The Commands of Christ: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus

by Tom Blackaby

Jesus says in John 15:10-11, “If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

The Commands of Christ is an unpacking of that key promise, a simply powerful presentation of the loving imperatives we sometimes know more by rote than by Love your enemies; Don’t store up treasures on earth; Seek first the kingdom of God; Let your light shine before men , etc.

Tom Blackaby’s focused writing serves as a plumb line of sorts, guiding us toward a vibrant commitment to the Lordship of Christ that better shapes our lives, how we worship, and how we relate to others. You will begin to know more clearly and experience more fully the freedom that comes through obedient acts of love and service to God.

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2011

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summary of the book is best given by a quote from the author's father, Henry Blackaby: "God's commands are designed to guide you to life's best." God's commands not only give us instructions for life but also give us information about the Father.

There are several reasons to come to Christ "as a child": eager learner, accept things by faith, willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, love is not complicated to a child, God wants us to trust Him.

"Mercy is withholding a punishment, criticism, or rebuke that is rightfully deserved."
"Giving helps keep our hearts in check and our loyalties where they belong."
"We are not the slaves of others but the servants of Christ. There is a significant difference."
"Giving in to temptation is the quickest way to deny Christ, to leave the path of righteousness, to abandon spiritual loyalties, and to self-destruct.
"Do not be manipulated or pressured by others to follow their priorities and urgencies."
"Consider every obedience an act of love toward the One who gave His life for us."

[Dean Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, thorough list of each and every commandment of Jesus Christ. Shortish, compact delivery of each one, nicely summarized and applied. I would suggest the epilogue as the actual starting point of the book, it's that good. It nicely captures WHY these commands matter. Start there.

[AYVA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really gives a deeper view of the commandments of christ and helps to internalise the commandments through thought provoking examples and words. I throughly enjoyed reading

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an informative book on the different commands found in the Bible. These commands are for areas in our lives that the Lord wants us to grow spiritually. I really liked how the author explained these commands as directives from the Lord to help guide, direct or train us. They are not meant to punish us. The Lord knows we are imperfect and only gives these commands to help guide us to the life He wants us to have in Him.

There are many verses throughout this book. I like that he included most of those in the text so you did not have to look them up. It made reading the book an easy experience. The best part of the book was after the author explained the particular command he was clarifying. He included a section called Application. This section is where the author said here is what the verses said and here is how to apply this particular verse to your every day life.

I liked how simple and easy to understand this book was. I think this would be a perfect book for a new Christian to read, especially if that person is struggling with trying to do everything just right. I found the authors words to be encouraging and very informative. I gave this book 5/5 stars because it is a great book for every Christian to read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Ben Zajdel]

In The Commands of Christ, Tom Blackaby cuts to the heart of the teachings of Jesus. Focusing the book specifically on Jesus's specific commands, Blackaby is able to strip away the dogma that has been heaped on the words of Christ, and examine his teachings with simplicity.

The book is laid out in direct format: Blackaby quotes a verse of scripture in which Jesus issues a command, and then he expounds on what Jesus has said. At the end of each chapter, Blackaby gives a way to apply this command in our modern world.

The book is divided into six sections, each dealing with their own issues. Some of the topics covered are cautions, character, Christ as Lord, and coming to God. Essentially an organized commentary, Blackaby has created an easy reference for reading the words of Jesus.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Blackaby, son of well known author and teacher Henry Blackaby, offers an easy to read book addressing the commands of Christ. Using the Great Commission as a springboard, Blackaby points out that "teaching them to observe all things" is a central command and component in obedience to the Great Commission.
This book features short chapters for easy reading and would be a great individual or group Bible study.