Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in the biblical context, often refers to an overstepping of bounds or taking liberties that are not rightfully one's own. This attitude is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it reflects a heart of pride and self-exaltation, contrary to the humility that God desires. One of the manifestations of presumption is the desire to seek precedence or priority over others, which is often driven by pride and ambition.Biblical Examples: 1. The Disciples' Argument about Greatness: In the Gospels, the disciples of Jesus frequently exhibited presumption by arguing about who among them was the greatest. In Luke 22:24 , it is recorded, "A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest." This desire for precedence was rebuked by Jesus, who taught that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humility and service, not in seeking to elevate oneself above others. 2. James and John’s Request: Another instance is found in Mark 10:35-37 , where James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus with a request: "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." Jesus asked them what they wanted, and they replied, "Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory." This request for positions of honor demonstrated a presumptuous attitude, seeking precedence without understanding the true nature of Christ's kingdom. 3. The Pharisees and the Best Seats: Jesus also criticized the Pharisees for their presumption in seeking the best seats at banquets and the most prominent positions in the synagogues. In Matthew 23:6 , He said, "They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues." This behavior was indicative of their desire for recognition and status, rather than a genuine pursuit of righteousness. Theological Insights: Presumption in seeking precedence is fundamentally rooted in pride, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The desire to be first or to hold a position of honor often leads to downfall, as it is contrary to the character of Christ, who exemplified humility and servanthood. The teachings of Jesus emphasize that the kingdom of God operates on principles that are often countercultural. In Matthew 20:16 , Jesus declares, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." This statement underscores the reversal of worldly values in God's economy, where humility and service are exalted above self-promotion and ambition. Practical Application: Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives, ensuring that their actions are not driven by a desire for personal glory or recognition. Philippians 2:3 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This attitude fosters unity and reflects the mind of Christ, who, though being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). In the church and in daily life, Christians are encouraged to serve one another in love, seeking the good of others above their own. This selfless approach not only honors God but also builds up the body of Christ, reflecting the true nature of His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:7-11And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Exposition of the Moral Law. Church Abuses. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... 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Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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