Introduction

• Hebrews 13:1 - “Let love of the brethren continue”
• Ephesians 4:3, 13-15

The right authority

• Matthew 21:23 - They were not sincere, but this is a legitimate question.
• I Corinthians 20:10-13
• Isaiah 8:19-20

Commands

• Matthew 28:18-20
• Luke 17:7-10
• I Corinthians 7:19
• I Thessalonians 4:1-2, 11
• II Thessalonians 3:4-6, 10-12
• II Peter 2:21-3:2
• I John 2:3-4; 3:22-24; 4:21-5:3
• II John 1:4-6

Examples

• John 15:12
• Acts 20:35
• I Corinthians 4:16; 10:6-11; 11:1
• Philippians 3:17; 4:9
• I Thessalonians 1:6
• II Thessalonians 3:7-9
• Hebrews 4:11
• III John 1:9-11

Implications

• Genesis 2:24 ➡️ Matthew 19:3-6
• Exodus 3:6 ➡️ Mark 12:26-27
• Psalms 16:10 ➡️ Acts 2:24-32
• Psalms 110:1 ➡️ Matthew 22:41-46; Acts 2:33-36
• Matthew 9:6 ➡️ Matthew 9:2
• Acts 10:10-16 ➡️ Acts 10:28 - The gospel is for all.
• Acts 16:9 ➡️ Acts 16:10

When we’re trying to understand God’s will on a particular matter, we take all of the information that’s available in the Bible (in whatever for it’s in) and bring it all into a harmonious conclusion - “So this is what God wants!”

Pitfalls we want to avoid

Let’s avoid appeals to human tradition

• “But we’ve always done it this way.”
• Matthew 15:1-9
• II Thessalonians 2:15

Let’s avoid appeals to human authorities

• “Well, ol’ brother so-and-so always said …”
• Matthew 15:7-9
• Acts 17:11

Instead of assuming, let’s ask sincere questions.

• “What do you mean by that?” “Which verses teach that?”
• John 7:24

Let’s love God and each other enough to eagerly get into the text!

• Hebrews 13:1