Power Without Will
The sermon emphasizes that while we possess God's power within us, it is our will that often hinders us from acting on it fully.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the confidence we can have in God's work within us, assuring us that He will continue to perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that as children of God, we have overcome the world because the power within us, God, is greater than any opposing force. Despite being in the kingdom of grace, surrounded by angels and saints, we often struggle to live up to our potential due to a lack of will rather than a lack of power. Tileston encourages entrusting ourselves to God with love and trust, knowing that He will bring to fruition all the possibilities He has placed within us.
Text
Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 1:6 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 JOHN 4:4
WHY is it that we, in the very kingdom of grace, surrounded by angels, and preceded by saints, nevertheless, can do so little, and, instead of mounting with wings like eagles, grovel in the dust, and do but sin, and confess sin alternately? Is it that the power of God is not within us? Is it literally that we are not able to perform God's commandments? God forbid. We are able. We have that given us which makes us able. We do have a power within us to do what we are commanded to do. What is it we lack? The power? No; the will. What we lack is the simple, earnest, sincere inclination and aim to use what God has given us, and what we have in us.
JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
GOD is on my side. He makes Himself responsible for my being. If I will only entrust myself to Him with the cordial return of trustful love, then all that He has ever breathed into my heart of human possibility He will realize and bring to perfection.
CHARLES GORE
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's Power Within Us - The Role of Will in Exercising Power - The Contrast Between Ability and Will
- II points: - Scriptural Foundations of Inner Strength - The Assurance of God's Commitment - The Importance of Trust and Love
- III points: - Recognizing Our Potential - Overcoming Doubts and Insecurities - Living Out Our Faith Actively
- IV points: - The Call to Action - Embracing God's Gifts - The Journey of Spiritual Growth
Key Quotes
“Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“If I will only entrust myself to Him with the cordial return of trustful love, then all that He has ever breathed into my heart of human possibility He will realize and bring to perfection.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Reflect on the areas in your life where you need to exercise your will to align with God's power.
- Commit to trusting God more deeply in your daily decisions and actions.
- Identify and embrace the unique gifts God has given you to fulfill His purpose.