The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Self-will is the assertion of one’s personal desires, preferences, or ambitions over the will of God. It often leads to rebellion, disobedience, and a lack of submission to divine authority. The Bible consistently warns against self-will because it prioritizes human reasoning over God's wisdom, resulting in spiritual consequences.
Characteristics of Self-Will
The following are some key characteristics of self-will as revealed in Scripture:
1. Rebellion Against God
A self-willed individual actively resists God’s commands and refuses to submit to His authority. Rebellion stems from the human tendency to seek independence from God.
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul disobeyed God by sparing King Agag and the best livestock after God explicitly commanded him to destroy everything (1 Samuel 15:23). Saul’s rebellion showed his self-will as he prioritized his judgment over God’s instructions.
2. Pride and Arrogance
Self-will is often rooted in pride, which causes a person to exalt themselves above God and others. Pride blinds people to their need for God and makes them rely on theirown understanding.
Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." A self-willed person views their plans as superior and resists divine correction.
3. Disobedience to God’s Word
A self-willed individual chooses their path over God’s commands, disregarding the authority of Scripture. This is a deliberate act of defiance against God’s revealed will. Isaiah 30:1
4. Impatience and Impulsiveness
Self-willed people often act hastily, unwilling to wait on God’s timing or guidance. Their impatience leads them to make rash decisions, bypassing God’s direction.
Abraham and Sarah, in their impatience to fulfill God’s promise of a son, took matters into their own hands. Sarah suggested Abraham have a child with her maidservant Hagar (Genesis 16), resulting in conflict and long-term consequences.
5. Self-Centeredness
Self-will prioritizes personal interests over God’s purposes and the well-being of others. This selfish mindset contradicts biblical principles of love and humility. Philippians 2:3-4
6. Resistance to Correction
Self-willed people often reject correction and wise counsel. They are unwilling to admit their mistakes or change their ways, seeing themselves as always right. Proverbs 12:15
7. Lack of Submission
A hallmark of self-will is the refusal to submit to God’s authority or to spiritual leadership. Submission requires humility, which self-willed individuals lack. Hebrews 13:17
8. Worldly Desires
Self-willed individuals are often driven by worldly desires, such as materialism, lust, and ambition, rather than seeking God’s kingdom. 1 John 2:16
9. Hypocrisy in Worship
Self-will can lead to superficial worship, where individuals honor God with their lips while their hearts remain far from Him. Matthew 15:8-9
Overcoming Self-Will
The Bible offers guidance on how to overcome self-will and live in submission to God’s will:
1. Surrender to God
Overcoming self-will begins with surrendering your life to God and acknowledging His authority over every aspect of your life. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Seek God’s Will Through Prayer
Regular prayer helps align your desires with God’s will. Jesus modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).
3. Study and Obey God’s Word
Studying Scripture reveals God’s will and helps guard against self-will. Obedience to His Word keeps you on the right path. Psalm 119:105
4. Cultivate Humility
Humility is the antidote to pride and self-will. Recognize your dependence on God and place His will above your own. James 4:6
5. Submit to Spiritual Authority
God places leaders in our lives to guide us. Submitting to their counsel helps curb self-will. Hebrews 13:17
6. Wait on God’s Timing
Patience is essential in overcoming self-will. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it requires waiting. Psalm 27:14
7. Rely on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist self-will and live according to God’s desires. Galatians 5:16
8. Practice Self-Denial
Denying yourself daily and taking up your cross is a key principle in following Christ. Luke 9:23
Jesus Christ The Ultimate Example
Jesus is the ultimate example of submission to God’s will. Throughout His life, He consistently prioritized the Father’s will over His own desires. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). His obedience, even unto death, provides a model for believers to follow.
Self-will is a significant spiritual issue that can lead to rebellion, disobedience, and separation from God. However, by surrendering to God, cultivating humility, and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome self-will and live in alignment with God’s purposes. Let us, like Jesus, pray for God’s will to be done in our lives, trusting that His plans are always for our good and His glory.
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