Definition and Nature:
Self-will is 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 obstinate adherence to personal preferences, regardless of the consequences or the wisdom of others. In the biblical context, self-will is frequently associated with pride, as it reflects an inflated sense of self-importance and a refusal to submit to God's will.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride and self-will, illustrating how these traits lead individuals away from God's path. Pride is often depicted as the root cause of self-will, as it fosters a sense of superiority and self-reliance that opposes humility and obedience to God.

Scriptural Examples:

1. Lucifer's Fall:
The fall of Lucifer is a prime example of self-will stemming from pride. Isaiah 14:13-14 describes Lucifer's prideful ambition: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" Lucifer's desire to exalt himself above God led to his downfall, illustrating the destructive nature of self-will born of pride.

2. King Saul:
King Saul's reign provides another illustration of self-will driven by pride. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeys God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Instead, he spares King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul attempts to justify his actions, revealing his self-will and pride. Samuel rebukes him, saying, "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" (1 Samuel 15:23).

3. Nebuchadnezzar:
The account of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 highlights the link between pride and self-will. Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his accomplishments leads him to declare, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). His self-will and pride result in his temporary downfall, as God humbles him by driving him away from human society until he acknowledges God's sovereignty.

Theological Implications:
Self-will, when rooted in pride, is fundamentally opposed to the Christian virtues of humility and submission to God's will. It reflects a heart that prioritizes personal desires over divine direction, leading to spiritual rebellion and separation from God. The Bible calls believers to reject self-will and embrace humility, recognizing that true wisdom and fulfillment come from aligning one's will with God's purposes.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts for traces of pride and self-will, seeking to cultivate a spirit of humility and obedience. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" By submitting to God's authority and seeking His guidance, Christians can overcome the temptations of self-will and live in accordance with His perfect will.Nehemiah 9:16,29
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and listened not to your commandments,
Nave's Topical Index

To Sister Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of Saint ...
... This is the rule of indiscretion, which proceeds from pride and perverse ... have been
planted is always ready to receive them again if self-will puts them ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sister daniella of orvieto.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... are to preserve in all our outward actions, now proceeds to point ... not the damnable
impenitence, the satanic pride, the accursed self-will, the idolatrous ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 30 upon our lords.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... within, from the wickedness of our own hearts; now proceeds to apprize us ... that carnal
mind which is enmity against God, pride of heart, self-will, and love ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 31 upon our lords.htm

The New Birth
... with many sorrows:" And all those general sources of sin " pride, self-will, and
idolatry ... that the whole Office for the Baptism of Infants proceeds upon this ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 45 the new birth.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... The historian proceeds to tell more of this bishop's ... get money and estates; we follow
after pride, we are ... no pastor to discountenance their self-will and false ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal.
... to deny our selves all that Pride, Pleasure and ... deny our Self-conceit, our Self-will,
our Self ... interests, Self-confidences, and whatsoever proceeds from and ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon self-denyal.htm

Baptism unto Repentance
... There are mountains and hills of pride and self-will that have ... See that you do not
reject the counsel of God, as it proceeds from his lips; but expose your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vi baptism unto repentance.htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... of God with Israel is to terrify the pride, false wisdom and self-will; to deter ...
The water typifies the quickening spirit of God, who proceeds from the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Names
... of who God is and what man is"proceeds not only ... of the beasts which perish, but pride
themselves on ... devil, that spirit of lawlessness and self-will, we shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon iv names.htm

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... But the architect Himself proceeds according to a determinate plan, and His ... an opinion
that, while they are gratifying their pride and self-will, they are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus