Definition and Nature:
Self-will, in a biblical context, refers to the determination to act according to one's own desires and inclinations, often in defiance of God's will. It is characterized by a reliance on personal judgment rather than divine guidance. This trait is frequently associated with a lack of faith or unbelief, as it reflects a trust in oneself over trust in God.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. The Fall of Man:
The origin of self-will can be traced back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve's decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was an act of self-will, driven by unbelief in God's command and promise. Genesis 3:6 states, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

2. Israel's Rebellion:
The Israelites frequently exhibited self-will during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their unbelief in God's promises led them to act according to their own desires, resulting in rebellion. Numbers 14:11 records God's response: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?'"

3. King Saul's Disobedience:
King Saul's reign provides a clear example of self-will stemming from unbelief. His decision to offer a burnt offering without waiting for Samuel, as instructed by God, was an act of self-will. 1 Samuel 13:13 recounts Samuel's rebuke: "You have acted foolishly," Samuel declared. "You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time."

4. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders:
In the New Testament, the Pharisees and religious leaders often displayed self-will through their unbelief in Jesus as the Messiah. Their adherence to human traditions over God's commandments exemplified their self-reliance. Jesus addressed this in Mark 7:9 : "He went on to say, 'You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition.'"

Theological Implications:

· Lack of Trust in God:
Self-will is fundamentally rooted in a lack of trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. It reflects an attitude that prioritizes human understanding over divine revelation.

· Consequences of Unbelief:
The Bible consistently shows that self-will leads to negative consequences, both spiritually and materially. It results in separation from God, as seen in the expulsion from Eden, the wandering of the Israelites, and the downfall of Saul.

· Call to Submission:
Scripture calls believers to submit their will to God, recognizing His authority and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Practical Application:

· Cultivating Faith:
To combat self-will, believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep and abiding faith in God. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

· Community and Accountability:
Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping individuals to align their will with God's purposes.

· Embracing Humility:
Humility is essential in overcoming self-will. Recognizing one's limitations and God's infinite wisdom fosters a spirit of submission and obedience.2 Kings 17:14
Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
Nave's Topical Index

1 John ii. 22, 23
... these preparatory remarks, John proceeds to point ... who thus, with reckless self-will,
separated the ... historical Jesus thus unsubstantialized by their unbelief. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 22 23.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... are to preserve in all our outward actions, now proceeds to point ... Cast out the beam
of self-will! ... To cut off every pretence for unbelief, our blessed Lord, in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 30 upon our lords.htm

Introduction
... attributing to the Devil what, in fact, proceeds from their ... interferes with the free
course of self-will, is rapidly ... the man of faith and the man of unbelief. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/introduction.htm

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
... into the common trick of calling unbelief Resignation; of ... would help us out of any
self-will of their ... comforted Christ the Son Himself; who proceeds both from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/i out of the deep.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... the love of the world, the self-will, the foolish ... He proceeds to show, that they
were helpless as well ... sins!" Stagger no more at the promise through unbelief! ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 21 upon our lords.htm

The Voice of Job.
... first seem to some, involve less unbelief than the ... an immediate impression that it
proceeds from goodness ... be not delivered from himself, that self will sink him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... and runs its downward career of unbelief, vice, and ... that they never find any
self-will, any determined opposition ... unity of the Supreme Deity, proceeds to show ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

part ii
... the heart in its foundation and oppresses it, proceeds from the Devil ... beauty, while
there worldly education is accompanied with unbelief immorality, spiritual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... impossibilities, and told her that her self-will would involve ... wife replied, 'For
the sake of your unbelief, I hope ... our two cows, and took the proceeds with him ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler. <. ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

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