Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in the context of spiritual pride, is a significant theme addressed throughout the Bible. It refers to the overstepping of bounds, particularly in one's relationship with God, often manifesting as an inflated sense of self-importance or self-righteousness. This attitude is cautioned against repeatedly in Scripture, as it leads individuals away from humility and dependence on God.Old Testament Examples 1. Korah's Rebellion: In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, presumptuously challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. They claimed, "You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?" (Numbers 16:3). This act of spiritual pride led to their downfall, as the earth opened up and swallowed them, demonstrating God's judgment against presumption. 2. Uzziah's Transgression: King Uzziah's presumption is recorded in 2 Chronicles 26. Despite his successes, Uzziah's heart became proud, leading him to enter the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved for the priests. The priests confronted him, saying, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense" (2 Chronicles 26:18). Uzziah's presumption resulted in his affliction with leprosy. New Testament Warnings 1. The Pharisees: Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their spiritual pride. In Matthew 23, He criticized their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Their presumption in assuming moral superiority blinded them to their need for repentance. 2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable illustrating the dangers of spiritual pride. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). In contrast, the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. Jesus concluded that the humble man was justified, not the presumptuous Pharisee. Apostolic Teachings 1. Paul's Admonition: The Apostle Paul warns against spiritual pride in Romans 12:3, advising believers, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you" . Paul emphasizes humility and the recognition of one's dependence on God's grace. 2. James on Humility: James 4:6-10 underscores the importance of humility, stating, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). He exhorts believers to submit to God, resist the devil, and purify their hearts, highlighting the dangers of presumption and the need for genuine humility. Conclusion The Bible consistently warns against the sin of presumption, particularly as it manifests in spiritual pride. This attitude not only distances individuals from God but also leads to divine judgment. Believers are called to cultivate humility, recognizing their need for God's grace and guidance in all aspects of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:11 Library Attributes of Love. The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea. section second. Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief. Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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