Chapter 6: Having the Right Attitude About God’s Commands

In the introduction, we discussed how John 8:28 says that God the Father taught the New Testament commands to Jesus, who in turn gave the commands to His disciples over a period of three years. God the Father, in the presence of His Son, also gave the original “Ten Commandments” to Moses. Thus, it is very important that we have the right attitude towards the commands of Jesus, which also come from God the Father. The right attitude about commandments is displayed by King David in Psalm 19:7-13 below.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

David probably needs no introduction. As you already know, he loved God deeply as a boy. As he grew, he also obeyed God’s commandments and was given tremendous favor, even to the point of being anointed as the second king of Israel. But he later committed the sins of adultery and murder due to his lust for Bathsheba, and his life went into a tailspin. However, he

repented, and God even allowed Solomon (the son of he and Bathsheba) to be the third king of Israel. Look at what David told Solomon as his final charge before his death.

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ (1 Kings 2:1-4)

The Commands of Jesus (51-60)

Command 51

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ (Matthew 10:7)

Command 52

Heal the sick… (Matthew 10:8)

Command 53

…raise the dead… (Matthew 10:8)

Command 54

…cleanse those who have leprosy… (Matthew 10:8)

Command 55

…drive out demons. (Matthew 10:8)

Command 56

Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8)

Command 57

Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. (Matthew 10:9-10)

Command 58

Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. (Matthew 10:11)

Command 59

As you enter the home, give it your greeting. (Matthew 10:12)

Command 60

If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. (Matthew 10:13)