Topical Encyclopedia The affections, as understood within the Christian tradition, refer to the emotional and spiritual inclinations of the heart and mind. Scripture consistently emphasizes that these affections should be supremely set upon God, reflecting a life oriented towards His will and glory.Biblical Foundation The call to set one's affections on God is rooted in the greatest commandment as articulated by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 22:37 , Jesus declares, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’" This commandment underscores the totality of devotion expected from believers, encompassing every aspect of one's being. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Colossians 3:2 , where he instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive encourages believers to prioritize heavenly realities and divine purposes over temporal and worldly concerns. The Nature of Affections Affections are not merely fleeting emotions but are deeply rooted inclinations that shape one's desires and actions. In Proverbs 4:23 , the importance of guarding one's heart is highlighted: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." The heart, as the seat of affections, must be diligently protected and directed towards God. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in aligning the believer's affections with God's will. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables believers to love God genuinely and fervently, transforming their affections to mirror divine love. Examples from Scripture Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify affections supremely set upon God. King David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), frequently expressed his deep love and longing for God in the Psalms. Psalm 42:1 captures this sentiment: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." The Apostle Paul also serves as a model of affections directed towards God. In Philippians 3:8 , he writes, "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Paul's life and ministry were marked by a singular devotion to Christ, demonstrating the supremacy of divine affections. Practical Implications Setting affections supremely upon God requires intentionality and discipline. Believers are called to cultivate spiritual practices that nurture their love for God, such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. In doing so, they align their desires with God's purposes, allowing His love to permeate every aspect of their lives. Moreover, the supremacy of affections for God influences relationships with others. As believers grow in their love for God, they are empowered to love their neighbors genuinely and selflessly, fulfilling the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). Conclusion The affections, when supremely set upon God, reflect a heart wholly devoted to Him. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the example of biblical figures, believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep and abiding love for God, allowing it to transform their lives and relationships. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 6:3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you, in the land that flows with milk and honey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 12:30 Library "Often I Wondered Why by the Great Foreseeing Wisdom of God the ... Victory Over the World through Faith Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7. The Secret of Tranquillity What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart. Obedience to the Moral Law. Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty The Security of the Church Directions to Sinners. The Backslider in Heart. Resources Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual adultery? | 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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