Topical Bible: Self-Will: Exhibited in Resisting the Holy Spirit

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Self-will, in the context of resisting the Holy Spirit, is a significant theme in the Bible, illustrating the human tendency to oppose divine guidance and instruction. This resistance is often characterized by a deliberate choice to follow one's own desires and understanding rather than submitting to the will of God as revealed through the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Instances of Resisting the Holy Spirit

1. The Stiff-Necked People: In the book of Acts, Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit just as their ancestors did. He states, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). This passage highlights the persistent self-will of the Israelites, who repeatedly turned away from God's commands and rejected His messengers.

2. The Rebellion in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is marked by numerous instances of self-will and resistance to God's Spirit. Despite witnessing miraculous signs and receiving direct guidance, they often chose to follow their own inclinations. Psalm 106:33 reflects on this rebellion: "For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips" . Their self-will led to dire consequences, including prolonged wandering and the loss of entering the Promised Land for an entire generation.

3. The Hardening of Hearts: The prophet Isaiah speaks of a people who have hardened their hearts against the Spirit of God. Isaiah 63:10 states, "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them" . This passage underscores the severity of resisting the Holy Spirit, resulting in God’s opposition to those who persist in self-will.

Theological Implications

Resisting the Holy Spirit is not merely a rejection of divine guidance but an assertion of self-will over God's will. This resistance is often rooted in pride, stubbornness, and a desire for autonomy. The Bible consistently warns against such attitudes, emphasizing the importance of humility and submission to God's Spirit.

Consequences of Resisting the Holy Spirit

The consequences of self-will and resisting the Holy Spirit are severe and multifaceted. They include spiritual blindness, separation from God, and the forfeiture of divine blessings. Hebrews 3:7-8 warns believers, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness'" . This admonition serves as a reminder of the dangers of self-will and the importance of remaining receptive to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Call to Submission

The Bible calls believers to submit to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and transform their lives. Romans 8:14 declares, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" . This submission is a mark of true discipleship and a pathway to spiritual maturity and fulfillment. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, believers align themselves with God's purposes and experience the fullness of His presence and power.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:51
You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

1 John iii. 8
... this same radical tendency of self-will in the creature resisting the holy ... After
having exhibited sin in connection with the devil, these expressions could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 8.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... The very children that do walk the street, If they do but my holy Pilgrim meet,
Salute him ... He was a good man, though much down in spirit, He is a good man, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm