Topical Encyclopedia Definition and General Understanding: Disorder, in a biblical context, refers to a state of confusion, chaos, or lack of order, which is contrary to the nature of God, who is characterized by order and harmony. The concept of disorder can manifest in various aspects of life, including personal conduct, community life, and spiritual practices. Biblical References and Themes: 1. God as a God of Order: The Bible consistently portrays God as a God of order. In the creation narrative, God brings order out of chaos, as seen in Genesis 1:2-3, where the earth was formless and empty, and God spoke light into existence. This theme is echoed in 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the saints." 2. Disorder in Human Conduct: Disorder is often associated with sinful behavior and a departure from God's commandments. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This highlights the connection between moral failings and the resulting chaos in personal and communal life. 3. Community and Church Life: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of order within the church. Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding orderly worship, instructing them in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This reflects the need for structure and discipline in communal worship and church governance. 4. Spiritual Disorder: Spiritual disorder occurs when individuals or communities stray from the truth of the Gospel. Galatians 1:6-7 warns against turning to a different gospel, which leads to confusion and spiritual chaos. The call to adhere to sound doctrine is a call to maintain spiritual order. 5. Consequences of Disorder: The Bible illustrates the consequences of disorder through various narratives. The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 demonstrates how human pride and disobedience led to confusion and the scattering of people. Similarly, the chaos in Israel during the time of the Judges, when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25), serves as a cautionary tale of societal disorder. 6. Restoration of Order: Throughout Scripture, God’s redemptive plan involves restoring order. The prophetic books often speak of a future time when God will establish His kingdom, characterized by peace and order. Isaiah 9:7 proclaims, "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end," pointing to the ultimate restoration of divine order through the reign of Christ. Practical Implications for Believers: Believers are called to reflect God's order in their lives by living according to His commandments and maintaining peace and harmony in their relationships. This involves personal discipline, adherence to biblical teachings, and active participation in the life of the church. By doing so, Christians bear witness to the order and peace that God desires for His creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Want of order or regular disposition; lack of arrangement; confusion; disarray; as, the troops were thrown into disorder; the papers are in disorder.2. (n.) Neglect of order or system; irregularity. 3. (n.) Breach of public order; disturbance of the peace of society; tumult. 4. (n.) Disturbance of the functions of the animal economy of the soul; sickness; derangement. 5. (v. t.) To disturb the order of; to derange or disarrange; to throw into confusion; to confuse. 6. (v. t.) To disturb or interrupt the regular and natural functions of (either body or mind); to produce sickness or indisposition in; to discompose; to derange; as, to disorder the head or stomach. 7. (v. t.) To depose from holy orders. Greek 181. akatastasia -- instability ... Word Origin from akatastatos Definition instability NASB Word Usage confusion (1), disorder (1), disturbances (2), tumults (1). commotion, confusion, tumult. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/181.htm - 7k 4797. sugcheo -- to pour together, ie to confuse, throw into ... 5182. turbazo -- to disturb, to trouble. 2351. thorubos -- an uproar 3148. mastix -- a whip, scourge 5017. tarachos -- disturbance, trouble 2350b. thorubeo -- to make an uproar Library Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened ... Gainas the Goth Attempts to Usurp the Sovereign Power; after ... Since These Ills Existed in the Church, Secular Affairs Also Fell ... Whether Original Sin is Desire All who Enter the Church of God and Hear the Holy Scriptures... Whether the Division of Sins According to their Debt of Punishment ... The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached ... The Ecclesiastical Canons of the Same Holy Apostles. Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men. Whether Original Sin is a Habit Thesaurus Disorder (6 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) Want of order or regular disposition; lack of arrangement; confusion; disarray; as, the troops were thrown into disorder; the papers are in disorder. ... /d/disorder.htm - 8k Malady (3 Occurrences) Rout (6 Occurrences) Disordered (4 Occurrences) Disease (213 Occurrences) Quiet (167 Occurrences) Noisy (14 Occurrences) Ulcer (8 Occurrences) Upset (9 Occurrences) Unsettle (1 Occurrence) Resources How should a Christian view Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat effects do conditions like autism, attachment disorder, ADHD, etc., have on the Christian life? | GotQuestions.org How do we distinguish a psychological disorder from demon possession? | GotQuestions.org Disorder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Disorder (6 Occurrences)Matthew 9:23 1 Corinthians 14:33 2 Corinthians 12:20 2 Thessalonians 3:7 James 3:16 Job 10:22 Subtopics Related Terms |