The Battle of the Wills

Pastor Cory Herthel

Midland SDA Church

September 27, 2014

Key Texts: Psalm 40:6-8; Romans 7:15-20; Hebrews 10:5-7; 1 Corinthians 15:31; James 4:17; Luke 11:23

SOP Reference: From The Heart, pg. 197.2

Introduction: Great Controversy Theme = How this plays out in each of us.  Choosing sides.

I. Human Will vs. God’s Will

  A. Romans 7 in Contrast with Psalm 40/Hebrews 10

    1. Paul gives examples of the unconverted mindset (Romans 7:15-17)

      a. Paul understands right from wrong here

      b. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

      c. Is this position a workable spirit?

    2. Paul outlines the sinfulness of sin/rebellion (Romans 7:18-20)

      a. It isn’t God’s fault we are tempted

      b. It isn’t God’s fault we fall and are fallen

      c. God’s character is contrasted in this illustration through the holiness and purity of the law

  B. Psalm 40/Hebrews 10 (Ability to align the will with Christ)

    1. Christ is the only example

    2. He offers grace which is strength to stand against human will

      a. There is a point where knowledge is responsibility (James 4:17)

      b. Once we’ve entered into this level of understanding Jesus holds us accountable (Luke 11:23)

II. The Key to Winning the Battle

  A. Self-Denial (1 Corinthians 15:31)

    1. Paul’s example is dying to self, what does this mean?

      a. We are selfish by nature

      b. We look out for ourselves

      c. We excuse known sin: I’m only human…I know I am not perfect…I don’t see a problem with…

    2. True death to self…is denying selfish interests even if it is painful

      a. Jesus was our prime example in this: He went to the cross

      b. Our religion has to be more than half-givings

      c. God requires full surrender and sincere sacrifice

    3. The battle is lost as long as we only release a portion of our will

      a. Sin is a losing battle when we fool ourselves

      b. Half-way religion is a subtle deception that Satan uses to destroy us

      c. Cain’s attitude is a perfect example:

Closing: These two brothers, Cain and Abel, represent the whole human family. They were both tested on the point of obedience, and all will be tested as they were. Abel bore the proving of God. He revealed the gold of a righteous character, the principles of true godliness. But Cain’s religion had not a good foundation; it rested on human merit. He brought to God something in which he had a personal interest-the fruits of the ground, which had been cultivated by his toil; and he presented his offering as a favor done to God through which he expected to secure the divine approval. He obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice, but it was only a partial obedience. The essential part, the recognition of the need of a Redeemer, was left out… (FTH, 197.2)