Definition and Nature:
Self-will and stubbornness are attitudes characterized by an obstinate adherence to one's own desires and opinions, often in defiance of divine authority and wisdom. These traits are frequently condemned in Scripture as they reflect a heart that resists submission to God's will and guidance.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Warnings:
· 1 Samuel 15:23 : "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." This verse equates stubbornness with idolatry, highlighting its severity in God's eyes.
· Proverbs 29:1 : "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." Here, the consequences of persistent stubbornness are depicted as severe and irreversible.

2. Examples of Self-Will:
· King Saul: Saul's disobedience and self-will led to his rejection by God as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:22-23). His insistence on his own way, rather than following God's commands, serves as a cautionary tale.
· The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites' repeated stubbornness and self-will during their journey in the wilderness resulted in prolonged wandering and divine discipline (Numbers 14:22-23).

3. New Testament Teachings:
· Romans 8:7 : "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." This passage underscores the inherent opposition of self-will to God's authority.
· James 4:6 : "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Stubbornness is often rooted in pride, which God actively opposes.

Theological Implications:
Self-will and stubbornness are fundamentally at odds with the Christian call to humility and submission to God's will. These attitudes reflect a heart that prioritizes personal desires over divine direction, leading to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's blessings.

Practical Considerations:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to God's leading. This involves a conscious effort to surrender personal ambitions and preferences in favor of God's perfect will, as exemplified by Jesus Christ in His submission to the Father (Philippians 2:5-8).

Consequences of Self-Will:
The Bible consistently warns that self-will and stubbornness lead to negative outcomes, including divine discipline, broken relationships, and spiritual barrenness. The call to repentance and submission is a recurring theme, urging believers to align their hearts with God's purposes.

Encouragement for Change:
Scripture offers hope for those struggling with self-will and stubbornness. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, believers can develop a heart of obedience and humility, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking in God's ways (Ezekiel 36:26-27).2 Chronicles 30:8
Now be you not stiff necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 75:5
Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 95:8
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Epistle of St. James
... James means by illicit desire, the imagination toying with a forbidden 15 idea ... not
leaders who stir up strife by their pugnacity and stubbornness and thereby ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

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