Definition:
Over-stepping refers to the act of going beyond set boundaries or limits, particularly in a moral or ethical context. In biblical terms, it often relates to transgressing God's commandments or the established order.

Biblical Context:
The concept of over-stepping is closely associated with sin and disobedience to God's laws. It is seen as a deviation from the path of righteousness and a failure to adhere to divine instructions.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, over-stepping is frequently illustrated through the actions of individuals and nations who defy God's commands. For instance, Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden is a prime example of over-stepping divine boundaries (Genesis 3). Their act of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, despite God's explicit command, led to the fall of man and the introduction of sin into the world.

The Israelites' repeated disobedience during their journey to the Promised Land also exemplifies over-stepping. Despite witnessing God's miracles, they often strayed from His commandments, leading to consequences such as wandering in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:33-34).

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, over-stepping is addressed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasized the importance of adhering to God's commandments and warned against the dangers of hypocrisy and legalism, which can lead to over-stepping the spirit of the law (Matthew 23:23-28).

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed issues of over-stepping in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Paul warns against transgressing and defrauding others, stating, "In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before" . This highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of over-stepping in interpersonal relationships.

Theological Implications:
Over-stepping is seen as a manifestation of human pride and self-will, which leads individuals away from God's intended path. It reflects a lack of submission to divine authority and a desire to assert one's own will over God's. This act of rebellion is considered a serious offense, as it disrupts the harmony between God and humanity.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral and ethical standpoint, over-stepping involves a conscious decision to ignore or violate established norms and principles. It is often driven by selfish desires, ambition, or a lack of respect for others' rights and boundaries. The Bible calls believers to exercise self-control and humility, recognizing the importance of living within the limits set by God.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant against the temptation to over-step boundaries, whether in their relationship with God or with others. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and seeking guidance from Scripture to ensure alignment with God's will. By doing so, Christians can maintain a life of obedience and integrity, honoring God in all their actions.3847. parabasis -- a going aside, a transgression
... 3847 (from 3844 , "contrary" and , "go") -- properly, an "overstepping" (); a going ...
God's law which His drawn-lines (boundaries); an arrogant "over-stepping.". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3847.htm - 7k

God did not Make Evil, nor is He at all in any Way the Author of ...
... Now it is the gravest fault to disobey God, by overstepping the bounds of
that righteousness which is consistent with free-will. II. ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/part i god did not.htm

Some Refinements in Dress and Personal Appearance Lawful, Some ...
... There must be no overstepping of that line to which simple and sufficient refinements
limit their desires"that line which is pleasing to God. ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter v some refinements in dress.htm

Of Blasphemy. One of St. Paul's Sayings.
... On the contrary, while we are, let it be blasphemed: in the observance, not the
overstepping, of discipline; while we are being approved, not while we are ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xiv of blasphemy one of.htm

Prayer Concerns Three.
... This is startling. In any other than Jesus it would seem an overstepping
of the bounds. But there is keenness of a rare sort here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/prayer concerns three.htm

Deacons and Deaconesses.
... they could carry the light and comfort of the gospel into the most private and delicate
relations of domestic life, without at all overstepping their natural ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 62 deacons and deaconesses.htm

Of the Piety of the Emperor Gratianus
... For the loving Lord uses mercy and justice like weights and scales; whenever he
sees any one by the greatness of his errors over-stepping the bounds of loving ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter i of the piety of.htm

Silence Should not Remain Unbroken, nor Should it Arise from ...
... care, lest the fierce passions of the flesh should rush upon it and lead it captive,
lest strong emotions should assault it, and, overstepping their bounds ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii silence should not.htm

Concerning Free-Will
... But it was not as I thought; for, just as the sea rose to a crest, it broke up again
into itself, without overstepping its own limits, having, so to speak, a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/methodius/concerning free-will/concerning free-will.htm

John Chapter xv. 13
... say) in thinking that he is healing the sins of others, but at least that he has
no sins of his own, even so far is his avidity overstepping the requirements ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxiv john chapter xv.htm

God Does all for a Soul of Goodwill.
... It is a straight line which the soul must follow with courage and fidelity, neither
diverging to the right, nor to the left, nor overstepping the bounds. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section iv god does all for.htm

Overstepping (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overstep. Multi-Version
Concordance Overstepping (1 Occurrence). 1 Thessalonians 4 ...
/o/overstepping.htm - 7k

Over-stepping (1 Occurrence)
Over-stepping. Overstepping, Over-stepping. Overstretch . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Overstepping, Over-stepping. Overstretch . Reference Bible.
/o/over-stepping.htm - 6k

Overstretch (1 Occurrence)

/o/overstretch.htm - 6k

Overstep (1 Occurrence)

/o/overstep.htm - 6k

Within (400 Occurrences)
... 3. (prep.) Hence, inside the limits, reach, or influence of; not going outside
of; not beyond, overstepping, exceeding, or the like. ...
/w/within.htm - 36k

Wronging (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 4:6 not overstepping the rights of and wronging his brother in the
matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, even as we also ...
/w/wronging.htm - 8k

Presumption (5 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The act of venturing beyond due beyond due bounds; an overstepping of the
bounds of reverence, respect, or courtesy; forward, overconfident, or ...
/p/presumption.htm - 9k

Bold (21 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Somewhat overstepping usual bounds, or conventional rules, as in art,
literature, etc.; taking liberties in composition or expression; as, the figures ...
/b/bold.htm - 13k

Fully (153 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 4:6 not overstepping the rights of and wronging his brother in the
matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, even as we also ...
/f/fully.htm - 36k

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