Definition and Context:
Self-will refers to the determination to act according to one's own desires and inclinations, often in defiance of authority or guidance. In the biblical context, self-will is often contrasted with submission to God's will and the authority of those placed over us. For servants, self-will is seen as a trait that should be subdued in favor of obedience and humility.

Biblical References:

1. Titus 1:7 : "As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." This verse highlights the importance of being free from self-will, especially for those in positions of leadership and service within the church. It underscores the need for humility and submission to God's authority.

2. 1 Peter 2:18 : "Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable." Here, the apostle Peter instructs servants to submit to their masters, regardless of the masters' character. This submission is an act of obedience to God, demonstrating a lack of self-will and a commitment to serving as unto the Lord.

3. Ephesians 6:5-6 : "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart." This passage emphasizes the importance of serving with sincerity and integrity, not out of self-interest or self-will, but as a reflection of one's service to Christ.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical framework, self-will is often associated with rebellion against God and His established order. The call for servants to be without self-will is rooted in the understanding that true freedom and fulfillment come from aligning one's will with God's. This alignment requires a heart of humility and a willingness to serve others, reflecting the servanthood of Christ Himself.

Practical Application:

For believers, the call to be without self-will is a call to live a life of submission and service. This involves:

· Humility: Recognizing that God's ways are higher than our own and submitting to His authority.
· Obedience: Following the guidance and instructions of those placed in authority over us, as long as it does not contradict God's commands.
· Service: Embracing a servant's heart, seeking to serve others selflessly and with love, as Christ served.

In all aspects of life, believers are encouraged to seek God's will above their own, trusting in His wisdom and provision.Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Nave's Topical Index

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
... It checks individual peculiarities of self-will, helps to keep ... at all, than that
He Himself should exercise it. ... the measure in which His servants possess power ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the master rejected the servants.htm

To the Venerable Religious, Brother Antonio of Nizza, of the Order ...
... of God through their first will"since the servants of God ... I say that this soul is
deceived by its self-will. ... were this not for his good, I should not permit ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to the venerable religious brother.htm

To Brother Antonio of Nizza of the Hermit Brothers of Saint ...
... said, be it unsaid!" "disregarding their self-will and their ... vigils and continual
prayers; thus should one do ... and the Bachellor, and the other servants of God ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother antonio of nizza.htm

The Adornment of the Spritual Marriage
... OF THE RENUNCIATION OF SELF WILL. ... OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FAITHFUL SERVANTS
AND THE SECRET ... SHOWING HOW THE INWARD MAN SHOULD EXERCISE HIMSELF, THAT HE MAY ...
//christianbookshelf.org/john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/

To Brother William of England of the Hermit Brothers of St. ...
... which is called spiritual self-will""I should like this ... away the thing that gives
offence"that is, self-will. ... make himself a judge of the servants of God ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother william of england.htm

The Honored Servant
... is not intended that you and I should be inventors ... odd ways of their own, and the
servants whom they ... troubles mostly grow from the root of self-will; but when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the honored servant.htm

Sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity
... works of love and virtue, and to refrain from self-will. ... very great and wondrous
deeds through his servants for a ... You should never trust in virtue that has not ...
/.../xxi sermon for the tenth.htm

To Monna Agnese who was the Wife of Messer Orso Malavolti
... the world, and who wish to be servants of Christ ... This is because spiritual self-will
is not dead in them ... imperiously demand from God that He should give them ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna agnese who was.htm

To Don Giovanni of the Cells of Vallombrosa
... It is essential, then, that we should never stop, if we are true servants of God,
in ... And let us strive to run, dead to all self-will, spiritual and temporal ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to don giovanni of the.htm

To Brother Matteo Di Francesco Tolomei of the Order of the ...
... who have annulled and killed their self-will, and are ... toward their neighbour, loving
the servants of God ... men through love that they should reach perfection ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to brother matteo di francesco.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