Definition and Nature:
Selfwill refers to the determination to act according to one's own desires and inclinations, often in defiance of divine guidance or authority. It is characterized by an obstinate adherence to personal will, often leading to rebellion against God's commandments and wisdom. In the biblical context, selfwill is frequently associated with pride, stubbornness, and a refusal to submit to God's will.

Biblical References and Examples:
The concept of selfwill is addressed throughout Scripture, often highlighting the dangers and consequences of prioritizing one's own desires over God's commands.

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Cain: In Genesis 4, Cain's selfwill is evident in his decision to offer a sacrifice that was not pleasing to God, leading to jealousy and the murder of his brother Abel. This act of selfwill resulted in God's curse upon him.
· King Saul: Saul's reign as the first king of Israel is marked by acts of selfwill. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, Saul's decision to offer a burnt offering without waiting for Samuel demonstrates his disregard for God's instructions, leading to the loss of his kingdom.
· Israel's Rebellion: The Israelites frequently exhibited selfwill during their wilderness journey. In Numbers 14:41-44, they attempted to enter the Promised Land against God's command, resulting in defeat.

2. New Testament Teachings:
· The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22, the rich young ruler's selfwill is evident in his unwillingness to part with his wealth to follow Jesus, prioritizing his possessions over eternal life.
· The Pharisees: Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for their selfwill, as they prioritized their traditions and interpretations of the law over the true spirit of God's commandments (Matthew 15:3-9).

Consequences of Selfwill:
The Bible consistently warns of the negative outcomes associated with selfwill. Proverbs 14:12 states, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." This highlights the ultimate danger of selfwill—separation from God and spiritual death.

Selfwill vs. Submission to God:
Scripture contrasts selfwill with the call to submit to God's will. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God involves humility, obedience, and a willingness to align one's desires with God's purposes.

The Role of the Holy Spirit:
Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome selfwill. Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in accordance with God's will, transforming self-centered desires into God-centered actions.

Practical Application:
To combat selfwill, Christians are encouraged to engage in regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. These practices help cultivate a heart that seeks God's will above personal desires. Additionally, accountability within the Christian community can provide support and guidance in resisting selfwill.

Conclusion:
While selfwill is a natural human inclination, the Bible calls believers to a life of submission to God's will, recognizing that true fulfillment and purpose are found in obedience to Him.SELF-WILL

self-wil' (ratson; authades): Found once in the Old Testament (Genesis 49:6, "In their self-will they hocked an ox") in the death song of Jacob (see HOCK). The idea is found twice in the New Testament in the sense of "pleasing oneself": "not self-willed, not soon angry" (Titus 1:7); and "daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities" (2 Peter 2:10). In all these texts it stands for a false pride, for obstinacy, for "a pertinacious adherence to one's will or wish, especially in opposition to the dictates of wisdom or propriety or the wishes of others."elfare of his neighbor, just as Christ pleased not Himself (Romans 15:3); also to leaders (1 Corinthians 16:16), and to earthly rulers (Romans 13:1).

Henry E. Dosker

Let the Clergy of the Poor-Houses, Monasteries, and Martyries ...
... They are to "abide under it," and not to indulge selfwill by "turning restive" against
their bishop's authority" (apheniazo is literally to get the bit between ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon viii let the clergy.htm

The Resurrection of Dead Souls
... you can do much in separating yourselves from God through selfishness, selfwill,
sensuality, or other forms of sin, but there is one thing you cannot do, you ...
/.../the resurrection of dead souls.htm

The Impending Judgment
... the soul, when the storms of passion and appetite are wildest, when evil habits
have made the road slippery under foot, and sophistry and selfwill have hidden ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 13 8-16 the impending judgment.htm

Selfwill (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Selfwill (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion
is as the sin of divination, And selfwill is as iniquity and idolatry. ...
/s/selfwill.htm - 8k

Self-will (2 Occurrences)
Self-will. Selfwill, Self-will. Selfwilled . Noah Webster's Dictionary ... (WEB
KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS). Selfwill, Self-will. Selfwilled . Reference Bible
/s/self-will.htm - 8k

Self-surrender
Self-surrender. Selfsurrender, Self-surrender. Selfwill . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... Selfsurrender, Self-surrender. Selfwill . Reference Bible.
/s/self-surrender.htm - 17k

Cain (18 Occurrences)
... In Cain's character we see "a terrible outburst of selfwill, pride, and jealousy,
leading to a total and relentless renunciation of all human ties and affection ...
/c/cain.htm - 23k

Hock (1 Occurrence)
... "In their selfwill they hocked an ox" (Genesis 49:6, the King James Version "digged
down a wall"), in their destructiveness maiming those which they could not ...
/h/hock.htm - 7k

Divination (25 Occurrences)
... ones. (See NIV). 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And selfwill is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou ...
/d/divination.htm - 45k

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