Topical Encyclopedia
The term "momentary" refers to something that is brief or fleeting, lasting only for a short period of time. In the context of the Bible, this concept is often used to contrast the temporary nature of earthly experiences with the eternal nature of spiritual realities. The Scriptures frequently remind believers of the transient nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal truths.
Biblical References:1.
2 Corinthians 4:17 : "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." This verse highlights the temporary nature of earthly suffering in contrast to the eternal glory that awaits believers. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to endure hardships with the perspective that these trials are brief and serve a greater purpose in God's eternal plan.
2.
James 4:14 : "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James uses the metaphor of a mist to describe the fleeting nature of human life. This imagery serves as a reminder of the brevity of our existence and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.
3.
Psalm 39:5 : "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." The psalmist reflects on the shortness of life, emphasizing that even the best of human achievements are momentary when compared to God's eternal nature.
4.
1 Peter 1:24-25 : "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'" Peter quotes Isaiah to illustrate the temporary nature of human life and accomplishments, contrasting them with the enduring word of God.
Theological Implications:The concept of momentariness in the Bible serves as a call to prioritize spiritual over temporal concerns. Believers are encouraged to focus on the eternal promises of God rather than the fleeting pleasures and trials of this world. This perspective fosters a sense of hope and perseverance, as Christians are reminded that their current struggles are temporary and that their ultimate reward is eternal.
Practical Applications:1.
Perspective on Suffering: Understanding that afflictions are momentary can provide comfort and strength during difficult times. Believers are encouraged to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and as part of God's greater plan.
2.
Prioritizing Eternal Values: Recognizing the fleeting nature of life should motivate Christians to invest in what is eternal, such as their relationship with God, the pursuit of holiness, and the sharing of the Gospel.
3.
Living with Urgency: The brevity of life calls for an urgency in fulfilling God's purposes. Believers are urged to make the most of their time, knowing that their opportunities to serve and witness are limited.
In summary, the biblical concept of momentariness serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring significance of spiritual realities. Through this lens, believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, finding hope and purpose in the promises of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Done in a moment; lasting a very short time; as, a momentary pang.
Greek
3910. parautika -- immediately, for a moment... Word Origin from parauta (immediately) Definition immediately, for a moment
NASB Word Usage
momentary (1). immediately, but for a moment.
...Strong's Hebrew
5704. ad -- as far as, even to, up to, until, while... far* (1), forever* (66), forevermore* (1), here* (2), how many* (2), including
(1), like (2), little while* (1), long (23), long* (25),
momentary* (1), never
...7281. rega -- a moment
... Word Origin from raga Definition a moment NASB Word Usage instant (1), instantly
(2), moment (14),momentary* (1), suddenly (3), while (1)....
Library
Bread and Gravel
... We are tempted to think that a deed done is done with, and to grasp at
momentary pleasure, and ignore its abiding consequences....
Christ's Lament Over Our Faithlessness
... rate, it does strike one as remarkable that the only occasion on which there came
from His lips anything that sounded like impatience and amomentary flash of...
Christ's Distinction Between the Material Element of Miracles and...
... Christ himself distinguishes the material part of the miracle, ie, its effect in
satisfying amomentary want, and its formal part, as a sign to point from...
A Death in the Desert
... It was amomentary wavering in a hundred and twenty years of obedience.... Nor are we
to regard thatmomentary lapse only from the outside and the surface....
On Reading.
... Indeed to represent in lively colors the terrible effects of the passions, and the
fatal consequences that amomentary excitement might entail is not of a...
Peter Alone with Jesus
... As I have said, themomentary impulse to the cowardly crime passed, and left a melted
heart, true penitence, and profound sorrow. One sad day slowly wore away....
Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Blindness of the human judgment. Our philosophizing on the vanity of life only of
momentary influence.... But, at the best, our philosophy ismomentary....
A vision of the Last Day
... as one shuddering glance into a whirlpool suffices to reveal in thought rapid as
lightning, the entire unfathomable depth; just as in onemomentary glance at...
Lights and Shadows.
... But amomentary feeling of unbelief (shall we say, of reproach and upbraiding?)
mingled with better emotions.... But themomentary cloud has passed....
Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... Saul's strange subjugation to the hallowing influences of the prophet's presence
had been butmomentary and superficial; and it had been followed by a renewed...
Thesaurus
Momentary (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Done in a moment; lasting a very short time; as,
a
momentary pang. Multi-Version Concordance
Momentary (3 Occurrences).
...Flash (19 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly
on the sight; to show amomentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash....
Impulse (18 Occurrences)
... suddenly, or immediately. 2. (n.) The effect of an impelling force; motion
produced by a sudden ormomentary force. 3. (n.) The...
Moment (71 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Proverbs 12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying
tongue is onlymomentary. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Unquenchable (5 Occurrences)
... sense of annihilation of the wicked. An unquenchable fire is not needed
for amomentary act of destruction. Even in the view of...
Outweighs (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 4:17 for themomentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more
exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us -- (See NIV)....
Glance (5 Occurrences)
... aside. Your arrow hath glanced. 7. (vi) To look with a sudden, rapid cast
of the eye; to snatch amomentary or hasty view. 8. (vi...
Transient (3 Occurrences)
... transitory; as, transient pleasure. 2. (a.) Hasty;momentary; imperfect; brief;
as, a transient view of a landscape. 3. (a.) Staying for...
Truth's (3 Occurrences)
... sake. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 12:19 Truth's lips will be established
forever, but a lying tongue is onlymomentary. (WEB)....
Dream (82 Occurrences)
... as occurs in dreams, only fragmentary ideas or loosely connected trains of thought
occur, and if, as frequently happens, there ismomentary connection, but...
Resources
What does the Bible say about dealing with chronic pain? | GotQuestions.orgHow was Jesus' death a real sacrifice if He knew He would be resurrected? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Hebrews 10:26 mean that a believer can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.orgMomentary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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