Definition: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth^G458➔ also the law:^G458 for sin is the transgression of the law.^{G458″- 1 John 3:4}

 

 

1. the condition of without law

   1. because ignorant of it

   2. because of violating it

2. contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

ἀνομία, -ας, ἡ, (ἄνομος);
1. properly, the condition of one without law — either because ignorant of it, or because violating it.
2. contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness: Matthew 23:28; Matthew 24:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (T Tr text WH text; cf. ἁμαρτία, 1, p. 30f), 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Titus 2:14; 1 John 3:4. opposed to ἡ δικαιοσύνη, 2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 1:9 [not Tdf.] (Xenophon, mem. 1, 2, 24 ἀνομία μᾶλλον ἤ δικαιοσύνη χρώμενοι); and to ἡ δικαιοσύνη and ὁ ἁγιασμός, Romans 6:19 (τῇ ἀνομία εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν to iniquity — personified — in order to work iniquity); ποιεῖν τὴν ἀνομίαν to do iniquity, act wickedly, Matthew 13:41; 1 John 3:4; in the same sense, ἐργάζεσθαι τὴν ἀν., Matthew 7:23; plural αἱ ἀνομίαι manifestations of disregard for law, iniquities, evil deeds: Romans 4:7 (Psalm 31:1 (Ps. 32:1)); Hebrews 8:12 [R G L]; Hebrews 10:17. (In Greek writings from [Herodotus 1, 96] Thucydides down; often in the Sept.)
[Synonym: cf. Trench, § lxvi.; Tittmann 1:48; Ellicott on Titus 2:14.]

 

 

He speaks about these things in all his letters in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures.

Therefore, dear friends, since you know this in advance, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of lawless people ( lawless people) and fall from your own stability.

 

*”Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”*

– **Relevance**: Jesus condemns those who practice lawlessness, stressing that obedience to God is essential for a genuine relationship with Him.

 

*”Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”*

– **Relevance**: This verse warns of how lawlessness can cause a decline in love and morality, which is relevant in today’s world where selfishness and immorality often prevail.

 

*”For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.”*

– **Relevance**: Paul speaks of a hidden power of lawlessness that is at work, pointing to the spiritual battle we face today. While lawlessness seems rampant, God is still restraining evil until His appointed time.

 

*”Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.”*

– **Relevance**: This verse defines lawlessness as sin, underscoring that living without regard for God’s commands is rebellion against Him. In today’s culture, the rejection of moral absolutes can lead to this kind of lawlessness.

 

*”I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”*

– **Relevance**: Paul contrasts a life of lawlessness with a life of righteousness. We are encouraged to reject lawless behavior and pursue holiness through Christ, especially relevant in a world that often promotes self-indulgence.

 

*”Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”*

– **Relevance**: Christ’s sacrifice redeems us from lawlessness and empowers us to live in purity and obedience. This is vital in today’s society, where believers are called to live differently from the world.

 

*”You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”*

– **Relevance**: This passage about Jesus shows the contrast between loving righteousness and hating lawlessness. We are called to reflect this attitude in our own lives, rejecting sin and embracing righteousness.

 

*”Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”*

– **Relevance**: Lawlessness is associated with wickedness and darkness. Believers are warned not to align themselves with it, which is particularly relevant today as we navigate relationships, partnerships, and influences in a world that often celebrates sin.

 

*”But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.”*

– **Relevance**: This Old Testament warning emphasizes the consequence of lawlessness and turning away from righteousness, reminding us that ongoing repentance and faithfulness are necessary to avoid spiritual death.

 

*”Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.”*

– **Relevance**: The Psalmist expresses righteous anger over lawlessness, showing that we should not tolerate or accept wickedness in our own lives or in society, but instead, uphold God’s truth.

 

—

 

– **Rebellion Against God**: Lawlessness is depicted as rebellion against God’s law, which is sin. Today, this rebellion manifests in many ways, from moral relativism to outright rejection of God’s authority.

– **Erosion of Love and Morality**: As Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12, the increase of lawlessness leads to a coldness of love, evident today in the decline of compassion and care for others in many parts of society.

– **Spiritual Battle**: 2 Thessalonians 2:7 suggests that lawlessness is part of a spiritual battle, and while it seems to increase, God is still in control. This reminds believers to stay vigilant and faithful.

– **Call to Righteousness**: Scripture consistently calls Christians to reject lawlessness and pursue righteousness (Romans 6:19), which is particularly relevant in a culture that often promotes sinful behaviors as normal or acceptable.

– **Ultimate Judgment**: Many of these verses (e.g., Matthew 7:23) show that lawlessness leads to separation from God, a sobering reminder for today’s world where eternal consequences are often ignored.

 

These verses highlight that lawlessness is a serious issue in both the Bible and our lives today. They call us to live in accordance with God’s laws, resist the spread of sin, and pursue righteousness in a world where lawlessness is on the rise.