Every
human
being
has
an
attribute
and
an
ability
to
utilize
a
designed
component
of
their
being
that
no
other
living
forms
on
earth
possess.
We
have
the
mental
capacity
to
independently
and
voluntarily
make
a
choice
or
decision,
and
act autonomously at one’s own discretion. Simply stated, we have a free will.
Because we have a free will, we continually make decisions regarding:
•
What we do and where we go.
•
What we say and how we behave.
•
What we disbelieve and what we believe.
•
Whom we disdain and whom we love.
•
Choices in life that have undesirable eternal consequences or unimaginable everlasting benefits.
God
created
humans
in
His
own
image
(Genesis
1:27).
As
such,
one
aspect
of
our
design
was
the
inclusion
of
a
free
will. The reason why He did this is revealed by answering the questions below.
Which of the following do you prefer?
1
.
A programmed robot that says “I love you.”
2
.
A person who make a conscious realization and a free will decision to say “I love you.”
Given the two options above, which declaration of love:
•
Has real meaning?
•
Can provide an indescribable and wonderful feeling as it touches the depths of your heart and soul?
•
Are you more likely to love in return?
In
truth,
love
cannot
be
mandated;
it
cannot
be
preprogrammed;
and
it
cannot
be
driven
by
fear.
Real
love
is
developed over time as a mutual reciprocal process. As we are loved, we willingly express love in return.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
As
we
become
aware
of
the
depth
and
breadth
of
God’s
love,
we
experience
deep
and
indescribable
feelings
in
our
soul
and
spirit—because
this
type
of
love
is
spiritual.
Based
upon
our
free
will,
we
reciprocate
our
love
to
God
in
the
form of worship and obedience—which is what He desires.
Jesus
said,
“But
the
hour
is
coming,
and
now
is,
when
the
true
worshipers
will
worship
the
Father
in
spirit
and
truth;
for
the
Father
is
seeking
such
to
worship
Him.
God
is
Spirit,
and
those
who
worship
Him
must
worship
in
spirit
and
truth.”
John 4:23-24
Jesus
also
said,
“If
anyone
loves
Me,
he
will
keep
My
word;
and
My
Father
will
love
him,
and
We
will
come
to
him
and
make Our home with him.” John 14:23
This
is
why
God
designed
humans
with
an
ability
to
make
free
will
decisions.
Like
us,
God
does
not
want
humans
with
preprogrammed
instincts
to
unwillingly
seek
Him,
love
Him
and
worship
Him.
God
desires
autonomous,
independent
and willing hearts of those who make a decision to choose Him over everything else.
Jesus
declared,
“You
shall
love
the
Lord
your
God
with
all
your
heart,
with
all
your
soul,
and
with
all
your
mind.
This
is
the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38
Angels Have a Free Will
Angelic
beings
were
also
designed
with
a
free
will.
This
was
exemplified
by
Satan’s
expression
of
pride
and
rebellion
against God—which resulted in his demise—including those angels who decided to follow Satan.
“How
you
are
fallen
from
heaven,
O
Lucifer,
son
of
the
morning!
How
you
are
cut
down
to
the
ground,
you
who
weakened
the
nations!
For
you
have
said
in
your
heart:
‘I
will
ascend
into
heaven,
I
will
exalt
my
throne
above
the
stars
of
God;
I
will
also
sit
on
the
mount
of
the
congregation
on
the
farthest
sides
of
the
north;
I
will
ascend
above
the
heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” Isaiah 14:12-14
“And
war
broke
out
in
heaven:
Michael
and
his
angels
fought
with
the
dragon;
and
the
dragon
and
his
angels
fought,
but
they
did
not
prevail,
nor
was
a
place
found
for
them
in
heaven
any
longer.
So
the
great
dragon
was
cast
out,
that
serpent
of
old,
called
the
Devil
and
Satan,
who
deceives
the
whole
world;
he
was
cast
to
the
earth,
and
his
angels
were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9
Those who decide to choose God, do so willingly...on earth and in Heaven.
How We Make Decisions
When
we
make
a
decision,
it
is
usually
based
upon
perceived
benefits
(or
what
do
I
expect
to
gain/what’s
in
it
for
me?).
Benefits
are
viewed
as
positive
in
that
they
are
perceived
as
improving
one’s
life.
We
“mentally
visualize”
ourselves
enjoying
a
pleasurable
experience,
or
reducing/eliminating
something
negative
in
our
life.
These
mental
images
of
benefits
create
a
desire,
and
sometimes
include
an
emotional
response
that
assists
in
motivating
our
behavior to obtain the benefits.
However,
on
the
other
side
of
the
“decision
coin”
is
the
variable
of
cost
(what
will
I
lose/pay
to
obtain
the
benefits).
Costs
are
perceived
as
negative
in
that
we
must
give
up
something
of
value
(or
experience
negative
consequences
if
it
involves
sin)
to
obtain
the
benefits;
including
money,
effort,
time,
possessions,
guilt
and
shame,
and
so
forth.
In
addition,
there
are
times
when
the
costs
associated
with
our
decisions
have
a
direct
effect
on
others,
thereby
causing
them to also give up something of value.
Regrettably,
many
times
we
make
decisions
based
upon
benefits
only
and
fail
to
consider
all
associated
costs—which
can
result
in
a
loss
that
far
exceeds
the
initial
perceived
value
of
the
benefit.
Consider
Eve
who
understood
the
consequences
(or
cost)
God
warned
about:
“But
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and
evil
you
shall
not
eat,
for
in
the
day
that
you
eat
of
it
you
shall
surely
die.”
(Genesis
2:17)
However,
she
listened
to
the
deceptional
lies
of
Satan,
and
“Saw
that
the
tree
was
good
for
food,
that
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes,
and
a
tree
desirable
to
make
one
wise,
she
took
of
its
fruit
and
ate.”
(Genesis
3:6)
The
costs
associated
with
eating
the
fruit
disappeared
from
her
decision
process
once
she
focused
on
the
potential
benefits
the
apple
could
provide.
Eve’s
perceived
benefit
of
gaining
wisdom
may
have
also
included
overcoming
hunger
and
the
experience
of
tasting
something
different.
These
perceived
benefits
created
an
emotional
response
of
desire—which
drove
her
behavior,
she
ate
the
fruit
and
spiritually
died.
Consider
some
of
your
past
decisions.
Did
you
focus
on
the
benefits?
Did
you
consider
the
costs?
Did
you
make
the
correct decision? If not, what would you have done differently?
As
we
mature
in
life,
if
we
desire
to
learn
from
our
past
blunders,
and
if
we
make
a
conscious
decision
to
minimize
future
mistakes,
we
will
deliberately
use
a
comparative
analysis
(and
rational
thought
process)
to
“think
through”
decisions in life (i.e. this is what I will gain and this is what it will cost me).
What’s
interesting
is
we
perform
multiple
comparative
benefit/cost
analysis
throughout
our
day
and
don’t
realize
it.
In
fact
(for
most
of
us)
the
very
first
thing
we
do
in
the
morning
is
a
comparative
analysis.
Do
I
sleep
a
little
more
or
do
I
get
up?
We
think
(subconsciously
in
a
semi-dream
state)
for
a
moment
about
the
warmth
of
the
bed,
and
how
wonderful
it
would
be
to
get
just
a
few
more
minutes
of
sleep
(i.e.
benefit).
Then
we
think
about
the
costs:
about
being
late,
or
not
doing
what
we
need
to
do,
and
possibly
getting
in
trouble.
Based
upon
the
benefit
and
cost
we
either
hit
the snooze button or we get out of bed.
Another
aspect
of
a
comparative
analysis
is
that
the
degree
of
our
investigation
is
directly
correlated
to
the
amount
of
cost
associated
with
a
decision.
The
higher
the
cost,
the
more
analysis
occurs.
For
example,
the
amount
of
benefit/cost
analysis
that
occurs
when
ordering
lunch
from
a
menu
is
much
less
than
when
we
buy
a
car.
And,
although
the
amount
of
analysis
may
be
different
between
ordering
lunch
and
buying
a
car,
the
foundational
component
of
the
analysis
(what
are
the
benefits
and
what
are
the
costs)
are
basically
the
same.
The
difference
is
in
how much effort we apply to our analysis before we make a decision.
Besides,
we
like
being
in
control.
We
like
to
call
the
shots,
and
we
prefer
to
have
the
final
“say”
of
what
occurs
in
our
lives.
Unfortunately,
because
we
were
born
with
a
sinful
nature,
our
choices
and
decisions
are
usually
tainted,
skewed, and predisposed to fulfilling selfish desires—which can lead to significant mistakes and spiritual death.
Not My Will, But Yours God
To
those
who
take
the
time
to
evaluate
their
lives:
where
they’ve
been,
where
they
are,
and
where
they’re
headed—and
to
those
who
realize
how
they
messed
things
up—these
are
they
who
will
develop
a
growing
distrust
in
their
ability
to
make
sound
and
correct
decisions
in
life.
However,
this
is
a
very
good
thing.
This
realization
creates
both
a
willing
heart
and
an
opportunity
for
the
Holy
Spirit
to
demonstrate
why
we
need
to
completely
let
go
of
the
“reigns”
and
trust
God.
This
is
especially
true
if
we
are
experiencing
a
compelling
desire
deep
within
our
heart,
and
we
“know
that
we
know”
it’s
driven
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
However,
letting
go
may
not
pass
a
benefit/cost
analysis
and/or
it
may
be
outside
our
“comfort
zone.”
This
scenario
usually
involves
an
internal
struggle,
but
we
eventually
come
to
a
conclusion and pray “Not my will Lord, but your will.”
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your
own
understanding;
in
all
your
ways
acknowledge
Him,
and
He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Relinquishing
our
free
will
is
a
conscious
and
deliberate
decision.
It
is
not
easy.
It’s
similar
to
an
experience
some
of
us
had
as
a
child
when
learning
how
to
swim:
anxiously
standing
on
the
side
of
the
pool,
preparing
to
do
something
we’ve
never
done
before,
and
completely
relying
upon
someone
else
to
protect
us.
Our
Father
is
in
the
water
in
front
of
us
with
outstretched
arms
telling
us
“I’m
right
here,
I
will
catch
you,
you
will
not
be
harmed,
trust
Me.”
It’s
hard
to
leave
the
safety
of
the
pool
side;
it’s
what
we’re
accustomed
to;
but
we
know
the
benefits
of
trusting
in
our
Father’s
promises
and
jumping
into
our
Father’s
arms
exceeds
the
amount
of
fear
we’re
experiencing.
And
so
we
decide
to
trust
Him
and
make
the
decision
to
let
go,
as
we
lean
forward
past
the
point
of
control
and
jump—resulting
in
a
wonderful experience of protective safety and joy in our Father’s arms.
“When
you
pass
through
the
waters,
I
will
be
with
you;
and
through
the
rivers,
they
shall
not
overflow
you.
When
you
walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2
“Blessed
is
the
man
who
trusts
in
the
Lord,
and
whose
hope
is
the
Lord.
For
he
shall
be
like
a
tree
planted
by
the
waters,
which
spreads
out
its
roots
by
the
river,
and
will
not
fear
when
heat
comes;
but
its
leaf
will
be
green,
and
will
not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
As
we
grow
and
mature
in
Christ
our
benefit/cost
analysis
transitions
from
being
self-focused
to
externally-focused.
Instead
of
considering
“what’s
in
it
for
me”
we
consider
“what
type
of
benefits
will
this
provide
others?”
In
addition,
as
we grow in our love for God, we also consider will this please Him? Jesus Christ exemplified this when he prayed.
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42
Jesus
knew
the
benefits–and
cost
(i.e.
the
“cup”)–of
the
cross.
He
knew
of
the
unprecedented
and
indescribable
suffering
he
would
endure.
He
knew
of
the
torture.
He
knew
chunks
of
His
flesh
would
be
ripped
from
His
body
from
scourging.
He
knew
a
crown
of
thorns
would
pierce
His
scalp
in
a
vain
attempt
to
humiliate
Him.
He
knew
He
would
hang
on
a
cross
with
nails
piercing
his
hands
and
feet.
However,
He
also
knew
the
punishment
and
pain
He
would
endure is pale by comparison to what would happen next:
•
God would turn away from Him and He would be absolutely alone..
•
Meanwhile, He would:
o
Whom we disdain and whom we love.
o
Fulfill His purpose on earth and for all of eternity.
“Now
when
the
sixth
hour
had
come,
there
was
darkness
over
the
whole
land
until
the
ninth
hour.
And
at
the
ninth
hour
Jesus
cried
out
with
a
loud
voice,
saying,
‘Eloi,
Eloi,
lama
sabachthani?’
which
is
translated,
‘My
God,
My
God,
why have You forsaken Me?’
” Mark 15:33
“But
we
see
Jesus,
who
was
made
a
little
lower
than
the
angels,
for
the
suffering
of
death
crowned
with
glory
and
honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew
no
sin
to
be
sin
for
us,
that
we
might
become
the
righteousness
of
God
in
Him.”
2
Corinthians 5:21
Jesus
said,
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
he
who
hears
My
word
and
believes
in
Him
who
sent
Me
has
everlasting
life,
and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24
Jesus
Christ,
God’s
Son,
died
on
the
cross
so
that
you,
me
and
everyone
who
believes
can
be
eternally
forgiven
for
all
our sins, including past, present and future. However, whether or not one believes is each person’s free will choice.
Jesus said,
“I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
John 11:25
A
Decision
Assistance
Tool
may
be
downloaded
by
clicking
on
the
graphic
to
the
right.
The
purpose
o
f
the
tool
is
to
simplify,
organize
and
quantify
your
thoughts;
clarify
decision
variables;
and
minimize
emotions—all
with
the
intent
of
making
it
easier
to
recognize
the
influence
and
direction
of
the
Holy
Spirit—Who is our desired decision maker.
I
pray
you
make
free
will
decisions
that
bring
you
closer
to
Jesus
Christ,
as
you
grow
in
God’s
grace,
and
as
you
are
led by the Holy Spirit.
God Bless You!
Harold D. Thomas
Free Will
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Free Will.”
The
following
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
personal
reflection
and
opinions.
As
such,
no
answers
are provided.
Questions
Why did God design us with a free will?
Can you identify one thing you did in the past 24 hours that involved your free will? If yes, explain.
Can
you
identify
one
decision
you
have
made
in
the
past
that
involved
a
mental
comparison
between
the
benefits
and
associated costs? If yes, explain.
Is it possible for someone to be in prison, living under extreme oppressive conditions, and exercise their free will?
•
If yes, explain.
•
Are you able to provide biblical examples?
Consider the various gods people worship.
•
Which ones are more interested in the desires of the heart—as opposed to what we do?
•
Which ones lived and willingly died (via free will) as a means to be forgiven for our sins?
The questions may be viewed and downloaded via a PDF file by clicking on this button.
Can you think of someone who could benefit from reading this lesson? If yes,
CLICK HERE
for more info.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
Every
human
being
has
an
attribute
and
an
ability
to
utilize
a
designed
component
of
their
being
that
no
other
living
forms
on
earth
possess.
We
have
the
mental
capacity
to
independently
and
voluntarily
make
a
choice
or
decision,
and
act
autonomously
at
one’s
own
discretion. Simply stated, we have a free will.
Because
we
have
a
free
will,
we
continually
make
decisions regarding:
•
What we do and where we go.
•
What we say and how we behave.
•
What we disbelieve and what we believe.
•
Whom we disdain and whom we love.
•
Choices
in
life
that
have
undesirable
eternal
consequences or unimaginable everlasting benefits.
God
created
humans
in
His
own
image
(Genesis
1:27).
As
such,
one
aspect
of
our
design
was
the
inclusion
of
a
free
will.
The
reason
why
He
did
this
is
revealed
by
answering the questions below.
Which of the following do you prefer?
1
.
A programmed robot that says “I love you.”
2
.
A
person
who
make
a
conscious
realization
and
a
free will decision to say “I love you.”
Given the two options above, which declaration of love:
•
Has real meaning?
•
Can
provide
an
indescribable
and
wonderful
feeling
as it touches the depths of your heart and soul?
•
Are you more likely to love in return?
In
truth,
love
cannot
be
mandated;
it
cannot
be
preprogrammed;
and
it
cannot
be
driven
by
fear.
Real
love
is
developed
over
time
as
a
mutual
reciprocal
process.
As
we
are
loved,
we
willingly
express
love
in
return.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
As
we
become
aware
of
the
depth
and
breadth
of
God’s
love,
we
experience
deep
and
indescribable
feelings
in
our
soul
and
spirit—because
this
type
of
love
is
spiritual.
Based
upon
our
free
will,
we
reciprocate
our
love
to
God
in
the
form
of
worship
and
obedience—which
is
what
He
desires.
Jesus
said,
“But
the
hour
is
coming,
and
now
is,
when
the
true
worshipers
will
worship
the
Father
in
spirit
and
truth;
for
the
Father
is
seeking
such
to
worship
Him.
God
is
Spirit,
and
those
who
worship
Him
must
worship
in
spirit
and truth.” John 4:23-24
Jesus
also
said,
“If
anyone
loves
Me,
he
will
keep
My
word;
and
My
Father
will
love
him,
and
We
will
come
to
him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23
This
is
why
God
designed
humans
with
an
ability
to
make
free
will
decisions.
Like
us,
God
does
not
want
humans
with
preprogrammed
instincts
to
unwillingly
seek
Him,
love
Him
and
worship
Him.
God
desires
autonomous,
independent
and
willing
hearts
of
those
who
make
a
decision to choose Him over everything else.
Jesus
declared,
“You
shall
love
the
Lord
your
God
with
all
your
heart,
with
all
your
soul,
and
with
all
your
mind.
This
is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38
Angels Have a Free Will
Angelic
beings
were
also
designed
with
a
free
will.
This
was
exemplified
by
Satan’s
expression
of
pride
and
rebellion
against
God—which
resulted
in
his
demise—including
those
angels
who
decided
to
follow
Satan.
“How
you
are
fallen
from
heaven,
O
Lucifer,
son
of
the
morning!
How
you
are
cut
down
to
the
ground,
you
who
weakened
the
nations!
For
you
have
said
in
your
heart:
‘I
will
ascend
into
heaven,
I
will
exalt
my
throne
above
the
stars
of
God;
I
will
also
sit
on
the
mount
of
the
congregation
on
the
farthest
sides
of
the
north;
I
will
ascend
above
the
heights
of
the
clouds,
I
will
be
like
the
Most High.’” Isaiah 14:12-14
“And
war
broke
out
in
heaven:
Michael
and
his
angels
fought
with
the
dragon;
and
the
dragon
and
his
angels
fought,
but
they
did
not
prevail,
nor
was
a
place
found
for
them
in
heaven
any
longer.
So
the
great
dragon
was
cast
out,
that
serpent
of
old,
called
the
Devil
and
Satan,
who
deceives
the
whole
world;
he
was
cast
to
the
earth,
and
his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9
Those
who
decide
to
choose
God,
do
so
willingly...on
earth and in Heaven.
How We Make Decisions
When
we
make
a
decision,
it
is
usually
based
upon
perceived
benefits
(or
what
do
I
expect
to
gain/what’s
in
it
for
me?).
Benefits
are
viewed
as
positive
in
that
they
are
perceived
as
improving
one’s
life.
We
“mentally
visualize”
ourselves
enjoying
a
pleasurable
experience,
or
reducing/eliminating
something
negative
in
our
life.
These
mental
images
of
benefits
create
a
desire,
and
sometimes
include
an
emotional
response
that
assists
in
motivating
our behavior to obtain the benefits.
However,
on
the
other
side
of
the
“decision
coin”
is
the
variable
of
cost
(what
will
I
lose/pay
to
obtain
the
benefits).
Costs
are
perceived
as
negative
in
that
we
must
give
up
something
of
value
(or
experience
negative
consequences
if
it
involves
sin)
to
obtain
the
benefits;
including
money,
effort,
time,
possessions,
guilt
and
shame,
and
so
forth.
In
addition,
there
are
times
when
the
costs
associated
with
our
decisions
have
a
direct
effect
on
others,
thereby
causing
them
to
also
give
up
something of value.
Regrettably,
many
times
we
make
decisions
based
upon
benefits
only
and
fail
to
consider
all
associated
costs—which
can
result
in
a
loss
that
far
exceeds
the
initial
perceived
value
of
the
benefit.
Consider
Eve
who
understood
the
consequences
(or
cost)
God
warned
about:
“But
of
the
tree
of
the
knowledge
of
good
and
evil
you
shall
not
eat,
for
in
the
day
that
you
eat
of
it
you
shall
surely
die.”
(Genesis
2:17)
However,
she
listened
to
the
deceptional
lies
of
Satan,
and
“Saw
that
the
tree
was
good
for
food,
that
it
was
pleasant
to
the
eyes,
and
a
tree
desirable
to
make
one
wise,
she
took
of
its
fruit
and
ate.”
(Genesis
3:6)
The
costs
associated
with
eating
the
fruit
disappeared
from
her
decision
process
once
she
focused
on
the
potential
benefits
the
apple
could
provide.
Eve’s
perceived
benefit
of
gaining
wisdom
may
have
also
included
overcoming
hunger
and
the
experience
of
tasting
something
different.
These
perceived
benefits
created
an
emotional
response
of
desire—which
drove
her
behavior,
she ate the fruit and spiritually died.
Consider
some
of
your
past
decisions.
Did
you
focus
on
the
benefits?
Did
you
consider
the
costs?
Did
you
make
the
correct
decision?
If
not,
what
would
you
have
done
differently?
As
we
mature
in
life,
if
we
desire
to
learn
from
our
past
blunders,
and
if
we
make
a
conscious
decision
to
minimize
future
mistakes,
we
will
deliberately
use
a
comparative
analysis
(and
rational
thought
process)
to
“think
through”
decisions
in
life
(i.e.
this
is
what
I
will
gain
and this is what it will cost me).
What’s
interesting
is
we
perform
multiple
comparative
benefit/cost
analysis
throughout
our
day
and
don’t
realize
it.
In
fact
(for
most
of
us)
the
very
first
thing
we
do
in
the
morning
is
a
comparative
analysis.
Do
I
sleep
a
little
more
or
do
I
get
up?
We
think
(subconsciously
in
a
semi-
dream
state)
for
a
moment
about
the
warmth
of
the
bed,
and
how
wonderful
it
would
be
to
get
just
a
few
more
minutes
of
sleep
(i.e.
benefit).
Then
we
think
about
the
costs:
about
being
late,
or
not
doing
what
we
need
to
do,
and
possibly
getting
in
trouble.
Based
upon
the
benefit
and
cost
we
either
hit
the
snooze
button
or
we
get
out
of
bed.
Another
aspect
of
a
comparative
analysis
is
that
the
degree
of
our
investigation
is
directly
correlated
to
the
amount
of
cost
associated
with
a
decision.
The
higher
the
cost,
the
more
analysis
occurs.
For
example,
the
amount
of
benefit/cost
analysis
that
occurs
when
ordering
lunch
from
a
menu
is
much
less
than
when
we
buy
a
car.
And,
although
the
amount
of
analysis
may
be
different
between
ordering
lunch
and
buying
a
car,
the
foundational
component
of
the
analysis
(what
are
the
benefits
and
what
are
the
costs)
are
basically
the
same.
The
difference
is
in
how
much
effort
we
apply
to
our
analysis
before we make a decision.
Besides,
we
like
being
in
control.
We
like
to
call
the
shots,
and
we
prefer
to
have
the
final
“say”
of
what
occurs
in
our
lives.
Unfortunately,
because
we
were
born
with
a
sinful
nature,
our
choices
and
decisions
are
usually
tainted,
skewed,
and
predisposed
to
fulfilling
selfish
desires—which
can
lead
to
significant
mistakes
and
spiritual death.
Not My Will, But Yours God
To
those
who
take
the
time
to
evaluate
their
lives:
where
they’ve
been,
where
they
are,
and
where
they’re
headed—and
to
those
who
realize
how
they
messed
things
up—these
are
they
who
will
develop
a
growing
distrust
in
their
ability
to
make
sound
and
correct
decisions
in
life.
However,
this
is
a
very
good
thing.
This
realization
creates
both
a
willing
heart
and
an
opportunity
for
the
Holy
Spirit
to
demonstrate
why
we
need
to
completely
let
go
of
the
“reigns”
and
trust
God.
This
is
especially
true
if
we
are
experiencing
a
compelling
desire
deep
within
our
heart,
and
we
“know
that
we
know”
it’s
driven
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
However,
letting
go
may
not
pass
a
benefit/cost
analysis
and/or
it
may
be
outside
our
“comfort
zone.”
This
scenario
usually
involves
an
internal
struggle,
but
we
eventually
come
to
a
conclusion
and
pray
“Not my will Lord, but your will.”
“Commit
your
works
to
the
Lord,
and
your
thoughts
will
be
established.” Proverbs 16:3
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your
own
understanding;
in
all
your
ways
acknowledge
Him,
and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Relinquishing
our
free
will
is
a
conscious
and
deliberate
decision.
It
is
not
easy.
It’s
similar
to
an
experience
some
of
us
had
as
a
child
when
learning
how
to
swim:
anxiously
standing
on
the
side
of
the
pool,
preparing
to
do
something
we’ve
never
done
before,
and
completely
relying
upon
someone
else
to
protect
us.
Our
Father
is
in
the
water
in
front
of
us
with
outstretched
arms
telling
us
“I’m
right
here,
I
will
catch
you,
you
will
not
be
harmed,
trust
Me.”
It’s
hard
to
leave
the
safety
of
the
pool
side;
it’s
what
we’re
accustomed
to;
but
we
know
the
benefits
of
trusting
in
our
Father’s
promises
and
jumping
into
our
Father’s
arms
exceeds
the
amount
of
fear
we’re
experiencing.
And
so
we
decide
to
trust
Him
and
make
the
decision
to
let
go,
as
we
lean
forward
past
the
point
of
control
and
jump—resulting
in
a
wonderful
experience
of
protective safety and joy in our Father’s arms.
“When
you
pass
through
the
waters,
I
will
be
with
you;
and
through
the
rivers,
they
shall
not
overflow
you.
When
you
walk
through
the
fire,
you
shall
not
be
burned,
nor
shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2
“Blessed
is
the
man
who
trusts
in
the
Lord,
and
whose
hope
is
the
Lord.
For
he
shall
be
like
a
tree
planted
by
the
waters,
which
spreads
out
its
roots
by
the
river,
and
will
not
fear
when
heat
comes;
but
its
leaf
will
be
green,
and
will
not
be
anxious
in
the
year
of
drought,
nor
will
cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
As
we
grow
and
mature
in
Christ
our
benefit/cost
analysis
transitions
from
being
self-focused
to
externally-focused.
Instead
of
considering
“what’s
in
it
for
me”
we
consider
“what
type
of
benefits
will
this
provide
others?”
In
addition,
as
we
grow
in
our
love
for
God,
we
also
consider
will
this
please
Him?
Jesus
Christ
exemplified
this
when
he prayed.
“Father,
if
it
is
Your
will,
take
this
cup
away
from
Me;
nevertheless,
not
My
will,
but
Yours,
be
done.”
Luke
22:42
Jesus
knew
the
benefits–and
cost
(i.e.
the
“cup”)–of
the
cross.
He
knew
of
the
unprecedented
and
indescribable
suffering
he
would
endure.
He
knew
of
the
torture.
He
knew
chunks
of
His
flesh
would
be
ripped
from
His
body
from
scourging.
He
knew
a
crown
of
thorns
would
pierce
His
scalp
in
a
vain
attempt
to
humiliate
Him.
He
knew
He
would
hang
on
a
cross
with
nails
piercing
his
hands
and
feet.
However,
He
also
knew
the
punishment
and
pain
He
would
endure
is
pale
by
comparison
to
what
would
happen next:
•
God
would
turn
away
from
Him
and
He
would
be
absolutely alone..
•
Meanwhile, He would:
o
Whom we disdain and whom we love.
o
Fulfill His purpose on earth and for all of eternity.
“Now
when
the
sixth
hour
had
come,
there
was
darkness
over
the
whole
land
until
the
ninth
hour.
And
at
the
ninth
hour
Jesus
cried
out
with
a
loud
voice,
saying,
‘Eloi,
Eloi,
lama
sabachthani?’
which
is
translated,
‘My
God,
My
God,
why have You forsaken Me?’
” Mark 15:33
“But
we
see
Jesus,
who
was
made
a
little
lower
than
the
angels,
for
the
suffering
of
death
crowned
with
glory
and
honor,
that
He,
by
the
grace
of
God,
might
taste
death
for
everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew
no
sin
to
be
sin
for
us,
that
we
might
become
the
righteousness
of
God
in
Him.”
2
Corinthians 5:21
Jesus
said,
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
he
who
hears
My
word
and
believes
in
Him
who
sent
Me
has
everlasting
life,
and
shall
not
come
into
judgment,
but
has
passed
from death into life.” John 5:24
Jesus
Christ,
God’s
Son,
died
on
the
cross
so
that
you,
me
and
everyone
who
believes
can
be
eternally
forgiven
for
all
our
sins,
including
past,
present
and
future.
However,
whether
or
not
one
believes
is
each
person’s
free will choice.
Jesus said,
“I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live,
even though they die;
and whoever lives by believing in me
will never die.”
John 11:25
A
Decision
Assistance
Tool
may
be
downloaded
by
clicking
on
the
graphic
to
the
right.
The
purpose
of
the
tool
is
to
simplify,
organize
and
quantify
your
thoughts;
clarify
decision
variables;
and
minimize
emotions—all
with
the
intent
of
making
it
easier
to
recognize
the
influence
and
direction
of
the
Holy
Spirit—Who
is
our
desired
decision
maker.
I
pray
you
make
free
will
decisions
that
bring
you
closer
to
Jesus
Christ,
as
you
grow
in
God’s
grace,
and
as
you
are
led by the Holy Spirit.
God Bless You!
Harold D. Thomas
Free Will
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church pastor.
The
following
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
personal
reflection
and
opinions.
As
such,
no
answers
are provided.
Questions
•
Why did God design us with a free will?
•
Can
you
identify
one
thing
you
did
in
the
past
24
hours that involved your free will? If yes, explain.
•
Can
you
identify
one
decision
you
have
made
in
the
past
that
involved
a
mental
comparison
between
the
benefits and associated costs? If yes, explain.
•
Is
it
possible
for
someone
to
be
in
prison,
living
under
extreme
oppressive
conditions,
and
exercise
their
free will?
o
If yes, explain.
o
Are you able to provide biblical examples?
Consider the various gods people worship.
•
Which
ones
are
more
interested
in
the
desires
of
the
heart—as opposed to what we do?
•
Which
ones
lived
and
willingly
died
(via
free
will)
as
a
means to be forgiven for our sins?
The
questions
may
be
viewed
and
downloaded
via
a
PDF
file by clicking on this button.
Can
you
think
of
someone
who
could
benefit
from
reading
this lesson? If yes,
CLICK HERE
for more info.
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.