Irresolute
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "irresolute" refers to a state of uncertainty or indecision, often characterized by a lack of firmness or determination in one's actions or beliefs. In the context of biblical teachings, irresolution is generally viewed as a negative trait, as it can lead to instability in faith and conduct.

Biblical References and Context

1. James 1:6-8 : "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage highlights the dangers of being irresolute in faith. The imagery of a wave, easily swayed by the wind, underscores the instability and lack of direction that comes with doubt and indecision.

2. 1 Kings 18:21 : "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word." Here, the prophet Elijah challenges the Israelites' irresolution in their allegiance to God. The call to choose decisively between the LORD and Baal emphasizes the importance of commitment and the dangers of spiritual indecision.

3. Matthew 6:24 : "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This teaching of Jesus addresses the irresolute heart that attempts to divide its loyalties. The impossibility of serving two masters illustrates the need for a resolute commitment to God above all else.

Theological Implications

Irresolution is often linked to a lack of faith or trust in God. The Bible encourages believers to be steadfast and unwavering in their faith, as seen in passages like Hebrews 10:23 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." The call to hold resolutely suggests that faith requires a firm and unwavering commitment.

Practical Applications

1. Prayer and Faith: Believers are encouraged to pray with faith and confidence, avoiding doubt and double-mindedness. As seen in James 1:6-8, faith without doubt is essential for receiving from the Lord.

2. Decision-Making: Christians are urged to make decisions based on biblical principles and a clear understanding of God's will, rather than being swayed by external pressures or internal uncertainties.

3. Spiritual Growth: Developing a resolute faith involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. This helps to strengthen one's convictions and reduce the tendency toward irresolution.

Character Studies

· Peter: The Apostle Peter is a notable biblical figure who experienced moments of irresolution, such as when he denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). However, Peter's eventual restoration and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 2) demonstrate the transformative power of a resolute faith.

· Lot's Wife: In Genesis 19:26, Lot's wife exemplifies the peril of irresolution when she looked back at Sodom, contrary to God's command, resulting in her becoming a pillar of salt. Her hesitation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of divided loyalties.

In summary, the Bible presents irresolution as a hindrance to spiritual growth and effective Christian living. Believers are called to cultivate a resolute faith, characterized by unwavering trust in God and decisive action in accordance with His will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(a.) Not resolute; not decided or determined; wavering; given to doubt or irresolution.
Library

The Leaven of the Pharisees
... standing miracles of our faith, the gospel and the Church: when our reason is satisfied
of a doctrine or a duty, and yet we remain irresolute, sighing for the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 11-21 the leaven of.htm

Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind
... For even at that time so irresolute was the infirmity of His disciples that they
thought that He whom they saw to have risen again must be handled, in order ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/augustine 354-430 the recovery.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... expectations. The death of the Protector and the deposition of his weak
and irresolute son revived the hopes of the oppressed. The ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

Jesus and Herod
... a single syllable, give sanction to any prolongation of the proceedings: "insomuch
that the governor marvelled greatly." Flustered and irresolute himself, he ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter v jesus and herod.htm

Voluntary Suffering
... fight, not because they are not afraid of death, but because they are impelled by
another fear, which makes a greater impression upon a feeble, irresolute mind ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xviii voluntary suffering.htm

Miscellaneous Phrases
... A narrow and superficial survey. A nature somewhat frivolous and irresolute. A
needlessly offensive manner. A nimble interchange of uninteresting gossip. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... He labored daily and tirelessly. But day by day he looked, unseen, on his love in
the valley, and the oftener he looked the more irresolute he grew. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xv the gods of.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... For even at that time so irresolute was the infirmity of His disciples, that they
thought that He whom they saw to have risen again must be handled, in order ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm

The Thirteenth Chapter: Resisting Temptation
... all temptation lies in a wavering mind and little trust in God, for as a rudderless
ship is driven hither and yon by waves, so a careless and irresolute man is ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the thirteenth chapter resisting temptation.htm

August 20. "Herein is My Father Glorified" (John xv. 8).
... the highest human qualities will fail us, and carry in Divine power through every
form of toil and suffering, a spirit naturally weak, irresolute, selfish, and ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /august 20 herein is my.htm

Thesaurus
Irresolute (1 Occurrence)
... (a.) Not resolute; not decided or determined; wavering; given to doubt or
irresolution. Multi-Version Concordance Irresolute (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/irresolute.htm - 6k

Uncertain (13 Occurrences)
... mind; distrustful. 2. (a.) Irresolute; inconsonant; variable; untrustworthy;
as, an uncertain person; an uncertain breeze. 3. (a ...
/u/uncertain.htm - 12k

Irresistible (1 Occurrence)

/i/irresistible.htm - 7k

Infirm (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Weak; feeble; bedridden; as, an infirm body; an
infirm constitution. 2. (a.) Weak of mind or will; irresolute; vacillating. ...
/i/infirm.htm - 13k

Indecisive (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Undetermined; prone to indecision; irresolute; unsettled; wavering; vacillating;
hesitating; as, an indecisive state of mind; an indecisive character. ...
/i/indecisive.htm - 7k

Irreverence (1 Occurrence)

/i/irreverence.htm - 7k

Feeble-minded (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Weak in intellectual power; wanting firmness or
constancy; irresolute; vacilating; imbecile. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/f/feeble-minded.htm - 8k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... on. 21. (prep.) Adhering; not off; as in the phrase, He is neither on
nor off, that is, he is not steady, he is irresolute. 22. ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

Asmoneans
... war. Pompey promptly marched on Jerusalem and the irresolute Aristobulus
met him with promises of subjection and presents. When ...
/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k

Nero
... 8. Death of Nero: Nymphidius Sabinus, one of the prefects, won over the guard for
Galba, by persuading the irresolute emperor to withdraw from Rome and then ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

Resources
What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org

Irresolute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Irresolute (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 13:7
There were gathered to him worthless men, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Irresolute

Irresponsibility

Related Terms

Uncertain (13 Occurrences)

Irresistible (1 Occurrence)

Infirm (25 Occurrences)

Indecisive (1 Occurrence)

Irreverence (1 Occurrence)

Feeble-minded (2 Occurrences)

On (40792 Occurrences)

Asmoneans

Nero

Judah (802 Occurrences)

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)

Irresistible Flood
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