Do Christians Have Free Will? Exploring Sovereignty and Choice

Nov 16, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Authority and Power of God’s Word

God’s Word is not just a book of ancient wisdom, but the living, breathing voice of God that shapes, convicts, and equips His people for every good work. When we approach Scripture, we are encountering the very words that God uses to train, teach, mold, and even bring people to salvation. As we immerse ourselves in the Bible, we are reminded that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work. Let us approach the Word with humility, asking the Holy Spirit to give us ears to hear and hearts to receive, knowing that God desires to speak to us and transform us through His truth. [42:47]

2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17 (ESV)
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth... All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time this week to engage with God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to teach and shape you through it?

Day 2: The Invitation and Responsibility to Respond to Jesus

Jesus extends a personal invitation to all who are weary and burdened, offering rest and a new way of life through faith in Him. This call is not passive; it requires action, belief, and trust. The open invitation—“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—reminds us that we are not robots, but people with the ability to respond to God’s grace. The promise of rest is for those who take up His yoke, learn from Him, and trust in His gentleness and humility. In Christ, we are invited to find true rest for our souls and to walk in the freedom He provides. [54:07]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: What burden or area of weariness can you bring to Jesus today, trusting Him to give you rest and teach you His way?

Day 3: God’s Sovereign Grace in Salvation

Salvation is ultimately a work of God’s sovereign grace, where He chooses, calls, justifies, and glorifies His people according to His purpose and love. While the mystery of how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together may be beyond our full understanding, Scripture assures us that God foreknew and predestined His children to be conformed to the image of Christ. This truth humbles us, reminding us that our salvation is not based on our own merit or effort, but on God’s gracious initiative and faithfulness. In Christ, we are secure, adopted, and destined for glory—not because of what we have done, but because of what God has done for us. [01:01:31]

Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

Reflection: How does knowing that your salvation is rooted in God’s sovereign grace change the way you view your relationship with Him today?

Day 4: Freedom in Christ to Live Differently

In Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and given the true freedom to choose a new way of life—putting off the old self and putting on the new. This freedom is not just theoretical; it is practical and daily, empowering us to renew our minds, walk in righteousness, and live as God’s children. Unlike before, when we were bound by selfish desires, we now have the ability to choose to live for God’s glory, to love others, and to participate in His kingdom work. Every day, we are invited to exercise this freedom by intentionally putting on the new self and seeking to be kingdom-minded people in our actions, words, and motivations. [01:11:35]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can “put on the new self” today, choosing to live out your freedom in Christ?

Day 5: Actively Putting on the Armor of God

God has given us everything we need to stand firm against the challenges and spiritual battles we face, but it requires intentional action to put on the full armor He provides. This means daily reminding ourselves of the truth of the gospel, embracing Christ’s righteousness, walking in peace, trusting God’s faithfulness, guarding our minds with the assurance of salvation, and wielding the Word of God as our weapon. The freedom we have in Christ is not just for ourselves, but equips us to stand strong, resist the enemy, and participate in God’s kingdom work. Let us not neglect this gift, but actively put on the armor each day, relying on God’s strength and grace. [01:14:48]

Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection: When you consider the “armor of God,” which piece do you most need to intentionally put on today, and how will you do it?

Sermon Summary

Dependence on God is at the heart of our lives as followers of Jesus. Every breath, every good gift, and especially our salvation, is a result of God’s gracious initiative. We are more dependent on Him than we often realize, and this dependence is not a weakness but a foundation for true freedom. As we gather, we remember that God is the giver of life, the one who draws us to Himself, and the one who sustains us daily.

Today, we wrestled with a profound question: Do Christians have free will? This is not just a theoretical debate, but a question that shapes how we understand our relationship with God, our choices, and our calling. Throughout church history, two main perspectives have emerged—Arminianism, which emphasizes human ability and free will, and Calvinism, which highlights God’s sovereignty and the total depravity of humanity. Both camps have deep biblical roots and passionate followers, and both seek to honor the mystery of how God’s will and our choices interact.

What matters most, however, is not which camp we land in, but the reality that in Christ, we have been set free. Before Christ, our will was bound by sin, unable to truly choose God or live for His glory. But through the finished work of Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family and given a new freedom—the freedom to put off the old self and put on the new, to live as kingdom people, and to participate in God’s work in the world. This freedom is not just theoretical; it is practical and daily. We are called to put on the armor of God, to renew our minds, to stand firm in the truth, and to abound in the work of the Lord.

The real question is not how much free will we had before Christ, but what we are doing with the freedom we have now. Every day, we have the opportunity to choose the new self, to walk in the Spirit, and to use our freedom for God’s kingdom. This is the greatest privilege and responsibility we have as God’s children. Let us not waste it, but embrace it with gratitude and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. True freedom is found in Christ alone In Christ, we are set free from the bondage of sin and given the ability to choose what is truly good and pleasing to God. Before salvation, our choices were always tainted by self-interest and sin, but now we can put on the new self and live for God’s glory. This freedom is not just a concept, but a daily reality to be embraced and lived out. [69:42]
2. God’s sovereignty and our responsibility coexist Scripture affirms both God’s complete sovereignty in salvation and our responsibility to believe, obey, and participate in His kingdom. While the mystery of how these truths fit together may never be fully resolved in this life, we are called to trust God’s wisdom and respond faithfully. Our role is not to solve the mystery, but to walk in humble obedience and gratitude. [48:34]
3. The armor of God is a daily choice Putting on the armor of God is not a one-time event, but a continual act of the will. Each day, we must choose to remember the gospel, to protect our hearts and minds with God’s truth, and to stand firm against spiritual opposition. This is the practical outworking of our freedom in Christ, and it is essential for spiritual victory and growth. [74:48]
4. Our greatest privilege is participation in God’s kingdom As God’s adopted children, we have the freedom and responsibility to engage in His work—loving others, sharing the gospel, and living as kingdom people. This is a privilege that surpasses any earthly freedom, and it is available to every believer, regardless of circumstances. Let us use our freedom to serve, love, and advance God’s purposes in the world. [73:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:30] - Worship: Dependence on God
[31:22] - Opening Prayer and Reflection
[34:40] - Fellowship and Announcements
[35:20] - Operation Christmas Child Update
[36:36] - Family Tree Relief Nursery & Men’s Bible Study
[39:08] - Advent Resource Raffle
[40:22] - Introduction to the Big Questions Series
[42:07] - Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2 & 3
[43:23] - The Question: Do Christians Have Free Will?
[44:40] - God’s Sovereignty and Human Choice
[47:16] - Our Church’s Theological Position
[49:10] - Calvinism and Arminianism Explained
[54:07] - Key Scriptures for Each View
[57:15] - Total Depravity and Predestination
[69:42] - Freedom in Christ: Galatians 5
[71:35] - Putting on the New Self
[74:48] - The Armor of God
[79:49] - The Freest of Wills
[81:43] - Living Out Our Freedom
[84:52] - Closing Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Dependence, Freedom, and Our Calling in Christ

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
> For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
> to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)
> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Observation Questions

According to Galatians 5:1, what is the purpose of the freedom Christ gives us? What does Paul warn us not to do with that freedom?
In Ephesians 4:22-24, what are the two “selves” Paul talks about, and what are we told to do with each one?
From Ephesians 6:10-13, what is the reason Paul gives for putting on the armor of God? What kind of battle does he say we are in?
The sermon said, “Before Christ, our will was bound by sin, unable to truly choose God or live for His glory. But through the finished work of Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family and given a new freedom.” What does it mean that our will was “bound by sin” before Christ? ([01:09:42])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon described two main views in church history—Arminianism and Calvinism—about how God’s will and our choices interact. Why do you think this question matters for how we live as Christians today? ([44:40])
The pastor said, “True freedom is found in Christ alone… Before salvation, our choices were always tainted by self-interest and sin, but now we can put on the new self and live for God’s glory.” How does this change the way we think about our daily decisions? ([01:09:42])
The sermon emphasized that “putting on the armor of God is not a one-time event, but a continual act of the will.” What does it look like to make this a daily practice? ([01:14:48])
The pastor said, “Our greatest privilege is participation in God’s kingdom… This is a privilege that surpasses any earthly freedom.” Why is participating in God’s work considered a greater freedom than any other kind? ([01:13:30])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to ask, “What are we doing with the freedom we have now?” Think about your last week—can you name a specific moment when you chose to “put on the new self” or when you slipped back into old patterns? What made the difference? ([01:09:42])
The pastor said, “Putting on the armor of God is a daily choice.” What is one practical step you can take each morning this week to remind yourself to put on God’s armor? (For example: a prayer, a verse, a reminder on your phone, etc.) ([01:14:48])
The sermon talked about “renewing our minds” and “standing firm in the truth.” Is there a lie or negative thought you often struggle with? What truth from God’s Word can you use to replace it? ([01:11:35])
The pastor said, “As God’s adopted children, we have the freedom and responsibility to engage in His work—loving others, sharing the gospel, and living as kingdom people.” Who is one person in your life you feel God is calling you to love or serve this week? What is one thing you can do for them? ([01:13:30])
The sermon mentioned that “dependence on God is not a weakness but a foundation for true freedom.” Are there areas in your life where you find it hard to depend on God? What would it look like to trust Him more in that area? ([31:22])
The pastor said, “Let us not waste [our freedom], but embrace it with gratitude and purpose.” What is one way you can use your freedom in Christ this week to serve someone else or advance God’s purposes? ([01:09:42])
The sermon encouraged us not to get stuck debating how much free will we had before Christ, but to focus on how we use our freedom now. Is there a way you’ve been distracted by theological debates or secondary issues? How can you shift your focus to living out your calling today? ([01:20:30])

Sermon Clips

“The more that I talk to him and I spend time in his word, I realize like, okay, yeah, I probably should change the way I'm praying about that. But there's something beautiful. There's this beautiful connection. And there's this other piece to prayer is that God actually has woven it into the fabric of his kingdom as a tool by which he uses our prayers to accomplish things.”

“But what I want us to land with is the most beautiful story that's ever been told is the fact that regardless of how we got into the family of God, oh man. whether God chose me or I chose him or if it's some combination thereof, if you're in Christ Jesus, like I want to take the the air out of the room like let's completely not get bent out of shape about this because here's the truth of the matter is God is completely sovereign and we all make choices.”

“If you are a Christian, if you're someone who says your only hope is Jesus Christ, for your only hope to be saved, your only hope to be redeemed, your only hope to be brought into the family of God was through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that's your story, then what we're about to see at the end of this sermon is that you are the freest of all people.”

“We affirm that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, not on the basis of foreseen faith, but unconditionally, according to his sovereign goodwill and pleasure. We believe that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God will draw the elect of faith to his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, graciously and effectually, overcoming their stubborn resistance to the gospel so that they will most assuredly and willingly believe.”

“We also believe that these, the elect of God, whom God gave to the son, will persevere in belief and godly behavior and be kept secure in their salvation by grace through faith. A lot of words already, right? We believe that God's sovereignty in this salvation neither diminishes the responsibility of people to believe.”

“But rather reinforces and establishes them as ordained means by which God accomplishes his ordained means or ends. A lot of words. Okay. So, I want to say this really simple. This is a Calvinistic or reformed view of salvation. For some of you, I have said Calvinism and you grew up in a church that said that was heresy and you're already like, "Oh my gosh. I was not aware of this."”

“Within evangelical Christianity, there's been these two schools for 500 years almost, and have yet to figure out how to fully agree with each other. And if you're like, "This is a tension point." Welcome. And it's okay. Like, you can listen to what I'm going to say about why I kind of went from Armenian to more Calvin and not agree with me and still be here and be in good fellowship and we can love each other.”

“If you grew up hearing about once- saved, always saved Christians and some of them were some of the worst people you ever met. I understand that. I grew up that way. I even said that to a girl one time in high school who was really trying to plead with me for my soul. And I was like, "Girl, prayed a prayer at a Baptist church, you know, when I was seven. I'm good."”

“Calvinism does not make a human heart feel good. Calvinism does not make my humanity go woohoo. Yeah. It makes me go heck no. And that's what was bothering me because I would preach this differently back then. I would be like, "No, no, no, no, no. There's not it's not predestination." And in fact, there's Romans 8:29. There's Ephesians 1 4-5 and 11, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 1:2, Acts 13:48 that all use the words predestined.”

“And all I knew, all I knew was I didn't want to go to hell. I didn't think heaven sounded great as a kid. I've said that a lot because everybody said it's like church. I'm like, well, that kind of sucks, but okay. Better than hell. But then as I got older, I started understanding more about being in the kingdom.”

“Here's what we've been given. Grace that we don't deserve. Ephesians 1, right after what I just read, says he thought it was wise to lavish grace upon us. God lavishes grace. God gives all this grace. And here's what happened is when you became a follower of Christ, whether or not you believe you chose it or he chose you, like at the end of the day, God, we all can agree to this.”

“The salvation is a gift of God, not of works. Nobody can boast that they did something that earned them the right. And so when you understood that, when the Holy Spirit gave you that uncction, that that draw, that desire, that knowledge, I believe that God illuminated your heart and actually made you alive and then you cried out in faith.”

“Brother or sister, what we've been given is freedom. Galatians 5:1 says, "For freedom, Christ has set us free. So stand firm and do not submit to a yoke of slavery. What does that mean? Is that as a Christian you have the most free will. Like here's the thing. We were all conditioned and held down by sin. Armenius agrees with that. Calvin agrees with that."”

“So what God did in making you and I Christians, making us his kids, adopting us is he gave us the ultimate freedom that we can actually choose not to submit to the the bond of slavery of sin. Like think about it like this. Oh my gosh, I could spend another hour of this. I'm going to try to really land this.”

“Brother or sister, what you can do every day that a lost person cannot do is choose to put on the new self. Put off the old self. This is action. This is valition. This is truly free will outside of Christ. Yes, we have volition. We make decisions, but they're always pointed back to selfishness.”

“You have the freest of wills. You want to debate about how much of a free will you have before Jesus? Fine. I mean, that's that's fine. I don't I care, but I don't. Does that make sense? Like, it means something. I have a systematic theology. I do believe these things to be true, but honestly, at the end of the day, you don't know and I don't know either.”

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