Topical Encyclopedia The affections of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, are characterized by a fundamental misalignment with the will and nature of God. These affections are often directed towards worldly desires, self-centered pursuits, and idolatrous inclinations, rather than a sincere devotion to God. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of such misplaced affections.Nature of the Affections of the Wicked 1. Self-Centeredness and Pride: The wicked are often described as being consumed by pride and self-interest. Proverbs 21:4 states, "Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin." This pride leads them to prioritize their own desires over God's commandments. 2. Love for the World: The affections of the wicked are frequently directed towards the material and transient aspects of the world. 1 John 2:15 warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." This love for the world stands in stark contrast to a heart set on God. 3. Idolatry: The wicked often turn to idols, both literal and metaphorical, as objects of their affection. Romans 1:25 highlights this tendency: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen." This idolatry reveals a heart that is not sincerely set on God. Consequences of Misplaced Affections 1. Spiritual Blindness: The affections of the wicked lead to spiritual blindness and a hardened heart. Ephesians 4:18 describes them as "darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." 2. Moral Corruption: The Bible frequently associates the affections of the wicked with moral decay and corruption. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists the "acts of the flesh" which include "sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery," all stemming from misplaced affections. 3. Divine Judgment: Ultimately, the affections of the wicked lead to divine judgment. Psalm 11:5 declares, "The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence." The wicked, by setting their affections on anything other than God, place themselves under His righteous judgment. Call to Repentance The Bible consistently calls for the wicked to turn from their misplaced affections and seek God with sincerity. Isaiah 55:7 urges, "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This call to repentance underscores the possibility of transformation and redemption for those willing to realign their affections with God's will. Contrast with the Righteous In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are depicted as those whose affections are sincerely set on God. Psalm 1:2 describes the righteous as those whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This sincere devotion results in a life that is fruitful and blessed, standing in stark opposition to the path of the wicked. The affections of the wicked, as portrayed in the Bible, serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of prioritizing anything above God. Through repentance and a sincere turning towards God, the possibility of redemption and a realignment of affections remains open to all. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:1,2Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 33:31,32 Luke 8:13 Library The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ... The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God Repentance John Chapter x. 13-Nov The Carnal Mind Enmity against God "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Of the Character of the Unregenerate. The Need and Nature of Conversion Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... Resources What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgSummaries of Christian theology brought to you by GotQuestions.org! | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | 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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