In our modern walk of faith, we often focus on avoiding obvious sins—lying, cheating, rebellion, or disobedience. But there is a quieter, more deceptive danger lurking beneath the surface: the sin of presumption. This sin doesn’t necessarily look like rebellion; in fact, it often masquerades as spiritual zeal. Yet acting without God’s clear direction, even with good intentions, can lead us astray. In this post, we’ll explore a powerful reflection from Watchman Nee that shines a sobering light on what it means to serve God on His terms, not ours.
The Sin of Presumption: Watchman Nee’s Commentary
“Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.” — Psalm 19:13
Watchman Nee writes:
From this verse of David’s psalm we are shown that there are two kinds of sin before God: one is the sin of rebellion, the other is that of presumption. Not doing what one is told to do constitutes the sin of rebellion. Now we all know the sinfulness of this kind of sin; and from this sin we wish to be delivered. But please take note that besides the sin of rebellion there is also that of presumption, which is, that we do what we are not ordered to do.
To be active outside of the Lord’s will is to be presumptuous. Do we know that it is equally sinful for us to act without God’s order? It is reckoned as sin before the Lord if we work for Him without His command and instead work according to our own idea, even though we may view what we do to be most excellent. The prayer of David is for Jehovah to keep him away from presumptuous sin.
Confusing Zeal with Obedience
In our Christian walk, we often associate sin with things like rebellion, immorality, or outward disobedience. But as Watchman Nee so powerfully explains, there’s another kind of sin that’s easy to miss—the sin of presumption. This sin doesn’t look like rebellion on the surface. In fact, it often wears the disguise of religious passion, leadership, or ministry. But when we act without God’s express leading—even with the best intentions—we cross into the dangerous territory of doing God’s work without God’s will.
David’s prayer in Psalm 19:13 wasn’t just a request for forgiveness—it was a plea for protection. He asked God to keep him from presumptuous sin, which tells us that this danger is both subtle and real. How often have we launched into decisions, ministries, or efforts for God without ever asking if He wanted us to? We presume that our good intentions are enough. But intention without instruction leads to presumption, and presumption can lead us far from God’s heart.
God’s Work, God’s Way
One of the greatest temptations for believers, especially those who are mature or gifted, is to take initiative in ways that seem spiritual but lack divine commission. It’s tempting to see a need and jump into action. But as Nee writes, to act outside the Lord’s will—even for His sake—is to fall into the sin of presumption. God isn’t just interested in results; He cares deeply about obedience, timing, and surrender.
We see this throughout Scripture. Saul lost his kingdom because he offered a sacrifice that only Samuel was authorized to give (1 Samuel 13). Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant, even though he meant well (2 Samuel 6). Both were examples of people doing what seemed right in their own eyes, but without God’s approval. Good intentions didn’t excuse their actions—obedience mattered more.
When we take ministry or spiritual action into our own hands, we risk substituting God’s authority with our own vision. The result may impress people, but it will grieve the Holy Spirit. The sin of presumption blinds us to the fact that we are no longer following—we’re leading ourselves.
Waiting on the Lord
In today’s fast-paced world, waiting on God can feel like inactivity or laziness. But the discipline of waiting is a form of worship. It acknowledges God as the one who initiates and empowers every good work. Jesus Himself said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do” (John 5:19). If even Christ waited for the Father’s prompting, how much more should we?
Our calling is not to dream up spiritual projects but to discern God’s will and obey it. That means slowing down, praying, listening, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. The sin of presumption often begins with a restless heart—one that is eager to do for God but unwilling to be still before Him.
We must learn the difference between being busy for God and being faithful to God. One is fueled by self-effort; the other by surrender. One leads to burnout; the other to fruitfulness.
A Daily Surrender
Watchman Nee reminds us that even our most excellent ideas can be sin if they are not rooted in God’s command. This doesn’t mean we live in fear of making a mistake—it means we live in humility, knowing that only God sees the full picture. Our prayer, like David’s, should be: “Lord, keep me back from presumptuous sin.”
This is not a one-time prayer but a daily surrender. We ask the Lord not only to cleanse us from our failures, but to restrain us from self-initiated actions that seem good but are not God-ordained. If we are to be true servants, we must learn to listen before we move and obey before we act.
Let us not confuse energy with anointing, or productivity with obedience. May our service to God always be born from His voice—not our assumptions. And when in doubt, let us wait until we are sure that the step we are taking is from Him. For what He commands, He will also empower.
Final Reflection on the Sin of Presumption
The sin of presumption may look harmless—sometimes even admirable—but its roots lie in pride and self-reliance. As we grow in faith, may we also grow in discernment, learning to follow God’s leading rather than our own spiritual ambition. For in submission, there is safety. And in obedience, there is joy.
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