Topical Encyclopedia
Maintaining, in a biblical context, refers to the act of upholding, preserving, or continuing in a state or condition that aligns with God's will and commandments. This concept is integral to the Christian life, as believers are called to maintain their faith, relationships, and moral integrity according to the teachings of Scripture.
Faith and DoctrineThe Bible emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's faith and sound doctrine. In
1 Timothy 4:16, Paul advises Timothy, "Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you." This verse underscores the necessity of vigilance in maintaining doctrinal purity and personal holiness.
Spiritual VigilanceMaintaining a vigilant spiritual life is a recurring theme in Scripture. In
1 Peter 5:8, believers are admonished, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This call to sobriety and alertness is crucial for maintaining one's spiritual well-being and resisting temptation.
Relationships and CommunityThe Bible also speaks to the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within the Christian community.
Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This involves actively working to maintain harmony and unity among fellow believers, reflecting the love and peace of Christ.
Moral IntegrityMaintaining moral integrity is a key aspect of the Christian walk.
Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of maintaining a pure heart, as it influences one's actions and character. Believers are called to uphold God's standards in their conduct and interactions with others.
Perseverance in TrialsThe Bible encourages believers to maintain their faith and hope even in the face of trials.
James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise serves as motivation for maintaining steadfastness and endurance through life's challenges.
Prayer and DevotionMaintaining a consistent prayer life and devotion to God is essential for spiritual growth.
Colossians 4:2 instructs, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Through prayer, believers maintain their connection with God, seeking His guidance and strength to live according to His will.
ConclusionThe concept of maintaining, as presented in the Bible, encompasses various aspects of the Christian life, including faith, doctrine, relationships, moral integrity, perseverance, and devotion. By adhering to these principles, believers can live in a manner that honors God and reflects His love and truth to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Maintain.
Greek
2192. echo -- to have, hold... hold (5), holding (7), holds (2), ill* (5), incurring (1), involves (1), keep (3),
keeping (3), kept (1), maintain (1), maintained (1),
maintaining (1), meets
...Library
Some More Particular Directions forMaintaining Continual...
... CHAPTER XIX. SOME MORE PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FORMAINTAINING CONTINUAL
COMMUNION WITH GOD, OR BEING IN HIS FEAR ALL THE DAY LONG....
After This, Celsus, Desirous ofMaintaining that Providence...
... Chapter LXXVI. After this, Celsus, desirous ofmaintaining that Providence
created the products of the earth? After this, Celsus...
The Constancy of the Ephesine Fathers in Driving Away Novelty and...
... Chapter XXXI. The Constancy of the Ephesine Fathers in driving away Novelty
andmaintaining Antiquity.? The Constancy of the Ephesine...
He Next Continues: "You See How Plato, AlthoughMaintaining that...
... Chapter X. He next continues: "You see how Plato, althoughmaintaining
that the chief good cannot be? He next continues: "You...
Why the Pelagians Falsely Accuse Catholics ofMaintaining Fate...
... Book II. Chapter 10."Why the Pelagians Falsely Accuse Catholics ofMaintaining
Fate Under the Name of Grace. But, as I was somewhat...
The Ignorance of the Pelagians inMaintaining that the Knowledge...
... A Treatise on grace and free will, Chapter 40 [XIX.]"The Ignorance of the Pelagians
inMaintaining that the Knowledge of the Law Comes from God, But that...
War! War! War!
... when we get into little tempers, and our blood is roused, we are apt to think that
we are fighting the cause of truth, when we are reallymaintaining our own...
Concerning the Place of God: and that the Deity Alone is...
... not place. For He is His own place, filling all things and being above all
things, and Himselfmaintaining all things [1618] . Yet...
The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton.
... The next day after his imprisonment, he was brought before the arch-bishop and his
convention, and there charged withmaintaining and propagating sundry...
If, Therefore, it is Evident that from the Beginning this Kind of...
... God, and about all the rest of the body of heretical teaching, we now draw before
us definite lines [8250] for one form of encounter,maintaining that this will...
Thesaurus
Maintaining (4 Occurrences)... n.) of Maintain. Multi-Version Concordance
Maintaining (4 Occurrences). Acts
24:9 The Jews also joined in the charge,
maintaining that these were facts. (WEY).
...Atonement (112 Occurrences)
... 3. Means for Expressing, Restoring andMaintaining: Numerous and various means were
employed for expressing this essential unity of life, for restoring it...
Versions
... Edessa and Samosata. Gregory introduced Greek influence and culture, though
maintaining bonds of union with Syria also. When King...
Zophar (4 Occurrences)
... He is the most impetuous and dogmatic of the three (compare Job 11:2, 3; Job
20:2, 3); stung to passionate response by Job's presumption inmaintaining that...
Irrigation
... ir-i-ga'-shun: No equivalent for this word is found in Biblical writings, although
the use of irrigation formaintaining vegetable life is frequently implied...
Facts (11 Occurrences)
... the army building. (BBE NAS RSV). Acts 24:9 The Jews also joined in the charge,
maintaining that these were facts. (WEY). Acts 24:13...
Timothy (28 Occurrences)
... and organization of the Church, and the responsibilities resting on its several
members; and (2) of exhortation to faithfulness inmaintaining the truth amid...
Thine (3295 Occurrences)
... & a.) A form of the possessive case of the pronoun thou, now superseded in common
discourse by your, the possessive of you, butmaintaining a place in solemn...
Reign (468 Occurrences)
... Sin, the vitiating mental factor, is to be looked upon as being constantly and
resolutely bent onmaintaining or regaining its hold upon man, its power being...
Engaged (31 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Philippians 1:30maintaining, as you do, the same kind of conflict that you
once saw in me and which you still hear that I am engaged in. (WEY RSV)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I maintain a good attitude when I am struggling with hormones / hormonal? | GotQuestions.orgMaintaining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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