YOU THINK YOU CONTROL A "PIECE" OF THE WORLD, BUT REMEMBER "HE" CONTROLS IT ALL: CHOOSE WISELY!!

                           

YOUR WORLD IS WITHIN HIS WORLD

“…If the LORD WILL we shall live and do this, or that….” (James 4:16 KJV).

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I will talk about the human will, in this chapter, as a gift of choice God has given every human being on earth. The established Christian doctrine (Calvinism, Reformed Theology, etc.) says every human being has the FREE will to choose God or not. Others believe that people, based on the notion of an “enslaved” WILL, cannot choose God, without his help. I am not in the position to debate these topics nor do I want to.

However, I am interested in exploring the human will from the perspective of the  relationship with God’s SOVEREIGN will. People all over the world make choices on a daily basis. In the daily life of making choices people appear to FREELY make then without any outside forces, or influences, or limitations. Of course, within the law and within ethical boundaries, people happily choose whatever their heart desires. This is what is perceived as “FREE” will right?

“FREE” will says that people can do whatever their hearts desire to the degree nobody, nothing, no one; not even God; can stop them. People “FREELY” make choices. Your “FREE” will, however, is limited by your ability, your available options, and your personal power.

Most believers know this scripture: “…it is God who worketh in you, both to WILL and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…To WILL and to DO…” implies that God’s Holy Spirit wields so much indwelling, POWER it can enable the human will to DO the things that please God. In addition, his indwelling Spirit is empowering human behavior to miraculously transform to behaviors that are also pleasing to God. “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

However, the Holy Spirit’s WORK in, the believer, is NEVER forceful, but respectful of their personal choices. God’s Holy presence in your life can DO a POWERFUL,  indwelling WORK that can lovingly empower and enable the human will and transform human actions. “…both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

It is up to the believer to willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE God's indwelling help. God will NOT forcibly intervene on human will. 

This is God’s world and ALL peoples are God’s people. Therefore, he is ultimately sovereign and has the “RIGHT” to rule over the entire universe as he wills.

GOD IS SOVEREIGN and “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

“…Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “…Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

God’s Sovereignty informs you that HE is in supreme control over all things, events, and people at all times. “….Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done…” (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “…. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. …” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

God is the sovereign ruler and authority over everything and everybody. It is God’s sovereign “WILL” that is ultimately FREE to do as it pleases. “…[God]…does whatever PLEASES HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “…He does as HE PLEASES with …the peoples of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Because the whole world and everyone in that world belongs to God he has the right to bring about his own purposes and desires as He pleases. “…THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for ALL that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

God, not man, is in COMPLETE control and absolutely nothing happens without his permission or apart from his will. “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

God in his SOVEREIGNTY says “…Everything I PLAN will come to pass, for I DO whatever I WISH…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT). In this verse God declares His Sovereignty over life’s course of events.

In addition, God also declares his indwelling Holy Spirit can empower the human will and transform human actions. “…It is God who worketh in you, both to WILL and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…To WILL and to DO…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Therefore, God and God ALONE “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “…He does as he pleases with …the PEOPLES of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

The Sovereign God says, “…My counsel (WORD) shall stand, and I WILL DO “ALL” MY  PLEASURE…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

God CAN and DOES INTERVENE on the things in HIS WORLD IF He so pleases. “…He does WHATEVER pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

If the truth is realized, all mankind can truly say: “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

Mankind has "FREE" human will within the SMALL piece of God's world he or she THINKS they control. God’s interventions are a reminder that is it God who has SOVEREIGN will to do what he pleases with the ENTIRE world; not mankind. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with …the PEOPLES of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s Sovereignty is without dispute. His Sovereignty is NOT restrained or limited by human will. “…He does whatever pleases HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I WILL DO all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).  “…NO ONE can hold back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Again, God does whatever HE wills or desires with COMPLETE Sovereignty over what he wants to DO within HIS WORLD and nothing or no one can stop Him.  “…NO ONE can hold back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

The human will is NOT sovereign over what God chooses to do with HIS WORLD. “…I will do all MY pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).  “…NO ONE can hold back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

When the “…peoples of the earth…” come up against God’s Sovereignty over the changes he decides to make within HIS WORLD, it can ultimately impact the “freedom” of the human will.  “…How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil” (James 4:15-16 NLT).

God’s sovereignty over HIS WORLD has in the past, does in the present, and will in the future prevent or alter the options from which the human will can choose. In reality all people can truly say: “…If the Lord will, [I] SHALL (will)...” (James 4:16 KJV).

Remember this story? ^“I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. I had a dream that made me afraid. So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me, but they could not interpret it for me. Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream.

“This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar (another name for Daniel), tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord…The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— Your Majesty, you are that tree!

You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground.

Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’ “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven.

Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”

Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox.

Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.

He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar learned human will was NOT sovereign over the choices God makes within HIS WORLD. Only God is truly sovereign. Nebuchadnezzar’s human will was prideful and limited. God is against the proud. “…God OPPOSES the proud …” (James 4:6 NLT). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

 How does God demonstrate his sovereign will over HIS WORLD? “…AS THE KING WAS WALKING on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, HE SAID “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NIV).  

“THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).  “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Is is important that mankind "NOT" forget it is God's WORLD. “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).  He told Israel: “….Do not forget that [it was God that]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).

The human “will” was bestowed upon mankind as a gift from God.  “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…If the Lord will, [You] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV)

King Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful will was altered by the changes God make in HIS WORLD in which HE is in sovereign control. “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride HE IS ABLE to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar said: “…those who walk in pride (self-will) he (God)… is “ABLE” to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do… ACCORDING to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Nebuchadnezzar had so-called FREE will, but God had SOVEREIGN will. God made some changes to HIS WORLD, which resulted in a “…renewing of [the]… mind…” and the transformation of Nebuchadnezzar’s behavior (Romans 12:2). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God’s sovereignty over HIS WORLD enabled King Nebuchadnezzar to humble himself. “…he (GOD) IS ABLE to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

God gives man the freedom to choose among the many options available to them at "THAT" moment. However, God is only concerned about two options: “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19) OR “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Nebuchadnezzar FREELY chose to do whatever he wanted to do, including walking in his prideful human will. God decided to make some changes in HIS WORLD that would affect Nebuchadnezzar. Therefore, God informed him, through the prophet, about the changes he was making, in order to give him an opportunity to CHOOSE among the impending options. “…Therefore, Your Majesty (Nebuchadnezzar), be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…”

Nebuchadnezzar willingly and voluntarily chose NOT to follow the options of the Lord given through Daniel, the prophet. People ignore God’s gospel message, all the time, about the pending future options. Because he doesn’t act readily against their sinful choices; they continue to do them. “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to [continue to]… do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).

When you are not immediately impacted by sinful choices; God is not giving you permission to continue to live out those sinful choices, but an opportunity to REPENT from them. “…Don't you see how wonderfully kind …God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT).

“…The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for YOUR SAKE. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…” (2 Peter 3: 9 NLT). “…The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Psalm 86:16 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar ignored the opportunity to choose among the pending future options, but he didn't. “….Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”

Like Nebuchadnezzar many sinners and even God’s OWN people are NOT listening to him and have very little interest in the pending future options. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God will do what he says he will do with HIS WORLD. Twelve months later, Nebuchadnezzar realized that too, “… A voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox…”  

Nebuchadnezzar’s FREE human will had no precedence over God’s SOVEREIGN will as demonstrated in the changes God made to HIS WORLD. The King hadn’t listened to the Sovereign God. God gives man FREEDOM to make choices, but he can also take that freedom away when he makes changes to HIS OWN WORLD, which could limit man's choices. “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

As God forewarned; he made changes to HIS world and the OPTIONS in Nebuchadnezzar’s life were radically impacted: “…He (Nebuchadnezzar) was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird….”  

When Nebuchadnezzar’s FREE human will and its prideful choices came up against God’s SOVEREIGN will and God’s holy choices; God’s will RULED. ONLY God“…does whatever pleases HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

As the story goes:  “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar’s human will chose to continue to be prideful, but God is against the proud. Therefore, God in his glorious sovereignty inspired the King to RENEW his mind. “….And those who walk in pride (self-will) HE IS ABLE to humble…  NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Further, God, in his glorious sovereignty also inspired the King to TRANSFORM his behavior.  “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Nebuchadnezzar’s story gives credence to God’s glorious and powerful sovereignty over HIS WORLD. The lesson is clear: “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).  “….HE IS ABLE to humble (YOU)… [and]...NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Your WORLD, you believe you are in control of, is within God's WORLD. The Sovereign God can change HIS WORLD any time and those changes could seriously impact your human choices. “…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar was warned through a prophetic word from God to HEED those changes, but he did not LISTEN. Many of God’s people today are NOT listening to the prophetic Holy Bible about the pending changes to HIS WORLD, but this time there will NOT be another chance like the one afforded Nebuchadnezzar. “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).

“…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

God is Sovereign and POWERFULLY changes HIS WORLD to the degree it can and does prevent, altar, or limit human choices. “….HE IS ABLE… [and]…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). Jesus said, “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). ). Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek NOT mine own will…” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

Jesus had FREE human will too, and like YOU and many believer’s today; he did not have to follow God’s s warnings and admonitions of future, pending changes he is going to make to HIS WORLD. However, Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). "...NOT MY WILL, "BUT" YOURS BE DONE!...." (LUKE 22:42-43 NIV).

Thus, “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…Be conformed to the image of his Son…” ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “..Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). 

CHOICE LIFE. CHOICE AMONG THE OPTIONS GOD IS OFFERING TO YOU RIGHT NOW. YOUR WORLD, YOU THINK YOUR ARE IN CONTROL OF, IS WITHIN GOD'S WORLD.  HE WILL MAKE THE CHANGES, TO HIS WORLD, HE HAS TOLD YOU HE WILL MAKE AND WILL IMPACT YOUR FUTURE CHOICES FOREVER!