Healhty Boundaries and Limit

Deuteronomy 19:14

Deuteronomy 19:14 NASB95

“You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess.

I. Historical Context

God gave a command how the Israelites should live and behave in the promised land - Canaan.

This particular passage is a LAW.

This Law is essential to prevent encroachment (take advantage), abuse, and theft of land.

In Deut. 27:17, Moses pronounces a curse on those who would commit such a crime against God-given inheritance.

Deuteronomy 27:17 NASB95

‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary mark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

II. Observation / Truth and Principles

God gave the land and it is God who sets the limit or boundaries.

The landmarks or boundaries is a moral precept and still binding today.

Boundaries must be respected and observed.

What happens when boundaries are crossed and disrespected?

What is God teaching us?

“Observe and Respect Boundaries because they are designed for our good.”

Different Boundaries / Limits:

Physical - Land, Distance of a person to you

Relational - family, circle of friends, boyfriend or girlfriend, acquaintance, strangers,

Emotional - feelings

Spiritual - heaven, hell, physical realm vs spiritual realm

III. Application

Know and protect your boundaries

Physical - safe touch

Relational - be a in relationship where truth, honesty, and love thrives.

Emotional - safe disclosure

Believe the Gospel of Jesus to break that spiritual boundary!

Spiritual - because we are limited by our sinful nature and sinful acts, humans can’t get into heaven (paradise) apart from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only faith in Jesus can break break that barrier.