1. + the engagement of the heart deut.10.12-22

2. + holy affection If we are not earnest in our faith, and if our wills and inclinations are not strongly exercised, we are nothing. True faith is called “the power of godliness,” in contrast to externals. (“Having the appearance of godliness but denying the power of it” 2 Tim. 1.7).

3. + the exercising of the will “Babes” in Christ—our inclination to engage is weak. The power will give us strength enough to overcome our weak inclinations so that these holy exercises will prevail over our weaknesses. A true disciple loves Jesus above father, mother, wife, brother, sister, children, houses, land, and above his own life! The exercising of the will is nothing other than the affections of the soul.

4. + spring of action We are inactive unless influenced by affection: love or hatred, desire, hope, fear, etc. (i.e. covetousness moves a person to seek worldly profits; lust moves people to pursue sensual delights). Just as worldly affections spring worldly actions, so religious affections are the spring of religious actions.

5. + a heart deeply affected A person who has a knowledge of doctrine and theology only—without religious/faith affection—has never engaged in true faith. People hear the Word of God and great truths, yet all they hear has no effect and makes no change in the way they live. No one is changed by doctrine, hearing the Word, preaching or teaching of another, unless the affections are moved by these things.

6. + participation in the blessings Love is just as important as hatred. (“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” Prov. 8.13). Holy desire is a longing and thirst for God. “As the deer pants after the watering stream, so my soul pants after you, O Lord.” Ps. 42.1-2 “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Mt. 5.6 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37.4

7. + missing from the lukewarm Be zealous! “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2.14 It was missing from the Laodiceans in Rev. 3.25-26.

8. + aftermath What’s the motivation behind what you do? Examine what you do this week. Make a list of what God has done for you. WORSHIP Study doctrine