Definition and Context:
Overstepping, in a biblical context, refers to the act of exceeding boundaries or limits set by God, often resulting in sin or disobedience. This concept is closely related to transgression, where an individual goes beyond the moral or divine law. The Bible frequently addresses the consequences of overstepping God's commands and the importance of adhering to His statutes.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3):
The first instance of overstepping in the Bible occurs in the Garden of Eden. God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, tempted by the serpent, they overstepped this boundary, resulting in the fall of man. Genesis 3:6 states, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

2. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9):
Humanity's attempt to build a tower reaching the heavens was an act of overstepping their God-given limits. Their desire to make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered across the earth was contrary to God's command to fill the earth. As a result, God confused their language and scattered them. Genesis 11:4 records their intent: "And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.'"

3. King Saul's Disobedience (1 Samuel 13:8-14):
King Saul overstepped his role by offering a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel. His impatience and lack of faith led to his downfall. Samuel rebuked Saul, saying in 1 Samuel 13:13 , "You have acted foolishly," Samuel declared. "You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time."

4. Uzziah's Pride (2 Chronicles 26:16-21):
King Uzziah overstepped his authority by entering the temple to burn incense, a task designated for the priests. His pride led to his downfall, and he was struck with leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:16 states, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense."

5. Warnings in the New Testament:
The New Testament also warns against overstepping God's commands. In 2 John 1:9 , it is written, "Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son." This passage emphasizes the importance of abiding in the teachings of Christ and not going beyond them.

Theological Implications:
Overstepping is often rooted in pride, disobedience, and a lack of trust in God's wisdom and provision. It reflects a desire to assert one's own will over God's, leading to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, obedience, and faithfulness, recognizing God's authority and the boundaries He has established for human flourishing.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas where they may be overstepping God's commands. This involves a commitment to studying Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and being accountable to fellow believers. By doing so, Christians can align their lives with God's will and avoid the pitfalls of overstepping.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overstep.3847. parabasis -- a going aside, a transgression
... Feminine Transliteration: parabasis Phonetic Spelling: (par-ab'-as-is) Short Definition:
a transgression Definition: a transgression, overstepping, deviation. ...
//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

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

Book viii. The Blessed Apostle Paul in Laying Down the Form for ...
... eternal blessedness by our confession of the Father and the Son, and having proved
out of the Law the mystery of God and God, without overstepping the limits ...
/.../book viii the blessed apostle.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

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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