Study 3

A very brief introduction

This second command “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” contains only seven words, yet embraces the major part of the Ten Commands and in fact orders most of our actions. It is a command which is observed by people who have no real connection with Christ, for a variety of motives. Therefore our first step in discussion will be to establish the correct motivation for keeping this command.

Study: (Why not write your conclusions as you go?)

  • Matt 22: 39 —Jesus says, “and the second is like unto it” Can you explain this statement? In what way are the two commandments alike?
  • Is it possible to go to extremes in observing one of these commands to the exclusion of the other? (If you care to consider this question carefully, you may be able to explain a number of “church” errors.)
  • Motivation – consider these passages — they give a reason and an inspiration for our love for others.

Matt 5: 43-8 (See RV.) How do we cultivate the mind which will want to carry out these commands?

1 John 4: 9-11

John 15: 12 (What is the “fruit” in verse 16?)
Eph 4: 31-2; 5: 1-2.

Read Eph 5: 3-4. You will note that Paul here takes us back to Moses’ Ten Commands, and that will be the basis of the remainder of this study. In each case comment briefly on the ORIGINAL APPLICATION of each command, then apply to OUR SITUATION. You will note how each command was covered by Jesus’ “Second Command”.

Command 5. Exodus 20: 12 — Honour to father and mother. (Matt 15: 4-6)

Command 6. Exodus 20: 13 — re Murder. (Matt 5: 21-22)

Command 7. verse 14 — re adultery (Matt 5: 27-28)

Command 8. verse 15 — re stealing.

Command 9. verse 16 — re false witness (Matt 12: 34-37)
(Which is worse, a lie or a half-truth?)

Command 10. verse 17 — re-covetousness Perhaps this command has broader implications for us than some of the others?

In our times the commercial world exploits this human weakness. Are we aware of this? Are we exhorted sufficiently, in the brotherhood, so that -we can recognise and overcome the problem?

Study 4

Introduction

In this study we deal with love for those “within” the brotherhood — later we will expand the subject to embrace those “outside”.

The ecclesial situation is a matter of great concern to us all in these days, though we can scarcely claim that the problems are new. In fact, we reflect the position as it has been through the ages since the apostles first established the church. There is opposition to true worship from without and from within, and we exhibit all the signs of carnality described in 1 Cor 3: 3-5. (Read the quotation).

Under these conditions we see the problem of, at the same time,

  • Standing firm on scriptural principles — read Jude 3 / 4; 1 Tim 5: 20.
  • Doing all things in love! Read John 12:34-5.

Study

  • Could it be that some of us use the quotations such as in “a” above as an excuse to exhibit hatred or personal ambition?
  • Could it be that some of us use the quotations such as “b” above as an excuse for failing to have the courage to express our convictions?
  • How can we restore this balance of EXPRESSING OUR CONVICTIONS — but doing this IN A LOVING WAY for our brethren’s sake? See also Ezekiel 34:1-4. What should the ‘flock’ do when false shepherds, entering in, appear to take advantage of the gentleness of the flock to gain their own pre-eminence?
  • Is there a sense in which Christianity is at its best when persecuted from within and without? List the characteristics that we may (i) try to avoid(ii) try to develop as we each face these tests personally.
  • Consider and apply the following quotations —

1 John 2:10 and 3: 14

1 Peter 1: 22

John 13: 34-5

Galatians 6: 2, 10

1 Peter 3: 8-9, 4:8

  • Compare 1 Cor. 5: 11 with Proverbs 10:12, 11:13″