Topical Encyclopedia The term "sear" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept is closely related to the idea of a conscience being "seared" as mentioned in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, uses this metaphor to describe a state of moral insensitivity or spiritual callousness. Biblical Reference: 1 Timothy 4:1-2 : "Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared as with a hot iron." Context and Interpretation: In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the apostasy that will occur in the latter days. He describes individuals who will turn away from the faith, influenced by false teachings and deceitful spirits. The phrase "whose consciences are seared as with a hot iron" suggests a condition where the moral and spiritual sensitivity of these individuals has been damaged or deadened, much like skin that has been cauterized and loses its ability to feel. The imagery of searing implies a permanent alteration, indicating that these individuals have become desensitized to the truth and righteousness of God. This condition results from persistent sin and the rejection of the Holy Spirit's conviction, leading to a hardened heart that is unresponsive to God's moral law. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the searing of the conscience is a grave spiritual condition. It highlights the danger of persistent sin and the rejection of divine truth. The conscience, a God-given faculty, serves as an internal witness to God's moral standards. When it becomes seared, individuals lose the ability to discern right from wrong, making them susceptible to false teachings and immoral behavior. This concept serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant in their faith, to guard their hearts against deceit, and to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. It underscores the importance of maintaining a clear and responsive conscience through regular confession, repentance, and adherence to biblical truth. Related Concepts: · Conscience: The inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's thoughts and actions. In the Bible, a good conscience is associated with faithfulness and obedience to God (1 Timothy 1:5, 19). · Apostasy: The act of abandoning or renouncing one's faith. The New Testament warns of a falling away from the faith in the last days (2 Thessalonians 2:3). · Deception: The act of misleading or being misled. Scripture frequently warns against false prophets and teachers who lead people astray (Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1). Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a sensitive and responsive conscience by immersing themselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Regular self-examination and openness to the Holy Spirit's conviction are essential in preventing the searing of the conscience. By doing so, Christians can remain steadfast in their faith and resist the deceptive influences of the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To burn a surface to dryness and hardness; to cauterize; to brand; to expose to a degree of heat such as changes the color or the hardness and texture of the surface; to scorch; to make callous; as, to sear the skin or flesh. Also used figuratively.2. (a.) Alt. of Sere. 3. (v.) To wither; to dry up. 4. (n.) The catch in a gunlock by which the hammer is held cocked or half cocked. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEARser: In 1 Timothy 4:2 for (kausteriazo), "burn with a hot iron" (compare "cauterize"), the King James Version "having their conscience seared with a hot iron," and the Revised Version margin. "Seared" in this connection means "made insensible," like the surface of a deep burn after healing. The verb, however, probably means "brand" (so the Revised Version (British and American)). "Criminals are branded on their forehead, so that all men may know their infamy. The consciences of certain men are branded just as truly, so that there is an inward consciousness of hypocrisy." See the commentaries Greek 2743. kauteriazo -- sear with a hot iron. ... sear with a hot iron. ... 2743 (from 2545 , "burn") -- properly, brand (sear) with a red-hot iron; (figuratively) , which destroys the "spiritual nerve-endings.". ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2743.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 8177. sear -- hair... 8176, 8177. sear. 8178 . hair. Transliteration: sear Phonetic Spelling: (seh-ar') Short Definition: hair. ... 8176, 8177. sear. 8178 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/8177.htm - 6k 8181. sear -- hair 8185. saarah -- hair 8178a. saar -- horror 8163a. sair -- hairy 8167. Seirah -- "goat," a city in Ephraim 8175c. saar -- to bristle (with horror) 8184. seorah -- barley 8163c. sair -- a satyr, demon 8188. Seorim -- an Israelite priest Library Warning. The Bible The Arrest The Chaff Driven Away By Way of Leading up to his Proof that Christ is not Different ... How Long? A Solemn Embassy A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace Waiting Only Upon God On Accusations, and the Treatment of Accusers. Thesaurus Sear... to brand; to expose to a degree of heat such as changes the color or the hardness and texture of the surface; to scorch; to make callous; as, to sear the skin ... /s/sear.htm - 7k Burn (206 Occurrences) Bridle (12 Occurrences) Seams (2 Occurrences) Search (186 Occurrences) Searing (1 Occurrence) Seared (2 Occurrences) Resources How can I know what pleases God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a medium? | GotQuestions.org Sear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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