Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:Self-will and stubbornness are often characterized by an obstinate adherence to one's own desires and opinions, often in defiance of divine guidance and authority. These traits are seen as manifestations of an evil heart, which is contrary to the submissive and obedient spirit encouraged in Scripture. Biblical Context: The Bible frequently addresses the issues of self-will and stubbornness, warning against the dangers of following one's own inclinations rather than God's will. These traits are often linked to a hardened heart, which resists the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Scriptural References: 1. Jeremiah 18:12 : "But they will reply, ‘It is no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.’" This verse highlights the tendency of individuals to reject divine counsel in favor of their own plans, rooted in an evil heart. 2. Proverbs 28:14 : "Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." Here, the contrast is drawn between reverence and a hardened heart, the latter leading to self-will and subsequent trouble. 3. Ezekiel 3:7 : "But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to Me, because all the house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted." This passage illustrates the stubbornness of Israel as a collective example of self-will, stemming from a refusal to heed God's voice. 4. Romans 2:5 : "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." The apostle Paul warns of the consequences of a stubborn heart that refuses to repent, emphasizing the link between self-will and divine judgment. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, self-will and stubbornness are seen as significant barriers to spiritual growth and maturity. They reflect a heart that is not fully surrendered to God, hindering the believer's relationship with Him. The Bible calls for a heart that is soft and responsive to God's leading, contrasting with the rebellious nature of self-will. Moral and Spiritual Consequences: The moral and spiritual consequences of self-will and stubbornness are severe. These traits can lead to a separation from God, as they are indicative of a heart that prioritizes personal desires over divine commands. The Bible warns that such attitudes can result in spiritual blindness, a lack of wisdom, and ultimately, divine judgment. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts for traces of self-will and stubbornness, seeking to cultivate a spirit of humility and obedience. Through prayer, repentance, and the study of Scripture, individuals can align their hearts with God's will, allowing His Spirit to transform their desires and actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 7:24But 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 Library On Obedience to Parents Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... part i Resources What is self-actualization? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being self-conscious? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view self-esteem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Will and Stubbornness: Characteristic of the Wicked Self-Will and Stubbornness: David Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Going Backward and not Forward Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Hardening the Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Rebelling Against God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to Parents Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to the Messengers of God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Resisting the Holy Spirit Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Walking in the Counsels of an Evil Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Forbidden Self-Will and Stubbornness: God Knows Self-Will and Stubbornness: Heinousness of Self-Will and Stubbornness: Illustrated Self-Will and Stubbornness: Israelites Self-Will and Stubbornness: Josiah Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should be Without Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should Pray That Their People May be Forgiven For Self-Will and Stubbornness: Ministers should Warn Their People Against Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: An Evil Heart Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: Pride Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: Unbelief Self-Will and Stubbornness: Punishment For Self-Will and Stubbornness: Saul Self-Will and Stubbornness: Simeon and Levi Self-Will and Stubbornness: The Wicked Cease not From Self-Will and Stubbornness: Zedekiah Self-Will: Characteristic of Wicked People Self-Will: Exhibited in Going Backward and not Forward Self-Will: Exhibited in Hardening the Heart Self-Will: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck (Metaphorically) Self-Will: Exhibited in Heinousness of Self-Will: Exhibited in Rebelling Against God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to (Obey) Parents Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Listen to the Messengers of God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Receive Correction Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Self-Will: Exhibited in Resisting the Holy Spirit Self-Will: Exhibited in Walking in the Counsels of an Evil Heart Self-Will: Proceeds From: An Evil Heart Self-Will: Proceeds From: Pride Self-Will: Proceeds From: Unbelief Self-Will: Servants should be Without Self-Will: Servants should Pray That the People May be Forgiven For Self-Will: Servants should Warn the People Against Self-Will: The Wicked do not Cease From Related Terms |
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