The term "jeopardize" refers to putting something at risk or in danger. In a biblical context, it often relates to actions or decisions that endanger one's spiritual well-being, faith, or relationship with God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the concept of jeopardizing one's spiritual state through disobedience, lack of faith, or moral compromise.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently jeopardized their covenant relationship with God through idolatry and disobedience. For instance, in the Book of Judges, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, worshiping the Baals and Ashtoreths, which led to their oppression by surrounding nations. Judges 2:12-14 states, "They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger because they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths."

King Saul is another example of someone who jeopardized his kingship and favor with God through disobedience. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul's failure to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God led to his rejection as king. 1 Samuel 15:23 declares, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, jeopardizing one's faith is often linked to a lack of perseverance or succumbing to worldly temptations. The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8, illustrates how different responses to the Word of God can lead to spiritual jeopardy. In Matthew 13:22 , Jesus explains, "The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

The Apostle Paul frequently warned early Christians about jeopardizing their faith through false teachings and immoral behavior. In 1 Corinthians 10:12 , Paul cautions, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall." This warning underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's spiritual integrity.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible emphasizes that jeopardizing one's relationship with God can have severe consequences. The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of deceit and hypocrisy within the Christian community. Their decision to lie to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from the sale of their property resulted in their immediate deaths, highlighting the seriousness of jeopardizing one's integrity before God.

Moreover, the epistles often encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith to avoid spiritual jeopardy. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries."

Conclusion

The concept of jeopardizing one's spiritual state is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and vigilance in maintaining a right relationship with God. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, believers are encouraged to avoid actions and attitudes that could endanger their spiritual well-being.(v. t.) To expose to loss or injury; to risk; to imperil.7843. shachath -- perhaps to go to ruin
... 14), destroyer (4), destroyers (1), destroying (7), destroys (5), destruction (2),
devastate (1), felled (2), go to ruin (1), harm (2), jeopardize (1), laid ...
/hebrew/7843.htm - 6k

Anti-Unionistic Attitude.
... and improper; and even if brought about, instead of furthering the kingdom of our
Redeemer, it would harm the welfare thereof and jeopardize the religious ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-unionistic attitude.htm

Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus.
... becomes us to consider the import of this phrase, which I shall hereafter explain;
and not, as Marcellus has done, from a single passage to jeopardize the most ...
/.../chapter xxi defense of eusebius pamphilus.htm

The Holidays at Thagaste
... A wife would be a drag for a young man like Augustin, who seemed likely to have
such a brilliant career. A too early marriage would jeopardize his future. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/vi the holidays at thagaste.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... mandate is our duty. "It is lawful to kill an accuser whose testimony may
jeopardize our life and honor. "If an adulterous priest ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... All who jeopardize themselves without any command of God or call of duty, make trial
of his love] of the Lord thy God.8 Again, the devil taketh him [whether ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

Jeopardize (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jeopardize (1 Occurrence). Ruth 4:6 The near kinsman said,
"I can't redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance. ...
/j/jeopardize.htm - 6k

Jeopardized (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Jeopardize. Multi-Version Concordance
Jeopardized (1 Occurrence). Judges 5:18 Zebulun was ...
/j/jeopardized.htm - 6k

Jeoparded (2 Occurrences)

/j/jeoparded.htm - 7k

Jeopardy (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Exposure to death, loss, or injury; hazard; danger.
2. (vt) To jeopardize. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEOPARD; JEOPARDY ...
/j/jeopardy.htm - 9k

Corinth (13 Occurrences)
... of her great material prosperity she would not risk all as Athens did, and win eternal
supremacy over men: she had too much to 1ose to jeopardize her material ...
/c/corinth.htm - 21k

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