I Give Up
Hebrews 12:1–2 (CSB)
1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Luke 22:42 (CSB)
42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Living a Life of Surrender
Matthew 21:1–11 (CSB)
1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: 5 Tell Daughter Zion, “See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their clothes on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their clothes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who followed shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Living a Life of Surrender
1. Confront and Cast Off Sin
Sin is the elevation of our will above the will of God.
Romans 14:23 (ESV)
23 …For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Living a Life of Surrender
1. Confront and Cast Off Sin
2. Persevere Through Suffering
Suffering in Faith: Remaining obedient to the will of God in the midst of difficulty and disappointment.
Matthew 16:21 (CSB)
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was
necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.
We are tempted to spend most of our mental energy diagnosing the source of our suffering and devising ways to avoid it instead of embracing the power of the Holy Spirit to endure it.
Matthew 16:22–24 (CSB)
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.” 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
What is more dangerous than Satan’s message of obvious destruction is his voice of subtle deception.
Jesus recognizes this voice as an antagonist to His faith.
Do you recognize the voices that present themselves as friendly, but are in opposition to the will of God for your life?
Hebrews 12:2 (CSB)
…For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 2:8–11 (CSB)
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The comfort you can experience in a moment is not worth sacrificing the deep joy God will give you in the future.
Living a Life of Surrender
1. Confront and Cast Off Sin
2. Persevere Through Suffering
3. Cultivate a Life of Intentional Submission
Romans 12:1–2 (CSB)
1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Acknowledgement without submission is not worship.
Praise without submission is not worship.
Knowledge without submission is not worship.
But surrender and submission are the heartbeat of worship.
Matthew 21:28-31 CSB
““What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go work in the vineyard today.’ “He answered, ‘I don’t want to,’ but later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he answered, but he didn’t go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”
Maybe you made a decision to follow Jesus today, or maybe you’re curious what life with Him is all about. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to share with us so we can help you discover your next step.
