Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The concept of "not fitting in" refers to the experience of feeling out of place or different from those around us. In a biblical context, this can relate to the experience of believers who find themselves at odds with the values, practices, or beliefs of the surrounding culture or community. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, as God's people are often called to live in a manner distinct from the world. Biblical Examples: 1. Abraham: Abraham is a prime example of someone who did not fit in. Called by God to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land (Genesis 12:1), Abraham lived as a foreigner in Canaan. Hebrews 11:9-10 states, "By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." 2. Joseph: Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, found himself in Egypt, a land with customs and beliefs vastly different from his own. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God, which set him apart from those around him. His integrity and wisdom eventually led to his rise in power, as seen in Genesis 41:39-40 : "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands.'" 3. Daniel: Daniel and his friends were taken captive to Babylon, a place with foreign gods and practices. They chose not to defile themselves with the king's food and wine, maintaining their distinct identity as followers of the God of Israel. Daniel 1:8 notes, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." 4. Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself experienced not fitting in, as He was often at odds with the religious leaders and societal norms of His time. John 1:10-11 states, "He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him." 5. Early Christians: The early church faced persecution and alienation from both Jewish and Roman societies. The Apostle Peter encouraged believers to embrace their status as "foreigners and exiles" (1 Peter 2:11), urging them to live godly lives despite their circumstances. Theological Insights: · Holiness and Separation: The Bible calls believers to be holy, which often means being set apart from the world. Leviticus 20:26 says, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." · Transformation and Renewal: Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation often results in believers not fitting in with worldly patterns. · Persecution and Suffering: Jesus warned His followers that they would face persecution for His sake. In John 15:19 , He said, "If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." Practical Application: · Embrace Identity in Christ: Believers are encouraged to find their identity in Christ rather than in societal acceptance. Galatians 2:20 declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." · Community and Fellowship: While not fitting in with the world, Christians are called to find fellowship and support within the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another." · Witness and Influence: Believers are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing those around them through their distinctiveness and commitment to God's truth. Topical Bible Verses John 17:14I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Topicalbible.org John 15:19 2 Timothy 3:12 Greek 809. aschemon -- shapeless, ie fig. unseemly ... without" and 4976 , "external shape") -- properly, lacking proper appeal (), ie (unattractive); lacking respect because (not fitting, unpresentable, , 79.16). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/809.htm - 7k 1933. epieikes -- seemly, equitable, yielding Library And it is not Fitting to Boast at the Casting Forth of the Demons. ... The Divine virtue in the view of the Same Manich??us Corporeal and ... Whether this is a Fitting Definition of Faith: "Faith is the ... The Doctrine of Apelles Refuted, that Christ's Body was of ... In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also ... That we must not Speak Foolishly and Offensively. The Difficulty and Excellence of virginity; the Study Of True Confession of Christ. True Confession of Christ. The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges Resources Why is life not fair? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6)? | GotQuestions.org Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved? | GotQuestions.org Not: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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