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Gratification, in a biblical context, refers to the fulfillment or satisfaction of desires, often associated with the fleshly or worldly appetites. The concept of gratification is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the tension between spiritual and fleshly desires.

Biblical Understanding of Gratification

The Bible often contrasts the desires of the flesh with the desires of the Spirit. InGalatians 5:16-17 , the Apostle Paul writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." This passage underscores the conflict between living according to the Spirit and seeking gratification through fleshly desires.

Gratification and Sin

Gratification is frequently linked to sin when it involves indulging in desires that are contrary to God's will.James 1:14-15 explains the process by which desire leads to sin: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This progression illustrates how unchecked gratification of sinful desires can lead to spiritual death.

The Pursuit of Righteousness

The Bible encourages believers to seek gratification in righteousness and godliness rather than in worldly pleasures. InMatthew 5:6 , Jesus states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This beatitude suggests that true satisfaction comes from a desire for righteousness, aligning one's life with God's will.

Gratification and Contentment

Scripture also teaches the importance of contentment as a counterbalance to the pursuit of gratification. InPhilippians 4:11-13 , Paul shares his secret to contentment: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Contentment in Christ provides a deeper, more lasting satisfaction than the fleeting pleasures of worldly gratification.

Warnings Against Worldly Gratification

The Bible warns against the dangers of seeking gratification in the things of the world. In 1John 2:15-17 , believers are admonished, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage highlights the transient nature of worldly gratification and the eternal value of doing God's will.

Gratification in the Life of a Believer

For Christians, the pursuit of gratification should be aligned with the pursuit of holiness and godliness.Romans 8:5-6 states, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace." Believers are called to set their minds on spiritual things, finding true gratification in their relationship with God and the fulfillment of His purposes.1. (n.) Satisfaction; enjoyment; delight.

2. (n.) The act of gratifying, or pleasing, either the mind, the taste, or the appetite; as, the gratification of the palate, of the appetites, of the senses, of the desires, of the heart.

3. (n.) A reward; a recompense; a gratuity.

4140. plesmone -- a filling up
...gratification, satisfaction. From a presumed derivative of pletho; a filling up,
ie (figuratively)gratification -- satisfying. see GREEK pletho....

1071. gelos -- laughter
... laughter. From gelao; laughter (as a mark ofgratification) -- laughter. see GREEK
gelao. (gelos) -- 1 Occurrence. 1070, 1071. gelos. 1072 . Strong's Numbers

What Constitutes Disobedience to Moral Law?
... II. What disobedience to moral law must consist in. Disobedience to God's law
must consist in the choice of self-gratification as an end....

Moral Depravity.
... Sin is a violation of moral law. We have seen that sin must consist in choice, in
the choice of self-indulgence or self-gratification as an end....

The Corn of Wheat.
... With a pickle of wheat or a grain of oats you may do one of two things: you may
eat it and enjoy a momentarygratification and benefit; or you may put it in...

Regeneration.
... is no constitutional relish, taste, or craving for sin,"that in sinful choice, sin
is not the end or object chosen, but that self-gratification is chosen...

Attributes of Selfishness.
... Generally, there is some ruling passion or propensity, the influence of which becomes
overshadowing, and overrules the will for its owngratification....

Moral Depravity.
... That moral depravity consists in selfishness, or in the choice of self-interest,
self-gratification, or self-indulgence, as an end....

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... his own happiness the supreme object. Happiness consists in thegratification
of virtuous desires. But to be gratified, the thing...

{24A} Upon the Love of Our Neighbour. Preached on Advent Sunday.
... Every particular affection, even the love of our neighbour, is as really our own
affection as self-love; and the pleasure arising from itsgratification is as...

Letter vii. Self-Denial.
... towards others. But, if their motives were scanned, it would appear that
self-gratification is at the bottom of it. The correctness...

Attributes of Love.
... They have all chosen some end, either their owngratification, or the highest good
of being; and all the busy bustle of this world's teeming population, is...

Gratification (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act of gratifying, or pleasing, either the mind, the taste, or the appetite;
as, thegratification of the palate, of the appetites, of the senses...

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Thegratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or
emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or...

Indulgence (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Forbearance; restraint;gratification; granting
of a favor. 2. (n.) An indulgent act; favor granted;gratification....

Relish (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To savor; to taste with pleasure; to partake of withgratification; hence,
to enjoy; to be pleased with or gratified by; to experience pleasure from; as...

Satiety (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state of being satiated or glutted; fullness
ofgratification, either of the appetite or of any sensual desire; fullness...

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)
... In short, if any man find that thegratification of any desire of the higher or
lower self will impede or distract him in the performance of his duties as a...

Victim (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A person or thing destroyed or sacrificed in the pursuit of an object, or
ingratification of a passion; as, a victim to jealousy, lust, or ambition....

Lust (42 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To have an eager, passionate, and especially an inordinate or sinful desire,
as for thegratification of the sexual appetite or of covetousness...

Gratified (4 Occurrences)

Grace (277 Occurrences)
... and similarly in Colossians 4:6. (b) Objectively, charis may denote the impression
produced by "gracefulness," as in 3 John 1:4 `greatergratification have I...

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