This long study contains many of the Commandments given to us in the various roles and phases of our walk in the faith and coming into maturity. All the Scriptures are written in parables and are a mystery. Many of these topics and roles are difficult to understand because while they have an outward or physical application that is true, there is a deeper underlying spiritual message and commandment we need to understand. This summary is a guide the Lord has prepared to enlighten the eyes of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Study and meditate on these words as the Lord leads you.
The Commands of Christ Jesus, the power of an endless Life
Rohnel, and my beloved husband, Peter, bondservants of God and Christ, unto the twelve tribes scattered in the world beloved of God, called to be saints, to the little children and the faithful: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Psa 31:21 Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
Psa 31:22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
Psa 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Psa 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Commandments to Guide Us in Our Many Roles
Marriage, Divorce, Husbands, Wives, Widows, Orphans, Masters, and Servants
Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Psa 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
The Institution of Marriage
The institution of marriage is holy unto Christ. The Lord is married to the Father, and He is marrying us if we are His in this age. Before Faith, the Comforter, comes, we are espoused to be married to Christ whilst we tarry in spiritual Jerusalem.
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Scriptures are clear about marriage. Christ tells us that the Father, through Him, created male and female from the beginning and that they are one flesh. Do not put asunder what God joined together.
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mar 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Mar 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
Mar 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
Mar 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
What God has joined together is also a parable to tell us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, the Father, and Christ, His Son. The Lord’s mercy endures forever. He puts us away for a little while because of our unfaithfulness to Him, and then comes back and raises us from our spiritual graves. What God has joined no man [lie] is to separate.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Joh 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Christ furthermore tells us that except for the sin of fornication, everybody who puts away his wife and marries another commits adultery, and everybody marrying her, the put-away wife, divorced wife, commits adultery.
Mar 10:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
Mar 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
Mar 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Mat 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
So, except for the reason of fornication, we do not divorce one another. We have to ask the question, what is fornication? Fornication in modern-day language is to have an affair. It means to have relations with someone else, except your husband or wife, while you are married. Spiritually speaking, fornication is to stray from Christ’s Commands, the Gospel, whilst married to Him.
2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
2Co 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Spiritually speaking, we make images of men and commit fornication with them. This means we try to establish our own righteousness through knowledge.
Eze 16:17 Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them,
Hos 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Committing fornication is to stray from Christ’s Gospel, His Commandments, as we try to get rich in spirit, making our nests up high. A fornicator does not believe Christ’s Commandments are what they need to know and obey to be saved. We do not know the Power of the Holy Spirit, saying there is no resurrection. At this point in our walk, we are spiritual Sadducees.
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [within you]
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen [within you]:
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen [within you], then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
We all did this, straying from the Commandments in times past, and if you haven’t yet, you will. The Lord puts us away for a little while because of our unfaithfulness. The Prophets write about our fornication and whoredom because Christ does not leave us without witnesses that testify against us. There are several witnesses to be found in the Prophets. Read Ezekiel chapter 16.
Jer 3:1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.
Jer 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withholden [a famine], and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.
Jer 3:4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Jer 3:5 Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.
The Lord is merciful and does not stay angry forever, but after we have suffered for a while, He comes back to us a second time after He has thoroughly cleansed us from all of our iniquities and false doctrines. He shows mercy to us by opening our eyes and ears to see and hear Him. Paul, the Apostle, is sent by Christ to show mercy.
Act 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Act 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Under the Law of Moses, a man, not a woman, could put away his wife after he had given her a bill of divorcement.
Mat 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
Mar 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Mar 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Mar 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
This was never an ideal situation, but the Lord tells us He allowed it because their hearts [Israel] were hardened.
Mat 19:8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Mar 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
Mar 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female [to be married as One like the Father and Christ].
We know that the Law of Moses is not for a righteous man but for the ungodly. We operate under a different Law, namely the Law of Christ, which is made for a righteous man, and this Law states that we do not put asunder what God has joined together.
1Ti 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1Ti 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
1Ti 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Psa 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Divorce
Paul writes clearly. Do not divorce your husband.
1Co 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
If a wife divorces her husband, she remains unmarried or reconciles with her husband. Husbands, do not divorce your wives.
1Co 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Believing spouses stay with their unbelieving spouses if the unbelieving spouses want to stay. The believing spouse sanctifies the unbelieving spouse; otherwise, their children would be unclean if this were not so.
1Co 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
1Co 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
1Co 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
If the unbelieving spouses want to depart, let them depart. We are not under bondage in such cases but are called to peace. Also, think spiritually, if the unbelievers want to depart from our fellowship, let them depart.
1Co 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
Marriage Relations
In marriage, our bodies belong to each other, and we do not defraud each other of relations. The husband has power over the wife’s body, and the wife has power over the husband’s body. This must be so to avoid the sin of fornication, that is, to have an affair with someone outside marriage.
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Co 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1Co 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1Co 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
There is an exception to this rule, where we do not have relations, when we give ourselves to prayer and fasting, and that with consent from each party. This is a parable, a mystery. Prayer and fasting are spiritual words, and to pray means to obey the Lord, by loving Him and keeping His Commandments, and fasting is to give Bread to the hungry. Praying and fasting mean to work. When we come together again, it spiritually means to rest in the Lord, hearing and studying His Word. All the Lord’s Words are spiritual. We do these Commands in the natural and in the spiritual.
1Co 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
The Unmarried
Paul encourages the unmarried and widows to stay single. However, if they marry, they do not sin; this is speaking in the natural.
1Co 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
Spiritually speaking, the unmarried and widows who are commanded to stay single are the same as saying that we have to stay in the same calling wherein we were called, meaning if we are circumcised, to not want to be uncircumcised, if we are uncircumcised, to not want to be circumcised. It means we have to keep the Commandments of God, which cleanse us and make us new. This is what matters. We have to have the Faith of Christ and works, that is, obedience to the Faith of Christ. This is what is being said above in a parable.
1Co 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
1Co 7:18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
1Co 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
1Co 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
1Co 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
1Co 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
1Co 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
Being uncircumcised and seeking to be circumcised is one pursuing knowledge over obedience. This is having Faith without the works of obedience. As the Scriptures say, all that matters is becoming a new creature. Being circumcised and seeking to be uncircumcised is one seeking to overcome sin without the Promise, the Faith of Christ. We are not able to become a new creation until the Faith of Christ, the Comforter, is given. We have to wait for the Lord’s second coming into our hearts and minds.
Staying in the same calling and not to be uncircumcised when circumcised or not to be circumcised when in uncircumcision is the same as saying that we have to wait for the Lord if we do not have His Spirit yet. Faith and obedience to His Commandments save us. We have to have both and not just Faith without obedience [works] or works without Faith. When we have both, we are the true Israel of God; we become new creatures in Christ and Christ only.
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Gal 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Still speaking in a mystery, if the unmarried and widows [young] marry, Christ marries them in their appointed time [on the third spiritual day of their walk], they do not sin. We are not to marry the world. It is far better to marry Christ than to fornicate with the world.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Virgins
Paul advises that it is good/needful for a man to be a virgin in the present times. If he marries, though he does not sin.
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
1Co 7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
1Co 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
If, however, a virgin marries, she does not sin; nevertheless, she will have trouble in the flesh.
Spiritually speaking, when Christ marries us, His espoused chaste virgin, we have trouble and always fill up what is behind in the afflictions of Christ. This is a parable, a mystery. Thus, naturally and spiritually speaking, when a virgin marries, there is tribulation and anguish ahead as judgment now comes to the house of God.
Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Rom 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Psa 119:143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
Time is Short
Paul furthermore advises us not to seek a wife if we are unmarried, and not seek to divorce, put away a wife if we are married, because time is short and the things of this world are passing away. This is the natural application of Paul’s words.
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
1Co 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless, such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
Spiritually speaking, what this is saying in a mystery is that we need to stay in the same calling as discussed above [1 Co 7:17-24], but if we are loosed from a wife under the law of the letter, when Satan is cast out, and Christ marries us, we do not sin.
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
When Christ comes with the Promise, we are married to Christ, and the devil is cast out as salvation has come to our house.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Paul further states that time is short and those with wives must act as if they have none. The spiritual statement about men having wives but acting as if they do not have wives means these men are like the angels who do not marry but are sent to those who are obtaining salvation. This applies to both males and females. Making yourself a eunuch for the Kingdom’s sake is all that is being said here:
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1Co 7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
1Co 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Here is the parable of the angels that do not marry; they are children of the resurrection. This parable means that when Christ marries us on the third day of our spiritual walk, we become like the angels who do not marry and are sent to those who obtain salvation. We become like the wind, a quickening spirit as we have been born again.
Mar 12:18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
Mar 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
Mar 12:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
Mar 12:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
Mar 12:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
Mar 12:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
Mar 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Mar 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Here are the Scriptures about making oneself an eunuch for the Kingdom’s sake, which confirm Paul’s testimony. Not all can receive this, as Christ says. The Lord is doing it all.
Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
Mat 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
The unmarried in this parable below cares for the things of the Lord, staying in his or her calling as we have seen above. They seek to please the Lord and are children of the resurrection.
1Co 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
However, he who is married to the law of the letter cares for the things of the world, how he may please his wife. Spiritually speaking, still being under the law of carnal ordinances, we seek the things of the world, the deceit of riches. This applies here.
1Co 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
Difference Between a Wife and a Virgin
This is a parable, a mystery, and it speaks to us in the physical application and in the spiritual application. In the natural view, the unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, and the married woman cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. In the spiritual, the virgin, the unmarried Church, pleases the Lord with her pure, unadulterated doctrine, awaiting His coming. This is before the Faith of Christ, the Promise of Christ comes.
1Co 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
1Co 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
The married woman is bound by the law to her husband and cannot please God. Only when her husband dies [her carnal mindset], will the Lord marry her if she is chosen and faithful in this age to bring forth fruit unto God. Let us read Romans 7 again. This is a parable.
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Speaking in the natural. Virgins who marry do not sin.
1Co 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
However, Paul writes that if you have the gift to stay single, stay single; it is better.
1Co 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
1Co 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
Here is the same principle of that which was said above; here it applies to the natural situation. Paul reckons a wife is better off staying single after her husband dies. She does not sin, however, if she marries again, it must be in the Lord. This is in the natural.
1Co 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
Widows
True widows get saved by the Body of Christ, which the Lord has prepared for them. They are the widows bringing up children, lodging strangers, washing the saints’ feet, relieving the afflicted, and following every good work. They should be honoured by the Church for their work’s sake. Poor widows, having the mind of Christ, give it all. These are spiritual words, not speaking of the outward.
1Ti 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Mar 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Any widow gets saved first through their spiritual family, which preaches the Gospel to them, so that they turn from idols unto God. This is the Baptism of John, and this is a parable. The children of spiritual widows shadow a renewing mindset, the Gospel being preached to them.
1Ti 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven [the Promise], whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
A Widow indeed is us in our more mature walk, trusting fully in the Gospel of Christ, and continuing in prayer and supplication for the Body of Christ night and day, being obedient to Christ’s Commandments, working with our own hands. A window indeed or true widow is set apart, being left alone and has the time and focus to labor in the ministry of the Gospel on behalf of the flock. This is a parable.
1Ti 5:5 NKJV Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
This is a parable. She who lives in pleasure while she lives, shadows us when we are still under the Law for the unrighteous, the law of the Gentiles, before the Promises come. We are carnally minded and cannot please God.
1Ti 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Older Widows
All these verses about widows are parables, written in a mystery. An older widow is a true widow, a widow indeed. As discussed above, after the older widow receives Power from on high, we raise spiritual children, washing the saints’ feet, relieving the afflicted, and following every good work. The Body that the Lord prepared for older widows is their saving grace because she [the resurrected Christ in her] was raised for their justification, just as she was delivered for their offenses.
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Younger Widows
This is a parable. To understand parables, we need to remember the sound principles to rightly divide the Word of Truth. A recent letter was published that reviewed some of the key principles. Principles to Rightly Divide the Word of Truth
Widows are those whose husbands have died to them. Because of unfaithfulness, Christ divorces us; we lose our husband, Christ, and thus become spiritual widows whilst we seek to be reconciled to Christ.
We are all younger widows in our time, and we leave our first love [the Commandments of Christ] and again go fornicating with the world. Our straying brings judgment upon us and turns us back to the bridegroom in due time.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
We leave the Gospel of Christ, trying to save ourselves through our knowledge and self-righteousness. We are not satisfied with the Commandments and the requirement to wait and prepare ourselves for Christ to come. We do not know that we are not spiritually minded, but instead are dead, twice plucked up by the roots.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Paul’s advice to the younger women is the same as Christ’s advice in the Book of Revelation to buy His gold tried in the fire. It is the same as saying that younger widows need to get married [to Christ] and bear children [which shadows a renewing mindset Rom 12:2] so they do not speak reproachfully against Christ and His Christ. Younger widows’ salvation is their believing family, their faithful brethren, who preach the Gospel to them. The Body [their spiritual family] makes provision and teaches them privately, serving tables so the Church may be relieved.
1Ti 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1Ti 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
1Ti 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
The Church Elders are commanded to appoint qualified brethren to serve tables and attend to the needs of these widows so they may hear and receive the Gospel and be married to Christ. These widows need to finish their Baptism of John, be prepared as brides, and wait for the coming of Christ.
Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
The Levites in Our Gate
The Levites in our gates are the ones doing service in the Assembly of God. We know those who labour in the Word among us. The Levites are priests who have the resurrected Christ, the Promise in them. The priests and those preparing for the priesthood are a royal priesthood, a peculiar nation, a chosen generation, kings and priests to the Lord. Kings rule and priests serve the flock of God.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1Th 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
The Levites are never to be forsaken and shall always be fed by the Apostles so they can minister their priestly duties to the flock of God.
Deu 16:14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
Deu 12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
The Fatherless
The fatherless, also called orphans in the Church, are those who still wait for the Promise of God to come to them. They are still waiting for Christ and the Father and tarry in spiritual Jerusalem. They are our spiritual children begotten through the Gospel, as Paul begat Timothy through the Gospel. He also begat the Corinthian Church through the Gospel. God loves the fatherless who wait and tarry for Him.
1Co 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1Co 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father , and ye in me, and I in you.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Deu 26:13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy Commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy Commandments, neither have I forgotten them:
The Stranger
The strangers among us are those who believe, but they are not in the Assembly. God loves the stranger. This is the other flock that the Lord has, and we are unaware of who they are at present.
Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
The Apostles’ writings are not just to the assemblies they know but also to the scattered pilgrims, saints, and strangers out there.
1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
3Jn 1:5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
We are to be hospitable to strangers. We are never to turn away from those who are reading outside the camp and want to come. We were all strangers once upon a time.
Exo 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
We never know who is ordained to become or already is an angel of the Lord. We are hospitable and welcoming to all.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Husbands
Husbands are to love their wives as themselves; that is to lay down their lives for their wives, keeping the Commandments of Christ. This is a parable. Husbands nourish and feed their wives as Christ does for us, His true wife. These Scriptures apply in the natural and in the spiritual.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
As Christ is jealous for us, His wife, we are to be jealous with the same loving care for one another as we are married in Spirit, being both husband and wife to each other.
A Husband is bitter [jealous] against his wife if she is unfaithful to him. It means the wife does not obey the husband; she is rebellious. Under the Law of Moses, wives had to drink bitter water to see if she was guilty of unfaithfulness.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
The Old Testament ritual known as the “Law of Jealousy” was for a husband who believed his wife had committed adultery, and it is a parable of us going astray from Christ’s Commandments. The living waters the woman drinks are the Commandments that test/determine whether one has gone astray from their husband [Christ]. The living Commandments bring the truth to the light and judge what needs to be corrected. The Commandments become a curse to the flesh of the guilty and a blessing that bears children for those proven to be faithful.
Num 5:18 And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:
Num 5:19 And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:
Husbands are to give honour to their wives, being co-heirs with them.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Wives
Paul rightly points out that wives need to be subject to their husbands in everything, as the Church, the wife of Christ, is subject to Christ in everything. Wives need to deeply respect their husbands as we deeply respect Christ, the Living Word, not the flesh, who is the First and the Last.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
First, we do not respect Christ as our Husband and revere His Commands. We go our own way, waxing fat. Waxing fat is a spiritual term for getting puffed up with knowledge, which we are more interested in than obeying the Lord. We are not to grow fat and kick against the pricks, meaning we know better, but love and respect our Husband, Christ, and be subject to Him.
Deu 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Deu 32:16 They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
Deu 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
Deu 32:18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
Here are more witnesses:
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Being an Example
Wives [all of us in the Body] are commanded to set an example without a word if any of their husbands are disobedient. It comes with a Promise that they would behold our chaste conversation with fear. The Bride of Christ, as His spiritual wife, has the adornment of a meek and quiet Spirit, receiving the implanted Word without kicking against the pricks. Our adornment is spiritual, a meek and quiet Spirit that has great value before God. Being changed inwardly, the outward changes too.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
Fathers
Fathers, do not provoke your children, which means not starting an argument or not arguing with your children, that is to say, provoking wrath in their children. It is a spiritual parable commanding us to bridle our tongues and know how to speak and thereby do Christ’s Law. Anger means to do violence in the land; that is, to have accusing or excusing thoughts within ourselves. We teach our spiritual children to be at rest, to live in peace, and to be dead to those emotions and impulses. Blessed are the peacemakers, for these are the children of God. In Christ’s law, we are dead to the world and its impulses and rest in the Commandments. Christ in us is the Prince of Peace, coming to dwell in us, who leads us in the example He gave when He walked in a clay vessel. Christ made His grave with the wicked, reckoning Himself dead; thus, no violence was heard in the Promised Land within Him. We always stayed in thought and deed on the Father’s Commandments.
Isa 53:9 And Christ made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
We are not to provoke anyone to sin, not children, not any man, but rather provoke each other to love, which means to keep the Commandments of God.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Children
This is a parable. Spiritual parents are those who beget children in the Gospel. When spiritual children obey and follow the example of their parents, they obtain eternal life; life aionios. An Obedient Church is well pleasing to the Lord.
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Eph 6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
We are all first disobedient children who walk in the law for the carnally minded. Hearing the Gospel preached by spiritual parents, we are quickened by the Promise, the Living Spirit of Christ, and we rise from the dead and overcome our sins.
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Aged Men
Aged men are full of days and are likened unto the Apostle Paul, who was already poured out for the Church’s sake.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Aged men are not given to too much wine, that is, knowledge that does not profit Christ. They are serious about Christ’s Doctrine, meaning obeying the Commandments and have learned self-restraint; their spirits being subject to them. Aged men are givers of good things in love, patience, and gentleness.
Tit 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
Aged Women/Young Women
Aged women are likewise full of days; they are mature, they teach the Gospel of Christ, and that is not to be false accusers.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Aged women teach the younger to love Christ, their Husband, and to love their children, who represent the renewed mindsets that emerge after they are born of the Promise coming. An aged woman teaches the Commandments and is not given to pursue much wine [knowledge]. Everyone says the old is better at first. This is a parable. They study and work at home, obey their husbands, are prudent, and have the pure, unadulterated Gospel of Christ.
Tit 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Tit 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Pro 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Why do we say the old is better? Here is the meaning of this parable. You have to be born again with the coming of the Promise. We need the Power from on High before one can receive and appreciate Christ and His Doctrine.
Mat 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Mat 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
Young Men
Young men have been born again of the Spirit of God, have overcome the wicked one, and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of God. They are encouraged and strengthened to show a growing pattern of good works and the incorruptible nature of the Living Christ.
Young men in Spirit are strong thoughts, Christ Words, which overcome the wicked one/devil, meaning our carnal thoughts and temptations through the unadulterated Doctrine of Christ. This is a parable: the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Tit 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Tit 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Tit 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
1Jn 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
All the qualities of young men are to be found in the Commandments of Christ, which are sober, incorrupt, grave, and sincere.
Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Masters
All of the Lord’s Words, including these Scriptures, are a parable that applies in both the natural [outward] and in the spiritual. We live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God; therefore, we also live the Word of being a master.
1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
Being a master is to teach the children, heirs of the Promises, who are likened unto servants who obey those the Lord has set in the church to shepherd the flock. Before the Faith of Christ comes, the child, although an heir, is still under a school master until the day of Christ, when they are no longer under a school master. Before the Promise comes, masters are needed to teach and preach the Gospel. After the Promise comes, all are taught of God as is written in the Prophets. The anointing, the Spirit of the Living God, teaches us once the Spirit is given.
Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The Day of Christ is when the Holy Spirit, the Promise, comes into our hearts and minds. Faith is the faith of Christ’s coming, the Promise, also known as the Comforter. Until then, we are children needing to be schooled.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [The faith of Christ]
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Being in bondage to the elements of the world means one remains yet carnal and still bound by the law of the accusing and excusing mindset.
Masters, as such, are commanded to give these children what is due to them, namely, the Gospel of Christ, that which is just and equal. Remember, the children are likened unto servants. This is a parable like all of the Scriptures.
Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Eph 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Eph 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Masters do not despise these children, forbearing from threatening them, not judging after the flesh, but remember that these are heirs of the Promises and eternal life, knowing the Father and the Son. All is done in a parable. They baptize these children with the Baptism of John [water] unto repentance and also the Baptism of Fire. These are spiritual words.
Eph 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Act 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Act 13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
Masters have tongues that are bridled; in other words, they preach the Gospel as much as is required of them. Only the Gospel of Christ bridles the tongue, not adding a word to it, not taking a word from it. Masters do not think above what is written, but think soberly.
Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Servants
As the Lord’s servants, we exist in the natural and the spiritual and thus obey the Commandments for servants in both applications. The natural always precedes the spiritual experience, yet we live both.
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
We learn to be obedient to the froward, meaning those in the flesh at enmity with the things of the Lord, and later learn to be obedient to the good and the gentle masters representing the spiritual. Faith has us believing the Lord is working all things, thus we obey our masters and suffer for well doing.
1Pe 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
1Pe 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
Christ was a Servant as well as a Master and set the example we are to follow, speaking no guile, never reviling back, but suffering for righteousness’ sake.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1Pe 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
We are all servants in serving Christ and His Body, meaning our fellow brethren who come together and share a like-minded faith. Like Christ, we serve all, both the froward and the spiritual, and we do this by laying down our lives and obeying the Commandments of the Father. His will be done and not ours.
Mar 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Mar 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Servants obey from the heart, whether under the carnal law or have been set free by Christ’s coming and giving His Faith. This means obeying their masters without hypocrisy, with the promise of eternal life if they do. Before Faith comes, we obey[follow] those who have rule over us [Christ’s Christ], and after Faith comes, we become servants of the indwelling Christ. We wear Romans 7 out in this study; nevertheless, it stays true, it is just that important. All things become new.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Singleness of heart means obeying His Commandments, which sets us free from the law of sin and death. Singleness of heart means we have a pure heart, spiritually speaking.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Servants under the yoke are true heirs but still under the school master of the law, still waiting for the Promise of God, the Comforter. Servants under the yoke do not judge their masters but give them all honour. Spiritual masters look out for the souls of their servants whom they oversee. Consider the Scriptures in the Book of Galatians again, as set out under the sub-title Masters in the preceding section.
1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke [tarrying, waiting for the Promise] count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Co 10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
Isa 32:1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
Believing masters, spiritually speaking, have already obtained the Promise of God. Believing masters do not despise their servants because they are faithful, beloved, and partakers of the Promise in due time.
There is also a natural application to Scriptures, and in all cases, everything we do is to be done as if we do it unto the Lord and not men.
Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Servants obey their masters without the sin of hypocrisy but from the heart, as to the Lord. We always strive to do our best as unto the Lord.
Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Eph 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Eph 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Honour your masters in the natural and in the spiritual. Those who rule over you in Spirit are the Apostles, the Elders, and the Bishops, who are appointed by God. Spiritual masters care for the souls of their children and servants and feed and clothe them along with the strangers, the Levite, the young widows, and the fatherless. Those are the ones feeding the flock like a shepherd. They are servants of all.
Tit 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Tit 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
The strong arm of the Lord is the leaders, the apostles, elders, teachers, and masters the Lord has put into the Body to teach, preach, and live the Gospel.
Isa 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Masters and Servants Dwelling in Unity
All of the interaction between believing masters and servants in the spiritual points to the Scriptures in Romans Chapter 14. It is a parable, a mystery. These Scriptures describe the relationship between servants and believing masters, meaning between the elders the Lord has appointed and the younger in the faith. All in the Body of Christ are in a place where God, the Father, and Christ, the Son, have placed them. Let us rejoice in the Holy Spirit. We walk out and keep the sayings of the Book both as servants and believing masters.
1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1Ti 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Masters and servants obey the Commandments and learn not to despise or judge each other, respecting where the Lord has placed every unique member of His Body. We rather love one another, which means to obey the Commandments. We love and tarry with one another in patience. We wait for the Lord to come or appear more in our walk as we mature and become the perfect man in Christ. While we wait, we work in the Kingdom by studying at home, and provoking one another to good works, being an example to one another.
Here are the key Scriptures. Please read with spiritual eyes.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
We receive those who are new and weak in the faith, but we do not let them speak about false doctrines and things contrary to the Gospel. Likewise, the stronger do not force feed the weaker the strong meat that young ones cannot digest at present maturity.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Servants and masters alike learn patience as we all wait on the Lord. We do not judge or condemn anyone for where the Lord has them, as they are His workmanship, clay in His hands. Instead, we instruct in gentleness and encourage them to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Master’s preach the Gospel and sow the seed or water the seed that has been sown, yet it is the Lord who multiplies us and gives the increase on His timeline. We ask the Lord for it.
1Th 3:11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
1Th 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
Every brother or sister is exactly where they are supposed to be, and all shall give an account to God in their appointed times. All of us as Servants are to obey God and not put any stumbling block in front of our brothers.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
The more mature err when they force knowledge and meaty topics onto their brethren before they have the maturity and understanding to receive it.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Paul ministered to the carnal Corinthian church, which was waiting for the Promise to come. He could not give them strong meat and had to deal with them as babes, as children, as we are also commanded.
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
Laying hands suddenly on no man says the same things, and we need to be discerning and, where required, keep our faith, the knowledge, and the meat the Lord gave us to ourselves. It is a sin to eat things that are not of faith, so both he who eats and he who gives the meat need to take heed.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
This letter is finished. Let us be glad and rejoice that the Lord shows us these wondrous and blessed things. We are satisfied with your blessings, Lord; we are the seed that serves You and Your Christ.
Psa 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psa 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Psa 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Psa 22:25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psa 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
Psa 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Psa 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations.
Psa 22:29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
Psa 22:30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
Psa 22:31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
Receive ye the Gospel. Receive ye the Holy Spirit.
