Introduction to the commands of Jesus Christ followed by a teaching on Matt 5:23. Learning the commands is based on the great commission to go into all the world and teach all that Jesus has taught us. Knowing what He taught is foundation to obey that command.

1. Commands of Jesus Christ

2. The Great Comission
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you. And
behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
age."
(Matthew 28:18-20)

3. Command
“to order, command to be done, enjoin”
 From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a
definite point or goal);
 properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by
implication) the conclusion of an act or state
(termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely],
 result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose);
 specifically an impost or levy (as paid):

4. Jesus gives commands
While in the Synoptics they are referred to in a
more abstract and distant way, in both the
Gospel and the Epistles of John their relation
to Jesus is most prominent. They are “my
commandments” (Joh_14:15, Joh_14:21;
Joh_15:10, Joh_15:12); “my Father's”
(Joh_10:18; Joh_15:10); or, many times
throughout the epp., “his (i.e. Christ's)
commandments.”

5. Samples
 Joh 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My
commandments.
 Joh 14:21 "He who has My commandments
and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and
he who loves Me will be loved by My Father,
and I will love him and will disclose Myself to
him."
 Joh 15:10 "If you keep My commandments,
you will abide in My love; just as I have kept
My Father's commandments and abide in His
love.

6. Questions
 Is there enough weight in Scripture to cause me
to seek to obey all the commands of Jesus
Christ?
 Am I secure by “believing in God?” Is there a
need to obey His teachings?
 Is obeying the commands of Jesus Christ
optional? Do I loose my salvation if I do not obey
His commands?

7. Commands is relationship to the
Lord’s Prayer
"Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in
heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 'Your kingdom
come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in
heaven. 'Give us this day our daily bread. 'And
forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our
debtors. 'And do not lead us into temptation, but
deliver us from evil.
(Matthew 6:9-13)

8. Commands in relationship to
community
 Sin is decreasing
 Righteousness in increasing
 Hope is progressing
 Personal fulfillment is developing
 Transformation is occurring
 The KoG is coming

9. Commands in relationship to John
14-17
 John 14-17 posted for Study
 The links between
 Knowing god
 Abiding in God
 Encountering the Love of God
 Being fruitful in your life

10. Matthew 5:23-24
"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the
altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your offering there
before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your
brother, and then come and present your offering.
(Matthew 5:23-24)

11. Ingredients in this command
 The Gift – sacrifice, offering, devotion
 The Alter – place of public expression of worship
to God
 The Brotherhood – any man, especially fellow-
worshippers
 Reconciliation – paid debt, settled difficulty,
confession, pardon, explanation, restitution.

12. Context and Setting
 Anger has just be discussed
 Imprisonment (loss of freedom) is about to be
discussed
 Presenting your offering is now more than a
religious act, it is your life
 Transition from OT to NT
 Religious rituals are replaced with a religious life
 Anger and justice are integrated into the practical
lifestyle of the follower of Jesus.

13. Theological Implications
 God is not appeased by sacrifice
 God does not except any and all offerings
 Peace with God is through efforts of peace with
others
 Outward acts and inward conditions are to be
harmonious (with all your heart)
 Reconciliation is to be sought out, not waited for
 “To obey is better than sacrifice,” 1Sa_15:22.

14. Spiritual Discipleship
1. Allow God to tear open the veil, to transition
from private Christianity to public follower of
Jesus Christ.
2. Seek to Love the Lord your God with all your
heart, committing to do all that He asks of you.
3. Obey the Lord as soon as possible.

15. Spiritual Discipleship
4. Relate to people in such a way as to have
“koinonia” (Biblical Fellowship)
5. Pray the Lord’s prayer with the intent purpose of
doing His will through your personal lifestyle.
6. Study and meditate on John 14-17. Integrate this
text into your prayer life. Spend time in isolation
listening to God about this passage.

16. Spiritual Discipline for Matt 5:23
 Don’t waist time being angry
 Be aggressive and seek out restoration
 Do not believe turning to God repairs
relationships
 Use your freedom to restore relationships.
 Do this on a personal level
 Avoid gossip and slander
 Be prepared for un-restored relationships to
imprison you, costing you the full measure of
pain, suffering and earthly justice.