Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "self" in the Bible is intricately connected to the nature of humanity, the fall, and the process of redemption. The Bible presents a dual perspective on the self: one that acknowledges the inherent value of each individual as created in the image of God, and another that recognizes the fallen nature of humanity, which often leads to self-centeredness and sin.Creation and the Image of God The Bible begins with the creation of humanity, where God declares, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). This foundational truth establishes the inherent worth and dignity of the self, as each person reflects aspects of God's character. The self, in its original design, was intended to live in harmony with God, others, and creation. The Fall and the Corruption of Self However, the fall of man introduced sin into the world, corrupting the self. The desire to be like God, knowing good and evil, led Adam and Eve to disobey God (Genesis 3:5-6). This act of rebellion marked the beginning of self-centeredness, where the self sought autonomy apart from God. The Apostle Paul describes this condition as living "according to the flesh," which is hostile to God (Romans 8:7). Self-Denial and Discipleship In the New Testament, Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial. He states, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). This call to self-denial is not a rejection of one's identity but a renunciation of the sinful nature that seeks to prioritize self over God and others. It is an invitation to find true life by losing it for Christ's sake (Matthew 16:25). The New Self in Christ The transformative power of the Gospel offers a new identity in Christ. Believers are encouraged to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). This new self is characterized by a renewed mind and a heart aligned with God's will. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey of sanctification, empowering the self to live according to God's purposes. Paul writes, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit" (Romans 8:5). The Spirit enables believers to overcome the sinful tendencies of the self and to bear the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-Examination and Humility The Bible encourages self-examination and humility as essential practices for spiritual growth. Paul advises, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Humility is seen as a virtue that aligns the self with God's purposes, as "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Conclusion The biblical view of self encompasses both the dignity of being made in God's image and the reality of human sinfulness. Through Christ, believers are called to deny the sinful self and embrace a new identity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness and holiness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Same; particular; very; identical.2. (n.) The individual as the object of his own reflective consciousness; the man viewed by his own cognition as the subject of all his mental phenomena, the agent in his own activities, the subject of his own feelings, and the possessor of capacities and character; a person as a distinct individual; a being regarded as having personality. 3. (n.) Hence, personal interest, or love of private interest; selfishness; as, self is his whole aim. 4. (n.) Personification; embodiment. Greek 1466. egkrateia -- mastery, self-control ... mastery, self-control. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: egkrateia Phonetic Spelling: (eng-krat'-i-ah) Short Definition: self-mastery, self ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1466.htm - 7k 829. authades -- self-pleasing 842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient 1467. egkrateuomai -- to exercise self-control 841. autarkeia -- self-satisfaction, ie self-sufficiency 843. autokatakritos -- self-condemned 830. authairetos -- self-chosen, ie of one's own accord 4995. sophronismos -- self-control 1468. egkrates -- strong, master of, self-controlled 846. autos -- (1) self (emphatic) (2) he, she, it (used for the ... Strong's Hebrew 6106. etsem -- bone, substance, self... 6105c, 6106. etsem. 6107 . bone, substance, self. Transliteration: etsem Phonetic Spelling: (eh'tsem) Short Definition: bones. Word ... /hebrew/6106.htm - 6k 377. ish -- show one self a man 5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ... 1610. gaph -- body, self, height, elevation 6031. anah -- to be bowed down or afflicted 2930. tame -- to be or become unclean 6286. paar -- to beautify, glorify 5844. atah -- to wrap oneself, enwrap, envelop oneself 5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself 2891. taher -- to be clean or pure Library Self-Diffidence Self-Denial. Self-Examination Satisfied from Self Crucifixion of Self. The End of Self-Will What Self Deserves Self-Denial. July the Seventeenth the Dying of Self The Necessity of Self-Abasement Thesaurus Self-will (2 Occurrences)Self-will. Selfwill, Self-will. Selfwilled . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One's own will, esp. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SELF-WILL. ... /s/self-will.htm - 8k Self (28 Occurrences) Self-control (14 Occurrences) Self-same (17 Occurrences) Self-controlled (9 Occurrences) Self-indulgence (4 Occurrences) Self-surrender Self-restraint (2 Occurrences) Self-made (2 Occurrences) Self-assertive (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about being self-centered? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is self-actualization? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.org Self: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Self (28 Occurrences)Matthew 16:24 Mark 8:34 Mark 12:33 Luke 9:23 Luke 9:25 Luke 22:32 Luke 24:39 John 5:30 John 17:5 Romans 6:6 Romans 7:18 Romans 7:22 Romans 16:2 1 Corinthians 4:3 Ephesians 4:22 Ephesians 4:24 Philippians 2:3 Colossians 3:9 Colossians 3:10 1 Thessalonians 5:8 2 Timothy 3:2 Titus 2:2 Philemon 1:19 James 1:27 1 Peter 2:24 1 Peter 3:4 Exodus 32:13 Isaiah 28:20 Subtopics Related Terms Self-controlled (9 Occurrences) Self-indulgence (4 Occurrences) Self-restraint (2 Occurrences) Self-confidence (2 Occurrences) Self-indulgent (3 Occurrences) Self-inflicted (2 Occurrences) Self-abasement (2 Occurrences) Self-complacency (1 Occurrence) Self-discipline (1 Occurrence) Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence) Self-mutilators (1 Occurrence) Self-recommendation (1 Occurrence) Self-exaltation (1 Occurrence) Self-congratulations (1 Occurrence) Self-disparagement (1 Occurrence) |
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