The term "devout" in the context of the character of saints refers to a deep, earnest, and sincere commitment to God and His commandments. This characteristic is evident throughout the Scriptures, where devout individuals are portrayed as those who earnestly seek to live in accordance with God's will, demonstrating a profound reverence and dedication to their faith.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, devoutness is often associated with a wholehearted commitment to God and His laws. For instance, King David is frequently depicted as a devout servant of the Lord. Despite his failings, David's heart was steadfastly devoted to God, as seen in his psalms of worship and repentance. In Psalm 86:2 , David prays, "Preserve my soul, for I am godly; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You."

Another example is Daniel, whose devoutness is evident in his unwavering commitment to prayer and obedience to God, even in the face of persecution. Daniel 6:10 states, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, devoutness is exemplified by individuals who earnestly follow Christ and His teachings. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, is described in Luke 2:25 : "Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him." Simeon's devoutness is shown in his patient waiting and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

The early church also provides examples of devout individuals. Acts 2:5 mentions, "Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven." These devout Jews were among the first to hear and respond to the message of the Gospel at Pentecost.

Characteristics of Devoutness

Devoutness is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Reverence for God: A devout individual holds a deep respect and awe for God, prioritizing His will above all else. This reverence is often expressed through worship, prayer, and obedience.

2. Commitment to Prayer: Devout saints are committed to regular and earnest prayer, seeking communion with God and guidance in their lives. This is seen in the lives of Daniel and the early Christians who "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).

3. Obedience to God's Commands: Devoutness involves a sincere effort to live according to God's commandments, as demonstrated by the lives of biblical figures like David and Daniel.

4. Faithfulness in Trials: Devout individuals remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity. Their devotion is not swayed by external circumstances, as seen in the lives of the apostles and early martyrs.

5. Witness to Others: The devout character of saints often serves as a testimony to others, drawing them to the faith. The devout lives of early Christians were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The character of devoutness in saints is a profound expression of their love and commitment to God. Through reverence, prayer, obedience, faithfulness, and witness, devout individuals exemplify a life dedicated to the service and glory of God.Acts 8:2
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 22:12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelled there,
Nave's Topical Index

Devout Customs and Usages
... and "a devout manner helps to create devout feelings ... every feature and lineament
of His character is revealed ... grace and virtue declared in the saints who have ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

God and his Saints
... have, has yet borne this fair flower of deep and devout insight into ... true to the
relation between us, the purity of character, which is ... 'All His saints are in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/god and his saints.htm

Forms Versus Character
... to the suffusing of the heart with devout emotions which may lead to building up
a holy character. ... glowing with angel-forms and pictured saints, but it ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/forms versus character.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... no fault with Job whatever, his character was untainted ... heart in piety, the absence
of devout earnestness, have ... followers of Jesus, who washed his saints' feet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... a character of singular beauty and devout consecration may be ... up that fair flower
of a character, pure and ... There were saints in Caesar's household, and depend ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... Through God's help has your character been cleared from ... he felt there were not enough
of saints, he calls ... Devout minds feel as though the whole creation were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... close to some of us, to substitute devout emotion for ... however imperfect their present
life and character may be. ... a strange kind of saints these Christians are! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... Noyon; his mother, a beautiful and devout, but otherwise ... purer in motive, more radical
in character, more fruitful ... which Cop delivered on All-Saints' Day, in ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Motives Inducing to Religion to be Examined...
... and which will not admit the least memory, nor a character or representation of ... to
a fit disposition to imitate those solitary and devout saints (proposed by ...
/.../chapter iv motives inducing to.htm

The Great Commandment
... And devout people have been too apt to say,"You are ... Jesus Christ, or the Virgin Mary,
or the saints, or any ... more or less like that person in character and in ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xiv the great commandment.htm

The Character of God ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Sinful Character Traits ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Christian Character ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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