Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, the affections play a crucial role in shaping one's spiritual journey and relationship with God. The Bible instructs believers to set their affections on heavenly things, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual over earthly matters. This directive is rooted in the understanding that the things of this world are temporary, while heavenly things are eternal.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, provides a clear exhortation regarding the orientation of a believer's affections: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). This verse underscores the necessity of focusing on the eternal realities of God's kingdom rather than the fleeting pleasures and concerns of the world. Similarly, Jesus teaches about the importance of heavenly treasures in the Sermon on the Mount: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Here, the heart is depicted as the seat of affections, and its alignment with heavenly treasures is presented as a mark of true discipleship. The Nature of Heavenly Affections Setting one's affections on heavenly things involves a transformation of desires and priorities. It requires a shift from self-centered pursuits to a Christ-centered life. This transformation is facilitated by the work of the Holy Spirit, who renews the mind and aligns the believer's desires with God's will (Romans 12:2). Heavenly affections are characterized by a longing for God's presence, a desire for holiness, and a commitment to the values of the kingdom of God. The believer is called to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), which naturally leads to a love for others and a desire to see God's will done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Practical Implications The call to set affections on heavenly things has practical implications for daily living. It influences how believers use their time, resources, and talents. It encourages a lifestyle of worship, prayer, and service, reflecting the priorities of God's kingdom. Moreover, heavenly affections provide a source of hope and comfort in times of trial and suffering. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminds believers of the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs present afflictions: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Challenges and Encouragement While the call to set affections on heavenly things is clear, believers often face challenges in maintaining this focus. The distractions and demands of daily life can easily shift attention away from spiritual priorities. However, Scripture provides encouragement and guidance for overcoming these challenges. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). By keeping Christ at the center, believers are empowered to persevere and remain steadfast in their heavenly focus. In summary, setting affections on heavenly things is a vital aspect of the Christian life, calling believers to prioritize eternal realities over temporal concerns. Through the guidance of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to cultivate a heart that treasures the things of God and reflects His kingdom on earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:1,2If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ... Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. The Importance of Leading a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day ... The Sermon on the Mount. Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... The Tenth Commandment How God is Jealous of Us. Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. Of the Inward Life Resources What is adoration in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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