Self-will and stubbornness are traits that Scripture frequently warns against, as they often lead individuals away from God's intended path. These characteristics are depicted as hindrances to spiritual growth and obedience, causing one to regress rather than progress in their faith journey.

Biblical Instances and Warnings

1. Israel's Rebellion: The nation of Israel is a prime example of self-will and stubbornness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous works, they repeatedly turned away from Him. In Jeremiah 7:24 , it is written, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." This passage highlights the Israelites' refusal to heed God's commands, choosing instead to follow their own desires, which led to spiritual decline.

2. The Stubbornness of Pharaoh: Pharaoh's hardened heart is another illustration of self-will. Despite the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, Pharaoh's stubbornness prevented him from releasing the Israelites. Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's self-will resulted in devastation for his nation and demonstrated the destructive nature of resisting God's will.

3. The Call to Repentance: The Bible consistently calls for repentance and a turning away from self-will. In Isaiah 30:15 , the Lord declares, "In repentance and rest you will be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength. But you were unwilling." This verse underscores the importance of surrendering one's own stubborn desires in favor of trusting and resting in God's plan.

Consequences of Self-Will and Stubbornness

The consequences of self-will and stubbornness are severe, often leading to spiritual stagnation or decline. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This proverb illustrates the danger of relying on one's own understanding and desires rather than seeking God's guidance.

The Call to Humility and Obedience

Scripture encourages believers to cultivate humility and obedience, contrasting the destructive nature of self-will and stubbornness. James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God requires relinquishing self-will and embracing His direction, which leads to spiritual growth and forward movement in one's faith.

Examples of Obedience and Forward Movement

1. Abraham's Faith: Abraham is a model of obedience and forward movement. When called by God to leave his homeland, he obeyed without hesitation, demonstrating a willingness to follow God's plan over his own. Hebrews 11:8 commends his faith: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going."

2. Paul's Transformation: The Apostle Paul exemplifies the transformation from self-will to submission. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul's encounter with Christ led him to become a devoted apostle. Philippians 3:13-14 reflects his forward movement: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

In summary, the Bible presents self-will and stubbornness as obstacles to spiritual progress, urging believers to embrace humility, obedience, and a forward-moving faith.Jeremiah 7:24
But they listened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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