Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in a biblical context, refers to the act of overstepping boundaries set by God, often characterized by an overconfidence in one's own abilities or understanding, and a disregard for divine guidance or commandments. It is a sin that can lead to other transgressions, as it involves taking liberties with God's grace and assuming His favor without obedience or humility.The Bible warns against the sin of presumption and encourages believers to seek God's protection from it. In Psalm 19:13, the psalmist prays, "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression" . This verse highlights the importance of recognizing one's own vulnerability to presumptuous sins and the need for divine assistance to avoid them. Presumption can manifest in various forms, such as assuming God's approval without seeking His will, neglecting prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, or interpreting Scripture to suit personal desires rather than truth. The account of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13:8-14 serves as a cautionary tale. Saul presumptuously offered a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel, leading to his rejection as king. His actions demonstrate the dangers of acting independently of God's commands. In the New Testament, the sin of presumption is further illustrated in the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. They presumed to deceive the Holy Spirit by lying about the proceeds of a land sale, resulting in their sudden deaths. This narrative underscores the seriousness with which God views presumption and the need for integrity and honesty in the believer's walk. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the necessity of humility and dependence on God. In 1 Corinthians 10:12, he warns, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall" . This admonition serves as a reminder that self-reliance and overconfidence can lead to spiritual downfall. To guard against the sin of presumption, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and prayerfulness. James 4:13-15 advises, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that'" . This passage teaches the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty in all plans and decisions. In prayer, believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance and protection from presumptuous sins. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, includes the petition, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" . This request reflects a desire for divine help in avoiding the pitfalls of presumption and other sins. Ultimately, the believer's reliance on God's grace and wisdom is essential in overcoming the temptation to presume upon His favor. By maintaining a posture of humility, seeking God's will, and praying for His protection, Christians can be kept from the sins of presumption and live lives that honor Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 19:13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Presumptuous Sins Open Sins "Pray Without Ceasing" "Let us Pray" I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Of the Parables of the Lost Ewe and the Lost Drachma. On the First Commandment Two Coverings and Two Consequences Two Coverings and Two Consequences Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" 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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