In the context of the Bible, "inclinations" often refer to the tendencies or dispositions of the human heart and mind, particularly in relation to moral and spiritual matters. The concept of inclinations is significant in understanding human nature, sin, and the pursuit of righteousness.

Human Nature and Sinful Inclinations

The Bible frequently addresses the natural inclinations of the human heart, which are often depicted as being inclined toward sin and rebellion against God. In Genesis 6:5 , it is written, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This verse highlights the pervasive nature of sin in humanity, suggesting that apart from divine intervention, human inclinations are inherently corrupt.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 17:9 , the prophet declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This passage underscores the idea that the natural inclinations of the heart are deceitful and prone to evil, necessitating a transformation that only God can provide.

Inclinations and the Law

The Mosaic Law was given to guide the Israelites in aligning their inclinations with God's will. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 presents a choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging the people to "choose life" by loving and obeying God. This choice reflects the need to direct one's inclinations toward obedience and righteousness.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, further elaborates on the struggle between sinful inclinations and the desire to follow God's law. In Romans 7:18-19 , Paul writes, "For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do." This internal conflict illustrates the tension between the fleshly inclinations and the spiritual aspirations of a believer.

Transformation of Inclinations

The New Testament emphasizes the transformation of inclinations through the work of the Holy Spirit. In Ezekiel 36:26-27 , God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This prophetic promise points to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in renewing the inclinations of the heart.

In the New Testament, this transformation is further explained in Galatians 5:16-17 , where Paul instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sinful inclinations and live in accordance with God's will.

Inclinations and Christian Living

Believers are called to actively cultivate godly inclinations through spiritual disciplines and the renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a conscious effort to align one's inclinations with the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 provides guidance on nurturing positive inclinations: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on virtuous and praiseworthy things, believers can shape their inclinations toward righteousness and holiness.

In summary, the Bible presents inclinations as a fundamental aspect of human nature, often inclined toward sin but capable of transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to cultivate godly inclinations through obedience to God's Word and reliance on the Spirit's guidance.4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier
... in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous
duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations -- soldier, (go to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4754.htm - 7k

The Pietist and the Perfectionist.
... Sanctification is a gracious work of God, whereby in a supernatural way He gradually
divests from sin the inclinations and dispositions of the regenerate and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xi the pietist and the.htm

Of the Outflowing (Escoulement) or Liquefaction of the Soul in God ...
... The soul is not so by nature, for she has her proper shapes and limits: she takes
her shape from her habits and inclinations, her limits from her will; and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the outflowing.htm

On Reading.
... of penance is futile against the intoxicating seductions of those romances whose
only merit consists in flattering the most depraved inclinations of the human ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xxi on reading.htm

'That which was Lost'
... after. It has only a rudimentary conscience, if it has that. Its inclinations
are restrained by no sense of obligation. Many men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/that which was lost.htm

That Perfect virtues are Never one Without the Other.
... reservation. There are certain inclinations which are esteemed virtues
and are not so, but favours and advantages of nature. How ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii that perfect virtues.htm

Whether all Sins are Connected with one Another?
... destroyed as to the perfect and formal being of virtue, which they have in so far
as they partake of prudence, yet there remain the inclinations to virtuous ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all sins are connected.htm

The Dismissal of Judas
... It is what we think in our hearts that we are; and our fixed determinations, our
inclinations of will, are far more truly our doings than the mere consequences ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the dismissal of judas.htm

Naturally we Love Ourselves Only. ...
... And this it does by crossing the inclinations of sense, which are quite contrary
to those of the Divine Spirit, which ought to be our chief and only principle ...
/.../chapter iii naturally we love.htm

The Old Man and the New.
... on the cross?" the Reformed Church answers: "That by virtue thereof our old man
is crucified, and buried with Him; that so the corrupt inclinations of the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the old man and.htm

The Mortifications Here Treated of in Particular are not of Such ...
... aversion, yet, when the will of His Father opposed itself; and presented Him a cup
in the highest degree mortal to nature and all the inclinations thereof, He ...
/.../chapter ii the mortifications here.htm

Inclinations (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Inclinations (3 Occurrences). Ephesians 2:3 Among
them all of us also formerly passed our lives, governed ...
/i/inclinations.htm - 7k

Incline (38 Occurrences)

/i/incline.htm - 18k

Natures (12 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 2:3 Among them all of us also formerly passed our lives, governed by the
inclinations of our lower natures, indulging the cravings of those natures ...
/n/natures.htm - 10k

Unholy (23 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/u/unholy.htm - 13k

Original (6 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 2:3 Among them all of us also formerly passed our lives, governed by the
inclinations of our lower natures, indulging the cravings of those natures ...
/o/original.htm - 9k

Greed (19 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/g/greed.htm - 12k

Governed (8 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 2:3 Among them all of us also formerly passed our lives, governed by the
inclinations of our lower natures, indulging the cravings of those natures ...
/g/governed.htm - 8k

Wrong (391 Occurrences)
... morally right; deviating from rectitude or duty; not just or equitable; not true;
not legal; as, a wrong practice; wrong ideas; wrong inclinations and desires. ...
/w/wrong.htm - 36k

Indulge (12 Occurrences)
... restrain. 2. (vt) to give free course to; to give one's self up to; as, to
indulge sloth, pride, selfishness, or inclinations; 3. (vt ...
/i/indulge.htm - 10k

Impurity (42 Occurrences)
... Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations--fornication,
impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of ...
/i/impurity.htm - 21k

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