Dictionary of Bible Themes – 5885 indifference
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5885 indifference

5885 indifference

A neutral attitude to God that is as dangerous as hostility. It is condemned as a rejection of God’s love and of the needs of others.

Indifference towards God

No desire to seek God Ro 3:11 See also Isa 42:20; Jer 5:21; Zep 1:6; Mt 13:15; Mt 24:12; Ac 28:27; Rev 3:15-22

Refusal to heed God’s word Jer 37:2 See also Ps 81:11; Jer 6:10; Jer 7:13; Jer 25:3-7; Jer 35:15; Eze 3:7; Zec 1:4; Zec 7:11-13

Refusal to respond to God’s discipline Jer 5:3 See also Jer 2:30; Jer 7:27-28; Jer 17:23; Jer 32:33

Ignoring God is rebellion against him Eze 12:2 See also Jer 2:19; Jer 7:26; Jer 36:24; Eze 20:8

People ignore God and his warnings at their peril Jer 12:11 See also Ex 9:21,25; 2Ch 33:10-11; Ne 9:30; Pr 1:24-27; Pr 13:18; Jer 11:8; Jer 36:31; Jer 44:5-6; Mt 22:5-7

For those who ignore God’s salvation, there is no hope Heb 2:3 See also Jer 7:24; Mt 12:30 pp Lk 11:23

Indifference to God’s declared intentions

Eze 22:30 See also Nu 32:6-7; Jdg 5:15-17,23; 2Ch 24:5; Ps 22:11; Isa 64:7; Jer 48:10

Indifference of religious leaders condemned

Eze 34:2-4; Zec 11:16-17; Jn 10:12-13

Indifference towards the needs of others

Indifference arises from sin Pr 29:7 See also Job 21:21; Isa 32:6; Jas 2:15-16; Jas 5:1-6

Examples of indifference towards others Ge 40:23 towards Joseph; 1Sa 25:10-11 towards David Towards Jesus Christ: Mt 26:40 pp Mk 14:37 pp Lk 22:45 Towards Paul: 2Ti 4:10,16

Jesus Christ condemns indifference

Mt 25:41-45 See also Lk 10:30-32; Lk 16:19-21

Jesus Christ’s apparent indifference

Mk 4:38 pp Mt 8:24-25 pp Lk 8:23-24 Jesus Christ sometimes delayed responding to cries for help in order to draw out faith. See also Mt 15:26 pp Mk 7:27; Lk 10:40; Jn 11:6

See also

2015Christ, compassion
2042Christ, justice of
2048Christ, love of
5147deafness
5810complacency
5884indecision
6139deadness, spiritual
6178hardness of heart
6193impenitence
6221rebellion
6245stubbornness
8616prayerlessness

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