Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature of Self-WillSelf-will refers to the determination to act according to one's own desires and inclinations, often in defiance of divine guidance or authority. It is characterized by an insistence on personal autonomy and a resistance to submission to God's will. In the biblical context, self-will is often portrayed as a negative trait, leading individuals away from obedience to God and towards sin. Biblical Illustrations of Self-Will 1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6): The first instance of self-will is seen in the Garden of Eden. Despite God's clear command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Eve, and subsequently Adam, chose to follow their own desires. The serpent's temptation appealed to their self-will, leading them to prioritize their own understanding over God's command. This act of self-will resulted in the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin into the world. 2. Cain (Genesis 4:3-8): Cain's self-will is evident in his offering to God. Unlike Abel, who offered a sacrifice from the firstborn of his flock, Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground. When God did not look favorably upon Cain's offering, instead of seeking to understand and align with God's will, Cain allowed his self-will to manifest in anger and jealousy, ultimately leading to the murder of his brother Abel. 3. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): The construction of the Tower of Babel is another example of collective self-will. Humanity, in its desire to make a name for itself and avoid being scattered, decided to build a city and a tower reaching the heavens. This act of self-will was in direct opposition to God's command to fill the earth. As a result, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. 4. King Saul (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:1-23): King Saul's reign is marked by acts of self-will. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul offered a burnt offering in Samuel's absence, disregarding the prophet's instructions and assuming a role reserved for the priest. Later, in 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. His self-will led to his rejection as king, as Samuel declared, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the wickedness of idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23). 5. Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3): Jonah's initial response to God's command to go to Nineveh illustrates self-will. Instead of obeying, Jonah fled in the opposite direction, attempting to escape God's presence. His self-will led to a series of events that ultimately brought him back to the path of obedience, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will. Consequences of Self-Will The Bible consistently portrays self-will as leading to negative consequences. It results in separation from God, as seen in the expulsion from Eden (Genesis 3:23-24) and the scattering at Babel (Genesis 11:8-9). Self-will often leads to personal and communal strife, as illustrated by Cain's murder of Abel and the division of languages at Babel. Furthermore, it can result in the loss of divine favor and position, as experienced by King Saul. Self-Will in Contrast to Submission to God In contrast to self-will, the Bible commends submission to God's will as the path to righteousness and blessing. Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect submission in His prayer at Gethsemane: "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Believers are called to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24), aligning their will with God's and living in obedience to His commands. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of self-will, urging believers to seek God's will above their own. Through the examples of Adam and Eve, Cain, the builders of Babel, King Saul, and Jonah, Scripture illustrates the destructive nature of self-will and the blessings of submission to God. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 32:9Be you not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near to you. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 31:18 Library The Blessing of Little Children. (Luke, xviii. 15-17; Matt. , xix. ... Carnal or Spiritual? The King. A Servant of Servants Letter xvi. Charity. Elijah Standing Before the Lord First Sunday after Epiphany Mortification Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times The Epistle of St. James Resources What is self-actualization? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being self-conscious? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view self-esteem? | 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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