In this session (Anthropology, Part 11), the lesson examines the concept of will through two primary Greek roots that are frequently translated “will” in English but represent distinct ideas in Greek usage.
Two categories of “will”
Desirous will: what one wants or desires (θέλω / θέλημα).
Determinative will: what one decides, purposes, or determines to do (βούλομαι / βουλή).
Desirous will (θέλω / θέλημα): desire without necessary outcome
Illustrations show that desire does not automatically result in fulfillment.
Examples used to clarify meaning include:
God’s “desire” that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:1–4), contrasted with the observable fact that not all are saved.
The internal conflict between flesh and Spirit, where a believer may not do what he wants (Galatians 5:16–17).
Determinative will (βούλομαι / βουλή): decision and resolve
This category emphasizes intentional determination, including purpose and counsel.
Examples include:
God “determining” to demonstrate the immutability of His counsel (Hebrews 6:17).
The Spirit distributing gifts “as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Where both appear together: the distinction becomes especially clear
Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy demonstrates the movement from desire to decision: he does not want to expose her publicly, so he decides to put her away privately (Matthew 1:18–19).
God’s working “according to” counsel/purpose is discussed in a context where translation choices can obscure nuance (Ephesians 1:11), stressing that English often flattens distinct Greek categories.
Competing sources that influence human desirous will
The lesson highlights that human desires can be shaped by multiple influences:
Satan’s lusts that people want to do (John 8:39–44).
The flesh and mind as drivers of desires (Ephesians 2:1–3).
Accounting for God’s desirous will in Christian planning
Believers are exhorted to consider God in their plans, not merely make independent projections:
“If the Lord wills” (James 4:13–15).
Paul’s travel intentions conditioned on the Lord’s will (1 Corinthians 4:19; Romans 1:9–10).
Believers can know and grow in understanding God’s desirous will
The session argues that Scripture presents God’s desirous will as knowable for believers:
Through renewed thinking and spiritual discernment (Romans 12:1–2).
Through practical understanding rather than spiritual negligence (Ephesians 5:17).
Through growing knowledge tied to worthy conduct (Colossians 1:9–10).
God’s work in shaping the believer’s desirous will
The lesson emphasizes that sanctification is not merely external compulsion; God works internally in the believer “to will and to do” (Philippians 2:12–13), indicating that the Christian’s desires can increasingly align with God’s good pleasure.
Determinative will and decision-making
Determinative will is connected to resolve and direction, including:
Paul’s determined intent and his defense when circumstances changed (2 Corinthians 1:15–17).
The metaphor of a ship’s rudder going where the pilot determines (James 3:3–4).
The heart as the locus of counsel/decisions (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Warnings about determinative choices shaped by the world system
The session closes with sober examples where Scripture warns against decisions that align with worldly values:
Determining to be a friend of the world places one in hostility toward God (James 4:4).
Determining to be rich leads into temptation, snares, and destructive desires (1 Timothy 6:6–10).
The central takeaway is that Greek usage often distinguishes desire from decision, and recognizing this distinction sharpens interpretation, clarifies exhortations to believers, and highlights how God’s work can reshape human desire while decisions remain morally consequential.
