Definition and Context:
Obsession, in a biblical context, refers to an intense and persistent preoccupation or fixation on a particular thought, desire, or activity that can dominate a person's mind and actions. While the term "obsession" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept can be understood through various scriptural teachings that warn against allowing anything other than God to take precedence in one's life.

Biblical Insights:
The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of allowing worldly desires and concerns to overshadow one's devotion to God. In Matthew 6:24 , Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This verse highlights the potential for obsession with wealth to interfere with one's relationship with God.

Similarly, in 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are cautioned against loving the world or anything in it: "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." This passage warns against the obsession with worldly pleasures and pride, which can lead one away from God's eternal truth.

Idolatry as Obsession:
The Bible often equates obsession with idolatry, where anything that takes the place of God in one's heart becomes an idol. In Exodus 20:3-4 , the first of the Ten Commandments states, "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 importance of prioritizing God above all else and avoiding the obsession with material or created things.

Mental and Spiritual Health:
The Bible also provides guidance on maintaining mental and spiritual health by focusing on what is true and noble. 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." This verse encourages believers to direct their thoughts toward positive and godly matters, thus preventing unhealthy obsessions.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for any signs of obsession that may hinder their spiritual growth. Romans 12:2 instructs, "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." By renewing their minds and focusing on God's will, Christians can overcome obsessions and align their lives with God's purposes.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not use the term "obsession," it provides ample guidance on avoiding the pitfalls of excessive preoccupation with worldly matters. By prioritizing God and His teachings, believers can maintain a balanced and spiritually healthy life.1. (n.) The act of besieging.

2. (n.) The state of being besieged; -- used specifically of a person beset by a spirit from without.

The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... But, when all is said, Wesley's obsession with the greatest things saved
him, and us, from much that it is well to be saved from. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm

The Heart of Woman; the Necessity of Regulating it During Youth.
... same under forms constantly varying, but absorbing the soul to such a degree that
a person is often tempted to look upon their action as the result of obsession ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iii the heart of.htm

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... As Satan delegates this special mission to the Beast (a superhuman-being), so does
the Beast act through a human being by obsession, or in some other way. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

The Maniac
... If we could express our deepest feelings of protest and appeal against this obsession,
I suppose we should say something like this: "Oh, I admit that you have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/ii the maniac.htm

A Prince's Bride
... But no garrison was there now, though the signs of the savage Roman obsession
still lay on the remnants of the prostrate western wall. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm

Chapter xxv
... makes characters harsh and cruel. The pursuits of it has no ennobling effects
when it becomes an obsession. Apparently, the word tam ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Obsession (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Obsession (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:11 Punishing them
often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. ...
/o/obsession.htm - 6k

Obsolete (1 Occurrence)

/o/obsolete.htm - 6k

Obsessed (1 Occurrence)

/o/obsessed.htm - 6k

Mauzzim
... In Daniel 11:19 and 39, the word "Mauzzim" is simply translated "fortresses," and
the idea conveyed is that the mental obsession of fortresses is equivalent to ...
/m/mauzzim.htm - 7k

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