Self-will, as depicted in the Bible, often manifests as a resistance to divine guidance and a preference for personal desires over God's will. This tendency to go backward rather than forward in spiritual growth and obedience is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible provides several instances where self-will leads individuals and nations away from God's intended path.

Old Testament Examples

1. Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness: The Israelites frequently exhibited self-will during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing God's miraculous interventions, they often longed to return to Egypt, demonstrating a backward-looking mindset. In Numbers 14:3-4 , the Israelites lament, "Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" This desire to return to bondage rather than trust in God's promise exemplifies self-will leading to regression.

2. Lot's Wife: The account of Lot's wife in Genesis 19:26 serves as a poignant illustration of self-will. As God was delivering Lot's family from the destruction of Sodom, Lot's wife looked back, contrary to the divine command, and was turned into a pillar of salt. Her backward glance symbolizes a heart still attached to the past and resistant to God's forward-moving salvation.

3. The Kings of Israel and Judah: Many kings of Israel and Judah exhibited self-will by turning away from God's commandments and reverting to idolatry. In 2 Kings 17:13-14 , the Lord warns Israel and Judah through His prophets, saying, "Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to all the law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets." Yet, they would not listen and were "stiff-necked as their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God."

New Testament Insights

1. The Rich Young Ruler: In the New Testament, the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus highlights self-will in the context of personal ambition and material attachment. In Matthew 19:21-22 , Jesus instructs him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." The young man, unwilling to part with his wealth, goes away sorrowful, choosing his own path over the forward call of discipleship.

2. Peter's Denial: Peter's denial of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 22:54-62 , reflects a momentary lapse into self-will driven by fear and self-preservation. Despite his earlier declarations of loyalty, Peter's actions reveal a backward step in his faith journey. However, his subsequent repentance and restoration illustrate the possibility of overcoming self-will through divine grace.

Theological Reflections

Self-will, as a manifestation of human sinfulness, often leads individuals to resist God's direction and revert to former ways. This backward movement is contrary to the biblical call to spiritual progress and transformation. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers in Philippians 3:13-14 , "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of self-will, urging believers to submit to God's will and move forward in faith and obedience. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to overcome self-will and embrace the transformative journey toward Christlikeness.Jeremiah 7:24
But they listened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Nave's Topical Index

Letter xvi. Charity.
... party feeling, pride of opinion, or self-will; and, when ... the idea that we are going
forward in the ... charity is sufficiently comprehensive, if exhibited in all ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... one great argument with her to put her forward on her ... that called at His house, as
they were going on pilgrimage ... and they came out of that bath, not only sweet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

What is the god of self? | GotQuestions.org

What are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say that would apply to selfie culture? | GotQuestions.org

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