Definition and Context:
Risking, in a biblical context, refers to the act of exposing oneself to danger, harm, or loss for a greater purpose or cause. It often involves stepping out in faith, trusting in God's provision and protection, and acting in obedience to His will despite potential negative outcomes.

Biblical Examples:

1. Esther's Courageous Risk:
Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia, risked her life by approaching King Xerxes without being summoned, which was against the law and could have resulted in her death. Her bold action was motivated by the need to save her people from annihilation. Esther 4:16 records her words: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

2. Paul's Missionary Journeys:
The Apostle Paul frequently risked his life to spread the Gospel. He faced numerous dangers, including shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment. In 2 Corinthians 11:26 , Paul recounts his experiences: "On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from bandits, dangers from my own countrymen, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers."

3. The Parable of the Talents:
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with their master's wealth. The servant who took a risk by investing the talents was rewarded, while the one who played it safe and buried his talent was reprimanded. This parable illustrates the importance of taking risks for the Kingdom of God and using one's gifts and resources wisely.

Theological Insights:

· Faith and Trust in God:
Risking often requires a deep faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Hebrews 11, known as the "Faith Chapter," highlights numerous individuals who took risks based on their faith in God's promises. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

· Obedience and Sacrifice:
Risking can be an act of obedience and sacrifice, as seen in the lives of biblical figures who prioritized God's commands over their personal safety or comfort. Romans 12:1 encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, which may involve taking risks for the sake of the Gospel: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

· Eternal Perspective:
The Bible encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, understanding that earthly risks may lead to eternal rewards. Jesus taught in Matthew 16:25 , "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This perspective empowers Christians to take risks for the sake of Christ, knowing that their ultimate reward is in heaven.

Practical Application:

· Discernment and Wisdom:
While the Bible encourages taking risks for God's purposes, it also emphasizes the need for discernment and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Believers are called to seek God's guidance and counsel before taking risks.

· Community and Support:
Risking should often be undertaken within the context of a supportive faith community. The early church in Acts demonstrated the importance of communal support when facing risks for the Gospel. Acts 4:29-31 shows the believers praying for boldness in the face of persecution: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

In summary, risking in the biblical sense involves stepping out in faith, guided by God's wisdom, and often results in the advancement of His Kingdom.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Risk.3850a. paraboleuomai -- to expose oneself to danger
... 3850, 3850a. paraboleuomai. 3850b . to expose oneself to danger.
Transliteration: paraboleuomai Short Definition: risking. Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3850a.htm - 5k

The Water-Mark of John's Gospel.
... You are not only satisfied but pleased, content. And so there is the same trusting
and risking, the same leaning your whole weight upon the thing. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the water-mark of johns gospel.htm

Introductory Notice to the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.
... Without risking any judgment of my own upon the decisions which have been reached
by Dr. Riddle in the exercise of his great critical skill, I cannot withhold ...
/.../the teaching of the twelve apostles/introductory notice to the teaching.htm

A Foreword
... After that, when I had a major choice to make, I felt I was risking his
disappointment unless I went down to talk to him about it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/a foreword.htm

Of Martyrs, and their Intercession on Behalf of Scandalous ...
... in the darkness with which the habitual indulgence of lusts has plainly familiarized
them; and they seek peace at the hands of those who are risking their own! ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xxii of martyrs and their.htm

Restoration of Peter.
... Your letting go the net at the critical moment, and so risking the loss of all,
seemed to say that you love Me more than your sole means of gaining a livelihood ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxv restoration of peter.htm

Jesus the Scapegoat.
... disciples.""John 11:45-54. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead He was
quite aware that He was risking His own life. He knew that a ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxiv jesus the scapegoat.htm

8Th Day. Reviving Grace.
... into this state of drowsy self-contentment, this conformity-life with the world,
forfeiting all the happiness of true religion, and risking and endangering the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the faithful promiser/8th day reviving grace.htm

The Mother of all Love-Words.
... And it warms into highest life that highest love that, through the process of hearing,
assenting, trusting, risking, giving the heart's devotion, comes to know ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the mother of all love-words.htm

The one Thing to Aim At.
... This is the thing in all our living and serving and doing and giving, that men may
know Jesus to the trusting, risking, loving point, the glad point. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the one thing to aim.htm

A Savage Duel.
... But Pilate seems determined to do the best he can for Jesus, without risking an
actual break with these fanatical Orientals such as might endanger his own ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a savage duel.htm

Risking (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Risk. Multi-Version Concordance
Risking (1 Occurrence). Philippians 2:30 because for ...
/r/risking.htm - 6k

Venture (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An undertaking of chance or danger; the risking of something upon an event
which can not be foreseen with certainty; a hazard; a risk; a speculation. ...
/v/venture.htm - 10k

Lacking (53 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his
life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. (WEB ASV). ...
/l/lacking.htm - 22k

Rissah (2 Occurrences)

/r/rissah.htm - 7k

Risked (5 Occurrences)

/r/risked.htm - 7k

Supply (40 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his
life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. ...
/s/supply.htm - 21k

Lack (86 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking
his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. ...
/l/lack.htm - 33k

Died (348 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death,
risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. ...
/d/died.htm - 34k

Service (317 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his
life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. ...
/s/service.htm - 42k

Close (186 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Philippians 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking
his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. ...
/c/close.htm - 39k

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