I have two favorite scriptures that explain how free will works. The first is --
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
I won't go into a repeat of Ray's writing and other studies but I believe we have all been shown that the beast is within us, the kingdom of God is within us and the "high places" can be found in our own hearts and minds. I believe we are either aware of these things or not. When we are not aware that we are the beast then we think we are flesh and blood and the one in control.
This scripture says to me that we 'think' we are wrestling with flesh and blood but we are really having a war inside of us that we are NOT in control of. It is not of our will or our own power.
I also love the story of King Nebubuchadnezzar who had great success and thought he had done it all by himself.
Dan 4:30 The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?
Dan 4:31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
Dan 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Dan 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
Dan 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
It wasn't until Nebuchadnezzar recognized God's sovereignty that he was able to have understanding. Love that story. Just my 2 cents on this subject.
Carol