The Power of Determination

➤ by Pastor Andy Fulson

No Success Without Effort

Being determined and resolute in the Christian life are not normally inherent attributes; rather, they are developed and built upon God's given measure of faith (Rom 12:3). Jesus demonstrated that resolve with Satan's temptations, confident in it is written..., (Mt 4:4).
While the measure of faith given to us is provided by God, it's up to each person to make the effort to develop these attributes, by the leading of the Holy Ghost (Jn 16:13).

This reveals that a successful Christian life is incomplete (1) without understanding the purpose of redemption (1Cor 6:20) and (2) being designated a joint heir with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:16). These insights are essential and are easily challenged by Satan to draw a believer away from having made a confession of Jesus Christ as Lord (Rom 10:9-11).

Jesus: I have come as a Light into the world, John 12:46

Lack of determination and resolve can easily allow doubt and unbelief to question the (born again) new birth (Jn 3:3), and the purposed guidance of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13).

Insight and conviction of the Gospel comes through a transformation by renewal of the mind (Rom 12:2), which strengthens personal faith. Based on this, it can then be said: I believed; therefore I have spoken, 2 Corinthians 4:13.

The Holy Spirit teaches and convinces only from the written Word. That Word further reveals believers are indeed citizens of God's Kingdom (Phil 3:20), with God's promises available to them (Jn 15:11).

Will satanic challenges arise against this?

Definitely — they attempt to shake personal conviction with doubt, unbelief, and superstition. Doubt worked with Adam and Eve (Gen 3:1). It now questions “God's existence” or by implying “There are many ways to God” or questions “Is Christ really your Savior?”.

Similarly, philosophy attempts to explain the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through human abilities. Paul, when explaining to the Athenians their unknown God (Acts 17:16-34) through the Gospel, was mocked by some while others joined him and became believers (Acts 17:34).

How is Determination Achieved?

Jesus prophesied to His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit to encourage them after His departure: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, John 14:26.

Since then, the Holy Ghost reminds those who are born-again of Jesus' finished work, and to remain determined to continue His works: He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, John 14:12. This responsibility has not been retracted; God watches over His words: Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, Isaiah 14:24.

The God-given measure of faith continues to develop an ever-increasing personal faith, and by it taps into God's promises. Be mindful, that full access to God's promises is available, in proportion to one's faith: ...as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee, Matthew 8:13.

Everything from God, except His love, grace, and mercy, is faith-conditional according to God's will: because as He is, so are we in this world, 1 John 4:17.

How is the desired determination achieved? It is the ability inherent within God's Word: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17. Determination is a personal decision — either to undertake action or to procrastinate.

Man on his own is incapable of achieving essential insight to understand God's Word. Neither is the authority of Jesus' name understood nor can it be put into use without faith. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can insight and understanding of God's will be achieved.

That life-changing impartation comes through the Gospel, and the conversion to Christ Jesus: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, Romans 10:9-10.

And who imparts this direction?

The Holy Spirit: And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, John 16:8.

He, being always present, guides and leads the reconciliation with God (Jn 3:3).

Distrust Through Unbelief

Even Jesus could not achieve much among some people, because of their doubt and unbelief (Mt 13:58). In His hometown, Nazareth, they wanted to throw Him off the cliff.

He came as the Light to His people: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day, John 12:46-48.

For some, He was the Expected One (Mt 11:3), while others took offense at Him (Mt 13:57).

I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God, John 3:3

Wasn't Jesus the Son of God for Whom nothing was impossible? True. Yet, God does not force Himself on anyone. Among the people of His hometown existed a great need for healing, yet their stubbornness and mistrust did not allow a renewing of their mindset to accept His help: For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak, John 12:49-50.

The disbelieving had a perception of Jesus as a carpenter, and although He taught from the Law and the Prophets, none of what he taught and demonstrated was accepted.

Regardless of how much of the Gospel message revels, that life improvements are possible, if it is not accepted with faith, God's promises will remain unattainable.

Distrust, of any kind, hinders.

Nothing is Impossible

Even the Pharisee, Nicodemus (John 3:3,5,7), a ruler of the Jews, was unclear about how to understand what Jesus revealed to him: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Corinthians 2:14.

The core of the Gospel message leads to reconciliation, the restoration of fellowship of man with God: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.

With that, a determined effort and the leading of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13) is needed to overcome the issues of everyday life. Avoid the temptation of disregarding Holy Spirit help, being intimidated and unable to cope by not knowing what to do: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hosea 4:6.

Follow the instructions given to Joshua: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest, Joshua 1:9.

Should doubt and unbelief challenge you, assure yourself:

  • Reconciliation is acquired through faith, by acknowledging Jesus, the Son of God as LORD, being raised from the dead (Rom 10:9-11).
  • Insight into the New Testament scriptures, comes by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2).
  • Instructions to overcome demonic influences in life, are given in Mark 11:23 and James 4:7.
  • Be determined to acquire God's attributes, as the 'Fruit of the Spirit' (Gal 5:22-23).

Your determination to be a born-again believer leads to being recognized as a child of God (Gal 3:26) and a joint heir with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:16).

Be resolved to carry out Jesus' works (Jn 14:12) without hesitation, as He did.

Be unshakably bold with determination to accomplish God's will, as in the Lord's Prayer: Your will be done, Matthew 6:10.

The world is waiting for help! For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God, Romans 8:19.

Are you ready to come to their assistance?

Remember, by your determination to allow the Holy Spirit to lead according to God's will, nothing will be impossible for you. Then you can truly say, 'Your will be done in my life, here on earth, as it is in heaven.'

From the article, Entschlossen leben, by Pastor Andy Fulson

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I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God, John 3:3
Jesus: I have come as a Light into the world, John 12:46

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Unless stated otherwise, all Bible passages quoted in orange are from the KJV translation.

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