In my last post, I thought that we had wrapped up this series on the Commands of Yeshua; however, just a couple of days after I finished writing that series, I ran across this teaching during my morning devotions. I thought it stated my position so well that I have reprinted it in its entirety.

Law and Love Indistinguishable [1]

“The whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” ~ Galatians 5:14

Some people maintain that the “law of love” has replaced even the moral commands of Jesus and that our only rule is to “love our neighbor as ourself.” They quote Paul: “The one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:8-10).

Some people understand Paul to say that the New Testament principle of love has replaced the Old Testament principle of law. Whereas the Jewish nation in the Old Testament lived under a number of specific moral laws, the church in the New Testament has “come of age” and now lives by the higher principle of love. Since love must be voluntary and cannot be compelled, so the thinking goes, love and law are mutually exclusive.

But if we realize the moral law is a transcript—a written reproduction—of the moral character of God and that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), we see that we cannot distinguish between law and love. Both express the character of God. They’re two sides of the same coin.

For example, Paul said in Romans 13:10, “Love does no wrong to its neighbor” (NIV). If we didn’t also have the commandments (which Paul quoted in verse 9) against such things as adultery, stealing, and murder, how would we know what it means to harm one’s neighbor?

Love provides the motive for obeying the commands of the Law, but the Law provides specific direction for exercising love.

In my next post, I really do want to explore the issue of humility. I think I’m going to call it ~ Humility: Confessions of a Self-Centered Man.

Click here for PDF version.

[1] Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges. This has proven to be a great devotional book for me.

In my last post, we looked at His commands to beware of false prophets; not worrying about our life; and, taking heed of how we live out our righteousness. In this post, we will wrap up this series on the Commands of Yeshua.

My theme throughout this series has been these words of Yeshua:  “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” (Yochanan 14:15) In the introduction to this series, I stated that identifying and clarifying all the commands in the Bible was way beyond the scope of this series. However, I find that I can’t close this series without reiterating the assertion that I made in the beginning.

I firmly believe that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) I also believe that this applies to ALL Scripture as currently canonized in both the Tanakh and the Brit Hadashah. Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 28” →

In my last post, we looked at the caution of not being afraid when we suffer and holding on to what God has given us. In this post, we will look at His commands to beware of false prophets; not worrying about our life; and, taking heed of how we live out our righteousness.

“I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.” (Yochanan 10:10b)

Cautions ~ Part E

8.  Beware of False Prophets

“Beware of the false prophets! They come to you wearing sheep’s clothing, but underneath they are hungry wolves!” (Mathew 7:15)

Here Yeshua warns us of those who present and portray themselves as godly but are quite the opposite. They want to be accepted as spiritual leaders among God’s people, but they have evil intentions and selfish desires. In time their fruit will make clear their evil heart because division, discord, strife, hurt, confusion, manipulation, and accusation follow them wherever they go. They may not stay long in any one place as their deeds find them out. Yet they continue on their destructive path deceiving, manipulating, and destroying God’s people. Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 27” →

In my last post, we looked at the caution of not being afraid or deceived.  In this post we will examine not being afraid when we suffer and holding on to what God has given us.

Cautions ~ Part D

6.  Don’t Be Afraid When You Suffer

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Adversary is going to have some of you thrown in prison, in order to put you to the test; and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful, even to the point of death; and I will give you life as your crown.” (Revelation 2:10)

Yeshua knew what His people were about to face.  They would encounter suffering that would challenge their faith.  Some would be thrown into prison, and many would die.  This was a daunting truth for Believers to have to face, but their confidence and trust were in their Lord.

Facing suffering without fear is no easy task unless you already happen to know the outcome.  If you understand that suffering is the only way to achieve success and victory, then it can be well worth the pain.  Yeshua was able to endure the cross because He knew victory was coming three days later.  The cost was worth providing reconciliation between a lost humanity and His Father in heaven. Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 26” →

In my last post, we began a new mini-series to explore the cautionary insights or warnings that Yeshua has given us in obeying His Word.  After a brief introduction, we looked at the issue of not being anxious.  In this post we will examine handling holy things with care and not being afraid of persecution.

Cautions ~ Part C

4.  Do Not Fear

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1^ESV)

“What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.” (John 14:27)

Many times throughout Scripture, God commands His people not to be afraid.  For those who honor Him, there is never a need to fear or to be anxious.  When we are in right relationship with God, following His commands and loving Him with our heart, soul, strength, and mind, we rest content in His protection and control over the situations in our life.

Yes, we will face trials, difficult circumstances, tragedy, and stressful times; but despite all of it, we can have inner peace – even joy – knowing to whom we belong.  Sha’ul says it this way:

• “I can do all things through him who gives me power.” (Philippians 4:13)
• “No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Wow, did you catch that – superconquerors – how kewl is that?  It can’t get much  better!! Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 25” →

In my last post, we explored Yeshua’s commands to watch and pray; be ready for His return; and, not to worry about how to witness.  In this post, we will begin a new mini-series to explore the cautionary insights or warnings that Yeshua has given us in obeying His Word.

Cautions ~ Part A

 “I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.” (John 10:10b)

Introduction

Yeshua has the ability and the authority to give life to anyone He chooses.  “Just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, so too the Son makes alive anyone he wants.” (John 5:21).  This is not just talking about a normal living and breathing life; it is significantly more.  Yeshua has every intention of helping His followers experience above and beyond what any normal life has to offer – everlasting joy, peace that goes beyond our understanding, hope beyond measure, and the filling presence of the Ruach in our life.

When Yeshua promised us abundant life, it was not like the promises some politicians give to get elected – well-intentioned but empty.  However, Yeshua’s promise is a conditional promise.  Abundant life or “life in its fullest measure” is promised only to those who lovingly follow His commands.  Those who want to have an abundant life but do not follow Yeshua’s commands will be disappointed and even get frustrated with God.  Kefa advises us, “As people who obey God, do not let yourselves be shaped by the evil desires you used to have when you were still ignorant. On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life; since the Tanakh says, ‘You are to be holy because I am holy.’ Also, if you are addressing as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s actions, you should live out your temporary stay on earth in fear.” (1 Kefa 1:14-17) Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 23” →

In my last post, we explored Yeshua’s calling us to fulfill the Great Commission.  In this post, we will explore His commands to feed His sheep, demonstrate the power of God, and pray that God would send more workers into the harvest.

Calling ~ Part C

“Therefore, brothers, try even harder to make your being called and chosen a certainty. For if you keep doing this, you will never stumble.” (2 Kefa 1:10)

4.  Feed My Lambs

“After breakfast, Yeshua said to Shim‘on Kefa, ‘Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan, do you love me more than these?’ He replied, Yes, Lord, you know I’m your friend.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’” (Yochanan 21:15) 

Yochanan records an intimate, private conversation between Shim’on Kefa and Yeshua.  It was a moment of restoration, reconciliation, redemption, and commission.  Kefa had failed Yeshua, abandoned Him at His arrest, and then three times denied even knowing Him.

But here, in this moment, Yeshua was opening Kefa’s eyes to a new calling – to care for those who needed the counsel and compassion of a spiritual leader.  As the Good Shepherd, Yeshua has a multitude of followers today that need care and attention.  A host of directives in the Brit Hadashah call us to care for one another; to serve one another; to consider others above ourselves; to take care of the weak, the young, and the vulnerable.  And we are commanded, like Kefa, to do our part in ministering to them. Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 21” →

In my last post, we began a new mini-series on the character traits that Yeshua expects us to possess concerning His calling for us and examined His command to seek His Kingdom first.  In this post, we will explore His calling us to fulfill the Great Commission.

Calling ~ Part B

“Therefore, brothers, try even harder to make your being called and chosen a certainty. For if you keep doing this, you will never stumble.” (2 Kefa 1:10)

2.  Go … Baptize … Teach

“Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.’” (Mathew 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18-20 is often called the “Great Commission.”  A commission is an assignment, a task, or an office given by a higher authority.  When a commission is accepted, it becomes one’s purpose in life and their priorities are reoriented to fulfill the obligation of the commission until it is completed. Continue reading “The Commands of Yeshua ~ Part 20” →