Avoidance is a recurrent theme in the Bible, seen in various Biblical teachings that emphasize the idea of steering clear from sin, temptation, and harmful behaviors. It is an integral part of biblical wisdom and constitutes a significant part of living a meaningful and ethically upright Christian life.
What Constitute Avoidance According to the Bible?
The Bible often encourages avoidance as a tool to uphold righteousness. Anything that can lead a believer astray from their faith, deviate them from the path of goodness, or encourage any form of ungodly behavior is usually considered worth avoiding. This could be in the form of deceitful friendships, greedy practices, idle talk, and other harmful actions. It is often emphasized that affiliates of such behaviors are likeliest to encounter spiritual downfall.
Why Does the Bible Advocate for Avoidance?
The Bible propagates avoidance as a means to maintain spirituality and to sustain character development. Christian scriptures stress that unsuitable behaviors must be shunned, not because it is wrong on the surface, but because they can hinder one’s relationship with God and lead one to spiritual harm. Hence, the Bible in no uncertain terms advocates for avoidance of any form of sin, whether overt or subtle, as a prevention method against deviations in faith and halting spiritual growth.
Who Are Encouraged to Practice Avoidance in the Bible?
All believers are urged to practice avoidance. From spiritual leaders to followers, the Bible explicitly advises everyone to evade sin and its lure. However, it lays a particular emphasis on leaders and those who are in a position to influence others. They are encouraged to exhibit avoidance as a sign of strength and godliness, to lead by example, and to provide a model of pure, morally upright living for others to follow.
What Are the Consequences of Ignoring Avoidance as Stated in the Bible?
The Bible clarifies that the refusal to practice avoidance might lead to serious spiritual ramifications. Failure to avoid sin can result in spiritual decay and a weakened relationship with God. Additionally, people who ignore principles of avoidance may also find themselves ensnared in worldly troubles, emotionally distressed, and incurring societal disapproval as their actions can negatively impact those around them. Hence, ignoring avoidance can lead to disastrous consequences, both spiritually and socially.
Where Are Guidelines for Avoidance Given in the Bible?
Principles for avoidance are found throughout the Bible. They are embedded in the teachings of prophets, in the Psalms, in the wisdom literature of Proverbs, and in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament. Detailed and explicit, these teachings guide believers in identifying things they should steer clear from and instill in them a desire for righteousness and a character compliant with divinely sanctioned ethical standards.
When Should Avoidance be Practiced according to the Bible?
In biblical teaching, avoidance is not a situational principle, but a constant practice. The Bible urges believers to exercise avoidance at all times, not only when faced with persistent temptation or explicit sin. It encourages living a life that avoids not just the act of sin, but any thought, word, or deed that runs contrary to the will of God. Therefore, the practice of avoidance, according to the Bible, is a full-time pursuit in the life of a believer.
Below is our full list of bible verses on avoidance (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Avoidance
Titus 3:10
“10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”
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Romans 16:17
“17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
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2 John 1:8
“8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”
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1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
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1 Timothy 6:3-5
“3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”
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John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
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John 14:27
“27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
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1 Peter 1:16
“16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
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