Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope:Limitations refer to the boundaries or restrictions placed upon individuals, nations, or circumstances. In a biblical context, limitations can be seen as divinely ordained or as consequences of human actions. They serve as reminders of human finitude and the sovereignty of God.
Biblical Examples:1.
Human Limitations: The Bible frequently acknowledges the limitations inherent in human nature. In
Psalm 103:14, it is written, "For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust." This verse highlights the frailty and temporal nature of human life, emphasizing that God is aware of our weaknesses and limitations.
2.
Moral and Ethical Limitations: The Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:1-17) serve as moral limitations set by God to guide human behavior. These commandments establish boundaries for ethical conduct, underscoring the importance of living within the parameters set by divine law.
3.
Divine Limitations on Human Actions: In
Genesis 11:1-9, the account of the Tower of Babel illustrates how God imposed limitations on human ambition. As humanity sought to build a tower reaching the heavens, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth, thereby limiting their ability to collaborate in defiance of His will.
4.
Limitations as Consequences of Sin: The fall of man in
Genesis 3 introduced limitations as a direct consequence of sin. Adam and Eve's disobedience resulted in their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, introducing mortality and labor as new limitations on human existence.
5.
Limitations in Suffering and Trials: The Book of Job explores the theme of human suffering and the limitations of human understanding. Job's trials reveal that while humans may not comprehend the reasons for their suffering, they are called to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty.
Job 38:4-5 states, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know!"
6.
Limitations in Spiritual Gifts and Roles: The New Testament discusses the distribution of spiritual gifts and roles within the Church, emphasizing that each member has limitations and specific functions. In
1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people."
Theological Implications:·
Dependence on God: Limitations remind believers of their dependence on God. Acknowledging human limitations fosters humility and reliance on divine strength and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in the Lord: "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."
·
Purpose in Limitations: Limitations can serve a divine purpose, shaping character and faith.
Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
·
Eternal Perspective: Recognizing earthly limitations encourages believers to focus on eternal realities.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reminds Christians of the transient nature of earthly struggles: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Conclusion:While limitations are an inherent part of the human experience, they serve as opportunities for growth, reliance on God, and the pursuit of eternal truths. Through understanding and accepting these boundaries, believers can align themselves more closely with God's will and purpose.
Greek
4908. sunetos -- intelligent... 4908 ("understanding") from faith ("God's inbirthed ") simply expresses the
limitations (biases) of the thinker -- which is the usual (negative) connotation of
...1203. despotes -- lord, master
... [1203 () implies someone exercising "unrestricted power and absolute domination,
confessing nolimitations or restraints" (R. Trench, 96).]....
4730. stenochoria -- narrowness of space, fig. difficulty
... a . Through Christ's inworking of faith (4102 , "divine "), distress (sense of pressure,
anguish) is ironically the way He shows His work -- in our "limitations...
Library
Limitations.
... MoneyLimitations. Money seems almost almighty in its power to do things,
and make changes. It... out. Yet money has greatlimitations....
TheLimitations of Earth's Great Week.
... Chapter Six The Signs of the Redeemer's Return 9. Thelimitations of Earth's
great Week. We are well aware that in broaching this...
In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter....
... Book XII. 14. In What Sense the "Keys" Are Given to Peter, and Every Peter.
Limitations of This Power. And after this let us see...
The Hurt of Sin.
... Now, in addition to these naturallimitations sin has made other changes.
It has lessened the powers and increased thelimitations....
Fences and Serpents
... in that application of the sentence is, 'Dig judiciously,' but 'Do not dig at all.'
And so in my text the 'wall' may stand for thelimitations and boundary...
The Life Side of Death.
... But mark that thelimitations of space and of material obstructions are
gone after the resurrection.... But thelimitations are gone....
Like Teacher, Like Scholar
... First, it teaches us thelimitations, and the misery, and the folly of taking men
for our masters; and then, on the other hand, it teaches us the large hope...
The Common Conception among the Dregs of Darwinian Culture is that...
... never naturally felt that one class of men was superior to another; they have always
been driven to assume it through certain practicallimitations of space...
Our Fellow.
... The love act of creation brought with it self-imposedlimitations to God....
He experienced all the properlimitations of human life....
The Human Jesus.
... God's meaning of "Human": man's fellow"two meanings of word human"original
meaning"naturallimitations. The Hurt of sin: sin's addedlimitations....
Thesaurus
Limitations (3 Occurrences)...Limitations (3 Occurrences). John 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks God's words;
for God does not give the Spirit with
limitations." (WEY).
...Omnipresence
... 2. Philosophical and Popular Ideas of Omnipresence: The philosophical idea of
omnipresence is that of exemption from thelimitations of space, subjectively as...
Preaching (116 Occurrences)
... cry or proclaim as a herald" (Matthew 3:1 Romans 10:14), euaggellizo, "to announce
good news" (Matthew 11:5)): 1. Definition 2. The Preacher'sLimitations 3. A...
Discrepancies
... and doubtless ever must remain, a need of a clear understanding of the issue involved
in the allegation-along with other "humanlimitations"-of Biblical...
Election (6 Occurrences)
... INCIDENCE UPON COMMUNITY AND INDIVIDUAL IV. COGNATE AND ILLUSTRATIVE BIBLICAL LANGUANGE
V.LIMITATIONS OF INQUIRY HERE.... V.Limitations of Inquiry Here....
Epistles (2 Occurrences)
... The influence of the immediate polemical purpose, however, is manifest, not only
in the contents of the Epistle, but in itslimitations as well....
Anthropomorphism
... attributes, like those of man, merely means to make the Divine nature and operations
intelligible, not to transfer to Him the defects andlimitations of human...
Limit (115 Occurrences)
... Limit (115 Occurrences). John 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks God's words;
for God does not give the Spirit withlimitations." (Root in WEY NIV)....
Borrowing (1 Occurrence)
... 23:20: "Unto a foreigner thou mayest lend upon interest"; compare Deuteronomy
15:3); and even among Jews pledges were allowed underlimitations, or taken...
Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... of Forgiveness 5. The Offended Party 6. Divine and Human Forgiveness 7. Forgiveness
and Justification 8. Old Testament Teaching 9.Limitations of Forgiveness 10...
Resources
Does the concept of mind over matter explain some of the miracles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs God male or female? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “all things are lawful unto me” (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23)? | GotQuestions.orgLimitations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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