Learning from Paul's Imperatives: Don't Be That Guy

Don't Be That Guy: Learning from Paul's Imperatives

Have you ever met that guy? The one who seems to always be stirring up trouble, causing division, or just generally being a nuisance? We all know someone like this, and if we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we can be that guy too.

But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1) and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1). This means we must pay attention to the imperatives given to us in the Scriptures, especially those given by the apostle Paul.

Imperatives and Indicatives

Before we dive into Paul's imperatives, let's first discuss the difference between imperatives and indicatives. An indicative is a statement of fact, while an imperative is a command or instruction. In the Scriptures, we find both indicatives and imperatives, and they are often closely related.

For example, in Romans 5:8, we read, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is an indicative statement, a statement of fact about what God has done for us in Christ. But then in Romans 6:11, we read, "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." This is an imperative statement, a command to live in light of the indicative truth that we have died to sin and been made alive in Christ.

So why is this important? Because our obedience to the imperatives given to us in Scripture is always grounded in the indicatives of what God has done for us in Christ. We don't obey to earn God's favor or to prove our own righteousness, but rather in response to the grace that has been shown to us in Christ.

Don't Be That Guy

Now let's turn our attention to some of the imperatives given to us by Paul in his letters. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). This is a command to speak truthfully, to put away falsehood, and to recognize that we are all members of one body.

But have you ever met that guy who always seems to be lying or exaggerating the truth? The one who can't be trusted because you never know what's true and what's not? Don't be that guy. Instead, speak truthfully and honestly, recognizing that your words have an impact on those around you.

Another imperative given to us by Paul is found in his letter to the Galatians. He writes, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). This is a command to walk by the Spirit, to live in a way that is in line with the character of God and not in line with our own sinful desires.

But have you ever met that guy who seems to be ruled by his fleshly desires? The one who can't control his temper, his lust, or his greed? Don't be that guy. Instead, walk by the Spirit, seeking to live in a way that honors God and reflects his character to those around you.

A Call to Love

Perhaps the most famous imperative given to us by Paul is found in his first letter to the Corinthians. He writes, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). This is a command to love, to live in a way that reflects the love of God that has been shown to us in Christ.

But have you ever met that guy who seems to be full of hate, bitterness, and anger? The one who can't seem to let go of a grudge or forgive those who have wronged him? Don't be that guy. Instead, love others as Christ has loved you, seeking to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those around you.

Living in Light of the Gospel

As we consider these imperatives given to us by Paul, it's important to remember that they are always grounded in the indicatives of what God has done for us in Christ. We don't obey these commands to earn God's favor or to prove ourselves righteous, but rather in response to the grace that has been shown to us in Christ.

As Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7). We are called to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, rooted and built up in Christ, and abounding in thanksgiving for all that he has done for us.

So don't be that guy who ignores the imperatives given to us in Scripture. Instead, seek to live in a way that reflects the grace, mercy, and love that has been shown to us in Christ. Walk in the Spirit, speak truthfully, love others, and live in light of the gospel.

References

• Ephesians 5:1


• Ephesians 4:1


• Romans 5:8


• Romans 6:11


• Ephesians 4:25


• Galatians 5:16


• 1 Corinthians 13:13


• Colossians 2:6-7