Topical Encyclopedia
Venturing, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of undertaking a journey, task, or endeavor that involves risk, uncertainty, or exploration. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating both physical journeys and spiritual undertakings that require faith, courage, and reliance on God.
Biblical Examples of Venturing1.
Abraham's Journey of Faith: One of the most prominent examples of venturing in the Bible is Abraham's call to leave his homeland. In
Genesis 12:1-4, God commands Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that God would show him. This venture required immense faith and trust in God's promises. Abraham's obedience set the foundation for the nation of Israel and is often cited as a model of faith: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going" (
Hebrews 11:8).
2.
The Exodus: The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is another significant venture. Led by Moses, the Israelites embarked on a journey from slavery to freedom, facing numerous challenges and uncertainties in the wilderness. This venture was marked by God's guidance and provision, as seen in
Exodus 13:21-22: "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night."
3.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul is a quintessential example of venturing for the sake of the Gospel. His missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, involved traveling across the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, establish churches, and encourage believers. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, Paul remained steadfast in his mission. In
Acts 20:24, Paul expresses his commitment: "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
Spiritual VenturingBeyond physical journeys, the Bible also speaks to the concept of spiritual venturing. This involves stepping out in faith to pursue a deeper relationship with God, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to fulfill one's God-given purpose.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all their ways, promising that He will make their paths straight. This spiritual venture requires reliance on God's wisdom and guidance rather than one's own understanding.
Faith and RiskVenturing often involves an element of risk, as it requires stepping into the unknown and trusting in God's provision and protection.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights numerous individuals who ventured in faith, trusting in God's promises despite not seeing the fulfillment in their lifetime. This chapter underscores the importance of faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (
Hebrews 11:1).
ConclusionThe biblical concept of venturing is deeply intertwined with faith, obedience, and trust in God. Whether embarking on a physical journey or a spiritual quest, believers are called to venture with the assurance that God is with them, guiding and sustaining them through every challenge and uncertainty.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Venture.
Library
The Demoniac Boy
... To the Twelve He had explicitly given authority over devils, and even the Seventy,
venturing by faith to cast them out, had told Him of their success with joy....
A Christmas Question
... Or to vary the picture; sometimes when persons are asleep, they take to walking
and they will climb where others will not think ofventuring....
The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk.
... We therefore barely went inside, and took shelter in a pit on the left, notventuring
a step farther, lest in fleeing from death we should run into death....
Why was Evolution the Method Chosen?
... so transcendent. But one at least suggests itself, whose practical value
is apology enough forventuring to advance it. Whenever...
The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the...
... eternal. The obstinate sinner convinced of his folly inventuring on these
torments; and entreated to fly for safety to Christ....
Judas Iscariot
... His humble condition and take to Himself His great power and reign; only they left
the time and the means in their Master's hands, notventuring to criticise...
A New Pretender
... "So you are not ready to believe it of this"Philadelphus?" he asked,venturing his
question on an immense surmise that was forcing itself upon him....
Evil by no Means Found in the Stars and Constellations; all the...
... and unordered motion, but these things are always the same, and in the same manner;
nor will any one have to blame any of the planets forventuring to delay at...
Obey and Abide
... It sees too that the faith that can trust Christ for keeping from sinning must prove
its sincerity byventuring at once to trust Him for strength to obey....
If it is So Very Important. . . ?
... Let us suppose one of them, say Andrew,venturing to say to his brother
Simon Peter, 'Ought we all to be feeding the front row?...
Thesaurus
Venturing (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Venture. Multi-Version
Concordance
Venturing (2 Occurrences). John 21:12 Jesus saith
...Verbally (1 Occurrence)
Ventures (1 Occurrence)
Lacked (18 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death,venturing
his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward...
Thebez (3 Occurrences)
... tower. Abimelech incautiouslyventuring near the tower, a woman cast an
upper millstone upon his head and broke his skull. Fearing...
Presumption (5 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The act ofventuring beyond due beyond due bounds; an overstepping of the
bounds of reverence, respect, or courtesy; forward, overconfident, or...
Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... leading him to his ruin. Micaiah was imprisoned for thusventuring to
dissuade Ahab from his purpose. Ahab went into the battle...
Ministration (33 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death,venturing
his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward...
Fill (126 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:30 because for the sake of the work he drew near even to death,venturing
his life that he might fill up what lacked in your ministration toward...
Resources
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