Instinct

An innate urge, rooted in natural conditioning rather than reason. Scripture likens sinners to creatures of instinct.

Animals are creatures of instinct

2 Peter 2:12 See also Jude 1:10

These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.

Sinners are likened to creatures of instinct

Jude 1:10

These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.

People without the Holy Spirit are likened to creatures of instinct

Jude 1:19

These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

Believers ought instinctively to obey God

Isaiah 1:3 Just as the animals instinctively know their masters, so Israel should know and obey God. See also Jeremiah 8:7

The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”