When reading Scripture, I am often overwhelmed by two types of passages: genealogies and long lists of commands. I have trouble processing the large amount of information—it’s too much to think about, and I’m tempted to give up and skip ahead.
We may tackle genealogies at some point in the future, but this article will focus on lists of commands. I will introduce some general principles for handling these passages, and then in two future articles, I will walk through specific examples.
Locate the Main Point
Our observation and interpretation in Bible study should serve our efforts to state the author’s main point in a passage. Then, we should look through the lens of that main point when we turn to application.
This is a mistake I make when reading some of the epistles. When I come to a long list of commands, I think of them individually, out of context. Consider this passage near the end of 1 Thessalonians.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thess 5:12–22)
I emphasized the imperatives in this passage by making them bold. I count 17 commands in these 11 verses! Considering these as individual commands is just too much—I want to throw my hands up and walk away.
However, these commands from Paul have a context. They are written at the end of a chapter which is at the end of a letter. Paul does not intend for us to scribble “Hold fast what is good” (for example) on an index card and stare at it when we open the fridge. We should connect this command to the reason Paul wrote it.
Finding the main point of a passage is hard, crucial work. Once we have that main point, it reorients us for the application to follow—we should apply the main point of the passage. This doesn’t mean we ignore the obvious commands of Scripture; instead, we understand them in the context of what the author is trying to communicate.
Rely on the Spirit and Seek Counsel
Connecting a list of commands to the main point of a passage isn’t a way to outflank obedience. We still have to stare that list of commands in the face. I’ve found it helpful to keep a few principles in mind.
There are no bonus points for speed. Often I benefit from slowing down and thinking through commands one at a time.
Consider the intended audience. Remember that most of the Bible was written to groups of people, not individuals. This should inform our application.
Seek the Lord. When I pray before (and during) a meditation on a list of commands, I often learn more about myself and am strengthened in God’s provision for me. It really is true that the Holy Spirit teaches us, directs us, and gives us wisdom (1 Cor 2:12-13, Eph 1:17, Rom 8:14).
Seek counsel from others. Our small groups and other trusted friends—specifically, people who know us well—are excellent resources to help us apply the Bible specifically.
Remember Jesus. When we keep the work and grace of Jesus front and center, this not only motivates us to obey but refreshes and renews us when we fail.
These general principles should be helpful as we learn how to handle an avalanche of commands in passages of Scripture. Look for two future articles which give concrete examples.
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