Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "self-produced" is not directly addressed in the Bible, as the Scriptures emphasize the sovereignty and creative power of God in all things. However, the idea can be explored through biblical themes of self-reliance, human effort, and divine providence.Creation and Divine Sovereignty The Bible begins with the affirmation of God as the Creator of all things. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes that nothing is truly self-produced, as everything originates from God's creative act. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Colossians 1:16, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him." Human Effort and Divine Blessing While human beings are called to work and steward creation, the Bible consistently teaches that success and productivity are ultimately dependent on God's blessing. Psalm 127:1-2 declares, "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to those He loves." The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 illustrates the futility of relying solely on one's own efforts. The rich man produced an abundant harvest and planned to store it for himself, saying, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry" (Luke 12:19). However, God called him a fool, for his life was demanded of him that very night, highlighting the transient nature of self-reliance without regard for God. Self-Reliance vs. Trust in God The Bible warns against the dangers of self-reliance and encourages trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance rather than relying solely on human wisdom or effort. The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 serves as a cautionary tale against human pride and self-sufficiency. The people sought to make a name for themselves by building a tower to the heavens, but God confused their language and scattered them across the earth, demonstrating that human endeavors apart from God are ultimately futile. Spiritual Self-Sufficiency In the spiritual realm, the Bible teaches that salvation and righteousness cannot be self-produced. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes that human effort is insufficient for achieving salvation, which is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul further explains in Philippians 3:9 that righteousness comes "not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith." This underscores the necessity of divine intervention and grace in the believer's life. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly address the concept of being "self-produced," it provides a comprehensive framework that emphasizes God's sovereignty, the limitations of human effort, and the necessity of divine grace. Believers are encouraged to rely on God for all aspects of life, recognizing that true productivity and spiritual fulfillment come from Him alone. Library Concerning the Testimonies of Apollo and the Gods. The System of the Perat??; their Tritheism; Explanation of the ... Naasseni Ascribe their System, through Mariamne, to James the ... Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ... Thesaurus Self-produced (1 Occurrence)Self-produced. Self-pleasing, Self-produced. Self-recommendation . Multi-Version Concordance Self-produced (1 Occurrence). ... /s/self-produced.htm - 6k Self-pleasing (1 Occurrence) Self-recommendation (1 Occurrence) Spontaneous (5 Occurrences) Growth (77 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about self-deception? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org What are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Self-produced (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 19:29 Subtopics Related Terms |