Topical Bible: The Affections: should not Grow Cold

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In the Christian life, the state of one's affections is of paramount importance. The Bible warns against the cooling of love and fervor, particularly in the context of the end times and spiritual vigilance. The affections, which encompass love, zeal, and devotion, are integral to a vibrant faith and a committed walk with God.

Biblical Warnings Against Cold Affections

The concept of affections growing cold is explicitly addressed in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns, "Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." This passage highlights the danger of diminishing love in the face of increasing sin and lawlessness. The implication is that external pressures and moral decay can lead to an internal cooling of the heart, affecting one's relationship with God and others.

The Call to Maintain Fervent Love

The Scriptures consistently call believers to maintain fervent love and zeal. In Romans 12:11, Paul exhorts, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse underscores the necessity of active engagement in one's faith, suggesting that spiritual fervor is something to be cultivated and guarded against decline.

Similarly, in Revelation 2:4-5, the church in Ephesus is admonished for abandoning its first love: "But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first." This passage serves as a reminder that love and devotion can wane over time, and believers are called to remember, repent, and return to their initial fervor.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sustaining the affections of believers. 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 presence of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to love as God loves, providing the strength and capacity to maintain warm and vibrant affections.

Practical Steps to Guard Against Cold Affections

To prevent the cooling of affections, believers are encouraged to engage in regular spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 advises, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Community and mutual encouragement are vital in sustaining fervent love and commitment.

Additionally, believers are called to be vigilant and watchful. In 1 Peter 5:8, the apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Spiritual alertness helps believers recognize and resist the forces that seek to cool their affections.

Conclusion

The affections of believers are a critical aspect of their spiritual life, and the Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of maintaining fervent love and zeal. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, engagement in spiritual disciplines, and vigilance against spiritual complacency, believers can guard against the cooling of their affections and remain steadfast in their devotion to God and others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 106:12,13
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
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Matthew 24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
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Galatians 4:15
Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
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Revelation 2:4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love.
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Library

An Exhortation to Love God
... Love is such a grace as we know not how to ... Love influences the graces, it excites
the affections, it makes us ... How careful then should we be to keep alive our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

(On the Lord's Ascension, ii. )
... souls, unhesitatingly to believe what is not seen with ... sight, and there to fix one's
affections whither you ... And whence should this Godliness spring up in our ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxiv on the lords.htm

How the Soul Grows Cold in Holy Love.
... sometimes weakened and depressed in the affections till it ... is sin, and consequently
troubles charity, not as a ... as this intention is that we should direct all ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how the soul.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... makes the hearers loathe the food they should live by ... of the flint at one stroke;
nor men's affections kindled at ... if they were, yet if they be not followed they ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... to walk with God - if you make not this a ... pride should overtake you, and you should
fall into ... Oh, therefore, take heed to your own judgments and affections. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

The Stony Heart Removed
... the picture, in the tender heart there is a tenderness of the affections. The hard
heart does not love God, but the renewed heart does. ... "Why should I weep for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... Therefore, Christian reader, when thou art raising thy affections to heaven, forget
not to give one lift to thy hope. ... "Why should I not confidently and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... and take notice of the means which they used, will not be surprised ... the Christian
as in the constant exercise of holy affections; and we should never rest ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

The Springs of Social Life.
... is certainly the great sphere in which our affections are to ... Of course I do not mean
that this is the ... been ordained that this great element should flow through ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse v the springs of.htm

The Evolution of a Mother
... of cells may be concerned, so that should it happen ... let her graduate in the school
of the affections. ... its own command, this Love dare not grow cold, or pause ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter viii the evolution of.htm