5 Commands From Jesus That Most Christians Disobey

What are the five commands of Jesus Christ that most Christians disobey today? Are you one of those who are also disobeying Christ?

Baptism

So many people have claimed faith in Christ by saying they were baptized, but baptism cannot save, but the saved are to be baptized. This is a command from Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18-20) that nearly half of all believers disobey. They’ve been saved, but they have never been baptized which is supposed to be a public profession of faith that we are to make (Rom 10:9-13). It is an outward symbol of an inward conversion, signifying the life, death and then resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remember we too were once dead in our sins (Eph 2:1-5) but now raised to new life in Christ. When I ask people why they haven’t been baptized, the answers are various, like “I’ve just never gotten around to it” or “I’m going to do that someday” but that “someday” never comes, so half of all Christians have disobeyed Jesus’ command to be baptized. This makes not being baptized one of the most disobeyed commands of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Communion

There are at least five imperative commands in the New Testament to observe Communion or the Lord’s Supper and yet a whopping 40% of Christians have never attended even once! This is an imperative command from Jesus Christ Himself (Mar 14; Luke 22; 1 Cor 11). Jesus Christ said to do this and the Apostle Paul writes is as a command, saying “do this.” In the Greek it is an imperative command, meaning it is not optional. When we do this, we proclaim Christ’s death and His second coming (1 Cor 11:26). If you don’t take communion or the Lord’s Supper, then you are disobeying Jesus’ direct, imperative command…a command from the King of kings! Should it not matter deeply to us to participate in Communion because it mattered deeply to Jesus Christ (Luke 22:15)? Why do so many disobey this very important command? The risk of continual disobedience might mean a person thinks they are saved, but in actuality, they may be headed to hell for eternity (Matt 7:21-23). Why do we call Him Lord and not do what He commands? Is He then, really your Lord?!

“Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24).

The Great Commission

Jesus said to go into all the world to proclaim the gospel (Matt 28:18-20), and yet most Christian’s won’t even go next door! They are silent about Christ as almost being ashamed of Him, and that’s dangerous ground to walk on (Matt 8:38; Mark9:26, etc.). Today in the church, it’s not the Great Commission, but the “great omission,” meaning well over 9 in 10 Christians have never lead anyone to Christ and fewer still have ever talked with a stranger sharing the gospel (only 4 in a hundred! ).

Assembling With the Saints

The church today is about as bad at attending church, which is commanded, as any generation of Christians that have come before. One man said that people think churches are all about money or something worse, not realizing they themselves are far from perfect. An old, wise pastor of 87 years old (yes, he’s still preaching!) said that the reason people don’t come to church is they are lazy, they care more about themselves than honoring God, and they are too busy for God. When Christians forsake the church, they lose a valuable resource; friends, God’s family, other brothers and sisters in Christ, prayer warriors, giving real help when needed, even financial aid. Wolves are not afraid of sheep….but wolves are afraid of sheep next to the Shepherd; the Shepherd of our souls (1 Pet 2:25). Satan roams around looking for the weak, hurting sheep that have been separated from the flock’s protection (Eph 4:27, 6:11; 1 Pet 5:8; Rev 12:9), and his victims are the ones out there…with no protection.

Fellowship With the Saints

Singing and making noise to the Lord is a great way to serve with gladness.

The author of Hebrews, which really is God, says “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb10:24). There are over one hundred “one another’s” in the New Testament and nearly half of those are imperative commands, so when we do not attend a church and fellowship with the saints, we are breaking nearly fifty imperative commands! We call Him Lord and then break almost half a hundred of His imperative commands?! Why then can we honestly call Him Lord of whom we do not obey? That’s why God commands us to “not [be] neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:25). You can’t stir up someone up to good works who’s not there and you can’t be encouraged by others if you’re by yourself. We need one another and you have a place in the Body of Christ to serve, for which God has called you (1 Cor 12). Of course, some have no access to a church and others are shut-ins or disabled and cannot attend, so God certainly understands that, but for those of us who can attend, who can worship with, and who can serve shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be compelled by conscience to attend.

Conclusion

I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If that has not happened yet, my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean, in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.

Here is some related reading for you: How God Blesses Our Obedience But Curses Sin

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: Baptism, Church, Communion, Fellowship, Great Commission, Lord's Supper