Topical Encyclopedia The affections of saints, supremely set on God, represent a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the profound love and devotion that believers are called to have for their Creator. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate source of all goodness, love, and truth, and thus deserves the highest place in the hearts of His people.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently calls believers to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. In the Shema, a foundational text for both Judaism and Christianity, Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This command is reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament, highlighting its enduring significance (Matthew 22:37). The Psalms frequently express the deep affection that saints have for God. Psalm 42:1-2 beautifully illustrates this longing: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God." This imagery captures the intense desire and need for God's presence that characterizes the affections of the faithful. The Nature of Affections The affections of saints are not merely emotional responses but are deeply rooted in the will and intellect. They involve a conscious decision to prioritize God above all else, reflecting a commitment to His commandments and a desire to align one's life with His will. This is evident in the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:2 : "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Expressions of Affection The supreme affection for God manifests in various ways, including worship, obedience, and service. Worship is a natural outflow of love for God, as seen in Psalm 63:3-4 : "Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." Obedience to God's commandments is another expression of love, as Jesus stated in John 14:15 : "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This obedience is not burdensome but is a joyful response to God's love and grace. Service to others, motivated by love for God, is also a key expression of the affections of saints. In Matthew 25:40 , Jesus teaches that acts of kindness to others are acts of love toward Him: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Challenges and Growth While the affections of saints are supremely set on God, believers often face challenges that can distract or diminish their love for Him. The world, the flesh, and the devil are constant adversaries that seek to draw the heart away from God. However, through prayer, the study of Scripture, and the fellowship of the church, believers can grow in their love and devotion to God. The Apostle Paul encourages believers in Philippians 1:9-10 : "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." This growth in love is a lifelong journey, marked by an ever-deepening relationship with God. Conclusion The affections of saints, supremely set on God, are a testament to the transformative power of divine love. As believers cultivate their love for God, they reflect His glory and become conduits of His grace in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 42:1As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after you, O God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 73:25 Psalm 119:10 Library Evidences of Regeneration. The Book of the Cross Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... City of God Sanctification. The Security of the Church The Backslider in Heart. Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26. Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart. 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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