Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5775 abuse

5775 abuse

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5775 abuse

The deliberate misuse of gifts or privileges, and the insulting of individuals. Scripture stresses that neither God's gifts nor his people are to be abused.

The abuse of God and his people

Of God himself

2 Kings 19:16

Of God's people

Nehemiah 4:1-4; 1 Peter 4:4 See also Matthew 5:11; Acts 2:13; Acts 17:32; Acts 18:6; Revelation 2:9

Of God's servants

Of Jesus Christ

Luke 16:14 See also Luke 23:11

The abuse of Christian freedom is condemned

Believers are required to resist sin

Romans 6:12 See also Romans 6:14; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 5:16-18

Grace does not give believers the freedom to sin

Romans 6:1-2 See also Romans 6:15; Romans 3:5-8; Galatians 2:17-21

The dangers of abusing Christian freedom

1 Corinthians 8:9-12 becoming a stumbling-block to others; Galatians 5:13 indulging oneself; 1 Peter 2:16 as means of covering up evil

Examples of the abuse of Christian freedom

Sexual excesses

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 See also 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Revelation 2:20-22

Abuse of giving

Acts 5:1-2

Abuse of the Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 11:20-22

Falling back into sin

Disobedience towards God

Ephesians 5:6; 1 Peter 2:8; 1 John 2:3-4; John 3:4

Abuse of spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Eating food sacrificed to idols

1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Revelation 2:14,20