Topical Bible: Seeking God: The Wicked: Not Led To, by Affliction

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of seeking God is a central theme, often associated with righteousness, repentance, and a sincere desire to know and follow the divine will. However, the Scriptures also address the condition of the wicked, who, despite experiencing affliction, do not turn to God. This entry explores the biblical perspective on why the wicked are not led to seek God through their sufferings.

Biblical Context

The Bible frequently contrasts the responses of the righteous and the wicked to life's challenges. While afflictions can lead the righteous to deeper reliance on God, the wicked often remain unrepentant and distant from Him. This distinction is rooted in the condition of the heart and the choices individuals make in response to God's revelation and discipline.

Scriptural References

1. Job 36:13 : "The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help." This verse highlights the stubbornness of the wicked, who, despite experiencing God's corrective measures, refuse to seek His aid or guidance. Their hearts are hardened, and they harbor resentment rather than turning to God in humility.

2. Isaiah 9:13 : "But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts." Here, the prophet Isaiah laments the people's failure to return to God despite the afflictions they endure. The wickedness of the people is evident in their refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek His mercy.

3. Jeremiah 5:3 : "O LORD, do Your eyes not look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." Jeremiah underscores the obstinacy of the wicked, who, even when faced with divine discipline, refuse to repent or seek God. Their hearts are described as being harder than stone, indicating a deliberate choice to reject God's overtures.

Theological Insights

The failure of the wicked to seek God, even in the face of affliction, is a profound theological issue. It underscores the biblical teaching on the nature of sin and the human heart. Sin blinds individuals to their need for God and hardens their hearts against His call. The wicked, in their pride and self-reliance, often view affliction as an injustice rather than an opportunity for repentance and transformation.

The Scriptures teach that God's desire is for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, the wicked's persistent refusal to seek God highlights the reality of human free will and the consequences of choosing to live apart from Him. Affliction, while a tool that can lead to spiritual awakening, does not automatically result in seeking God unless there is a willingness to humble oneself and turn to Him.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical portrayal of the wicked's response to affliction serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining a soft and responsive heart toward God. It encourages self-examination and a continual seeking of God's presence, especially in times of trial. The church is called to intercede for those who are far from God, praying that their hearts may be softened and their eyes opened to the truth of the Gospel.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear distinction between the responses of the righteous and the wicked to affliction. While the righteous are drawn closer to God, the wicked often remain unrepentant, highlighting the need for divine intervention and the transformative power of God's grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 9:13
For the people turns not to him that smites them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Answer to the Objection Raised.
... sigh for the unbroken joys of bliss, and, seeking for a ... are drawn away from the
contemplation of God to the ... man that I am," but "Impure," or "Wicked man that I ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv the answer to.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... and is said to walk about, seeking whom he ... special watchfulness in prosperity, that
we forget not God; and in ... mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... God was seeking to free the people from their delusion and ... I any pleasure at all
that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

On the Third Part of the Psalm.
... there should have been some "righteous man seeking bread;" it ... is given into the hands
of the wicked." [930] What ... But God did not leave "His righteous One" [931 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the third part of.htm

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... Hence it is obvious, that in seeking God, the most direct ... only to be stimulated to
worship God, but also ... while, on the contrary, the wicked flourish, prosper ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... without justice is what this modern church is seeking after ... The text says, "The wicked
is reserved to the day of ... sins, for he will be led by God's direction to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

Solitude, Silence, Submission
... my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in ... I recollect that, when I first
was seeking the Lord, I ... you hear of the sorrows of others, bless God for the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/solitude silence submission.htm

Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel.
... I should say the same were he seeking to find ... very shallow and weak, as well as wicked;
generally know ... with sling and stone, and supported by God's unseen might ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon viii inward witness to.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... wicked spirits in heavenly places" (margin). ... "If GOD be for us, who can be against
us?" Let us always be on His side, seeking to carry out His purposes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... have time to manifest himself by his wicked works ... He had accused God of seeking merely
the exaltation of ... Says the word of God, "Affliction shall not rise up the ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm