Definition and Context:
Relying, in a biblical context, refers to placing trust or dependence on someone or something. It is an act of faith and confidence, often associated with trusting in God, His promises, and His provision. The concept of relying is deeply rooted in the relationship between God and His people, where believers are encouraged to depend on God's wisdom, strength, and guidance rather than their own understanding or abilities.

Biblical References:

1. Trust in God:
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of relying on God rather than human strength or wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the necessity of trusting God completely and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.

2. God as a Refuge:
Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This verse portrays God as a reliable source of protection and support, encouraging believers to rely on Him during difficult times.

3. Dependence on God's Provision:
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about relying on God's provision. In Matthew 6:31-33 , He says, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage reassures believers that God is aware of their needs and will provide for them as they prioritize His kingdom.

4. Faith in God's Promises:
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Relying on God involves having faith in His promises, even when they are not immediately visible or understandable. The chapter goes on to list numerous examples of individuals who relied on God's promises and were commended for their faith.

5. Strength in Weakness:
The Apostle Paul speaks about relying on God's strength in times of personal weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This passage illustrates the paradox of finding strength through reliance on God's grace.

Theological Implications:

Relying on God is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting a believer's trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It involves surrendering personal control and acknowledging God's authority and wisdom. This reliance is not passive but active, requiring believers to seek God's will, obey His commands, and trust in His timing and provision.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, relying on God can manifest in various ways, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking godly counsel. It involves a daily commitment to trust God in both small and significant matters, recognizing that He is faithful and His plans are for the believer's ultimate good.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rely.5043. teknon -- a child (of either sex)
... 5043 -- properly, a ; (figuratively) anyone living in on the heavenly , ie fully ()
relying upon the Lord in . This prompts God to them into . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5043.htm - 7k

Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God
... SERMON VIII. HEBREWS x. 26, 27. The Mistake, of relying upon Faith, considered,
&c. SERMON IX. ... 8. The Mistake of relying upon external Performances considered. ...
/.../hoadly/several discourses concerning the terms of acceptance with god/

Psalm LIX.
... men strong, not because of riches, not because of the powers of the body, not because
of any temporally pre-eminent power of station, but relying on their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lix.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... (3) Relying on Christ: That is, resting on Him for ... Believing in Him, hoping in Him,
relying upon Him, and waiting for Him"I understand to be trusting in Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/i mr moody and rev marcus.htm

Wherein Our Justification Before God Consists...
... Him, and acknowledging ourselves to be such as we really are, without presuming
to trust in anything in ourselves, or in any merit of ours, relying and resting ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxiii wherein our justification.htm

Free Grace
... the Lord our God. Why, even Abraham himself was not free from the great
error of relying upon his own strength. God had promised ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/free grace.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... with the sting, denotes the propagation of that diabolical false prophecy of Mohammed,
with its whole apparatus, on which the Arabian locusts relying, not less ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. ...
... 3. To make myself thoroughly familiar with the analysis of the subject, and then
talk about it, without relying upon memory as to language. ...
/.../chapter vii tries to become.htm

Storming the Battlements
... thy house amongst the stars of heaven; even thence will I pluck thee down and this
right hand shall reach thee." God will not have his church relying on man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/storming the battlements.htm

Prayer-Equipment for Preachers
... but material wealth, thus making temporal possessions a substitute for spiritual
wealth, leaving God entirely out of their activities, relying upon human and ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/ix prayer-equipment for preachers.htm

Coming to Christ
... Whoever the wide world over has relied upon Jesus Christ, and is still relying upon
him for the pardon of his iniquities, and for his complete salvation, is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/coming to christ.htm

Relying (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Rely. Multi-Version Concordance
Relying (4 Occurrences). Acts 14:3 Yet Paul and Barnabas ...
/r/relying.htm - 7k

Independent (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on
others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. ...
/i/independent.htm - 8k

Remade (1 Occurrence)

/r/remade.htm - 6k

Relyed (1 Occurrence)

/r/relyed.htm - 6k

Dependent (35 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not able to exist,
or sustain itself, or to perform anything, without the will, power, or aid of ...
/d/dependent.htm - 17k

Marvels (21 Occurrences)
... Acts 14:3 Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking
freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His ...
/m/marvels.htm - 12k

Mamre (10 Occurrences)
... the 16th century down to the commencement of the 19th century, pointed to the hill
of Deir el Arba`in (see HEBRON) as that of Mamre, relying especially, no ...
/m/mamre.htm - 16k

Plea (35 Occurrences)
... In chancery practice, a plea is a special answer showing or relying upon one or
more things as a cause why the suit should be either dismissed, delayed, or ...
/p/plea.htm - 16k

Permitting (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 14:3 Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking
freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His ...
/p/permitting.htm - 7k

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)
... 3. Shortsightedness of Asa: For his shortsightedness in laying himself under obligation
to Benhadad and relying upon the help of Syria rather than upon the ...
/b/benhadad.htm - 28k

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Relying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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