Lesson 21 - June 13, 2001

Volition Study Notes

1. FALSE VIEW

H/S Bel Actions

Review:

Ø What God is doing in you and through you is not apart from your decisions to apply the Word you know in the midst of the various circumstances of life.

Ø Now the Biblically Correct view of Spirit control!

acts on produces

H/S Bel Actions

Enables - empowers

In this view the believer is active, not passive, therefore makes lots of choices.

Dr. L.S. Chafer makes a very illuminating statement in a context dealing with the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer and His relation to the believers will.

We see "...the appeal to the human will, with every implication present which might establish the truth that in the divine plan, the human will determines the whole course of the believers life!" (VI pg 252)

Then goes on a few thoughts later, "...the very sovereignty of God in it's outworking utilizes the human will as its instrument, not, however, by any form of coercion, but by that form of persuasion which enlightens and engenders holy desires to which the will may respond and by which it may be motivated."

This believer, in contrast to the view of the 1st one, is guided by inward influence, not external.

By that I mean that he is active in his response to the Word of God.

Ø Question? What are the options for Control in our life? (5 things)

#1 Paul says in Eph 4:27; "Do not give the devil an opportunity!"

#2 Circumstances may control the life!

#3 Another person or persons may be in control!

#4 The OSN may control, often something external stimulates a weakness, a lust pattern of our OSN and we respond to it's strong deluding influence; it now rules and we become its slave.

#5 I am in control; because He is in control; Gal 5:22-23

** There are no circumstances that you will face that when mixed with God's grace provision; His word and the empowering of the H/S, that will not result in Good! NONE!!

* The central issue for living as believers is this! Who is empowering and motivating us?