Breaking the stubborn spirit

      The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of a stubborn spirit, often equating it with rebellion, pride, and resistance to God's will. A stubborn heart refuses to submit to God's authority, preferring its way instead. This condition can lead to spiritual stagnation, missed blessings, and even divine discipline. However, the Bible also guides how to overcome stubbornness and cultivate a heart that is humble, obedient, and receptive to God's leading.

1. Understanding a Stubborn Spirit in the Bible

      A stubborn spirit is often described as a “stiff-necked” attitude in the Bible. The Israelites, for example, were frequently reprimanded for their stubbornness, which prevented them from fully walking in God's blessings.

● Proverbs 29:1 – “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”

● Exodus 32:9 – “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.”

      A stubborn spirit resists correction and refuses to change, even when confronted with the truth. It is rooted in pride, self-will, and an unwillingness to surrender to God’s authority. The Bible warns that such a spirit leads to destruction, as it ultimately separates a person from God's grace and guidance.

A Stubborn Spirit Manifests in Several Ways:

1. Refusal to Obey God's Word – A stubborn person hears God’s Word but refuses to act upon it.

2. Resistance to Correction – They reject godly counsel, preferring their way.

3. Pride and Self-Reliance – They trust in their wisdom rather than seeking God’s direction.

4. Hardened Heart – They grow cold toward God, becoming spiritually numb.

2. The Dangers of a Stubborn Spirit

      The Bible clearly warns about the consequences of stubbornness.

● 1 Samuel 15:23 – “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

● Romans 2:5 – “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath.”

      When we refuse to listen to God and insist on our own way, we distance ourselves from His blessings. Stubbornness often leads to broken relationships, loss of peace, and missed opportunities. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their stubbornness, missing out on the Promised Land (Numbers 14:22-23).

3. How to Break a Stubborn Spirit

      Breaking a stubborn spirit requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to surrender to God. Here are biblical steps to overcome stubbornness:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Issue and Repent

      The first step to breaking a stubborn spirit is acknowledging that it exists. Many times, people fail to see their own stubbornness, blaming others instead. True repentance involves confessing our pride and asking God to transform our hearts.

● Psalm 32:5 – “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

● 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

      Repentance requires humility. We must admit our faults and ask God to help us change.

Step 2: Submit to God’s Will

      A stubborn spirit often arises when we insist on doing things our own way instead of seeking God's direction. Surrendering to God's will means trusting Him even when it doesn’t make sense.

● James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

● Luke 22:42 – Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

      Submission requires faith. It means believing that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Step 3: Seek a Humble and Teachable Heart

      A teachable heart is the opposite of a stubborn heart. It is open to correction and willing to grow.

● Psalm 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”

● Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

      Humility is key to breaking stubbornness. It means recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and allowing God to guide us.

Step 4: Develop a Renewed Mind

      A stubborn spirit is often fueled by wrong thinking. To overcome it, we must renew our minds through God’s Word.

● Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

● Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

      Renewing the mind involves daily reading and meditating on Scripture. As we align our thoughts with God’s truth, we become more sensitive to His leading.

Step 5: Walk in Obedience

      Obedience is the key to spiritual breakthroughs. When we obey God, even when it’s difficult, He blesses us.

● John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

● Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands... all these blessings will come on you and accompany you.”

      Partial obedience is still disobedience. True surrender means following God's instructions completely.

Step 6: Surround Yourself with Godly Influence

      Stubbornness often thrives in isolation. To overcome it, we need to surround ourselves with godly people who can speak truth into our lives.

● Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

● Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.”

      Having accountability partners can help us recognize areas of stubbornness and encourage us toward spiritual growth.

The Blessing of a Humble Spirit

      Breaking a stubborn spirit is not an overnight process; it requires continual surrender to God. However, when we replace pride with humility, rebellion with obedience, and self-will with God's will, we experience His peace, favor, and guidance.

      A humble spirit is teachable, obedient, and open to correction. God desires to transform stubborn hearts into hearts that seek after Him. If you struggle with stubbornness, ask God to soften your heart and lead you in His ways.

Prayer for Breaking a Stubborn Spirit

   "Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my stubbornness. I confess that I have resisted Your will and trusted in my own understanding. Please forgive me and give me a humble heart that seeks Your guidance. Renew my mind with Your Word, and help me walk in obedience. Surround me with godly counsel and strengthen me to surrender completely to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

      When we surrender to God, He transforms our hearts, leading us into the fullness of His purpose. Will you allow Him to break every stubborn area in your life today?