Canaan Fellowship

The Place of the Will in Discipleship

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
The Place of the Will in Discipleship
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Nathan Hepworth explores the role of the will in Christian discipleship, emphasizing its importance in salvation, obedience, and spiritual growth. He argues that the will is neither inherently good nor bad but must be trained and submitted to God’s purposes. The sermon highlights Jesus as the model for using the will rightly and provides practical methods for strengthening and directing the will toward effective discipleship.

  • [00:00] Introduction to the topic: The will’s role in discipleship is often overlooked or misunderstood.
  • [01:04] The human soul has three parts: mind, will, and emotions, supported by Scripture (Proverbs 2:10, Job 7:15, Psalm 42:1).
  • [04:54] Definition of the will: the faculty of choice or decision (secular and biblical sources agree).
  • [06:15] The will is essential for salvation (e.g., repentance, belief, calling on the Lord).
  • [07:59] Jesus models perfect submission of the will to the Father (Matthew 11:29-30, Philippians 2:8).
  • [12:17] The will is critical for discipleship because it acts even when understanding or emotions are incomplete.
  • [16:13] A strong will is necessary for enduring trials and resisting temptation (contrasted with weak will).
  • [20:13] Weak will vs. strong will: Weak will is easily swayed; strong will is steadfast (illustrated by Moses’ meekness).
  • [29:37] Four methods to train the will:
    1. Scripture reading/memorization (Psalm 119, 2 Timothy 3:16).
    2. Prayer for alignment with God’s will (Psalm 51:10).
    3. Habit formation to reinforce righteous choices.
    4. Endurance in trials to strengthen resolve (Job 23:10, Isaiah 50:7, James 1:2-4).
  • [40:05] Six ways to use the will effectively:
    1. Commit to sanctification (John 15:4).
    2. Commit to fellowship (Hebrews 10:25).
    3. Commit to worship and teaching.
    4. Abrogate choices (surrender decisions to God’s will, Romans 7:14-25).
    5. Reverence God’s will in trials.
    6. Submit attributes of your being that give you difficulty or temptation (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 51:10).
  • [51:46] Avoid stubbornness. Examples: Saul (weak will) vs. David (strong, submitted will). (Psalm 95:7-11, Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 15:17-19).
  • [56:42] The will validates love and enables fellowship with God.
  • [58:38] Eternal rewards are tied to faithful use of the will.

Scripture References

  • Proverbs 2:10
  • Job 7:15
  • Psalm 42:1
  • Matthew 11:29-30
  • Philippians 2:8
  • Romans 7:14-25
  • Psalm 119
  • 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Hebrews 10:25
  • John 15:4
  • Psalm 51:10
  • Job 23:10
  • Isaiah 50:7
  • Ezekiel 36:26
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • 1 Samuel 15:17-19

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