt. 8:11-12] Electing Jesus means accepting or believing in Him as Messiah/Christ/Son of Man/Son of God/God the Son/Lord. (See TOJ #131.) {John 3:16b&18, 8:24, 11:25-26, 16:27, 17:6} Paul indicated this election or choice by the phrase “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3-13). Of course, this statement of GRFS assumes a soul has the opportunity to hear the NT gospel. Election does not mean determination (Calvinism; see TOJ #136).

>>>TOP #5: God created humanity so that they would seek Him and find that in Him we have our being. [Acts 17:24-28]

>>>TOP #49: God may be found even by those who do not seek Him. [Rom. 10:19-20] This is because God is revealed through general revelation per the previous TOP.

>>>TOP #48: The Gospel is revealed to everyone in the world in various ways. [Rom. 10:14-18] Other verses indicating this truth include Col. 1:23 & Gal. 3:8 (cf. TOP #281). Apparently Paul affirms God revealed in creation (Rom. 1:20) and conscience (Rom. 2:14-16) or what has been termed “general revelation” as functioning as a provisional or proto-gospel as being sufficient for saving those who seek God and find Him via this means, so that souls are “without excuse”.

>>>TOP #281: Moses’ choice to be included in the people of God is equivalent to the cooperation with God of those who hear the Gospel and believe in Christ. [Heb. 11:24-28] Christ’s atonement is signified by the shedding of blood at the original Passover. This is another passage in the vein of teachings about a provisional or proto-Gospel being in effect until the NT atonement occurred and the full Gospel was revealed (TOP #10), and this chapter connects saving faith with cooperative deeds, even by Rahab (cf. TOP #28, 39, 48, 54, etc.).

 

[GWH]

TOJ #45: Treat others like you want to be treated. [Matt. 7:12] This “golden rule” is equivalent to the “law of love” (TOJ #129), but the wording is so famous that I think it should be listed separately. {Luke 6:31}

>>> TOJ #129: The law of love summarizes God’s moral will. [Matt. 22:37-39//Mark 12:29-31] Although this law has two applications (love for God and love for people, including oneself), these are combined and enumerated as one to show that they coexist (1John 4:20-21). This law (Deut. 6:5, Lev. 19:18) summarizes all of God’s moral commandments as Paul also taught (Gal. 5:14). Jesus commanded His disciples to love {John 13:34, 15:12&17}. Love is the sign that a soul is a Spirit-filled Christian (TOJ #148, cf. #113). Elsewhere (Pro. 6:16, Rom. 12:9) it is taught that God and godly people should hate evil. Of course, Jesus’ instruction to “hate” one’s own life and family (Luke 14:26) means to love God foremost (TOJ #50).

>>>TOJ #130: Love is the key to understanding GW/truth. {Matt. 22:40} And the key to comprehending God’s love is Jesus (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8, 1John 4:10-5:5; TOJ #47).

>>>TOP #68: God’s moral laws may be summed up by the command to love one another. [Rom. 13:8-10] Jesus taught in Matt. 22:37-38 that the greatest or primary commandment is to love God as Lord. TOP #138 calls love the fruit of the Spirit.

 

[Edward429451]

My primary intent in the this thread is to compile a comprehensive survey of the teachings of Jesus (TOJ) rather than to conduct an exhaustive discussion of each one. In fact, I try to be very succinct and abbreviate the verbiage.

I will begin by following the order of the TOJ in the Gospel of Matthew supplemented by unique (non-parallel) teachings in the other two synoptic (similar) gospels by Mark and Luke. Typically, the first instance of a TOJ in Matthew is stated simply, and the reference with any parallel verses (denoted by //) is given in the brackets [ ] that immediately follow. For TOJ which are also taught in the gospel of John or on more than one (non-parallel) occasion in the synoptic gospels, the other passages are cited in rounded brackets { } either at an appropriate place in the discussion or at the conclusion of my comments. Although I am not very concerned about the order of Jesus’ teachings, apparently Luke’s account contains the earliest and latest (in ACTS 1:8) statements of Jesus, so I begin and conclude with these. After analyzing the synoptic gospels, I consider teachings that are unique or clearest from John’s gospel.

The most difficult aspect of the present endeavor is deciding whether a later statement by Jesus should be considered a new teaching or a nuance of a previously cited teaching. Where the nuance or wording seems significant, I list it separately (e.g., TOJ #10 & #81). Some of Jesus’ statements (such as MT 4:19//MK 1:17, MK 1:41-43//LK 5:13-14, MK 4:35, 5:8-9&30) do not seem to be for the purpose of teaching, so they are not mentioned. Other statements that do communicate teachings (such as MK 6:8-11, 11:17 & JN 6:70) seem to be meant or applicable only for that specific historical occasion, so they are not included in the enumeration, either.

It would seem prudent to accept the Bible’s authenticity until and unless there is very good reason to question a portion, such as Mark 16:9-20, which most versions question. I humbly offer my commentary, which incorporates logic as well as teachings found elsewhere in the Bible, hoping that it is inspired sufficiently enough to be helpful rather than contribute to confusion.

Are you going to include anything from The Gospel of Thomas in it? It is said to be a collection of Jesus's sayings and teachings. I have a digital copy.

 

[GWH]

Are you going to include anything from The Gospel of Thomas in it? It is said to be a collection of Jesus's sayings and teachings. I have a digital copy.

I am not, but if you want to share something a few verses at a time, we can chase that rabbit.

 

[Edward429451]

I've read it some and there's good stuff in it.

 

[Edward429451]

I've read it some and there's good stuff in it. Here's the first page. It's slightly weird because they put verse numbers at the end of the verse?

The Gospel of Thomas Chapter 1


These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. (1)
And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death." (2)
Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3)
Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4)
Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (5)
Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." (6)
His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." (7)
Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man." (8)
And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.".../

 

[GWH]

I've read it some and there's good stuff in it. Here's the first page. It's slightly weird because they put verse numbers at the end of the verse?

The Gospel of Thomas Chapter 1


These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. (1)
And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death." (2)
Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3)
Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4)
Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (5)
Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." (6)
His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." (7)
Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man." (8)
And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.".../

Okay, so what do you find to be "good stuff" and why?

 

[Edward429451]

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4)

Okay, so what do you find to be "good stuff" and why?

Nothing not good there.

Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3)

Or there.

Do you have a problem with any of it? That it isnt canon? Truth is truth my Brother.

 

[GWH]

Nothing not good there.

Or there.

Do you have a problem with any of it? That it isnt canon? Truth is truth my Brother.

Here is my analysis:

These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. (1) I doubt this.

And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death." (2) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. [silly]

Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. {the first part echoes Luke 17:21]

When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, [silly]

and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. [true enough]

But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4) Silly

Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (5) Not canoical.

Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. [silly]

For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." (6) true enough

His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." (7) Okay

Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man." (8) silly

And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.".../ [silly]

IOW, I see more silliness that canonical truth so far.
Thus, I understand why it was not included in the NT canon.

 

[Edward429451]

Here is my analysis:

These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. (1) I doubt this.

And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death." (2) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. [silly]

Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. {the first part echoes Luke 17:21]

When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, [silly]

and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. [true enough]

But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4) Silly

Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (5) Not canoical.

Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. [silly]

For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." (6) true enough

His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." (7) Okay

Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man." (8) silly

And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.".../ [silly]

IOW, I see more silliness that canonical truth so far.
Thus, I understand why it was not included in the NT canon.

Fair enough. You can believe as you wish. But may I suggest that those things which you find silly are actually the ones that you have trouble understanding? That is my impression. But also you must remember that, you were indoctrinated to not know the truth and were raised as a blind man (we all were).

Are you suggesting that these things can not be true because they are not canon? That truth has never been written in a book other than the canon?

Don't be short sighted my friend! Nevertheless, as you wish...Bless you.

 

[Edward429451]

Here is my analysis:

These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. (1) I doubt this.

And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death." (2) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All." (3) Not canonical.

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. [silly]

Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. {the first part echoes Luke 17:21]

When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, [silly]

and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. [true enough]

But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4) Silly

Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same." (5) Not canoical.

Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. [silly]

For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." (6) true enough

His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?" Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." (7) Okay

Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man." (8) silly

And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish. Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.".../ [silly]

IOW, I see more silliness that canonical truth so far.
Thus, I understand why it was not included in the NT canon.

So do you not believe other texts such as Jubilees, The Book of Enoch, or any of those non-canon books?

I havent heard that stuff before either, but evenso none of seems to contradict scripture and so I believe it should be considered.
Like this for instance:

But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." (4) Silly

That isnt true? So is we reap what we sow a lie? No of course not. So if you sow poverty, you will reap poverty. (ask me how I know!)
Luckily I am open minded and can identify the ring of truth no matter what the source was.
Our scriptures quote from the book of Enoch!