Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "befits" refers to something that is appropriate, suitable, or proper for a particular person, situation, or occasion. In a biblical context, it often relates to behavior, actions, or attributes that are fitting for a believer or that align with God's standards.
Biblical Context:While the specific term "befits" may not frequently appear in the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout Scripture. The Bible often addresses what is appropriate or fitting for believers in terms of conduct, speech, and character.
Scriptural References:1.
Conduct and Character: The Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life that befits a follower of Christ. In
Ephesians 4:1 , Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This implies living in a way that is appropriate for someone who has been called by God.
2.
Speech:Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse highlights the importance of speech that befits a Christian, characterized by grace and wisdom.
3.
Holiness and Godliness: In
1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are called to holiness: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Holiness is a state that befits those who are in relationship with a holy God.
4.
Worship and Reverence:Psalm 29:2 states, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Worship that befits God is characterized by reverence and recognition of His holiness and majesty.
5.
Love and Compassion: In
John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Love and compassion are attributes that befit a disciple of Christ.
Theological Implications:The concept of what befits a believer is deeply rooted in the transformation that occurs through faith in Christ. As individuals are renewed by the Holy Spirit, their lives should increasingly reflect the character and values of Jesus. This transformation is not merely external but stems from a heart aligned with God's will.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and ensure that their actions, words, and attitudes are fitting for someone who represents Christ. This involves ongoing spiritual growth, accountability within the Christian community, and a commitment to living out biblical principles in everyday life.
Conclusion:The idea of what befits a believer is integral to the Christian walk, calling for a life that reflects the holiness, love, and truth of God. Through Scripture, believers are guided in understanding and embodying what is appropriate and pleasing to the Lord.
Greek
5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness... people") -- properly, a "friend (benefactor) of humanity"; a person who warmly loves
others, treating them with the respect (benevolence) that
befits each one
...Strong's Hebrew
4998. naah -- to be comely or befitting... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be comely or befitting NASB Word Usage
befits (1), lovely (2). be beautiful, become, be comely.
...Library
The Soldier's Morning-Call
... 'The night is far spent; the day is at hand.' But the dress thatbefits the expectant
of the day is not yet the robe of the feast, but it is 'the armour' which...
To Monna Alessa Dei Saracini
... And yet every work of ours ought to be done both without and with moderation: it
befits us to love God without moderation, putting to that love neither limit...
The Eleventh Book Shows that the Title of "Good" is Due, not to...
... For he who says that the title of "good" belongs of right to the Father only, and
that such an addressbefits Him alone, publishes abroad, by thus disclosing...
Whether There is Delight in Contemplation?
... [3729]FS, Q[3], A[5]], because each individual delights in the operation
whichbefits him according to his own nature or habit....
Whether it was Fitting that God Should Become Incarnate?
... ". I answer that, To each things, that is befitting which belongs to it by reason
of its very nature; thus, to reasonbefits man, since this belongs to him...
Whether Christ was a Perfect Comprehensor in the First Instant of...
... Objection 3: Further, whatbefits neither man nor angel seems proper to
God; and therefore is not becoming to Christ as man. But...
Whether Everyone that Sins through Habit, Sins through Certain...
... Now the very thing whichbefits a man in respect of a vicious habit, is something
that excludes a spiritual good: the result being that a man chooses a...
Whether Grace is the Same as virtue?
... clear that the virtue of a thing has reference to some pre-existing nature, from
the fact that everything is disposed with reference to whatbefits its nature....
Whether the Will is Moved to Anything Naturally?
... And in this sense, that is said to be natural to a thing whichbefits it in respect
of its substance. And this is that which of itself is in a thing....
Whether a Man Can Rise from Sin Without the Help of Grace
... external help of grace. 3. Again, every natural thing can of itself recover
the action whichbefits its nature. Thus water, when heated...
Thesaurus
Befits (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Befits (8 Occurrences).
... 1 Timothy 2:10 but--as
befits women
making a claim to godliness--with the ornament of good works. (WEY RSV).
...Befit (2 Occurrences)
... these stones! (See RSV). Titus 2:1 But as for you, you must speak in a manner
thatbefits wholesome teaching. (Root in WEY ASV RSV)....
Original (6 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:22 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original
evil nature which is doomed to perish asbefits its misleading impulses, (WEY)....
Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ornament (23 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 2:10 but--asbefits
women making a claim to godliness--with the ornament of good works. (WEY)....
Wholesome (10 Occurrences)
... their own fancies; (WEY). Titus 2:1 But as for you, you must speak in a
manner thatbefits wholesome teaching. (WEY). 2 Peter 3:1...
Impulses (4 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:22 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original
evil nature which is doomed to perish asbefits its misleading impulses, (WEY)....
Fitting (29 Occurrences)
... abounds; (See NAS RSV). Titus 2:1 But as for you, you must speak in a manner
thatbefits wholesome teaching. (See NAS). Philemon 1:8...
Doomed (21 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:22 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original
evil nature which is doomed to perish asbefits its misleading impulses, (WEY)....
Misleading (8 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:22 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original
evil nature which is doomed to perish asbefits its misleading impulses, (WEY)....
Mode (5 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 4:22 to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original
evil nature which is doomed to perish asbefits its misleading impulses, (WEY)....
Resources
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