Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of "practicing" often relates to the application of faith, the exercise of spiritual disciplines, and the manifestation of one's beliefs through actions. The term encompasses a wide range of activities, including prayer, worship, obedience to God's commandments, and the pursuit of holiness.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible emphasizes the importance of not only hearing the Word of God but also putting it into practice.
James 1:22 states, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse underscores the necessity of active engagement with one's faith, suggesting that true belief is demonstrated through action.
Practicing RighteousnessPracticing righteousness is a recurring theme in Scripture. In 1
John 3:7 , it is written, "Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." This passage highlights the connection between one's actions and their spiritual state, indicating that practicing righteousness is a reflection of one's relationship with God.
Spiritual DisciplinesThe practice of spiritual disciplines is essential for growth in the Christian life. These disciplines include prayer, fasting, meditation on Scripture, and worship. Jesus Himself modeled these practices, as seen in
Mark 1:35 : "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This example from Jesus' life illustrates the importance of regular, intentional engagement with God.
Obedience to God's CommandmentsPracticing obedience to God's commandments is a central aspect of living out one's faith. In
John 14:15 , Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This statement links love for Christ with the practice of obedience, suggesting that true devotion is evidenced by adherence to His teachings.
The Role of Faith and WorksThe relationship between faith and works is a significant topic in the Bible.
James 2:17 declares, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse emphasizes that genuine faith is active and productive, manifesting in works that align with God's will.
Practicing Love and ForgivenessThe practice of love and forgiveness is a hallmark of Christian living. In
Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This command challenges believers to practice love even in difficult circumstances, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
Community and AccountabilityPracticing one's faith is often done within the context of a community.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." This passage highlights the importance of fellowship and accountability in the practice of faith, suggesting that communal support is vital for spiritual growth.
ConclusionThe practice of faith is an integral part of the Christian life, encompassing a wide range of activities and attitudes that reflect one's commitment to God. Through practicing righteousness, engaging in spiritual disciplines, obeying God's commandments, and living out love and forgiveness, believers demonstrate the reality of their faith in tangible ways.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Practice.
Greek
3096. mageuo -- to practice magic... Word Origin from magos Definition to practice magic NASB Word Usage
practicing magic
(1). use sorcery. From magos; to practice magic -- use sorcery.
...4160. poieo -- to make, do
... 9), observe (2), offer (1), offering (1), perform (4), performed (8), performing
(7), performs (1), practice (5), practices (11),practicing (1), present (1...
1377. dioko -- to put to flight, pursue, by impl. to persecute
... to persecute NASB Word Usage persecute (10), persecuted (13), persecuting (7),
persecutor (1),practicing (1), press (2), pursue (7), pursuing (2), run after (...
1484. ethnos -- a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct...
... 1484 (from , "forming a custom, culture") -- properly, people joined bypracticing
similar customs or common culture; (), usually referring to unbelieving (non...
4238. prasso -- to do, practice
... 1), collected (1), committed (3), deeds* (1), do (7), does (1), doing (2), done
(6), performing (1), practice (9), practiced (2), practices (1),practicing (1...
Strong's Hebrew
6213a. asah -- do, make... 23), performers (1), performing (2), performing the made (1), performs (3), practice
(9), practice* (1), practiced (4), practices (6),
practicing (1), prepare
...Library
Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
... practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find
holy menpracticing the casting of lots. For it is related...
Concerning the Monks of Thebais: Apollos, Dorotheus; Concerning...
... paralytic. A very old man, named Benjamin, waspracticing philosophy very
brilliantly about this period, in the desert near Scetis....
The Benefits of an Early Piety
... and deadness to the world, are but so many arbitrary restraints imposed upon human
nature: but when we see mere striplings not onlypracticing, but delighting...
The Spokesman of the City's Conscience
... faith and convictions, namely that we are not isolated individuals each to be saved
by means of self-centered piety, but only throughpracticing religion in...
The Speaking Voice
... Immediately afterpracticing the yawn, it is advisable to test the voice, either
in speaking or in reading, to observe improvement in freedom of tone....
The Close
... Tongue is a busy active Part, will scarce be kept from motion: and therefore, if
that activity be not determined to good objects, twill bepracticing upon bad....
Sunday after Ascension Day
... of armor, two weapons of defense, whereby the devil is vanquished and of which he
is afraid: First, diligence in hearing, learning andpracticing the Word of...
The Epistle to the Ephesians
... They should not walk as the Gentiles do, but according to the principle of their
new life, shunning the vices of the old man andpracticing the virtues of the...
On Sin and Its Kinds
... Hence we see the folly of those who say that all religions are equally
good, and that we can be saved bypracticing any of them....
Summary.
... in unbroken union with God, overflowing with the purest love to man, free from every
sin and error, innocent and holy, teaching andpracticing all virtues in...
Thesaurus
Practicing (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Practice. Multi-Version
Concordance
Practicing (6 Occurrences). Matthew 6:1 "Be careful
...Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of exercising; a setting in action orpracticing; employment in
the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use; habitual activity...
Practise (52 Occurrences)
Kenites (8 Occurrences)
... These last continued to live in tents,practicing the ancient nomadic customs (Jeremiah
35:6).ichly varied landscape, With smiling cornfields, and hills...
Usurious (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.)Practicing usury; taking illegal or exorbitant
interest for the use of money; as, a usurious lender....
Judicious (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.)Practicing sound judgment; wise; prudent; sagacious;
discreet. 2. (a.) of or relating to a court; judicial....
Josephus
... resorted to one Banus, an ESSENES, (which see), in the desert of Engedi, with whom
he remained for 3 years, absorbing occult lore, andpracticing the ascetic...
Flavius
... resorted to one Banus, an ESSENES, (which see), in the desert of Engedi, with whom
he remained for 3 years, absorbing occult lore, andpracticing the ascetic...
Meonenim (1 Occurrence)
... Shechem (Judges 9:37). No doubt it took its name from the soothsayers who
sat under it,practicing augury, etc. Several times mention...
Predatory (1 Occurrence)
... pillaging. 2. (a.) Characterized by plundering;practicing rapine; plundering;
pillaging; as, a predatory excursion; a predatory party. 3...
Resources
What does the Bible say about divination? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do so many Christians fail the “practice what you preach” standard? | GotQuestions.orgCatholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.orgPracticing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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