Topical Encyclopedia Self-will, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with the disposition of wicked individuals who prioritize their own desires and judgments over the will and commandments of God. This trait is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it leads to rebellion against divine authority and results in moral and spiritual decay.The concept of self-will is rooted in the idea of placing one's own desires above God's will, leading to actions that are contrary to His commandments. In the Old Testament, self-will is often linked with stubbornness and rebellion. For instance, in Deuteronomy 9:6-7 , the Israelites are described as a "stiff-necked people," highlighting their persistent self-will and disobedience despite God's guidance and provision. In the book of Proverbs, self-will is contrasted with wisdom and submission to God's will. Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." This verse underscores the folly of self-will, as it blinds individuals to the wisdom and guidance that come from God and others. The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the dangers of self-will in the context of Christian living. In 2 Peter 2:10 , the apostle Peter warns against those who "indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority." Here, self-will is associated with a rejection of divine and earthly authority, leading to moral corruption and spiritual peril. The apostle Paul also addresses self-will in his epistles, particularly in relation to church leadership. In Titus 1:7 , Paul instructs that an overseer "must be blameless—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." This qualification for church leaders highlights the importance of humility and submission to God's will, as opposed to the destructive nature of self-will. Throughout Scripture, self-will is depicted as a characteristic of those who are estranged from God. It is often linked with pride, arrogance, and a refusal to submit to God's authority. In Isaiah 14:13-14 , the fall of Lucifer is attributed to his self-will and desire to exalt himself above God: "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God... I will make myself like the Most High." The Bible consistently portrays self-will as a path that leads away from righteousness and towards destruction. It is a trait that is antithetical to the life of faith and obedience that God desires for His people. As such, believers are called to reject self-will and instead seek to align their desires and actions with the will of God, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 7:11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Nave's Topical Index 2 Peter 2:10 Library 'Me a Christian!' Youth and Age, and the Command for Both Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Hans Denck and the Inward Word The New Sinai Hidden Manna Letter xvi. Charity. Book xii. At Length, with the Holy Ghost Speeding Our Way... Rom. I. 28 Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Resources What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian play video games? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Will and Stubbornness: Characteristic of the Wicked Self-Will and Stubbornness: David Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Going Backward and not Forward Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Hardening the Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Rebelling Against God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to Parents Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to the Messengers of God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Resisting the Holy Spirit Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Walking in the Counsels of an Evil Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Forbidden Self-Will and Stubbornness: God Knows Self-Will and Stubbornness: Heinousness of Self-Will and Stubbornness: Illustrated Self-Will and Stubbornness: Israelites Self-Will and Stubbornness: Josiah Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should be Without Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should Pray That Their People May be Forgiven For Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should Warn Their People Against Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: An Evil Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: Pride Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: Unbelief Self-Will and Stubbornness: Punishment For Self-Will and Stubbornness: Saul Self-Will and Stubbornness: Simeon and Levi Self-Will and Stubbornness: The Wicked Cease not From Self-Will and Stubbornness: Zedekiah Self-Will: Characteristic of Wicked People Self-Will: Exhibited in Going Backward and not Forward Self-Will: Exhibited in Hardening the Heart Self-Will: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck (Metaphorically) Self-Will: Exhibited in Heinousness of Self-Will: Exhibited in Rebelling Against God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to (Obey) Parents Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to the Messengers of God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Self-Will: Exhibited in Resisting the Holy Spirit Self-Will: Exhibited in Walking in the Counsels of an Evil Heart Self-Will: Proceeds From: An Evil Heart Self-Will: Proceeds From: Pride Self-Will: Proceeds From: Unbelief Self-Will: Servants should be Without Self-Will: Servants should Pray That the People May be Forgiven For Self-Will: Servants should Warn the People Against Self-Will: The Wicked do not Cease From Related Terms |
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