Topical Encyclopedia The affections of a believer, according to Scripture, are to be directed towards the house and worship of God. This focus is not merely a suggestion but a reflection of the heart's alignment with divine priorities. The house of God, often represented by the temple in the Old Testament and the church in the New Testament, serves as a central place for worship, community, and the presence of God.Biblical Foundation The Psalms frequently express a deep longing and affection for the house of God. Psalm 84:1-2 declares, "How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts! My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God." This passage illustrates the psalmist's intense desire to be in God's presence, emphasizing that the affections of the heart should be directed towards the place where God dwells. Similarly, Psalm 122:1 states, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" This joy and eagerness to enter the house of God reflect a heart that treasures worship and fellowship with the divine. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the focus shifts to the church as the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage underscores the importance of communal worship and the setting of affections on gathering with fellow believers. The early church exemplified this devotion in Acts 2:46-47 : "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." The believers' commitment to worship and fellowship demonstrates the centrality of the house of God in their lives. Theological Implications Setting one's affections on the house and worship of God signifies a heart aligned with God's purposes. It reflects a prioritization of spiritual over temporal concerns, recognizing the eternal value of worship and community. This orientation is not merely about physical attendance but involves a heartfelt devotion to God's presence and purposes. The house of God is a place of transformation, where believers encounter the divine, receive instruction, and participate in the sacraments. Worship, both corporate and personal, is a means of grace that shapes the believer's character and aligns their desires with God's will. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate a love for the house of God by actively participating in worship, prayer, and service. This involves a commitment to regular attendance, engagement in church activities, and fostering a spirit of unity and love within the community. By setting their affections on the house and worship of God, Christians demonstrate their devotion to Him and their desire to grow in faith and holiness. In summary, the affections of a believer should be set upon the house and worship of God, as this reflects a heart devoted to the divine presence and purposes. Through Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments affirm the importance of directing one's desires towards the place where God is worshiped and His people gather. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 29:3Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of my own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 26:8 Psalm 27:4 Psalm 84:1,2 Library Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments. The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. First Commandment The Sixth Season Obedience An Exhortation to Love God Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ. Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D. Manner of Covenanting. The Second Commandment Resources Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.org Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints Affections: Carnal, should be Mortified Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate Affections: should be Set Upon Heavenly Things Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God Affections: should be Set Upon the People of God Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God Affections: should not Grow Cold The Affections of Saints, Supremely Set on God The Affections of the Wicked, are Unnatural and Perverted The Affections of the Wicked, not Sincerely Set on God The Affections: Blessedness of Making God the Object of The Affections: Carnal Affections Crucified in Saints The Affections: Carnal Affections should be Mortified The Affections: Christ Claims the First Place In The Affections: Enkindled by Communion With Christ The Affections: False Teachers Seek to Captivate The Affections: should be Set: Upon Heavenly Things The Affections: should be Set: Upon the Commandments of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the House and Worship of God The Affections: should be Set: Upon the People of God The Affections: should be Supremely Set Upon God The Affections: should be Zealously Engaged for God The Affections: should not Grow Cold Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) |