Boundaries for Victorious Living

Genesis 2:15–17 NIV84

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

1. Boundaries are established by God for our protection and well-being

2. Boundaries help us understand our limitations and limitations of others

3. Boundaries teach us obedience and trust in God

4. Boundaries create order and stability in our lives

1. Understanding the Importance of Setting Boundaries

Sub Point 1.1: The Importance of Boundaries

Proverbs 25:28 “28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”

Genesis 1:6–8 “6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.”

Sub Point 1.2: God's Boundaries (10 Commandments)

Deuteronomy 32:8 “8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.”

Exodus 19:12–13 “12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 He shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on him. Whether man or animal, he shall not be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they go up to the mountain.””

Sub Point 1.3: The Consequences of Crossing Boundaries

Genesis 2:17 “17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.””

2. Setting Boundaries for Community Growth

Sub Point 2.1: Respecting the Community Boundaries

Romans 14:13 “13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”

Exodus 20:13–17 “13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.””

Sub Point 2.2: Setting Personal Boundaries

Matthew 5:37 “37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

James 5:12 “12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.”

Sub Point 2.3: Boundaries to help others in the community

2 Thessalonians 3:10 “10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.””

Galatians 6:1–5 “1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.”

Burden: Oppressive suffering

Load: Carried for transport (carry on bag)

3. Setting Boundaries for Spiritual Growth

Spiritual boundaries are crucial for our relationship with God and others.

Sub Point 3.1: Guarding Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23 “23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Sub Point 3.2: Work at taming the tongue

James 3:5–6 “5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

James 3:9–10 “9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”

Sub Point 3.3: Living in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 “16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

4. Enforcing Boundaries with Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a boundary that frees us from the prison of unforgiveness and bitterness

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our forgiveness

We needed forgiveness because we violated God’s Boundaries

Offender must repent

Offended must forgive

Sub Point 1: Forgiving Others

Ephesians 4:32 “32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Sub Point 2: Seeking Forgiveness

James 5:16 “16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

1 John 1:8–9 “8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Sub Point 3: Living in Freedom

John 8:32 “32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

John 8:36 “36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”