Topical Bible: Character: Instability of

◄ Character: Instability of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of instability in character is addressed throughout the Bible, often highlighting the dangers and consequences of a wavering or inconsistent nature. Instability is frequently contrasted with the virtues of steadfastness, faithfulness, and reliability, which are highly esteemed in biblical teaching.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Reuben's Instability: Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, is a prime example of instability. In Genesis 49:3-4, Jacob describes Reuben as "unstable as water," which led to the forfeiture of his birthright. His impulsive actions, such as defiling his father's bed (Genesis 35:22), demonstrate the consequences of an unstable character.

2. Double-Mindedness: The New Testament warns against being double-minded, which is synonymous with instability. James 1:8 states, "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage underscores the importance of unwavering faith and commitment, as instability in belief leads to instability in action.

3. Peter's Early Instability: The Apostle Peter initially exhibited instability, as seen in his denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75). Despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty, Peter's fear led him to deny knowing Jesus. However, Peter's later transformation into a pillar of the early Church illustrates the potential for growth and stability through faith and the Holy Spirit.

4. The Parable of the Sower: In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes seeds sown on rocky ground as representing those who receive the word with joy but fall away when trouble arises (Matthew 13:20-21). This imagery highlights the instability of those who lack deep roots in their faith.

5. Warnings Against False Teachers: The Bible warns against false teachers who exhibit instability. In 2 Peter 2:14 , they are described as having "eyes full of adultery, unceasing in sin," and "enticing unstable souls." This serves as a caution to remain grounded in sound doctrine to avoid being led astray.

6. The Need for Firm Foundations: Jesus emphasizes the importance of building one's life on a firm foundation. In Matthew 7:24-27, He contrasts the wise man who builds his house on the rock with the foolish man who builds on sand. The latter's house collapses under pressure, symbolizing the downfall of those with unstable character.

Theological Implications

Instability in character is often linked to a lack of faith and spiritual maturity. The Bible encourages believers to seek stability through a deep relationship with God, adherence to His Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:14 urges believers to "no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching," but to grow into maturity in Christ.

Practical Applications

Believers are called to cultivate stability by developing a consistent prayer life, engaging in regular study of Scripture, and participating in the fellowship of the Church. By doing so, they can guard against the pitfalls of instability and become steadfast in their walk with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 24:21,22
My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man that wanders from his place.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 2:36
Why gad you about so much to change your way? you also shall be ashamed of Egypt, as you were ashamed of Assyria.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 6:4
O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goes away.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 7:8
Ephraim, he has mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 10:2
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:19-22
And a certain scribe came, and said to him, Master, I will follow you wherever you go.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 13:19-22
When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 4:15-19
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 8:5-15
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 9:59-62
And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 4:14
That we from now on be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Nave's Topical Index

James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Nave's Topical Index

James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Peter 2:14
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Instability
... I shall then note the character of a Christian who is noted for glaring instability,
but who, notwithstanding, has sufficient of godliness to bid us hope that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/instability.htm

The Epistle to the Galatians
... given to the worship of Cybele "with its wild ceremonial and hideous mutilations;"
and were characterized by fickleness and great instability of character. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the galatians.htm

The Dignity of Woman.
... or something still worse, has lost self-respect, for she has deprived herself of
her most powerful safeguard against instability of character and seductions of ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iv the dignity of.htm

The Song of Solomon.
... love now anew entered into, in contrast with the instability of the former. The
Song of Solomon does not, strictly speaking, possess a prophetical character. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the song of solomon.htm

Growth
... rashness, and instability. It took a lifetime for Simon, the son of Jonas, to grow
into Peter; but it was done. And the very faults of the character became ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/growth.htm

A Letter of Mara, Son of Serapion.
... also it is that they have no settled purpose; but, through the instability of their ...
devoted to the majesty of the belly, that huge blot on the character of the ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents a letter.htm

Sudden Conversions.
... may be called sudden conversions, to give some opinion on the character of each
of ... this kind of sudden conversion is not from God, as instability and frequent ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xv sudden conversions.htm

Prepositional Phrases
... independence of mind. index of character. indolence of temperament. indulgence of
vanity. ... inspiration of genius. instability of purpose. instrument of expression ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section v prepositional phrases.htm

The Almost Christian
... him to you; but from these outlines and sketches of his character, if your ... why so
many are only almost Christians, is a fickleness and instability of temper. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

Attributes of Love.
... or too degraded for him to condescend to,"this places his character in a most ... are
considered, it appears as if stability, as opposed to instability, must be ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm