Bible Terms: Understanding Allegory
By Luis Palau . ( Courtesy: GodLife.com)
Calendars, posters, and great works of art all feature the marvels of human life and nature. But what if we were to look at God’s creation allegorically—representing meaning deeper than just function or beauty? The Bible uses many facets of nature symbolically. Trees, branches, fruit, bodies, lips, feet, and other things become more than we usually expect.
The art of the allegory is pervasive throughout the Bible and therefore is important to understand. Here are fourteen terms that will broaden your understanding of some crucial symbols.
1.Allegory in Bible : BODY
Our bodies are temporarily housing our personalities and souls. They are mortal containers of the immortal. God uses our bodies as examples of how all Christians are connected and how they should interact. He calls us the “body of Christ.” God created each of us with a unique personality, background, and set of skills to perform a unique role for him. Yet God wants us to work together for the benefit of the entire “body,” of which Jesus Christ is the head (see Ephesians 4:15–16).
2.Allegory in Bible : LIPS
Lips symbolize communication. We must use discretion in using our lips for the good of others and for our own well-being. “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Despite all the harm we can cause with our words through gossip, lies and slander, if God is involved in our lives, our lips can honor the Lord and relay words of wisdom. More importantly, the best thing we can do with our lips is to praise God and express our thankfulness to him. In turn, our praise to God can lead to telling others about his goodness. However, since “actions speak louder than words,” we must consistently do what we say; otherwise, we will be seen as hypocrites, not witnesses.
3.Allegory in Bible : FEET
Feet make us mobile; we’d have trouble walking without them. Feet also need a brain to guide them; they only go where they’re told. If people have a good head on their shoulders, their feet likely won’t lead them into trouble (Proverbs 4:26). God walks beside and directs the feet of those who want their lives to impact the world. Christians should not be stationary since God enables them to do all things he calls them to do and to go anywhere he leads them to go. Feet also denote victory—all God’s enemies are under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
4.Allegory in Bible : TREE
The Bible mentions two important types of trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; if they did, they would die. Deceived by Satan, they ate from it anyway, and were sent away from the Garden of Eden and the tree of life (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:22-23). Their one act of disobedience plunged humankind into an existence of separation from God. In God’s eternal kingdom, all the trees will give life to the nations (Revelation 22:2).
5.Allegory in Bible : BRANCH
In the Old Testament, a “branch” was a prophetic symbol of hope. The Israelites knew that one branch of the family tree, representing the Messiah, would save them (Isaiah 11:1-5). Jesus was that branch. His death and resurrection ensured that people could become a “branch” on God’s family tree.
6.Allegory in Bible : BREAD
God told his people that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus Christ used bread as a symbol of his body being broken in death. Christians remember Christ’s death by “breaking bread” (eating bread) together during church services, just as Jesus commanded his disciples to do the night before he was crucified (Luke 22:19). This part of a church service is usually called “Communion” or “the Lord’s Supper.” Taking part in Communion helps us remember the significance of Christ’s death until he comes again. Belief in Christ’s offering of his body is like eating the Bread of Life, because we take him into our very lives (John 6:47-51).
7.Allegory in Bible : BRIDE
Did you know that the followers of Jesus Christ are considered his bride? Because the marital relationship is so intimate and exclusive, God uses it to represent the relationship between himself and his people. That is one reason why the Bible repeatedly asserts the importance of keeping the marriage relationship pure and exclusive. Over and over in the Old Testament, the Lord portrays himself as a lover, wooing his beloved people. In the New Testament, the church is called the “bride” of Christ. Believers are like an expectant bride eagerly anticipates the appearance of her bridegroom. In the briedegroom’s absence, the bride must wait patiently and faithfully, looking forward to the great celebration that will occur when he comes for her (see Matthew 25:1–13).
8.Allegory in Bible : BRIDEGROOM
God loves his people like a bridegroom loves his bride—protectively, tenderly, passionately, devotedly—as one head-over-heels in love. He desires that his people love and commit their hearts to him alone, as a wife commits herself only to her husband. The church, as a bride, will one day be presented to Jesus Christ, the bridegroom. God’s people are instructed to honor and submit to Christ, their husband (Ephesians 5:23-24).
9.Allegory in Bible : CLOUDS
Clouds are closely associated with God. God used a “pillar of cloud” as a visible symbol of this presence to lead the Israelites in the wilderness. Like the prophet Daniel, the apostle John saw visions of one “like a son of man” (see Daniel 7:13; Revelation 14:14 ) seated on a cloud. Acts 1:9 tells us that Jesus disappeared into a cloud as he ascended into heaven. One day he will return in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)—and we will be caught up together there with him (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
10.Allegory in Bible : FIRE
The breathtaking power of fire is an appropriate parallel for the awe-inspiring strength of God. He appeared to Moses in a burning bush (see Exodus 3:2) and to the Israelites in a pillar of fire in the desert (see Exodus 13:21). The destructive qualities of fire make it an effective tool for purification. Fire can refine a substance like gold, which doesn’t burn, by consuming foreign elements in it, so that only the pure gold remains. Scripture compares this purifying action to the work of God in the lives of Christians. God is working to eliminate impure thoughts and actions, leaving only the good that comes from him.
11.Allegory in Bible : FRUIT
The Bible uses the word “fruit” to describe the outward evidence of what is happening internally or the natural consequences of our actions. Apples only grow on trees that have the internal biological programming necessary to produce apples. In the same way, the “fruit of the Spirit” will be produced only by a person who has the Holy Spirit within him or her. When we let God’s Spirit control us, our lives produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In the Old Testament, fruit often represents prosperity and goodness. God promised a fruitful land to the Israelites. Those who trust in the
Lord are said to be like a thriving tree that never fails to bear fruit, even in times of drought.
12.Allegory in Bible : HARVEST
Ancient Israel was an agricultural society. Life depended on sufficient rainfall and bountiful crops. Therefore, the idea of the harvest was useful in illustrating important concepts in the Bible. For example, actions have consequences— we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). A good harvest starts with planting good seed. The Bible says the way of life that we followed before we knew Jesus Christ resulted in death, but a life of obedience to God produces a “harvest of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11).
13.Allegory in Bible : SEVEN
Seven is an important number in the Bible. Seven is the number of God and is considered the number of perfection. Throughout the Bible it seems that God works in sevens, perhaps to remind us of his control of everything. He created everything in six days and on the seventh day he rested. Jesus Christ fed a multitude of people with seven loaves of bread. Jesus used the number seven in reference to forgiveness. One of his disciples asked how many times he should forgive someone, asking if seven times was enough. Jesus corrected him, saying that he should always forgive, no matter how many times he had been wronged—not only seven times, but seventy-seven times (see Matthew 18:22).
14.Allegory in Bible : WATER
God did a lot of amazing things with water: He flooded the earth, turned water into blood, made water pour out of a rock, and stacked water up on either side of a dry path through the sea. The Bible describes people who crave spiritual truth as those who “thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). Jesus offered living water to all those who were spiritually thirsty. The coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled the Old Testament promise of living waters that would flow from within (John 7:38-39).
Bible Terms:
By Luis Palau . ( Courtesy: GodLife.com)
1.Bible term for YOUTH : Vitality, energy, and nerve. Teenagers have it, and adults either criticize or envy you for it. But the teen years aren’t just about pep assemblies and game nights. Teens face life-shaping trials, decisions, and confrontations.
Christian teenagers are in the midst of making choices concerning self-confidence, possessions, dancing, purity, gossip, friendships, and more.So what do you say about these things? Or more importantly, what does God’s Word—the Bible—say about these things?
Here are 14 Bible terms to consider for focusing energy, defining standards, and making decisions as each situation arises.
2.Bible term for ZEAL : Have you ever been carried away by passion for a cause? When you are so moved, you can hardly sit still; you just want to go out and do something—that’s zeal. As with all positive attributes, God is also our model for zeal. It is because of His zeal for righteousness that God must punish sin. It is because of God’s passionate love for people that He made the ultimate sacrifice to draw us to Himself.
We should have the same unquenchable drive for the things that God desires (Romans 12:11). We need to be sure, however, that our zeal is not misdirected. If we are faithful in studying God’s Word and letting His Spirit interpret it for us, God will give us a passion for the things he loves.
3.Bible term for CONFIDENCE : High self-esteem and personal confidence top the chart of qualities we value. Knowing who we are, where we’re from, and what we’re worth are important concepts. As Christians, on what do we base our confidence? First, we can know that God gives us high value. He formed us in the womb, knows our thoughts, and protects us (Psalm 139). Beyond that, we can be sure that God is not going to forget us; He is, in fact, continually working in us (Philippians 1:6). We can be confident that God’s Word is true. We can be confident that Jesus Christ will come back and call us to live with Him forever. Our confidence is in Him alone, and He is truth.
4.Bible term for SELF-CONTROL : Self-control means having control over all parts of one’s self. The Bible describes people who are living according to their “sinful nature” and the disordered ways of the world as evil and having no self-control (Proverbs 29:11). Self-control can only be achieved with God’s help. God has given His children the power to master their thoughts, speech, and actions. With the help of the Holy Spirit, people can truly have control over themselves.
5.Bible term for ABSTAIN : To abstain means to refrain from something deliberately and voluntarily. Those who abstain from certain things have learned that a good thing at the wrong time or for the wrong reason may lead to harmful results. Our bad choices can hurt us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as well as hurt people around us. By instructing us to abstain from sinful activities, God frees us to enjoy the many good things He has given us.
We must seek the Holy Spirit’s help in avoiding things that will interfere with our relationship with God, while recognizing that God does not require a legalistic approach to regulations. Through Jesus Christ, we have freedom to enjoy life, and we need to hold back from only those things that are sinful in God’s eyes or that create a “stumbling block” in the eyes of fellow believers (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).
6.Bible term for WISDOM : How often do you find yourself debating what to do in a specific situation? What you need is wisdom—the ability to reach sound decisions through knowledge, insight, judgment and discernment. It is not just about what is best or right for us, but what is best and right in God’s eyes (Proverbs 3:7). So, being wise is much more than just being smart. You can get straight A’s, but without wisdom, you will do foolish things. The wise person makes choices that are rooted in the desire to please God and obey His commands. The rewards of wisdom are wealth, long life, peace, happiness, honor, and protection.
7.Bible term for CHOOSE : Scripture is filled with admonitions to choose wisely, to choose to obey, to choose to serve God. We are responsible for how we choose to live—and accountable for the consequences. God chooses too. He chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. One of the greatest comforts for believers is knowing that God chose us to be His children—before He even made the world. One of the greatest mysteries is that while God is the ultimate chooser, He also gives people the ability and responsibility to choose (Micah 6:8).
8.Bible term for CONSCIENCE : God uses our conscience in three ways: to help us know Him, to help us relate well with other Christians, and to help us interact in the world around us (1 Peter 3:15-16). The Holy Spirit works with our conscience, directing us and convicting us when we sin. We have freedom to enjoy whatever we please, as long as it doesn’t contradict God’s laws.
9.Bible term for DANCE : Is dancing wrong? If so, someone should have told Miriam, Moses’ sister. She not only danced, but also led all the Israelite women in dancing after they escaped from Egypt (Exodus 15:20). Let’s not forget David, God’s chosen king. He danced “before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14) to celebrate the return of the ark to Jerusalem. We have all kinds of dances these days: swing, tap, ballet, ballroom, jazz.
The dancing found in Scripture may or may not have had choreographed steps; what we do know is that it was worshipful, from the heart. Dancing was an outward expression of the inward joy—overflowing praise for God’s work. Dancing today can be an expression of the creative gifts given by God—or just another attempt to satisfy sensual desires. What does dancing do for you?
10.Bible term for BOAST : Why do some people brag about themselves? Are they insecure or just self-centered and egotistical? Whatever the reason, boasting is not the solution. But one thing is always good to boast about: the Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s eyes we were all sinners, yet God asked His only Son to die for us. That gave us significance! We have nothing to boast about other than God’s incredible concern for our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
11.Bible term for GOSSIP : Gossip is saying anything, especially negative, about a person that he or she might not want said. Oftentimes gossip is maliciou —deliberately intended to stain someone’s character in the eyes of others, regardless of whether the information shared is true. The Bible clearly condemns gossip because it violates God’s law of love that should govern all human relationships (Proverbs 16:28).
12.Bible term for COVET : To covet is to desperately want to possess something that does not belong to you. Coveting is a serious enough problem that God outlawed it (Exodus 20:17, the tenth commandment given to Moses). When we want something so much that it dominates our thoughts, it shifts our focus from God—and easily leads to wrong actions. He asks only that we trust Him for the provision and for the timing. Coveting is sin.
13.Bible term for FRIENDS : Many people wish they could be part of a group of friends. Others want to have deeper friendships than what they have. True friends listen, talk, and spend time with each other (Proverbs 17:17). Friends shield us from loneliness, offer acceptance, and give us common ground. They influence us more than we know. The people we call friends speak volumes about who we are. Friends usually love the same things that we love. The deepest friendships grow between those who not only love God but also help each other grow in Him.
Jesus says, “ I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. “ (John 15:12-15).
14.Bible term for ENEMIES : From schoolyard bully to military foe, enemies come in all shapes and sizes. Most people have a natural inclination to hate or to fear their enemies. In the Old Testament, God continually reminded His people that they had nothing to fear—as long as they trusted in Him. Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45). Loving our enemies can only be done when we completely rely on God, who is love.
15.Bible term for EXAMPLE : Who’s your role model? Jesus Christ’s life was a perfect example of the way a person should relate to God. For answers about how life should be lived, the best source to look to is the life of Jesus. In the same way, Christians should live in such a way as to be good examples to other Christians (Titus 2:7-8). If a person is living like Christ, other people can follow that person’s example.
Calendars, posters, and great works of art all feature the marvels of human life and nature. But what if we were to look at God’s creation allegorically—representing meaning deeper than just function or beauty? The Bible uses many facets of nature symbolically. Trees, branches, fruit, bodies, lips, feet, and other things become more than we usually expect.
The art of the allegory is pervasive throughout the Bible and therefore is important to understand. Here are fourteen terms that will broaden your understanding of some crucial symbols.
1.Allegory in Bible : BODY
Our bodies are temporarily housing our personalities and souls. They are mortal containers of the immortal. God uses our bodies as examples of how all Christians are connected and how they should interact. He calls us the “body of Christ.” God created each of us with a unique personality, background, and set of skills to perform a unique role for him. Yet God wants us to work together for the benefit of the entire “body,” of which Jesus Christ is the head (see Ephesians 4:15–16).
2.Allegory in Bible : LIPS
Lips symbolize communication. We must use discretion in using our lips for the good of others and for our own well-being. “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Despite all the harm we can cause with our words through gossip, lies and slander, if God is involved in our lives, our lips can honor the Lord and relay words of wisdom. More importantly, the best thing we can do with our lips is to praise God and express our thankfulness to him. In turn, our praise to God can lead to telling others about his goodness. However, since “actions speak louder than words,” we must consistently do what we say; otherwise, we will be seen as hypocrites, not witnesses.
3.Allegory in Bible : FEET
Feet make us mobile; we’d have trouble walking without them. Feet also need a brain to guide them; they only go where they’re told. If people have a good head on their shoulders, their feet likely won’t lead them into trouble (Proverbs 4:26). God walks beside and directs the feet of those who want their lives to impact the world. Christians should not be stationary since God enables them to do all things he calls them to do and to go anywhere he leads them to go. Feet also denote victory—all God’s enemies are under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
4.Allegory in Bible : TREE
The Bible mentions two important types of trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; if they did, they would die. Deceived by Satan, they ate from it anyway, and were sent away from the Garden of Eden and the tree of life (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:22-23). Their one act of disobedience plunged humankind into an existence of separation from God. In God’s eternal kingdom, all the trees will give life to the nations (Revelation 22:2).
5.Allegory in Bible : BRANCH
In the Old Testament, a “branch” was a prophetic symbol of hope. The Israelites knew that one branch of the family tree, representing the Messiah, would save them (Isaiah 11:1-5). Jesus was that branch. His death and resurrection ensured that people could become a “branch” on God’s family tree.
6.Allegory in Bible : BREAD
God told his people that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus Christ used bread as a symbol of his body being broken in death. Christians remember Christ’s death by “breaking bread” (eating bread) together during church services, just as Jesus commanded his disciples to do the night before he was crucified (Luke 22:19). This part of a church service is usually called “Communion” or “the Lord’s Supper.” Taking part in Communion helps us remember the significance of Christ’s death until he comes again. Belief in Christ’s offering of his body is like eating the Bread of Life, because we take him into our very lives (John 6:47-51).
7.Allegory in Bible : BRIDE
Did you know that the followers of Jesus Christ are considered his bride? Because the marital relationship is so intimate and exclusive, God uses it to represent the relationship between himself and his people. That is one reason why the Bible repeatedly asserts the importance of keeping the marriage relationship pure and exclusive. Over and over in the Old Testament, the Lord portrays himself as a lover, wooing his beloved people. In the New Testament, the church is called the “bride” of Christ. Believers are like an expectant bride eagerly anticipates the appearance of her bridegroom. In the briedegroom’s absence, the bride must wait patiently and faithfully, looking forward to the great celebration that will occur when he comes for her (see Matthew 25:1–13).
8.Allegory in Bible : BRIDEGROOM
God loves his people like a bridegroom loves his bride—protectively, tenderly, passionately, devotedly—as one head-over-heels in love. He desires that his people love and commit their hearts to him alone, as a wife commits herself only to her husband. The church, as a bride, will one day be presented to Jesus Christ, the bridegroom. God’s people are instructed to honor and submit to Christ, their husband (Ephesians 5:23-24).
9.Allegory in Bible : CLOUDS
Clouds are closely associated with God. God used a “pillar of cloud” as a visible symbol of this presence to lead the Israelites in the wilderness. Like the prophet Daniel, the apostle John saw visions of one “like a son of man” (see Daniel 7:13; Revelation 14:14 ) seated on a cloud. Acts 1:9 tells us that Jesus disappeared into a cloud as he ascended into heaven. One day he will return in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)—and we will be caught up together there with him (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
10.Allegory in Bible : FIRE
The breathtaking power of fire is an appropriate parallel for the awe-inspiring strength of God. He appeared to Moses in a burning bush (see Exodus 3:2) and to the Israelites in a pillar of fire in the desert (see Exodus 13:21). The destructive qualities of fire make it an effective tool for purification. Fire can refine a substance like gold, which doesn’t burn, by consuming foreign elements in it, so that only the pure gold remains. Scripture compares this purifying action to the work of God in the lives of Christians. God is working to eliminate impure thoughts and actions, leaving only the good that comes from him.
11.Allegory in Bible : FRUIT
The Bible uses the word “fruit” to describe the outward evidence of what is happening internally or the natural consequences of our actions. Apples only grow on trees that have the internal biological programming necessary to produce apples. In the same way, the “fruit of the Spirit” will be produced only by a person who has the Holy Spirit within him or her. When we let God’s Spirit control us, our lives produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In the Old Testament, fruit often represents prosperity and goodness. God promised a fruitful land to the Israelites. Those who trust in the
Lord are said to be like a thriving tree that never fails to bear fruit, even in times of drought.
12.Allegory in Bible : HARVEST
Ancient Israel was an agricultural society. Life depended on sufficient rainfall and bountiful crops. Therefore, the idea of the harvest was useful in illustrating important concepts in the Bible. For example, actions have consequences— we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). A good harvest starts with planting good seed. The Bible says the way of life that we followed before we knew Jesus Christ resulted in death, but a life of obedience to God produces a “harvest of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11).
13.Allegory in Bible : SEVEN
Seven is an important number in the Bible. Seven is the number of God and is considered the number of perfection. Throughout the Bible it seems that God works in sevens, perhaps to remind us of his control of everything. He created everything in six days and on the seventh day he rested. Jesus Christ fed a multitude of people with seven loaves of bread. Jesus used the number seven in reference to forgiveness. One of his disciples asked how many times he should forgive someone, asking if seven times was enough. Jesus corrected him, saying that he should always forgive, no matter how many times he had been wronged—not only seven times, but seventy-seven times (see Matthew 18:22).
14.Allegory in Bible : WATER
God did a lot of amazing things with water: He flooded the earth, turned water into blood, made water pour out of a rock, and stacked water up on either side of a dry path through the sea. The Bible describes people who crave spiritual truth as those who “thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). Jesus offered living water to all those who were spiritually thirsty. The coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled the Old Testament promise of living waters that would flow from within (John 7:38-39).
Bible Terms:
By Luis Palau . ( Courtesy: GodLife.com)
1.Bible term for YOUTH : Vitality, energy, and nerve. Teenagers have it, and adults either criticize or envy you for it. But the teen years aren’t just about pep assemblies and game nights. Teens face life-shaping trials, decisions, and confrontations.
Christian teenagers are in the midst of making choices concerning self-confidence, possessions, dancing, purity, gossip, friendships, and more.So what do you say about these things? Or more importantly, what does God’s Word—the Bible—say about these things?
Here are 14 Bible terms to consider for focusing energy, defining standards, and making decisions as each situation arises.
2.Bible term for ZEAL : Have you ever been carried away by passion for a cause? When you are so moved, you can hardly sit still; you just want to go out and do something—that’s zeal. As with all positive attributes, God is also our model for zeal. It is because of His zeal for righteousness that God must punish sin. It is because of God’s passionate love for people that He made the ultimate sacrifice to draw us to Himself.
We should have the same unquenchable drive for the things that God desires (Romans 12:11). We need to be sure, however, that our zeal is not misdirected. If we are faithful in studying God’s Word and letting His Spirit interpret it for us, God will give us a passion for the things he loves.
3.Bible term for CONFIDENCE : High self-esteem and personal confidence top the chart of qualities we value. Knowing who we are, where we’re from, and what we’re worth are important concepts. As Christians, on what do we base our confidence? First, we can know that God gives us high value. He formed us in the womb, knows our thoughts, and protects us (Psalm 139). Beyond that, we can be sure that God is not going to forget us; He is, in fact, continually working in us (Philippians 1:6). We can be confident that God’s Word is true. We can be confident that Jesus Christ will come back and call us to live with Him forever. Our confidence is in Him alone, and He is truth.
4.Bible term for SELF-CONTROL : Self-control means having control over all parts of one’s self. The Bible describes people who are living according to their “sinful nature” and the disordered ways of the world as evil and having no self-control (Proverbs 29:11). Self-control can only be achieved with God’s help. God has given His children the power to master their thoughts, speech, and actions. With the help of the Holy Spirit, people can truly have control over themselves.
5.Bible term for ABSTAIN : To abstain means to refrain from something deliberately and voluntarily. Those who abstain from certain things have learned that a good thing at the wrong time or for the wrong reason may lead to harmful results. Our bad choices can hurt us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as well as hurt people around us. By instructing us to abstain from sinful activities, God frees us to enjoy the many good things He has given us.
We must seek the Holy Spirit’s help in avoiding things that will interfere with our relationship with God, while recognizing that God does not require a legalistic approach to regulations. Through Jesus Christ, we have freedom to enjoy life, and we need to hold back from only those things that are sinful in God’s eyes or that create a “stumbling block” in the eyes of fellow believers (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).
6.Bible term for WISDOM : How often do you find yourself debating what to do in a specific situation? What you need is wisdom—the ability to reach sound decisions through knowledge, insight, judgment and discernment. It is not just about what is best or right for us, but what is best and right in God’s eyes (Proverbs 3:7). So, being wise is much more than just being smart. You can get straight A’s, but without wisdom, you will do foolish things. The wise person makes choices that are rooted in the desire to please God and obey His commands. The rewards of wisdom are wealth, long life, peace, happiness, honor, and protection.
7.Bible term for CHOOSE : Scripture is filled with admonitions to choose wisely, to choose to obey, to choose to serve God. We are responsible for how we choose to live—and accountable for the consequences. God chooses too. He chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. One of the greatest comforts for believers is knowing that God chose us to be His children—before He even made the world. One of the greatest mysteries is that while God is the ultimate chooser, He also gives people the ability and responsibility to choose (Micah 6:8).
8.Bible term for CONSCIENCE : God uses our conscience in three ways: to help us know Him, to help us relate well with other Christians, and to help us interact in the world around us (1 Peter 3:15-16). The Holy Spirit works with our conscience, directing us and convicting us when we sin. We have freedom to enjoy whatever we please, as long as it doesn’t contradict God’s laws.
9.Bible term for DANCE : Is dancing wrong? If so, someone should have told Miriam, Moses’ sister. She not only danced, but also led all the Israelite women in dancing after they escaped from Egypt (Exodus 15:20). Let’s not forget David, God’s chosen king. He danced “before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14) to celebrate the return of the ark to Jerusalem. We have all kinds of dances these days: swing, tap, ballet, ballroom, jazz.
The dancing found in Scripture may or may not have had choreographed steps; what we do know is that it was worshipful, from the heart. Dancing was an outward expression of the inward joy—overflowing praise for God’s work. Dancing today can be an expression of the creative gifts given by God—or just another attempt to satisfy sensual desires. What does dancing do for you?
10.Bible term for BOAST : Why do some people brag about themselves? Are they insecure or just self-centered and egotistical? Whatever the reason, boasting is not the solution. But one thing is always good to boast about: the Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s eyes we were all sinners, yet God asked His only Son to die for us. That gave us significance! We have nothing to boast about other than God’s incredible concern for our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
11.Bible term for GOSSIP : Gossip is saying anything, especially negative, about a person that he or she might not want said. Oftentimes gossip is maliciou —deliberately intended to stain someone’s character in the eyes of others, regardless of whether the information shared is true. The Bible clearly condemns gossip because it violates God’s law of love that should govern all human relationships (Proverbs 16:28).
12.Bible term for COVET : To covet is to desperately want to possess something that does not belong to you. Coveting is a serious enough problem that God outlawed it (Exodus 20:17, the tenth commandment given to Moses). When we want something so much that it dominates our thoughts, it shifts our focus from God—and easily leads to wrong actions. He asks only that we trust Him for the provision and for the timing. Coveting is sin.
13.Bible term for FRIENDS : Many people wish they could be part of a group of friends. Others want to have deeper friendships than what they have. True friends listen, talk, and spend time with each other (Proverbs 17:17). Friends shield us from loneliness, offer acceptance, and give us common ground. They influence us more than we know. The people we call friends speak volumes about who we are. Friends usually love the same things that we love. The deepest friendships grow between those who not only love God but also help each other grow in Him.
Jesus says, “ I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. “ (John 15:12-15).
14.Bible term for ENEMIES : From schoolyard bully to military foe, enemies come in all shapes and sizes. Most people have a natural inclination to hate or to fear their enemies. In the Old Testament, God continually reminded His people that they had nothing to fear—as long as they trusted in Him. Jesus commands us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45). Loving our enemies can only be done when we completely rely on God, who is love.
15.Bible term for EXAMPLE : Who’s your role model? Jesus Christ’s life was a perfect example of the way a person should relate to God. For answers about how life should be lived, the best source to look to is the life of Jesus. In the same way, Christians should live in such a way as to be good examples to other Christians (Titus 2:7-8). If a person is living like Christ, other people can follow that person’s example.
