Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in the context of biblical teaching, refers to an overstepping of bounds, often characterized by an arrogant or audacious attitude towards God's commands. It is a sin that involves knowingly and willfully disobeying God's laws, often with a sense of entitlement or disregard for divine authority. This entry explores the concept of presumption as it is exhibited in the willful commission of sin, drawing from various scriptural examples and teachings.Old Testament Examples 1. Nadab and Abihu: In Leviticus 10:1-2, Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to His command. Their presumption in approaching God in a manner not prescribed led to their immediate death by divine fire. This incident underscores the seriousness of presuming upon God's holiness and the importance of adhering to His instructions. 2. The Israelites' Rebellion: Numbers 14:44-45 recounts the Israelites' presumption in attempting to enter the Promised Land after God had decreed they would wander in the wilderness. Despite Moses' warning, they went up without the Ark of the Covenant or the presence of the Lord, resulting in their defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites. This act of presumption highlights the folly of acting against God's declared will. 3. King Saul: In 1 Samuel 13:8-14, King Saul presumptuously offered a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel. Saul's impatience and disregard for God's command led to the declaration that his kingdom would not endure. This narrative illustrates the danger of presuming upon one's own authority in spiritual matters. New Testament Teachings 1. The Pharisees and Sadducees: In Matthew 23, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and presumption in placing their traditions above God's commandments. Their willful sin in distorting God's law for personal gain and status serves as a warning against presuming to know better than God. 2. Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-11 tells the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from the sale of their property. Their presumption in thinking they could deceive God resulted in their immediate deaths. This account emphasizes the seriousness of presuming upon God's omniscience and justice. Theological Insights Presumption is often rooted in pride and a lack of reverence for God. It involves a conscious decision to act contrary to God's revealed will, often with an attitude of self-reliance or entitlement. The Bible consistently warns against such behavior, as it leads to spiritual downfall and separation from God. Psalm 19:13 captures the plea for deliverance from presumptuous sins: "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression." This verse highlights the need for humility and dependence on God to avoid the trap of presumption. Practical Implications Believers are called to approach God with humility and obedience, recognizing His authority and the sufficiency of His Word. Presumption in the willful commission of sin is a grave matter that requires repentance and a renewed commitment to living according to God's standards. The examples and teachings found in Scripture serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of presumption and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Exhaustive Knowledge of Man. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750. Resources Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | 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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