Sermons on Self Willed Efforts:

The Peril Of Self-Exaltation

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 18, 2025

God created us for His glory, not ours. When we learn to redirect all praise, success, and honour to Him, we stay safe under His covering. But when we begin to think we are the source of our own greatness, we invite destruction.

THE PERIL OF SELF-EXALTATION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Daniel 4:28-37 Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:18, Isaiah 42:8, Acts 12:21-23, James 4:6, 1 Corinthians 1:29 INTRODUCTION: One of the greatest temptations that men face—especially when they begin to taste success—is the desire to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:28-37

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Seek God’s Will” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 7, 2019

Seeking god's will begins with our learning to think as God wants us to think. From Epaphras' prayer for the Colossians we learn how we need to go about renewing our minds in order to stand firm in all the will of God.

Paul shares with the Colossians that their brother in Christ, who was sent to minister to Paul in prison, Epaphras, was “wrestling in prayer” for them that they might “stand firm in all the will of God.” What did Paul mean by “all the will of God?” He was saying we should seek to be in God’s will ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

Wanted: Willing Laborers For The Kingdom

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 20, 2001

There is much work to be done in the Kingdom, but few workers to do it.

WANTED: WILLING LABORERS FOR THE KINGDOM MATTHEW 9:35-38 As I continue along my journey up the King’s highway, I have witnessed some eye-opening situations in the church today… The Lord has allowed me to observe some troubling signs of the times… I’ve had the opportunity to see what I believe is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38, 1 Peter 5:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Saul's Erratic Leadership (1 Samuel 14)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 10, 2025

Was Saul erratic, sometimes doing God's will and sometimes not? Let's look at 1 Samuel 14.

Did Jonathan have a living faith that included action? Did Saul vacillate between asking God’s guidance and foolish decisions? Do we? Let’s begin in 1 Samuel 14. Did Saul’s son Jonathan want to check out an enemy Philistine garrison? Did he choose an easily defensible position between two large ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Willing Spirit; Weak Flesh

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Mar 25, 2015

We must pray for and rely on God’s strength to get us through life.

Willing Spirit; Weak Flesh March 22, 2015 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We must pray for and rely on God’s strength to get us through life. Focus Passage: Matthew 26:36-42 Supplemental Passage: Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-42

Denomination: Baptist

"The Mystery Of His Will" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jul 10, 2002

Revealed to us according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him. (#6 in the "Every Spiritual Blessing" series)

We cannot go farther into this study until I have explained my position concerning the wording and sentence divisions found in the New American Standard Version of the Bible. I should begin by saying that I am not a student of the biblical languages, and I do not presume to be a bible ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:9

Denomination: Orthodox

A Faith That Makes Us Willing Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Oct 18, 2022

Here we encounter another example of faith. This example illustrates that faith manifests itself in actions. Abraham’s faith is illustrated not simply by what he believed but by what he did.

HEBREWS 11:17-19 [Leaving a Legacy Series] A FAITH THAT MAKES US WILLING [James 2:17-24 / Genesis 22:1-10] Here we encounter another example of faith. This example illustrates that faith manifests itself in actions (CIM). Abraham’s faith is illustrated not by what he believed but by what he ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

What's The Deal With Free Will? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the concept of being children of God, made in His image with free will, and the importance of making choices that reflect His love and righteousness.

Good morning, family of God! As we gather this morning, let's turn our hearts and minds to a passage from John's Gospel, chapter 1, verses 12-13: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12-13

Topics: Free Will

Are You Willing To Carry Jesus? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 20, 2024

This sermon explores our roles as believers in carrying the weight of faith, serving as vessels for God's work, and proclaiming His blessings.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and welcome to this blessed day that the Lord has made. We gather here today, not by coincidence, not by chance, but by divine appointment. We are here to open our hearts to the Word of God and to listen to the message He has for us today. Our text ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Topics: Crowds, Hosanna

Are You Willing To Listen To The Lord? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Nov 29, 2023

Here, God speaks to all Christians... 1. He speaks to us about our life (vs. 12-14). 2. He speaks to us about our love (vs. 15-16). 3. He speaks to us about our longevity (vs. 17).

Are You Willing to Listen to the Lord? 1 John 2:12-17 Sermon by Rick Crandall Series: The First Epistle of John (Prepared November 29, 2023) MESSAGE: *Have you ever tried to talk to somebody, and they just weren't willing to listen? Oh yeah. Almost all of us have been there, -- maybe many ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Gethsemane - "Not My Will"

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message about Jesus’ time praying at Gethsemane and His ultimate surrender to the Father’s plan.

Gethsemane – “Not My Will” Matthew 26:36-46 August 16, 2009 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT IS FROM ANDY STANLEY’S BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Me: I can be rather selfish and self-seeking at times. Okay, a lot of times… I like having my way most all the time. I can be honest here, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Wesleyan

Are You Sure This Is God's Will?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 27, 2006

When things don’t go the way you planned do you begin to question whether or not you are in God’s will.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS GOD’S WILL? LUKE 2:1-7 Video clip: Life of Mary Part Three: Unfamiliar (BlueFishTV.com) Introduction: The angel announced that Mary would give birth to the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords. With the anticipation and wonder of the moment Mary said: “My soul ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

"Will A Man Rob God?"

Contributed by Dwight Davis on Jun 22, 2002

This sermon discloses an element that is lacking in many divine worship services around the world, and that element is the vital offering to God of heartfelt and joyful praise.

“Will a Man Rob God?” There is a familiar passage of scripture that ministers of all denominations love to preach about... It is found in Malachi chapter 3 verse 8 and it reads like this; The Lord says; “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me.” But you ask; ‘How do we rob you?’” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Hebrews 13:15

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Are You Willing To Be Used Of God?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 30, 2025

God has used all kinds of people and things to accomplish what He wanted to accomplish.

For example: • God used the beauty of Esther to save His people from the evil plans of Haman who wanted to destroy them. • God used the sling of David to save His people from the Philistine giant named Goliath. • God used the jawbone of ass for Samson to kill his enemies. • In Numbers 22:28 God ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Why Men Don't Ask For Directions Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 1, 2004

Independence and self-will are at the heaert of prayerlessness.

Why Men Don’t Ask For Directions —Part 1 James 4:1-10 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO. Our text connects these important themes. I want to set the stage for this study in this message and continue it next week. James is one of the most simple and ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ