Contextual Commands

The New Testament is full of commands that most of us who have spent any time in the Word are at least vaguely familiar with. Husbands, love your wives. Love the Lord your God with all your heart (etc.). Let the marriage bed be held in honor. Lots and lots of commands. And we know it.

Our problem is that we succumb to the world's perspective too easily. Christianity is a morality code. Do this; don't do that -- you're a good Christian. But the Bible doesn't support such nonsense. The vast bulk of the commands in the New Testament are given in context. We aren't simply told what to do; we're told why. Or, to put it another way, "Given this as true, it only makes sense to do that."

Take the commands of Hebrews 13:

¹ Let brotherly love continue. ² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. ⁴ Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. ⁵ Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ⁶ So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" ⁷ Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13:1-8).

There is a whole string of commands there, and by themselves it would appear overwhelming. Do this; don't do that. But the commands come at the end of chapter after chapter of doctrine about the vast superiority of Christ as our High Priest. Because of who He is, we know that we have a better possession than the mere stuff of the world (Heb 10). Because of faith, we can be confident of this even if we can't see it (Heb 11). So even if we endure hardships (and we most certainly will), we can be sure that God is in charge working things for our best (Heb 12). Therefore ...

Given all this truth, the commands pale in comparison. Love your brothers ... because you are so dearly loved by Christ. Show hospitality ... because you are given so much. Remember those in prison ... because you are not of this world. Honor marriage ... because it is an image of our relationship with Christ. And so it goes. And, lest you forget, the author of Hebrews gives us another reason: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." None of His greatness, gifts, or goodness will waver. So you can be content and imitate your leaders and rest in His presence.

Now, to be sure, the reminder in verse 8 is also the basis for verses 9 and following, but, really, is obedience on these matters such a big thing considering who He is and what He has done and continues to do for us? You see, while other religions make morality the goal, Christianity makes morality the result. While other religions strive to be good, Christianity sees it as a simple act of gratitude, the obvious response to God's abounding grace and love for us. It only makes sense.