The term "aspires" in a biblical context often relates to the desires and ambitions of the heart, particularly in seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God. The Bible addresses the concept of aspiration in various ways, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will and purpose.

Aspiration for Godliness

The Bible encourages believers to aspire to godliness and righteousness. In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." Here, the aspiration is not for worldly gain but for spiritual virtues that reflect a life devoted to God.

Aspiration for Leadership

Aspiration for leadership within the church is addressed in 1 Timothy 3:1, which states, "This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task." The desire to serve as a leader in the church is considered honorable, provided it is motivated by a genuine calling and a heart to serve others, rather than personal ambition or gain.

Aspiration for Spiritual Gifts

The Apostle Paul also speaks about aspiring to spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." Here, the aspiration is directed towards gifts that edify the church and glorify God, emphasizing love as the foundation for desiring such gifts.

Aspiration for Heavenly Things

Colossians 3:1-2 encourages believers to set their aspirations on heavenly things: "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This passage calls Christians to focus their desires on eternal realities rather than temporary, earthly pursuits.

Warnings Against Misguided Aspirations

The Bible also warns against aspirations that are rooted in pride or selfish ambition. James 3:16 cautions, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Such aspirations can lead to division and strife, contrary to the unity and peace that God desires for His people.

Aspiration for Peace

Believers are encouraged to aspire to live in peace with others. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This aspiration reflects a heart that seeks harmony and reconciliation, aligning with the teachings of Christ.

In summary, the Bible presents aspiration as a natural part of the human experience, guiding believers to direct their desires towards godliness, service, and eternal values. The aspiration for leadership, spiritual gifts, and peace are commended when pursued with a heart aligned with God's purposes, while warnings are given against ambitions that stem from selfishness or pride.3713. orego -- to stretch out, to reach after, to yearn for
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to stretch out, to reach after, to yearn for
NASB Word Usage aspires (1), desire (1), longing (1). covet after, desire. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3713.htm - 7k

That the Union to which Love Aspires is Spiritual.
... THE LOVE OF GOD. BOOK I. CONTAINING A PREPARATION FOR THE WHOLE TREATISE. CHAPTER
X. THAT THE UNION TO WHICH LOVE ASPIRES IS SPIRITUAL. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x that the union.htm

How Love is Practised in Hope.
... the means appointed, makes two great acts of virtue: by the one she expects from
God the fruition of his sovereign goodness, by the other she aspires to that ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi how love is.htm

Why an External Guide is Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... 1. A soul that comes out of the world to a religious contemplative life, or that
living yet in the world is abstracted from the world and aspires to a state of ...
/.../chapter ii why an external.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... another, in whom it is lawful; for that the other may be as much mortified, and
have denied himself as much in coming down to that, which this aspires to, as he ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Sin is Spiritual Slavery
... Divine Spirit is brooding with His common and preparatory influence over the chaos
of Paganism, and that here and there the heathen mind faintly aspires to be ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin is spiritual slavery.htm

Letter civ. (AD 409. )
... out the one religion which is true, nor admitted other religions which are false;
for certainly the way which brings us to the goal aspires thitherward, but ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter civ a d 409.htm

Introductory Notice to Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria.
... Mark; and Achillas, notwithstanding the warnings of Peter, has laid hands upon
him, and made him a presbyter. He aspires to be made a bishop. ...
/.../introductory notice to alexander bishop.htm

The Commandments
... heaven but in thick darkness, since he sees nothing of God, denies God and acknowledges
as god either nature or some man, or some idol, and even aspires to be ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part secondthe commandments.htm

Micah's Message for To-Day
... These we fulfil perfectly in our desire; we would be holy as God is holy, if we
could live as our heart aspires to live, we would always do righteously, we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/micahs message for to-day.htm

Daily Bread
... Best, divinest gift of life is such a friend as that,"a friend who fills toward
us a place like that to which our poet so nobly aspires:". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

Aspires (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aspires (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 3:1 The word is faithful:
if any one aspires to exercise oversight, he desires a good work. ...
/a/aspires.htm - 6k

Aspired (2 Occurrences)

/a/aspired.htm - 7k

Asps (4 Occurrences)

/a/asps.htm - 7k

Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... quietness. (WEB DBY NAS). 1 Timothy 3:1 The word is faithful: if any one aspires
to exercise oversight, he desires a good work. (DBY). ...
/e/exercise.htm - 22k

Immortal (3 Occurrences)
... It is the characteristic of spirit that it has in it an element of infinitude, and
aspires to the infinite. The best the world can give can never satisfy it. ...
/i/immortal.htm - 33k

Immortality (6 Occurrences)
... It is the characteristic of spirit that it has in it an element of infinitude, and
aspires to the infinite. The best the world can give can never satisfy it. ...
/i/immortality.htm - 35k

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