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Scripture Commentary article 2018-01-04

How does God harden a man’s heart?

How does God harden a man’s heart? We know that God can and does harden hearts because the Bible tells us this, but how and why does God choose to do this? And if all people are created with pre-hardened hearts as some suggest, then why is it necessary for God to harden a man’s heart? Let’s consider...

2 Chronicles 18:18–22 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 2 Timothy 3:9 Soteriology Calvinism God's Sovereignty
Theology verse entry

Romans 9:17-18

Sections: cross_references, debate_points, exegesis, greek_analysis

Romans 9:17-18 soteriology,sovereignty,hardening,Calvinism,provisionism,Pharaoh
Theology verse entry

Exodus 7:3

Sections: cross_references, debate_points, exegesis

Exodus 7:3 sovereignty,hardening,Calvinism,provisionism,Pharaoh
Theology verse entry

Romans 1:24-28

Sections: cross_references, debate_points, exegesis

Romans 1:24-28 soteriology,sovereignty,hardening,Calvinism,provisionism,judicial hardening
Theology greek term

σκληρύνω (sklērunō)

to harden, make stubborn

greek
Mike Winger idea 2018-02-14

Q&A — Matthew 21:21 ('if you have faith you can move mountains'): must be interpreted alongside other prayer scriptures — faith, right motives (James 4), and God's will (1 John 5:14)

Q&A question from Judah Matthews

Matthew 21:21 James 4 1 John 5:14 prayer faith Matthew 21:21
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Praying against "spirits of laziness, offense, depression" — most are human failures not demonic spirits; Jezebel spirit is not a biblical category

Q10 from Arfish: Is it biblical to pray against spirits of offense, laziness, depression, confusion? What is the Jezebel spirit and is it real?

James 4 Revelation 2:20 personal responsibility Jezebel James 4
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Passion for God fading: treat it as a red flag, diagnose sin, then take outward spiritual actions to let the heart follow

Q17 from Langille Zandi: How do you counsel someone whose passion for the Lord is dying — not praying, not reading the Bible?

James 4 Revelation 2 (Ephesus) spiritual disciplines James 4 sanctification
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Mike distinguishes possession from influence/oppression. Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them — demon possession (ownership/control) seems incompatible with the Spirit's presence. But Christians can be oppressed, influenced, and harassed by demons. The demoniac in Mark 5 was fully controlled; Christians may experience lesser forms of spiritual attack but not total possession.

Demon possession vs oppression in Christians

1 Corinthians 6:19 James 4:7 spiritual warfare spiritual warfare 1 Corinthians 6:19
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

Should we Always Say “God Willing”?: What does James 4: 13 mean? Should we always say “God willing” when making or talking about our plans?

Q&A question: Should we Always Say “God Willing”?

James James 4 James James 4
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

About “Not Boasting of Tomorrow”: In James 4: 13-17, The conclusion (v. 17) seems unrelated to vv. 13-16. I don’t see how it relates specifically to not boasting of tomorrow. Is it just a general statement that could be said after any command?

Q&A question: About “Not Boasting of Tomorrow”

James James 4 James James 4
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

About OT Quotes in the NT: How should we understand inerrancy for New Testament passages that appear to quote the Old Testament, but no clear reference can be found? (e.g., James 4:5, Matthew 2: 23).

Q&A question: About OT Quotes in the NT

James James 4 Matthew 2 James James 4 Matthew 2
Mike Winger idea 2025-06-06

Temptation Increasing vs. Satan Fleeing?: The Bible says when we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). So why does it often feel like spiritual warfare INCREASES when we try to buckle down and resist sins of the flesh, addictions, etc.? When I resist, it doesn't feel like the devil flees - it feels like he tries even harder to get me to fall. Why is this?

Q&A question: Temptation Increasing vs. Satan Fleeing?

James James 4 James 4:7 James James 4 Satan