Topical Encyclopedia The affections of the saints, as depicted in the Bible, are to be supremely set on God, reflecting a deep and abiding love and devotion that surpasses all other attachments. This profound orientation of the heart is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the call for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.Biblical Foundation The call for the saints to set their affections on God is rooted in the greatest commandment as articulated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 22:37-38 , Jesus declares, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment." This commandment underscores the totality of devotion expected from believers, encompassing every aspect of their being. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistles, urging believers to focus their desires and thoughts on heavenly matters. In Colossians 3:1-2 , Paul writes, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This passage highlights the transformative nature of setting one's affections on God, leading to a life oriented towards eternal realities rather than temporal concerns. Expressions of Affection The affections of the saints are expressed through various acts of worship, obedience, and service. Worship is a primary avenue through which believers express their love for God, as seen in Psalm 29:2 : "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Worship involves both personal and corporate expressions of adoration, gratitude, and reverence. Obedience to God's commandments is another critical expression of affection. Jesus links love for Him with obedience in John 14:15 : "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This obedience is not burdensome but is a joyful response to God's love and grace, as seen in 1 John 5:3 : "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." Service to others, motivated by love for God, is also a significant expression of the saints' affections. In Matthew 25:40 , Jesus teaches that acts of kindness and service to others are ultimately acts of service to Him: "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" Challenges and Encouragements While the call to set affections supremely on God is clear, believers face challenges in maintaining this focus amidst the distractions and temptations of the world. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:22 warns of the dangers of worldly cares and the deceitfulness of wealth, which can choke the word and render it unfruitful. To counter these challenges, Scripture provides encouragement and guidance. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts believers to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This passage encourages perseverance and a steadfast focus on Christ as the ultimate source and object of the saints' affections. Conclusion The affections of the saints, supremely set on God, are a defining characteristic of the Christian life. Through worship, obedience, and service, believers express their love for God, drawing strength and inspiration from the Scriptures to overcome challenges and remain faithful in their devotion. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 42:1As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after you, O God. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 73:25 Psalm 119:10 Library Evidences of Regeneration. The Book of the Cross Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... City of God Sanctification. The Security of the Church The Backslider in Heart. Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26. Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart. Resources What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgSummaries of Christian theology brought to you by GotQuestions.org! | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | 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) |
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