THE POWER OF HUMAN WILL
“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 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). “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil [by choice]….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
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God said: “….let us make man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).
“...After his likeness...” means mankind was MADE or CREATED with similar qualities or abilities as God, the Holy Spirit. One of those qualities was a “will” which gave them the ability to make decisions.
The ability to make decisions is an action of the will, which demonstrates its power to enable mankind to make CHOICES.
A CHOICE is a course of action that is selected among two or more options. A CHOICE is not something that is FORCED upon the “will,” but something that is a voluntary action of the will.
God said: “….let us make man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). Mankind has human will and God has sovereign will.
Thus, God gave mankind a human will, although on a much, much smaller scale than his sovereign will. God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
God’s SOVEREIGN will “always” take precedence over human will when it comes to the WAY God chooses to run HIS WORLD or the people upon HIS EARTH. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
For example: King Nebuchadnezzar did NOT heed God’s sovereign will. God said through Daniel: “… Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases ...with the ...the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar ignored the opportunity to CHOOSE God’s WILL OVER his OWN will. A year later he still had NOT willfully or voluntarily submitted to God’s sovereign will. “….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?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar, like many of God’s people today, are NOT listening to his sovereign will for their lives. “… 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).
“…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil [to CHOOSE their OWN way]….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
“…[God was] ...being patient for [King Nebuchadnezzar’s] ... SAKE (for 12 months). He ...[did]... not want [King Nebuchadnezzar]...to be destroyed, but want[ed]... [him]... to repent…” (2 Peter 3: 9 NLT). “…[god, the holy spirit]... is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV).
“…[God, the Holy Spirit] ...pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).“..The lord...[God] ... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar CHOOSE his OWN way.
King Nebuchadnezzar willfully and voluntarily followed the decision he made to go his OWN way and not God’s way. Nothing happened right away and everything was “seemingly” peaceful for the next twelve months. “...When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to...[continue]... do wrong...” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 NLT).
However, twelve months later, “… 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…” (Danial 4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar decided to follow his OWN WAY, which kept him on a course of action he willfully and voluntary CHOSE to follow. “…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 NLT).
“HOWEVER,” he could CHOOSE whichever path he wanted to travel, but he had no CONTROL over the consequences of those choices or the EVENTS that followed. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases ...with the ...the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…He (Nebuchadnezzar) was driven away from people (as God’s sovereign will declared) 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….” (Daniel 4 NLT).
GOD SAYS: “… [HE is] … watching over [his]… Word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, WILL do what he SAYS he will do.
God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a human will to make choices and decisions as he pleased. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
However, God’s sovereign will can TAKE AWAY the situations and circumstances in which the king makes those choices and decisions. “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). . “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
When King Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful choices came up against God’s sovereign will for “...a person upon HIS earth...” the king recognized that ONLY God truly “…does whatever pleases HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).
“…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).
King Nebuchadnezzar could make his prideful CHOICES and DECISIONS, but he had NO POWER over the consequences of those choices or decisions, especially if they went against God’s sovereign will. He said: “….And those who walk in pride HE IS ABLE to humble… NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s story gives credence to the LIMITATION of human will, especially when it comes up against God’s sovereign will. “… [God, the Holy Spirit]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
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).
King Nebuchadnezzar was warned through a prophetic word from God to DO RIGHT, but he did not LISTEN. “… 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…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Many of God’s people today are NOT listening to the Word of God or to God’s anointed leaders. They THINK they are getting away with their PRIDEFUL CHOICES.“…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil [to CHOOSE their OWN way]….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
All of mankind (redeemed and un-redeemed) have human will to MAKE whatever CHOICES they want. However, if those CHOICES go against God’s sovereign will they WON’T be able to control the consequences of those choices. “…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).
“…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).
“…And in the PROCESS of time IT (the CONSEQUENCES of your choices) CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
THE BIBLE SAYS, NO BODY IS GETTING AWAY WILL ANYTHING. “…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).
“…Let NOT thine heart ENVY sinners…” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV).
“…Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass….the little that a righteous man hath is BETTER than the RICHES of the MANY wicked...” (Psalm 37:1-2,16 KJV).
“…the wicked shall perish….” (Psalm 37:14, 15, & 21 KJV). “...they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb . …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“...FRET NOT thyself because of him [or her]…who prospereth in his[or her]… way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“... Cease from anger, and forsake wrath…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“...FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“... For evildoers shall be CUT OFF; …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
BAD EXPERIENCES HAPPEN TO THE RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL HAVE OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
“...[THUS]...Trust in the Lord, and [continue to]…do good, so shalt thou dwell in the lands, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth they righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him ...those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“…Noah did everything just as God commanded him. (Genesis 6:9-22 NIV).
After the flood, “…God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. ….Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything…” (Genesis 9 NIV).
HOWEVER, “…Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “... evildoers ...shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
Human will is POWERFUL. A man and woman can make decisions and CHOOSE any path of life their hearts desire.
But ALL choices have CONSEQUENCES, especially the ones that go against God’s sovereign will.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but DID NOT. He SUFFERED the consequences.“… 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…” (Danial 4 NLT). “…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….” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The centurion had a CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He and his crew SUFFERED the consequences. “…Paul began to admonish them, and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).
“…. before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB).
“…They used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor … they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
“….the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB). “…They lost all control of the ship…” (Acts 27:15 MSG). “…neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
Adam had a CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He and his descendants SUFFERED the consequences. “…Through one man[s CHOICE]... SIN (entered into the world, and DEATH (spiritual death)THROUGH SIN, and so death (spiritual death) passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).
“….I was born a sinner (I was born with a sin nature and without the indwelling holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through his OWN choice) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
NOW “…All have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God… (fall short of the indwelling Holy Spirit)...” (Romans 3:23).
They RICH man had a CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He SUFFERED the consequences and ended up in hell. “...As Jesus started on his way, a [rich]...man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
“...There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).
Every human being has been GIVEN a WILL. It is considered a FREE will, because it is FREE to make decisions or CHOICES between one or more options.
King Nebuchadnezzar, the Centurion, Adam, and the Rich man ALL had CHOICES to make and they were FREE to make those choices.
King Nebuchadnezzar chose NOT to renounce his sin as advised by God’s prophet. The Centurion chose NOT to stay at the harbor suggested by Paul, God’s mouthpiece. Adam chose NOT to refrain from eating the forbidden apple as commanded by God, himself. The rich man chose NOT to sell his goods to feed the poor.
God’s sovereign will was for King Nebuchadnezzar to renounce his sin, for the Centurion to stay at the harbor, for Adam to refrain from eating the forbidden apple, and for the rich man to sell his goods.“… We can make our plans, but the Lord (God, the Holy Spirits) determines our steps…” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).
God gave male and female a human will, but God, the Holy Spirit, who created human will, has sovereign will. “…[God, the Holy Spirit]...does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him...” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
God’s SOVEREIGN WILL has the FINAL authority when it comes to the WAY God chooses to run HIS WORLD, HIS HEAVENS, and the people dwelling upon HIS EARTH. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God’s WORD gives HIS PEOPLE a righteous option when it comes to MAKING CHOICES or DECISIONS. HIS Word is LIFE and SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
“…The [word of god]...is perfect (mature, righteous, holy, etc.,), restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord (the WORD) …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).
BEING in the COVENANT relationship with God, the HOLY SPIRIT is a CHOICE of the human will too. “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
It was the redeem’s CHOICE to receive Jesus in their heart and allow him to become implanted there like a SEED. . “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…[Choose to]…receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to keep HIM implanted in their hearts and let the SEED grow, by hearing the Word so it will produce spiritual FRUIT “IN” and “through” them.“…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [you] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to continue to ABIDE with him forever and ever. “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to keep his commandments and follow his instructions. “...If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).
It is also the redeem’s CHOICE to depart from him or to FREELY choose to walk away. “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!! (WHY?) Giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and KNOW THE TRUTH (or are in an intimate covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).
THUS, “…you have left your first love (god, the holy spirit)…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT & revelation 2:4 NASB).
“…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).
“… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).
God LOVES his PEOPLE (the redeemed) and knows departing from him will cause them considerable harm. “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
His PEOPLE (the redeemed) have SHARED intimate, revelation knowledge with HI through his indwelling Holy Spirit. They have experienced his many goodnesses toward them, he has confirmed his power to them, and has established himself as their God, Lord, and SAVIOR, but STILL some have TURNED away from God.“… those ...who ...turn away from God.. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
“…It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
“…they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
In a covenant relationship BOTH parties CHOOSE to STAY together. If they DON’T choose to STAY it only takes the decision of ONE party to BREAK the UNION.
EACH person CHOOSES to carry they OWN weight in keeping the covenant relationship together. “…Choose (make a CHOICE) you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
It doesn’t matter if one person is chronically faithful, committed, loyal, loving, or ALL IN, if the other one is NOT; it starts with a WILLFUL and VOLUNTARY CHOICE of their human will. . “... If we sin willfully AFTER... we have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH,...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [choose to] ... DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).
“…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST [you] …[YOU HAVE]…LEFT [YOU]R… FIRST LOVE (which is God, the Holy Spirit…” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV). “...REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).
“…Choose (make a CHOICE) you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
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