The concept of "forgo" in the biblical context often involves the voluntary act of giving up or abstaining from certain rights, privileges, or desires for a greater purpose or spiritual benefit. This idea is woven throughout Scripture, where individuals are called to deny themselves for the sake of obedience to God, the well-being of others, or the advancement of the Gospel.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the principle of forgoing is seen in various laws and practices that encourage self-denial and sacrifice. For instance, the Israelites were commanded to observe the Sabbath and various festivals, which required them to forgo regular work and activities to focus on worship and rest (Exodus 20:8-10). The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, called for the forgoing of agricultural activities and the release of debts, emphasizing trust in God's provision and the restoration of community relationships.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of forgoing through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate act of forgoing by leaving His divine privileges to take on human form and sacrifice Himself for humanity's redemption (Philippians 2:5-8). He taught His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'").

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the concept of forgoing in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses his rights as an apostle, such as receiving financial support, yet he chose to forgo these rights to avoid hindering the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12: "If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ."). Paul also encouraged believers to forgo personal liberties that might cause others to stumble, emphasizing love and edification over personal freedom (Romans 14:13-21).

Spiritual Implications

Forgoing in the biblical sense is not merely about self-denial for its own sake but is deeply connected to spiritual growth and maturity. It involves prioritizing God's will and the needs of others above personal desires. This self-sacrificial attitude is a reflection of Christ's love and is essential for living a life that honors God and serves His purposes.

The act of forgoing can also be seen in the practice of fasting, where believers voluntarily abstain from food or other comforts to seek God's guidance, strength, and presence. Jesus taught that fasting should be done with sincerity and humility, not for outward show (Matthew 6:16-18).

Conclusion

The biblical call to forgo is a profound aspect of the Christian life, inviting believers to live counter-culturally by placing God's kingdom and righteousness above all else. Through forgoing, Christians demonstrate their trust in God's provision and their commitment to His mission, ultimately reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ to the world.1. (v. t.) To give up the enjoyment or advantage of; to renounce; as, to forgo the use of a discount; -- said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach, or anticipated.

2. (v. t.) To quit; to relinquish; to leave.

FORGO

for-go' (from for, negative, and go):

Occurs in Ecclesiasticus 7:19, as translation of astocheo, which means "to miss the mark," "turn or swerve from." "Forgo not a wise and good wife (the King James Version "woman"); for her grace is above gold," meaning "Turn not away from her"; in Ecclesiasticus 8:9, the word is rendered "miss not"; compare 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21 2 Timothy 2:18.

Preface
... not in a codex. Nor is that the standard of perfection. The perfect man
is ready to forgo even necessaries. But that is beside the ...
/.../lawlor/st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/preface.htm

Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder
... After four years of study he left the University in 1519, being compelled to forgo
his Bachelor's degree because he was too poor to pay the required fee.[2 ...
/.../chapter iii two prophets of.htm

The World's Bread
... But, on the other hand, we have sometimes to do as Jesus was driven to do in this
incident; namely, to forgo cheerfully, after brief repose, the blessed and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the worlds bread.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... But before the choice was announced, a last appeal was made to the people, if,
perchance, they might still be persuaded to forgo their rebellious desire. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

And the Strength of God is Thine
... And the prayer to God was made;". Thrice in agony He prayed,. That He might the
draught forgo. But the will of God was done,. In the garden, on that night,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/i and the strength of.htm

Of the Third Degree of the Spiritual Coming of Christ
... When thus neither savour nor consolation can overcome or hinder the loving heart,
but it would rather forgo all consolations and all gifts, that it may find ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxii of the third.htm

Whether it is Lawful for a Man to Refuse Absolutely an Appointment ...
... to hold fast to the love of his Creator by contemplation exclaimed against being
sent to preach." Now no man sins by being unwilling to forgo better things in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 10.htm

The Hope of the Calling
... Unless we are to be reduced to a state of utter intellectual bewilderment and confusion,
and forgo our belief in His veracity and resources to execute His ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the hope of the calling.htm

Laboring under Difficulties
... He might justly have claimed support from his Corinthian hearers; but this right
he was willing to forgo, lest his usefulness and success as a minister should ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm

The Call of Elisha
... He knew it was from God, and he did not hesitate to obey, Not for any worldly advantage
would he forgo the opportunity of becoming God's messenger or sacrifice ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Forgo (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To give up the enjoyment or advantage of; to renounce; as, to forgo the
use of a discount; -- said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach ...
/f/forgo.htm - 7k

Forgiving (11 Occurrences)

/f/forgiving.htm - 10k

Forgot (16 Occurrences)

/f/forgot.htm - 11k

Forego (2 Occurrences)
... participles. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FOREGO. for-go'. See FORGO.
Multi-Version Concordance Forego (2 Occurrences). Romans ...
/f/forego.htm - 7k

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