For a follower of Jesus, surrender means victory over whatever is hindering our Christian life. Dr. Stanley explores what it truly means to ask the Lord for His will to be done in our lives and encourages us to let go of anything that God says is not for our best.
Sermon Outline
To live a rich life in Christ, believers must relinquish everything to Him, but it’s not always easy to give Jesus full control. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley helps us address any resistance we might feel toward our Savior’s absolute Lordship.
Key Passage: Luke 22:39-42
Supporting Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:8
Salvation and living a surrendered life are different. After salvation, our growing faith will enable us to continually give greater control of our life to Jesus. Can you say that you are truly surrendering to Him?
►“That phrase ‘I surrender’ is demanding. It requires something.”
A surrendered life …
Is open and honest.
Believes the Word of God.
Acknowledges that Jesus’ payment for our sin was complete.
Believes God has a will for our personal life.
Accepts God’s right to our complete surrender.
Gives up whatever attitude, opportunity, or desire God requires.
Is not easy.
Was exemplified by Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-42).
Means absolute victory for a follower of Jesus.
What needs to be surrendered?
Jesus surrendered His will before the crucifixion (Luke 22:42).
We should ask ourselves when we last prayed in a similar way.
► “So many people are hindered in their Christian walk simply because they’ve never yielded themselves totally to God.”
What are we still clinging to?
God may bring things up that He wants us to relinquish.
We must leave every area of our life open to His inspection.
He may identify something that, though not a sin, isn’t His will for us.
“Yielded” means we are willing to confess, repent, and release whatever God asks.
Can we honestly say we want full surrender?
It is the true mark of discipleship and the proper response to Christ’s Lordship.
What would happen if we gave ourselves to God with no strings attached?
There might be changes in our prayer life, giving, conversations, or concern for people who don’t know Jesus.
► “‘Send me where You want to send me. Take what You want to take.’ That’s full surrender.”
What holds us back from full surrender?
Many people fear they’ll face pain or loss because of what God requires. But His goal is to bless His children—even if that includes trials to make each one into all He wants him or her to be.
What changes do we need to make?
Consider what full surrender, right now, would cost you. God might not require as much as you fear.
Only our relationship with Jesus Christ really matters.
When we take our last breath, the importance of our surrender will be made clear. (See 1 Cor. 13:12; 2 Cor. 5:8.)
God is completely dependable. We can fully trust in His goodness when we live in submission to Him.
After Watching
Dr. Stanley pointed out that surrender needs to happen repeatedly. Spend some time this week considering if there are any habits or desires you should relinquish to the Lord.
Read the accounts of the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46 and Luke 22:39-46. Both show Jesus’ clear distress as well as His perfect obedience. Contemplate what He surrendered for you, and thank Him for His willingness to lay everything aside.
