Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in a biblical context, refers to the act of taking liberties or assuming a position or privilege without proper authority or warrant. It is often characterized by overconfidence, arrogance, or a disregard for God's will and commands. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that caution against presumption, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and reverence for God.Biblical Warnings Against Presumption 1. Old Testament Examples: · Nadab and Abihu: In Leviticus 10:1-2, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded. Their presumption led to their immediate death by divine fire, illustrating the severe consequences of acting presumptuously in sacred matters. · Korah's Rebellion: Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who presumed to challenge the God-appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron. Their presumption resulted in the earth swallowing them alive, serving as a stark warning against challenging God's established order. 2. New Testament Teachings: · Jesus' Temptation: In Matthew 4:5-7, during the temptation of Jesus, Satan urges Him to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, quoting Scripture to suggest that angels would protect Him. Jesus responds, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’" . This highlights the sin of presumption in testing God's promises outside of His will. · James on Boasting: James 4:13-16 warns against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God's sovereignty: "Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil" . Characteristics of Presumption · Overconfidence in Self: Presumption often stems from an inflated sense of self-reliance or ability, neglecting the need for God's guidance and strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "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" . · Disregard for God's Commands: Presumption involves acting contrary to God's explicit instructions, assuming that one's own judgment is superior. Deuteronomy 17:12-13 warns against presuming to act against the priest or judge, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's appointed authorities. Saints' Response to Presumption · Humility and Submission: Saints are called to cultivate humility, recognizing their dependence on God. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this attitude: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . · Seeking God's Will: Rather than acting presumptuously, believers are encouraged to seek God's will through prayer and Scripture. Psalm 19:13 is a prayer for protection against presumption: "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression" . Consequences of Presumption · Divine Judgment: The Bible consistently portrays presumption as leading to divine judgment. Whether through direct punishment, as seen with Nadab and Abihu, or through the natural consequences of one's actions, presumption is met with God's disapproval. · Loss of Fellowship with God: Presumption can lead to a breakdown in one's relationship with God, as it reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to His will. Isaiah 66:2b states, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word" . In summary, the Bible presents presumption as a serious spiritual danger that saints are to avoid. Through humility, obedience, and a constant seeking of God's will, believers can guard against the sin of presumption and maintain a right relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 131:1Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Perseverance of Saints. Of the Love of Solitude and Silence How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Epistle xiii. To Serenus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles) . That Although we Acknowledge that we Cannot be Without Sin, yet ... Letter xvii. --Remorse and Rebellion. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Presumptuous Sins Pope Anterus. Resources Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | 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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