Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, "upsetting" refers to actions, events, or teachings that disturb, unsettle, or cause disorder within the community of believers or in one's personal faith journey. The Bible addresses various forms of upsetting situations, often cautioning against behaviors and teachings that lead to confusion or division among God's people.
False Teachings and Doctrinal ConfusionOne of the primary concerns in the New Testament regarding upsetting is the presence of false teachings that can lead believers astray. The Apostle Paul frequently warns against those who distort the gospel message, causing confusion and division within the church. In
Galatians 1:7, Paul writes, "which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ." Here, the term "troubling" can be understood as causing upset or disturbance among the believers by introducing teachings contrary to the true gospel.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 2:17-18, Paul warns about false teachers whose words "spread like gangrene," mentioning Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have "wandered away from the truth." Their teachings upset the faith of some, illustrating the destructive impact of doctrinal error.
Division and StrifeUpsetting can also occur through actions that lead to division and strife within the body of Christ. The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity and peace among believers. In
1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth, saying, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Division is seen as a form of upsetting that disrupts the harmony and witness of the church.
Personal Trials and TribulationsOn a personal level, upsetting experiences can include trials and tribulations that challenge one's faith and trust in God. The Bible acknowledges that believers will face difficulties, but it encourages them to remain steadfast. In
James 1:2-3, it is written, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." While trials may be upsetting, they are also opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith.
Response to Upsetting SituationsThe biblical response to upsetting situations involves seeking God's wisdom, maintaining faith, and promoting peace and unity. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to uphold the truth of the gospel. In
Philippians 4:6-7, Paul advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the importance of prayer and reliance on God's peace in the face of upsetting circumstances.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges the reality of upsetting situations, it provides guidance on how to navigate them with faith and integrity. By adhering to sound doctrine, promoting unity, and trusting in God's sovereignty, believers can overcome the challenges that threaten to unsettle their faith and community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Conceited; assuming; as, an upsetting fellow.
Greek
396. anatrepo -- to overturn, destroy... Word Origin from ana and the same as trope Definition to overturn, destroy NASB
Word Usage overturned (1), upset (1),
upsetting (1). overthrow, subvert.
...Library
Grace Flooding.
... It tells the radicalupsetting revolution in his thought on that subject.... It brings
upsetting revolutionary ideas regarding one's self. There it stops....
Now, as to the Question which You Raise, when it was that I Began...
... attack that of others. You profess to consider an imperial rescriptupsetting
an episcopal decree to be an impiety. That is a matter...
Growth in Christliness of Life.
... There must be a moral miracle, there must be a spiritualupsetting and overturning,
before a carnal heart can begin to imitate the pure and spotless Son of God...
The Wonderful Skill with which Origen Prepares Gregory and...
... out and thoroughly removed by the processes of refutation and prohibition; sometimes
assailing us in the genuine Socratic fashion, and againupsetting us by...
Knox's Intrigues, and his Account of Them, 1559
... to the crown while Mary was childless, could be produced as legitimate "Authority."
But to do this implied a change of "Authority," anupsetting of "Authority...
Fire! Fire! Fire!
... through the rivers they shall not overflow thee." But going through the fire expresses
not so much the overwhelming character and theupsetting power of...
The Details of Our Bodily Sex, and of the Functions of Our Various...
... and, as their whim suggests, pour torrents of scorn and contempt upon the natural
functions of our members, for the purpose ofupsetting the resurrection, and...
Guilt of Exposing Children.
... other Masters, vol. ii. 146 (2d ed.). [1822] [Note how he retaliates upon
the calumny (cap. xxvi.) of the "upsetting of the lamp."]....
Magicians not Trusted by Christians.
... And whether they perpetrate those fabulous and shameful deeds [1820] "theupsetting
of the lamp, and promiscuous intercourse, and eating human flesh"we...
To Olympias. Why do You Lament? Why do You Belabour Yourself...
... partnership with my adversaries. Therefore to avoidupsetting them do not
let any one know these things. For certainly the things...
Thesaurus
Upsetting (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Conceited; assuming; as, an
upsetting fellow.
Multi-Version Concordance
Upsetting (3 Occurrences).
...Upset (9 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) The act ofupsetting, or the state of being upset; an overturn; as, the
wagon had an upset. Multi-Version Concordance Upset (9 Occurrences)....
Upside (7 Occurrences)
Inasmuch (42 Occurrences)
... Acts 15:24 Inasmuch as we have heard that some who went out from amongst us have
troubled you by words,upsetting your souls, saying that ye must be...
Amongst (47 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 15:24 Inasmuch as we have heard that some who went out from amongst
us have troubled you by words,upsetting your souls, saying that ye must be...
Resources
What does it mean to let not your heart be troubled in John 14:1? | GotQuestions.orgUpsetting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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