Topical Bible: Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction

◄ Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Self-will, in the context of biblical teaching, often refers to the stubbornness and obstinacy of an individual who chooses to follow their own desires and inclinations rather than submitting to divine guidance or correction. This trait is frequently depicted in Scripture as a negative characteristic that leads to spiritual and moral downfall.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Proverbs and the Folly of Rejecting Correction: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the folly of self-will, particularly in the refusal to accept correction. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." This verse highlights the wisdom in accepting correction and the foolishness inherent in rejecting it.

2. The Stubbornness of Israel: The nation of Israel often exemplified self-will in its refusal to heed the warnings and corrections of the prophets. In Jeremiah 7:24 , it is written, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." This passage illustrates how self-will led to Israel's spiritual regression and separation from God.

3. King Saul's Disobedience: King Saul is a prominent biblical figure whose self-will led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul attempts to justify his actions rather than accepting correction. Samuel responds in 1 Samuel 15:23 , "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's self-will and refusal to accept correction ultimately cost him his kingship.

4. The Rebelliousness of the People in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is marked by repeated instances of self-will and refusal to accept divine correction. Numbers 14:22-23 recounts God's frustration with their persistent disobedience: "Not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—not one will ever see the land I swore to give their fathers." Their self-will resulted in a prolonged journey and the loss of the Promised Land for that generation.

5. The Warning of Proverbs 29:1: Proverbs 29:1 warns of the consequences of persistent self-will: "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This verse underscores the danger of hardening one's heart against correction, leading to irreversible consequences.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, self-will is seen as a manifestation of human pride and rebellion against God's authority. It is a refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty and wisdom, choosing instead to rely on one's own understanding. This attitude is contrary to the biblical call for humility and submission to God's will, as exemplified in James 4:7 : "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Practical Application

For believers, the challenge is to cultivate a heart that is open to correction and guidance, both from Scripture and from fellow believers. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." Embracing correction is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.

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Deuteronomy 21:18
If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not listen to them:
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Jeremiah 5:3
O LORD, are not your eyes on the truth? you have stricken them, but they have not grieved; you have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
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Jeremiah 7:28
But you shall say to them, This is a nation that obeys not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receives correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
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