Pauls letters often include, roughly, two basic sections: a section on theology (filled with indicatives) and a section on practical instruction (filled with imperatives) which follows the theology like night follows day. Example: Romans 12:1 says, I beseech you *therefore*, brethren… referring back in general to the prior 11 chapters of deep theology. Without the theological basis, it is difficult for the reader to appreciate the power and benefit from the effectiveness of the imperatives found in chapters 12 to 16. But in their proper context, its the imperatives which are so convicting to all of us. After expounding our calling in Christ for three chapters, Paul pleads with believers to walk worthy of that calling (Eph. 4:1) and writes in Ephesians 5:3-4, Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Its one thing to say amen to the indicatives, but the real test is how we respond to the imperatives.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 19:22:45 +0000