WILL OF MAN
It is the
will that ultimately makes each individual choice of whether we will sin or
obey. It is the will that chooses to yield to temptation, or say no. Our wills,
then, ultimately determine our moral destiny, whether we will be holy or unholy
in our character and conduct.
Jerry Bridges
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Above all
else, we must learn how to bring our wills into submission and obedience to the
will of God, on a practical, daily, hour-by-hour basis.
Jerry Bridges
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While the
will is the ultimate determiner of all choices, it is influenced in its choices
by the strongest forces brought to bear upon it. These compelling forces come
from a variety of sources. It may be the subtle suggestions of Satan and his
world system (Eph. 2:2) or the evil enticements of our own sinful nature (Jas.
1:14). It may be the urgent voice of conscience, the earnest reasoning of a
loving friend, or the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit. But from whatever
source these compelling forces come, they reach our wills through either our
reason or our emotions.
Jerry Bridges
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While God
most often appeals to our wills through our reason, sin and Satan usually
appeal to us through our desires.
Jerry Bridges
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Love is the
only fire that is hot enough to melt the iron obstinacy of a creature’s will.
Alexander MacLaren
Love, and do
what you will.
Augustine