Definition and Context
Purposing, in a biblical context, refers to the act of setting one's heart and mind on a specific intention or plan, often in alignment with God's will. It involves deliberate decision-making and commitment to a course of action that reflects one's faith and obedience to God. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where individuals and communities are often called to purpose their lives according to divine guidance.

Biblical Examples

1. Daniel's Resolve
One of the most notable examples of purposing is found in the Book of Daniel. Daniel, a young Hebrew taken into Babylonian captivity, "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine that he drank" (Daniel 1:8). This decision was a demonstration of his commitment to God's laws, despite the pressures of a foreign culture. Daniel's resolve not only preserved his integrity but also led to God's favor and wisdom being bestowed upon him.

2. Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul exemplifies purposing through his missionary endeavors. In Acts 19:21, it is recorded, "After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia." Paul's purpose was driven by a divine calling to spread the Gospel, and his journeys were marked by strategic planning and unwavering dedication to his mission.

3. Jesus' Determination
Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated purposing in His ministry. In Luke 9:51, it is noted, "As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." This purposeful journey towards Jerusalem was a conscious decision to fulfill His redemptive work through His death and resurrection, highlighting His obedience to the Father's will.

Theological Significance

Purposing is significant in the life of a believer as it reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This underscores the importance of aligning personal intentions with God's sovereign will.

Practical Application

1. Prayerful Consideration
Believers are encouraged to seek God's direction in their decision-making processes. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Through prayer, individuals can discern God's purpose for their lives.

2. Commitment to God's Word
Purposing involves a commitment to live according to biblical principles. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." By immersing oneself in Scripture, believers can align their purposes with God's revealed will.

3. Perseverance in Faith
The journey of purposing often requires perseverance, especially in the face of challenges. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us," emphasizing the need for steadfastness in pursuing God's purposes.

Conclusion
While purposing is a personal and spiritual endeavor, it is ultimately about aligning one's life with God's greater plan. Through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can purpose their lives in a way that honors God and fulfills His divine intentions.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Purpose.3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel
... 2), devises (2), formed (1), gave (1), give (2), give you advice (1), give you counsel
(1), given (4), planned (8), purposed (1), purposing (1), receive ...
/hebrew/3289.htm - 6k

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... While you are purposing to teach and help him, the man goes deeper in debt; wrath
is heaping up; sin taking root; custom fastens him; temptations to sin ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Very Lately it Happened Thus: While the Bounty of Our Most ...
... It is plain that as they have rejected the prophecies of the Holy Spirit,
[384] they are also purposing the refusal of martyrdom. ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter i very lately it.htm

It is Difficult to Treat of the virtue of the Soul...
... Lastly, of so great a matter purposing to speak what Himself shall grant, in the
first place we say and prove that Continence is the gift of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 1 it is difficult.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... Purposing in his heart without debating the question one moment or compromising
at any one point, that he would not eat of the king's meat nor drink the king's ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Life in London
... I made the remittance therefore, purposing, as soon as the examination was over,
to go and draw the regular allowance with which to refund myself. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter v life in london.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... Luke expressively says, that they were "cut to the heart." In this state of mind
they were purposing to proceed to violence, when the rising tempest was calmed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... The spirit hindered them from going to some places, which they were purposing to
visit, and pointed out others, which were not comprehended in their plan. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins
... council-chamber, and to see the heart of love beating towards the chosen people
before all time, and the infinite mind of God devising and purposing their good ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/redemption through blood the gracious.htm

From Maximian, God, the Avenger of Religion and of his People...
... Galerius, too, was purposing to celebrate his twentieth anniversary; and as, under
that pretext, he had, by new taxes payable in gold and silver, oppressed the ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxxi from maximian god.htm

Diocletian, as Being of a Timorous Disposition, was a Searcher ...
... an interval of some time he went to winter in Bithynia; and presently Galerius C??sar
came thither, inflamed with furious resentment, and purposing to excite ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap x diocletian as being.htm

Purposing (21 Occurrences)
...Purposing (21 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Acts 19:30 And on Paul's purposing to enter in
unto the populace, the disciples were not suffering him, (YLT). ...
/p/purposing.htm - 12k

Masses (20 Occurrences)
... the morning. (BBE). 2 Kings 19:25 Has it not come to your ears how I did
it long before, purposing it in times long past? Now I have ...
/m/masses.htm - 12k

Purse (7 Occurrences)

/p/purse.htm - 10k

Designs (118 Occurrences)
... deceit. (BBE). Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those whose designs
are evil, but for those purposing peace there is joy. (BBE). ...
/d/designs.htm - 35k

Design (84 Occurrences)
... my authority? (BBE). 2 Kings 19:25 Has it not come to your ears how I did
it long before, purposing it in times long past? Now I ...
/d/design.htm - 33k

Walls (152 Occurrences)
... in thither. (DBY RSV). 2 Kings 19:25 Has it not come to your ears how I
did it long before, purposing it in times long past? Now I ...
/w/walls.htm - 38k

Knaveries (1 Occurrence)
... Knaveries (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 32:7 The designs of the false are evil, purposing
the destruction of the poor man by false words, even when he is in the right. ...
/k/knaveries.htm - 6k

Killing (41 Occurrences)
... Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him: 'Behold,
thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill ...
/k/killing.htm - 19k

Knave (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Isaiah 32:7 The designs of the false are evil, purposing the destruction
of the poor man by false words, even when he is in the right. (See RSV). ...
/k/knave.htm - 7k

Older (43 Occurrences)
... Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him: 'Behold,
thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill ...
/o/older.htm - 19k

What is a lament in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Purposing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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