Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of constraint often relates to the limitations or restrictions placed upon individuals, either by divine command, societal norms, or personal circumstances. The Bible addresses various forms of constraint, including moral, spiritual, and physical, and often highlights the tension between human freedom and divine sovereignty.Divine Constraint God's commandments and laws serve as a form of divine constraint, guiding believers in righteous living. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are a prime example of divine constraints intended to shape moral behavior. These laws are not merely restrictive but are designed to lead to a life of holiness and obedience to God. In the New Testament, Jesus summarizes the law with the greatest commandments: to love God and love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). The Apostle Paul speaks of being constrained by the love of Christ, which compels believers to live not for themselves but for Him who died for them (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). This form of constraint is not burdensome but is a response to the grace and love received through Christ. Moral and Ethical Constraint The Bible frequently addresses the constraints of moral and ethical living. In Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul contrasts the desires of the flesh with the guidance of the Spirit, indicating that believers are constrained by the Spirit to live in a manner that pleases God. This internal constraint is a result of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to resist sinful desires. The Book of Proverbs is replete with wisdom that serves as a moral constraint, advising individuals to pursue righteousness and avoid folly. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in the Lord and submission to His guidance, which inherently involves accepting the constraints of His wisdom. Societal and Legal Constraint The Bible acknowledges the role of societal and legal constraints in maintaining order and justice. Romans 13:1-7 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that such authorities are established by God. This passage underscores the importance of legal constraints in promoting peace and justice within society. However, the Bible also records instances where divine command supersedes human law. In Acts 5:29 , Peter and the apostles declare, "We must obey God rather than men," highlighting the priority of divine constraint over human authority when the two are in conflict. Personal and Physical Constraint Personal and physical constraints are also evident in Scripture. The Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 , a personal constraint that he endures, which serves to keep him humble and reliant on God's grace. This passage illustrates how personal limitations can lead to spiritual growth and dependence on God. In the Gospels, Jesus often encounters individuals constrained by physical ailments, such as the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) or the man born blind (John 9:1-7). These accounts demonstrate Jesus' power to overcome physical constraints, offering healing and restoration. Spiritual Constraint Spiritual constraints are evident in the struggle against sin and the pursuit of holiness. Romans 7:15-25 captures Paul's internal conflict with sin, highlighting the constraint of the sinful nature even as he desires to do good. This passage reflects the broader Christian experience of wrestling with sin while striving to live according to the Spirit. The concept of constraint in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing divine, moral, societal, personal, and spiritual dimensions. These constraints serve to guide, protect, and refine believers, ultimately leading them toward a deeper relationship with God and a life that reflects His character. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) That which restrains from action; compulsion; restraint; necessity; as constraints on one's religious freedom.Greek 318. anagke -- necessity ... necessity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anagke Phonetic Spelling: (an-ang-kay') Short Definition: necessity, constraint, compulsion Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/318.htm - 7k 317. anagkastos -- necessarily Strong's Hebrew 4164. mutsaq -- constraint, distress... 4163, 4164. mutsaq or mutsaq. 4165 . constraint, distress. Transliteration: mutsaq or mutsaq Phonetic Spelling: (moo-tsak') Short Definition: anguish. ... /hebrew/4164.htm - 6k 6695a. tsoq -- constraint, distress 6695. tsowq -- constraint, distress 6115. otser -- restraint, coercion 6125. aqah -- pressure Library The Heresy of the Protestant Reformers and the Jansenists Having Shown that the Pretexts Usually Alleged for Second ... Epistle Xlii. To Anthemius, Subdeacon . Whether Christ was of Necessity Subject to These Defects? That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ... Ephesians i. 14-Nov V. ... Jesus About his Father's Business The Observations Contained in the Preceding ChapterMake it ... The Arts by which Origen Studies to Keep Gregory and his Brother ... Thesaurus Constraint (6 Occurrences)... one's religious freedom. Multi-Version Concordance Constraint (6 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if a father stands firm in ... /c/constraint.htm - 8k Out (29154 Occurrences) Easy (14 Occurrences) First (4693 Occurrences) Construct (6 Occurrences) Corinthians (3 Occurrences) Unmarried (13 Occurrences) Legal (13 Occurrences) Lucre (5 Occurrences) Loose (219 Occurrences) Resources What is libertinism? What is a libertine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the role of associate/assistant pastor? | GotQuestions.org The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is self-control? | GotQuestions.org Constraint: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Constraint (6 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 7:37 2 Corinthians 9:7 1 Peter 5:2 Esther 1:8 Job 36:16 Psalms 66:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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