Self-will, in the context of biblical teaching, refers to the determination to follow one's own desires and inclinations rather than submitting to the will of God. This trait is often associated with the wicked, who persist in their own ways, disregarding divine guidance and commandments.

The Bible frequently addresses the issue of self-will, particularly highlighting the stubbornness and rebellion of those who choose to follow their own paths. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are often depicted as a people who, despite witnessing God's mighty works, repeatedly turned to their own ways. In Isaiah 53:6 , it is written, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." This verse underscores the universal tendency of humanity to pursue self-will, leading to sin and separation from God.

The Psalms also reflect on the self-will of the wicked. Psalm 10:4 states, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God." Here, the wicked are characterized by their prideful self-reliance and deliberate exclusion of God from their plans. This self-will is not merely a passive neglect but an active choice to reject divine authority.

Proverbs further elaborates on the consequences of self-will. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This proverb highlights the deceptive nature of self-will, where individuals may believe they are on the right path, yet it ultimately leads to destruction. The wisdom literature consistently contrasts the folly of self-will with the wisdom of submitting to God's will.

In the New Testament, the theme of self-will is addressed in the context of the broader struggle between the flesh and the spirit. Romans 8:7 explains, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This passage illustrates the inherent opposition between self-will, driven by the flesh, and the submission required by God's law. The apostle Paul frequently admonishes believers to crucify the flesh and its desires, urging them to live by the Spirit.

The self-will of the wicked is ultimately a manifestation of rebellion against God. In 2 Peter 2:10 , the apostle warns against those who "indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority." This rebellion is not only against human authority but, more significantly, against divine authority. The wicked, in their self-will, refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty, choosing instead to follow their own corrupt desires.

Throughout Scripture, the persistence of self-will among the wicked serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It is a reminder of the importance of humility, submission, and the continual seeking of God's will in all aspects of life. The biblical narrative consistently calls for a turning away from self-will and a turning towards the will of God, as exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.Judges 2:19
And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Nave's Topical Index

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... it "good for man to be alone?" "Come they not hence," from self-will, pride, inordinate ...
Wicked men trouble those who serve God, by the injuries they do them ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13
... of imperiousness, he says, nor of self-will rebuke them ... This man is more wicked than
those, inasmuch as ... more thieves and defrauders, who do not despise little ...
/.../homily x 1 thessalonians v.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... of glory, of wealth, of pleasure, of self-will, of honor ... quit of them here; and of
the wicked, some have ... They do not speak truth in one instance and falsehood ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Matt. xxii. 15
... But nevertheless not even so do their wicked acts cease ... and more plainly discovering
their self-will, and their ... But not because they do not marry, therefore are ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

The Rest Giver
... You are delivered from the unrest of self-will, from the ... in saying, 'Take Thou the
reins, and do Thou rule and ... My brother, 'the wicked is like the troubled sea ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the rest giver.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... independent of prejudice, party feeling, pride of opinion, or self-will; and, when ...
keep not the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to do evil, and ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Columban.
... resistance, produce a scornful pride; or, if self-will was broken ... the cause of truth,
invincible by the wicked," he opposed ... We do not regard persons, but truth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/columban.htm

God's Exhaustive Knowledge of Man. [*Continued]
... If the frivolous wicked world, which now takes so ... from which all this current of
self-will, and moral ... consequently, when placed side by side, do not agree, but ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/gods exhaustive knowledge of man 2.htm

Hidden Manna
... Proud self-will demands to have doctrines proved by reasoning ... riches, an ordinary
believer would do that; but he ... to bear all the contumely the wicked pour upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... despondency; if it has conquered your pride and self-will, it can ... Behold, the world
lieth in the wicked one ... Do not play with them, but fight them in real earnest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

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