The world is filled with commands»Command implies authority – legitimate»Command implies power to enforce»No authority or power – no submission,Acts 19:14-16»No authority or power – trouble,Acts 19:40

Commands of God are helpful»Wisdom, Psa. 119:98»Value, Psa. 119:127»Desire, Psa. 119:131»Delight, Psa. 119:143

Jesus had authority to give commands»Equal with Father, Jn. 5:18-30»How do we know they were legitimate

•Cast out demons, Mk. 1:22-27•Calm water & wind, Lk. 8:22-25•Walk on water, Mt. 14:22-29•Laying down/taking up life, Jn. 10:17,18

»Must heed, Jn. 12:48

Apostles had authority to command»Apostles by command, 1 Tim. 1:1»Received commands, Acts 1:2

•Go into world, Mk. 16:15•Baptize & teach, Mt. 28:19, 20•Worship, Mt. 26:26-28; Acts 2:42; 20:7

»Gave commands, 1 Thes. 4:2; 1 Cor. 14:37

Obedience required for a relationshipwith the Lord

»To know Him, 1 Jn. 2:3-6»To please Him, 1 Jn. 3:22»To abide in Him, 1 Jn. 3:24»To be His friend, Jn. 15:14

Obedience springs from love»Keep My commandments,Jn. 14:15, 21; 15:10»Love of God, 1 Jn. 5:1-3; 2 Jn. 6

In relation to man»Love, Mt. 22:39; Jn. 13:34; 15:12»Father & mother, Eph. 6:2»Widows, 1 Tim. 5:3-8»Marriage & Divorce, 1 Cor. 7:10; Mt. 19:9»Withdrawal, 2 Thes. 3:6

In relation to possessions»Work, 2 Thes. 3:12; 1 Thes. 4:11»Trust God, 1 Tim. 6:17-19

In relation to God»Love, Mt. 22:36-38»Walk in truth, 2 Jn. 4; 1 Cor. 16:13»Plan of salvation

•Believe, 1 Jn. 3:23•Repent, Acts 17:30•Be baptized, Acts 10:47, 48

The world is filled with commands»Command implies authority – legitimate»Command implies power to enforce»No authority or power – no submission,Acts 19:14-16»No authority or power – trouble,Acts 19:40

Commands of God are helpful»Wisdom, Psa. 119:98»Value, Psa. 119:127»Desire, Psa. 119:131»Delight, Psa. 119:143