Topical Encyclopedia The term "lawfully" in a biblical context refers to actions or behaviors that are in accordance with God's laws and commandments as revealed in Scripture. It implies adherence to divine statutes and principles, ensuring that one's conduct aligns with the moral and ethical standards set forth by God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of acting lawfully is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites as a covenantal guide for living a life pleasing to God. The Law, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects, was intended to set Israel apart as a holy nation. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 states, "These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged." The psalmist often reflects on the importance of living lawfully, as seen in Psalm 119:1 : "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD." Here, the emphasis is on the blessings associated with obedience to God's law, highlighting the connection between lawful living and divine favor. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of lawfulness is expanded and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law rather than mere legalistic adherence. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." This fulfillment underscores the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of lawfulness in relation to Christian liberty. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 , he writes, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." Here, Paul acknowledges the freedom believers have in Christ but cautions against using that freedom as a license for sin. Lawful living, therefore, involves exercising freedom responsibly and in a manner that honors God. Paul further elaborates on the lawful use of the law in 1 Timothy 1:8-9 : "Now we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers." This passage highlights the law's role in restraining sin and guiding believers toward righteous living. Practical Implications Living lawfully as a Christian involves more than mere external compliance; it requires an internal transformation through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:4 states, "so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." This verse emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live in accordance with God's law. In summary, to live lawfully is to live in harmony with God's revealed will, as expressed in both the Old and New Testaments. It involves a heart posture of obedience, a commitment to holiness, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide one's actions and decisions. Greek 3545. nomimos -- rightly, lawfully ... rightly, lawfully. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: nomimos Phonetic Spelling: (nom-im'-oce) Short Definition: lawfully Definition: lawfully, rightfully. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3545.htm - 6k 1103. gnesios -- lawfully begotten, genuine 1971. epipotheo -- to long for Library Whether the Judge Can Lawfully Remit the Punishment? Whether one May Lawfully Hope in Man Whether a Bishop May Lawfully Forsake the Episcopal Cure, in Order ... Whether a Husband could Lawfully Take Back the Wife He had ... Whether a Man Can Lawfully Hope in Man? Whether Parish Priests May Lawfully Enter Religion? Whether a Menstruous Woman Should or May Lawfully Pay the Marriage ... Whether a Man May Make Oblations of Whatever He Lawfully Possesses ... That a Man Should not Presume to Work in this Work Before the Time ... Whether a Man who is Condemned to Death May Lawfully Defend ... Thesaurus Lawfully (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Lawfully (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV) ... /l/lawfully.htm - 6k Money (284 Occurrences) Lawgiver (7 Occurrences) Lawful (38 Occurrences) Visitor (2 Occurrences) Naboth (18 Occurrences) Useth (9 Occurrences) Uses (15 Occurrences) Officer (70 Occurrences) Loot (15 Occurrences) Resources Are the Ten Commandments repeated in the New Testament? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to take pain medication? | GotQuestions.org Did Mary have other children? How many children did Mary have? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lawfully (2 Occurrences)1 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 2:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |