Often people will complain against the preaching of "thou shalt nots." Some seem to have the idea that preachers shouldn’t tell folks what they mustn’t do. What they need to realize is that when preachers encourage folks to abstain from certain things, we are simply following the pattern laid out in the New Testament. Notice just a few examples:
1. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication" (1 Thes. 4:3). Reckon Paul was out of line to get on to them about fornication? Reckon he should have minded his own business and not gotten into what they didn’t need to do?
2. In the next chapter, Paul makes the broad statement, "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thes. 5:22). Who was Paul to tell them what not to do? He was a messenger for Christ and their best friend. He was one who loved them enough to warn them.
3. Peter likewise wrote, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Pt. 2:11). People then, like people today needed to be told and reminded of the truth. The truth is certain practices will keep folks out of heaven. Don’t get upset over warnings against such.
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