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4 And [de] we have confidence [peitho] in [en] the Lord [kurios] touching [epi] you, [humas] that [hoti] ye both [kai] do [poieo] and [kai] will do [poieo] the things which [hos] we command [paraggello] you. [humin]KJV-Interlinear
4 And we have confidence in the
Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will
continue to do what we command. NASB
Entering into this
chapter, Paul has now left his instruction in eschatology, and is now beginning
his instruction in the common sense applications of life.
And in this sense,
everyone has an obligation to obey the commandments of truth, whether they agree
with them or not.After all, to reject
truth means to accept lies, and that is a dead end
course for anyone who pursues it.
You just have to come
to the realization as to what actually is truth, and what is the lie in
life.Bible study provides you that
clarity, which by the way is not by default, something that some pastor, or
preacher, or evangelist might tell you, but as we have already studied, the
Holy Spirit in His function of making things clear and conspicuous, makes all things
clear that are truth, and enables you to discern out the lies of life.
That is a supernatural
function, one that you cannot detect, feel, or experience with the usual
emotional senses.
But, and there is
always a but, you have to be faithful in your search
and pursuit of truth.Earlier we studied
that one of the obligations of the Christian was to question, to make inquiry,
to test that which was being taught.This is not an adversarial questioning, but an objective pursuit for
truth.Not a tainted
attempt to prove what you want to be true, but to discover what actually is
true, and then utilize it in your life.
Therefore, Paul states
here, that we have confidence, not in you, but in Christ.For Christ is God and God is truth.Man is typically biased and, far from the
objectivity that truth requires.
And in what, about
Christ?In touching, epi, which means to make a superimposition, to make over,
to carry upon,And
this refers to the doctrine and truth which it carries, being imputed, sewn into,
and otherwise re-make the pattern of your thoughts.
So, this is not a
brainwashing, for brainwashing is forced thought, with no opportunity to make
changes.Bible instruction is strictly
voluntary and is learned only because you want to learn it.In Christian studies, you always have the option
to reject, disagree, or even to turn away from it all.
This concept of
questioning everything, also prevents groups such as
governments, churches, or even social organizations from suppressing or
withholding truth from its citizens, members, constituents, and so forth.This promotes freedom of movement for the individual.This we call,
liberty.
And if you do as
commanded by the legitimate teaching of the scriptures, and are not misdirected
by some bastardized version, then you will do very well in life.And not only in life, but in the next life.
Psa. 19:8
8 The precepts of the
Lord are right, rejoicing the heart, The commandment
of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. NASB
Other verses regarding
obedience to truth, Mark 1:15, 6:12, Matt. 3:2, 4:17, Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30,
26:20, 2 Cor. 10:1,11, 13:2,10, Phil. 2:12