Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "pursuits" often refers to the endeavors, activities, or goals that individuals or groups actively seek or engage in. The Bible provides guidance on the nature of pursuits, emphasizing the importance of aligning them with God's will and purposes.
Spiritual PursuitsThe Bible encourages believers to prioritize spiritual pursuits over worldly ones. In
Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse underscores the importance of pursuing a relationship with God and living according to His principles as the primary focus of one's life.
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in
Philippians 3:13-14, where he writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul describes his pursuit of spiritual maturity and eternal reward as a central aim.
Worldly PursuitsThe Bible also addresses the dangers of pursuing worldly desires and material wealth. In 1
John 2:15-17, believers are warned, "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."
Similarly, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of earthly pursuits, stating in
Ecclesiastes 1:14, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind." This highlights the transient nature of worldly achievements and the ultimate emptiness they bring when pursued apart from God.
Righteous PursuitsThe Bible commends the pursuit of righteousness, justice, and godliness.
Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This verse emphasizes the blessings that come from seeking to live a life that reflects God's character and values.
In
1 Timothy 6:11, Paul advises Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This exhortation highlights the virtues that should characterize the pursuits of a believer, contrasting them with the love of money and other worldly temptations.
Pursuits in CommunityThe Bible also speaks to the collective pursuits of communities and nations. In
Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse calls for communal pursuits of justice, mercy, and humility, reflecting God's desires for societal conduct.
In the New Testament, the early church is depicted as pursuing fellowship, teaching, and prayer.
Acts 2:42 describes, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This illustrates the communal pursuit of spiritual growth and unity among believers.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges the various pursuits individuals may engage in, it consistently emphasizes the importance of aligning these pursuits with God's will and eternal purposes. Spiritual pursuits are prioritized, and believers are encouraged to seek righteousness, godliness, and community well-being, while being wary of the fleeting nature of worldly desires.
Greek
4197. poreia -- a journey... undertaking, progress. Word Origin from poreuomai Definition a journey
NASB Word Usage
pursuits (1), way (1). journey, way. From
...Library
The Choice ofPursuits.
... CHAPTER XXI THE CHOICE OFPURSUITS. "For what then was I born?... The choice of positions
andpursuits in life is one important and responsible mission of home....
Doing Glory to God inPursuits of the World.
... SERMON XI. Doing Glory to God inPursuits of the World. "Whether, therefore,
ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the...
Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian Forbids Christians from...
... Book III. Chapter XII."Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian forbids
Christians from entering LiteraryPursuits. About this time...
Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
... Thus according to human laws, soldiers who are deputed to warlikepursuits are
forbidden to engage in commerce [*Cod. xii, 35, De Re Milit.]....
The World Our Enemy.
... By the world, then, is meant this course of things which we see carried on
by means of human agency, with all its duties andpursuits....
Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
... how severe its voice! how forbidding its aspect! With what animation, on the contrary,
do you enter into the merepursuits of time and the world!...
On Counter Promises.
... things which seem to be corporeal, and so bestow his labour upon wisdom and science,
then he will undoubtedly direct all his attention towardspursuits of that...
These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and...
... prophet most wise above all men. How vain and fruitless are the affairs of
men, and allpursuits that occupy man! For there is not one...
The Soul, as to Its Nature Uniform, but Its Faculties Variously...
... It is sharpened by learnedpursuits, by the sciences, the arts, by experimental
knowledge, business habits, and studies; it is blunted by ignorance, idle habits...
Letter X (In the Same Year) the Same, when Bishop
... Apostolate. So I have known many others who have been usefully raised to the
Episcopate, from the habits andpursuits of secular life....
Thesaurus
Pursuits (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pursuits (4 Occurrences). 2
... perishes. So also will
the rich man fade away in his
pursuits. (WEB NAS RSV).
...Agriculture
... AGRICULTURALPURSUITS 1. Growing of Grain (1) Plowing and Sowing (2) Reaping (3)
Threshing 2. Care of Vineyards 3. Raising of Flocks I. Development of...
Pursuit (35 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same
end; as, mercantilepursuits; a literary pursuit. 4. (vt) Prosecution....
Josephus
... worldly goods by lavish imperial patronage. He was thus enabled to devote himself
to literarypursuits. 3. Works: The works of Josephus...
Gad (78 Occurrences)
... The tribes of Reuben and Gad continued all through their history to follow
the pastoralpursuits of the patriarchs (Numbers 32:1-5)....
Withers (20 Occurrences)
... the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away
in hispursuits. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 1:24 For, "All...
Wise (422 Occurrences)
... with no disapproval. These great men could be trusted to avoid the moral
and religious pitfalls of suchpursuits. For the ordinary...
Fade (16 Occurrences)
... of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his
pursuits. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 1...
Flavius
... worldly goods by lavish imperial patronage. He was thus enabled to devote himself
to literarypursuits. 3. Works: The works of Josephus...
Flower (33 Occurrences)
... its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in hispursuits.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Peter...
Resources
Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14 mean? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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