Understanding Direct Commands
Definition
- Direct commands are explicitly stated instructions in Scripture
- Found in passages that clearly state “do this” or “don’t do this”
- Part of “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Key Examples of Direct Commands
- Go & Teach
- “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15)
- “Teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
- Sing
- Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19)
- Making melody in your heart to the Lord (Colossians 3:16)
- Communion
- “This do in remembrance of me”
- First day of the week observance (Acts 20:7)
- Elements: unleavened bread and fruit of vine
- Contribute
- First day of the week collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Give as prospered
- Planned giving to avoid last-minute collections
Understanding Necessary Inference
Definition
- Conclusions that must be drawn from explicit statements
- What is implicitly taught is as binding as what is explicitly stated
- Requires careful reasoning from evidence
Key Principles
- Authority Transfer
- Commands to apostles apply to us through:
- “Even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20)
- Teaching others to observe all things commanded
- Passing to “faithful men who shall teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2)
- Universal Application
- What was bound in first century is bound today unless:
- Context limits it to that time
- Scripture elsewhere shows it was temporary
- Example of Inference Process
- Direct command: “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38)
- Not directly spoken to us today
- Applies through:
- Great Commission’s universal scope
- Command to teach all nations
- Logical necessity of application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Limiting to Direct Commands Only
- Error: Saying only explicit statements bind
- Truth: Both explicit and implicit teachings bind
- Necessary “Interference”
- Don’t confuse inference with interference
- Must be based on sound reasoning from evidence
- Ignoring Context
- Some commands were temporary (e.g., spiritual gifts)
- Some are universal (e.g., Lord’s Supper)
- Context determines application
Application Method
- Identify the direct command
- Examine the context
- Gather all related evidence
- Reason from the evidence
- Draw necessary conclusions
- Apply properly today