Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Spirit of God Withdrawn From

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of wickedness is often associated with a departure from God's righteous standards and commands. The term "wicked" is used to describe individuals or groups who engage in behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the will and character of God. One of the profound consequences of persistent wickedness, as depicted in the Scriptures, is the withdrawal of the Spirit of God from such individuals.

The Spirit of God, also known as the Holy Spirit, is described in the Bible as the presence and power of God actively working in the world and in the lives of believers. The Spirit is a source of guidance, wisdom, conviction, and empowerment for righteous living. However, when individuals choose a path of wickedness, they risk losing the presence and influence of the Spirit.

Biblical Examples and Teachings:

1. Saul, the First King of Israel:
One of the most illustrative examples of the Spirit of God being withdrawn due to wickedness is found in the life of King Saul. Initially chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul was empowered by the Spirit to lead Israel. However, as Saul repeatedly disobeyed God's commands and acted out of pride and jealousy, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:14 states, "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." This withdrawal marked a significant turning point in Saul's reign and life, leading to his eventual downfall.

2. The Generation of Noah:
In the time of Noah, the earth was filled with violence and corruption. Genesis 6:3 records God's response to the pervasive wickedness: "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.'" This declaration preceded the judgment of the flood, indicating that God's Spirit would not strive with humanity indefinitely in the face of persistent wickedness.

3. The Prophets' Warnings:
Throughout the prophetic books, there are numerous warnings about the consequences of turning away from God. The prophets often called the people of Israel and Judah to repentance, warning that continued rebellion would lead to the withdrawal of God's presence and favor. For instance, in Isaiah 63:10, it is written, "But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them."

Theological Implications:

The withdrawal of the Spirit of God from the wicked underscores the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a sobering reminder that God's presence is not to be taken for granted. The Spirit's departure signifies a loss of divine guidance, protection, and blessing, leaving individuals vulnerable to the consequences of their own choices.

However, the biblical narrative also emphasizes God's desire for repentance and restoration. The call to turn from wickedness and seek God's forgiveness is a recurring theme, offering hope that the Spirit may once again dwell with those who earnestly seek Him.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of the Spirit of God from the wicked is a profound biblical theme that highlights the gravity of sin and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God. It serves as both a warning and an invitation to pursue righteousness and seek the continual presence of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:3
And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
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Hosea 4:17-19
Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
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Romans 1:24,26,28
Why God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
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Library

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... give effect to the iniquity conceived in their wicked minds ... when the Lord was pleased
to pity his people, he made ... is stated to have been, that a spirit from God ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

The Final Warning.
... him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and ... into new fields, and the minds of the
people are called ... now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /38 the final warning.htm

The Final Warning
... moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and ... new fields and the minds of the
people are called ... now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 38 the final warning.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... redemption of His people and the destruction of the wicked. ... not to the earth, as
the people expected, but ... Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... redemption of His people and the destruction of the wicked. ... not to the earth, as
the people expected, but ... Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

God's People Delivered.
... the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In ... They shall call them,
The holy people, The redeemed ... the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In ... They shall call them,
The holy people, The redeemed ... the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Quenching the Spirit.
... Few seem to be aware how wicked this is and how ... near the heart of Jesus than the
sanctification of His people. ... which is common to men, when the Spirit of God ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xv quenching the spirit.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger ... excite to still greater intensity
the spirit of hatred ... from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger ... excite to still greater intensity
the spirit of hatred ... from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm