In the context of the Bible, the term "obsessed" is not explicitly used in most translations, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the concept of obsession can be understood through various scriptural teachings that address the nature of the human heart, the dangers of idolatry, and the importance of maintaining a focus on God.

Idolatry and Obsession

The Bible frequently warns against idolatry, which can be seen as a form of obsession. Idolatry involves placing anything above God in one's life, whether it be material possessions, people, or personal ambitions. In Exodus 20:3-4 , God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath." This commandment underscores the danger of becoming obsessed with anything other than God, as it leads to spiritual adultery and separation from Him.

The Heart's Inclination

The Bible acknowledges the human heart's tendency to become fixated on worldly desires. In Jeremiah 17:9 , it is written, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights the potential for the heart to lead individuals into obsessive behaviors that are contrary to God's will. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to guard their hearts and minds. Philippians 4:8 advises, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things."

The Call to Self-Control

Scripture calls for self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, which stands in opposition to obsession. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, including self-control, as evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 6:12 , states, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." This passage emphasizes the importance of not allowing oneself to be dominated or obsessed by any desire or habit.

Focus on God

The Bible encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and to seek first the kingdom of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Similarly, Matthew 6:33 instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." These verses highlight the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God above all else, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of obsession.

Renewing the Mind

Romans 12:2 provides guidance on how to avoid obsession by renewing the mind: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a conscious effort to align one's thoughts and desires with God's will, thereby preventing the development of unhealthy obsessions.

In summary, while the Bible does not use the term "obsessed" directly, it provides ample guidance on avoiding the pitfalls of obsession through warnings against idolatry, encouragements to practice self-control, and exhortations to focus on God and renew the mind.

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... xiii. in their final superhuman form, and in their obsessed spirit characters. ... The
second Beast is a spirit-being, but it is a man who is obsessed by it. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

Letter xxv. --Interior Suffering.
... I repeat, voluntarily, because the poor souls to whom God sends this trial cannot
master the troubles and anxieties by which they are obsessed. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xxv interior suffering.htm

Letter xviii. --Will of God to be Preferred.
... When we are obsessed in spite of ourselves by these worrying revisions let us be
faithful in making a continual sacrifice of them to the sovereign Master. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xviii will of god to.htm

Letter xi. --For the Time of Retreat.
... advises; I mean voluntary thoughts; as for those that pass through the mind, take
no notice of them; however, if you find that you are obsessed by them in ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xi for the time of.htm

Whether those Miracles were Fitting which Christ Worked in ...
... shall the prince of this world be cast out." Consequently it was fitting that, among
other miracles, He should also deliver those who were obsessed by demons. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those miracles were fitting.htm

Chapter xlix
... Thirdly, some men are obsessed with the idea of denying outstanding productions
like this poem to outstanding characters and of ascribing them to insignificant ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Adjusting the Local Church to the Community
... Strong leaders, obsessed with some one variation in interpretation of the Scriptures,
have pulled off from the main body of the church and have started ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter vii adjusting the local.htm

The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... Wesley is obsessed with one theme: God and the Soul; for the stage in space
and time on which that drama is set he has little concern. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm

The Recovery and Revival of the Blessed Hope Itself.
... nature. The rising generation is obsessed with this spirit of running to
and fro. Witness the enormous growth of immigration. Study ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 the recovery and revival.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... Somehow the father failed to see this and instead became obsessed with a kind of
superstitious notion, worthy rather of a heathen Canaanite than of a member of ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Obsessed (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Obsessed (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited,
knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes ...
/o/obsessed.htm - 6k

Observing (28 Occurrences)

/o/observing.htm - 14k

Understands (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/u/understands.htm - 10k

Obsession (1 Occurrence)

/o/obsession.htm - 6k

Reviling (47 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/r/reviling.htm - 21k

Disputes (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/d/disputes.htm - 11k

Malicious (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/m/malicious.htm - 10k

Morbid (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/m/morbid.htm - 7k

Battles (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes,
and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions ...
/b/battles.htm - 9k

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