Affections: should be Set Upon the House and Worship of God
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
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 29:3
Moreover, 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
LORD, I have loved the habitation of your house, and the place where your honor dwells.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 27:4
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 84:1,2
How amiable are your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... Word as a suitable means for stirring up these affections. ... And why should it be thought
of less consequence to ... When seated in the place of worship, set a watch ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... the flint at one stroke; nor men's affections kindled at ... rather than the Gospel and
men's souls should suffer ... by; but that your hearts are set upon the welfare ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

First Commandment
... He should have the first and only place in our affections? ... for every known religion,
so that every stranger should have a ... that is what their hearts are set on. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/first commandment.htm

The Sixth Season
... your heart by previous meditation, immediately set a guard ... Should your tongue utter
all the thoughts of your ... prevented, endeavor to raise your affections to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

Obedience
... Lively affections make golden services. ... Matthew 6:2. Alms should shine, but not blaze. ...
Philippians 2:8. The crown is set upon the head of perseverance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... in his heart to God, you may set him down ... he will keep it; what care then should
we have to ... Their thoughts and affections, like Satan, are still compassing the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
... his Will, no irregularity nor disorder in his Affections, no spot ... more than if all
the World besides should see us ... to pay to God whensoever we set upon any great ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the imitation of.htm

Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D.
... and subduing all our Passions and Affections before him ... and neglect all the other,
we should questionless look ... several Laws to observe, and hath set us several ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the knowledge of.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... If the affections of the heart be sanctified, they will ... religion, and the frame of
mind that should be brought ... character of a scene for the time set apart to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Second Commandment
... burned.' Psalm 39:3. Meditation is as bellows to the affections. ... If you had a friend
who should say, Come when ... Salvation is the crown set upon the head of faith ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

Resources
Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is spiritual adultery? | GotQuestions.org

Affections: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Affections

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

Affection (30 Occurrences)

Spirituality

Reins (15 Occurrences)

Affect (3 Occurrences)

Home (270 Occurrences)

Home (270 Occurrences)

Belly (62 Occurrences)

Heart (1223 Occurrences)

Sanctification (13 Occurrences)

Quench (14 Occurrences)

Kindly (57 Occurrences)

Union (24 Occurrences)

Loins (72 Occurrences)

Gracious (106 Occurrences)

Wean

Withholding (3 Occurrences)

Worldly (25 Occurrences)

Infirmity (22 Occurrences)

Incline (38 Occurrences)

Inward (43 Occurrences)

Idol (56 Occurrences)

Temper (14 Occurrences)

Restrained (51 Occurrences)

Rekem (6 Occurrences)

Restricted (4 Occurrences)

Engaged (31 Occurrences)

Engaging (3 Occurrences)

Deadness (1 Occurrence)

Dishonourable (1 Occurrence)

Dishonorable (1 Occurrence)

Moving (117 Occurrences)

Mortify (2 Occurrences)

Prone (1 Occurrence)

Part (2071 Occurrences)

Blemish (71 Occurrences)

Breast (71 Occurrences)

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

Conscience (36 Occurrences)

Command (442 Occurrences)

Court (172 Occurrences)

Charmer (5 Occurrences)

Crucify (20 Occurrences)

Anthropomorphism

Affectioned (1 Occurrence)

Alienation (2 Occurrences)

Appetite (22 Occurrences)

Alive (166 Occurrences)

Ardent (7 Occurrences)

Affects (2 Occurrences)

Alienate (2 Occurrences)

Holy (1097 Occurrences)

Sympathetic (1 Occurrence)

Soul (554 Occurrences)

Sympathy (15 Occurrences)

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)

Sensual (8 Occurrences)

Nero

Captivity (141 Occurrences)

Jacob (361 Occurrences)

Fever (13 Occurrences)

Mind (615 Occurrences)

Christ's (64 Occurrences)

Baptist (16 Occurrences)

Interpretation (45 Occurrences)

Life (6001 Occurrences)

Calling (145 Occurrences)

Hearted (9 Occurrences)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Love (703 Occurrences)

Cause (1309 Occurrences)

Messenger (235 Occurrences)

Baptism (76 Occurrences)

Affections: should be Set Upon the Commandments of God
Top of Page
Top of Page