All In for Jesus: Embracing Our True Identity

Summary

This morning, we gathered to remember the incredible invitation we have from God: to come to Him with everything—our hurts, our brokenness, our hopes, and our failures. Through the cross, we are not just talking about God; we are invited to know Him, to experience Him as our good Father, and to be transformed by His presence. As we wrapped up our journey through 1 Timothy, we focused on Paul’s final charge to Timothy, which is just as relevant for us today: to be all in for Jesus, to flee the empty promises of the world, and to pursue the things that truly matter—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.

We are reminded that the Christian life is not about balancing God as one slice of our lives, but about making Jesus Lord over every part. Whether it’s our family, our work, our friendships, or our personal time, every area is to be submitted to Christ. This is not just a matter of time management, but of heart surrender. The call is to be “all in”—to say yes to Jesus in every circumstance, trusting that true life and glory are found in Him alone.

Paul’s words also urge us not to forget who we are. We are people who have been called out of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s Son. Our identity is secure: we are adopted, forgiven, and enlisted as soldiers in God’s army. This means we don’t get entangled in the pursuits of the world, but keep our eyes on our King, seeking to please Him above all else.

We are also entrusted with a precious deposit—the gospel and the Word of God. Our lives are to guard this truth, keeping it unstained and passing it on to others. This is a lifelong calling, to be people of the Word, letting it shape us and flow through us into every sphere of influence.

Finally, we are called to remember whose we are. Our hope and confidence rest in the sovereign, immortal King of kings and Lord of lords. No matter what we face, we belong to Him, and His grace is sufficient for every trial. As we meditate on His greatness, the allure of the world fades, and we are strengthened to live all in for Jesus, trusting Him with every part of our lives.

Key Takeaways

- Flee the empty promises of the world and pursue what truly matters. The world offers a kind of glory that is fleeting and often leads to disappointment or even destruction. Instead, we are called to run from these temptations and to actively pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness—qualities that reflect the character of Christ and lead to true life. [36:47]

- Being “all in” for Jesus means making Him Lord over every area of life, not just giving Him a slice of our time or attention. True balance is not about equal time for everything, but about surrendering every part—family, work, friendships, and personal pursuits—to the authority and direction of Christ. This kind of surrender brings real freedom and purpose, even in seasons that feel unbalanced. [46:34]

- Remembering who you are in Christ is essential for standing firm. We are not just people trying to do better; we are adopted children of God, transferred from darkness to light, and enlisted as soldiers in His service. This identity shapes our priorities and gives us strength to resist the pull of the world, keeping our focus on pleasing our King. [55:57]

- Guard the deposit of faith and the Word entrusted to you. We are stewards of the gospel and the teachings of Christ, called to keep them pure and to pass them on to others. This requires vigilance against distractions, false teachings, and the temptation to compromise, so that the truth remains powerful and transformative in every generation. [01:05:26]

- Our confidence and hope rest in the sovereign, immortal King. Meditating on the greatness of Jesus—His authority, His unapproachable light, His eternal dominion—puts all of life in perspective. When we remember whose we are, we find courage to trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His glory far surpasses anything the world can offer. [01:10:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Opening Worship & Invitation to the Altar
[07:20] - Experiencing God as Our Good Father
[14:08] - Prayer and Announcements
[24:51] - Kairos Prison Ministry & Prayer Chain
[29:48] - Kids Dismissal and Note-Taking
[31:03] - Overview of 1 Timothy and Its Purpose
[33:36] - Warnings Against Worldly Pursuits
[35:06] - Paul’s Charge: Flee and Pursue
[39:34] - The Subaru Story: The Danger of Chasing Worldly Glory
[42:09] - Pursuing Righteousness, Godliness, and Faith
[45:38] - What It Means to Be All In for Jesus
[51:06] - Submitting Every Area to Christ’s Lordship
[53:37] - Taking Hold of Eternal Life and Confession
[55:57] - Remembering Who You Are in Christ
[01:01:15] - Keeping the Commandment Unstained
[01:05:26] - Guarding the Deposit and Living the Word
[01:07:03] - Don’t Forget Whose You Are
[01:10:14] - Meditating on the Sovereignty of Christ
[01:16:56] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “All In for Jesus”

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### Bible Reading

1 Timothy 6:11-16, 20-21 (ESV)

> 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
> 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
> 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,
> 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
> 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
> 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

> 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
> 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific things does Paul tell Timothy to flee from, and what does he tell him to pursue instead? (see 1 Timothy 6:11; [36:47])
2. According to the passage, what is the “good confession” that Timothy made, and why is it significant? (1 Timothy 6:12-13; [53:37])
3. What does Paul mean when he charges Timothy to “keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”? (1 Timothy 6:14; [01:01:15])
4. In the sermon, what illustration did the pastor use to describe the danger of chasing after worldly glory? ([39:34])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes both fleeing from certain things and actively pursuing others? How does this shape our understanding of the Christian life? ([36:47])
2. The sermon talked about being “all in” for Jesus, not just giving Him a slice of our lives. What does it look like practically to make Jesus Lord over every area, rather than just prioritizing Him among other things? ([46:34])
3. How does remembering our identity as adopted children and soldiers in God’s army help us resist the pull of the world? ([55:57])
4. What does it mean to “guard the deposit” of faith and the Word entrusted to us? Why is this so important for every generation of believers? ([01:05:26])

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### Application Questions

1. The world offers many “glories” that seem attractive but often lead to disappointment. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you’ve been tempted to chase after something the world promises? What would it look like to “flee” from that and pursue what truly matters instead? ([39:34])
2. Think about your weekly schedule. Are there areas of your life (family, work, friendships, personal time) where Jesus is not truly Lord? What is one practical step you can take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([46:34])
3. The sermon said, “Don’t forget who you are.” When you face temptation or discouragement, what helps you remember your identity in Christ? Is there a specific truth or practice that grounds you? ([55:57])
4. “Guarding the deposit” means keeping the gospel and God’s Word pure and passing it on. Who in your life could you intentionally share God’s truth with this month? What might that look like? ([01:05:26])
5. The pastor described meditating on the greatness of Jesus as a way to put life in perspective. What is one way you can intentionally focus on Christ’s sovereignty and glory this week, especially when you feel overwhelmed? ([01:10:14])
6. Is there a “slice” of your life that you tend to keep separate from God? What would it look like to invite Jesus into that area and trust Him with it? ([46:34])
7. When was the last time you felt God’s grace was sufficient for you in a trial? How did that experience shape your trust in Him? ([01:16:56])

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Closing Thought:
As you discuss, remember: the call is not to balance Jesus among other priorities, but to be “all in”—letting Him be Lord over every part of your life. Let’s encourage each other to trust Him fully, guard the truth, and live out our identity as His people.

Devotional

Day 1: Be All In for Jesus
To be all in for Jesus means making Him Lord over every area of your life—not just giving Him a slice of your time or attention, but submitting your family, work, friendships, and every pursuit to His authority. True balance is not about dividing your time perfectly, but about allowing Christ to reign in every “slice” of your life, so that in every season, whether busy or restful, you are pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. This wholehearted devotion is the path to true life and glory, far surpassing the fleeting promises of the world. Ask yourself daily: is Jesus truly Lord in every part of your life, or are there areas you’re still holding back? [46:34]

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV)
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully surrendered to Jesus’ lordship? What would it look like to let Him be Lord there today?


Day 2: Don’t Forget Who You Are
You have been called out of darkness and adopted as a child of God—your identity is now rooted in Christ, not in the world or your past. As a believer, you are enlisted as a soldier in God’s kingdom, set apart to please your Commander and King, and you never leave that position, no matter where you go or what you do. Remembering who you are in Christ helps you resist the pull of old habits and worldly distractions, keeping your focus on what your King desires of you in every circumstance. When you’re tempted to blend in or forget your calling, remind yourself: you are a servant of the King, adopted and secure in His love. [59:32]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Reflection: When you face temptation or discouragement, how can you remind yourself of your true identity as a child of God and a servant of the King?


Day 3: Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You
God has entrusted you with the truth of His Word and the gospel of Christ—this is a precious deposit to be guarded, kept pure, and passed on to others. Your life and actions should reflect the power and holiness of the message you carry, avoiding distractions, controversies, or “irreverent babble” that lead people away from faith. As you read and meditate on Scripture, let it shape you so that you can bring God’s truth into every area of your life, influencing those around you and entrusting it to the next generation. Guarding the deposit means living as a person of the Word, letting it guide your decisions and conversations each day. [01:07:03]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can guard and share the truth of God’s Word with someone in your life this week?


Day 4: Don’t Forget Whose You Are
You belong to the only true Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who dwells in unapproachable light and holds all authority and power. Meditating on who God is—His majesty, sovereignty, and glory—gives you confidence and courage to trust Him, even when you feel weak or overwhelmed. When you remember whose you are, the empty promises of the world lose their appeal, and you find strength to persevere, knowing you are an ambassador for the King above all kings. Let the reality of God’s greatness shape your perspective and your response to every challenge you face. [01:11:42]

1 Timothy 6:15-16 (ESV)
…which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

Reflection: How does meditating on God’s sovereignty and majesty change the way you approach your current struggles or fears?


Day 5: Fight the Good Fight of Faith
The Christian life is a daily battle to trust God and follow Jesus in every area, resisting the temptations and distractions that seek to pull you away from Him. This fight is not against people, but against spiritual forces that oppose your wholehearted devotion to Christ; it is fought by faith, holding on to the eternal life you have been given and confessing Jesus as Lord before others. Even when you feel broken, overwhelmed, or at the end of yourself, you are called to look up, trust Him, and keep pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. God’s grace is sufficient for you—He will carry you through as you keep your eyes on Him. [53:37]

Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Reflection: What is one specific “fight of faith” you are facing right now, and how can you actively trust God and stand firm in Him today?

Quotes

This is a great strategy for dealing with sin and temptation. Run away, right? A very biblical approach to sin. Don't, don't, don't get close to it. Flee. Go the other direction, right? All this compromising God's word. Don't, don't be tempted to just kind of change your stand on God's word because it'll please somebody or it'll be easier or that, that maybe you'll be promoted a little bit in your position or people will think of you greater because you've compromised a little on your stand on God's word. Don't, he says, run away from any idea of that. Just flee those things. [00:36:47] (50 seconds)  #FleeTemptationFirmFaith Edit Clip

Be all in for Jesus. Right? You're not going after those other things. But you are pursuing everything that is pleasing to Jesus. Be all in. I know what it is to be all in. I was all in headed out into that field. I have been all in headed towards a jump on my snowboard thinking, I got this. And then, again, stupid gene kicks in and I'm flying in the air about to hit my tailbone. We can be all in on a lot of things. Be all in with Jesus. Right? All in. Jesus, I don't know what you have for me but my yes is on the table. I am ready to say yes to whatever you have. I am all in. [00:45:38] (48 seconds)  #AllInForJesus Edit Clip

Here's how you balance your life: Jesus is lord of every slice. Now I have a balanced life. I might have seasons where one thing just takes over all my time but if Jesus is lord I can even have balance in what would otherwise be an unbalanced situation. See Jesus is lord in my family, that means in my family I'm pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, the character of Christ. I am submitting my family in my time with my family to the lordship of Christ. [00:48:53] (56 seconds)  #JesusLordOfFamily Edit Clip

You know what a life is like where Jesus is Lord of every area? It is full of blessing. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's a battle. Yes, every day is an exercise of faith and trusting God with His way over the ways that the world would say. But it is blessed. That glory we're looking for, that's where it's found. Trusting Him in every part of my life. [00:53:47] (25 seconds)  #BlessedByFaith Edit Clip

He who is the blessed, the only sovereign, right? There are lots of sovereigns. We have a nation, and this last year, a lot of talk about sovereignty and sovereign nations and what that means. Well, there is only one true sovereign. That is the authority in all respects, right? God is the only true sovereign. And every king, right? We get into all, you know, our political structure, but no, we're just talking about nations and the rulers of nations and the one who is over all nations. Right now, it's our Lord Jesus. He is king of kings. He is over the United States. He is over China. He is over South, North Korea, over Iran. He is king above all kings. Lord of lords. There is none above him. [01:10:29] (61 seconds)  #GodSovereignKing Edit Clip

When we're suffering when we're overwhelmed when we've come to the end of ourselves can Christians become depressed yes because that is the end of ourselves right that that is God I have found the end of my mental capacity uh to deal with something that over and over again is it is beyond me we can be completely broken down and all we are called to do is look up and trust him faith God I'm not going to pursue the things around me I'm going to just still try to be right with you God help me to have your character Lord Jesus I want to be like you even as I'm broken even as I am just flattened I want to be like you so trust in him to do that in you Lord Jesus help me to trust you more fix my unbelief, right? Help me, Lord, even as I have been hurt, right? We will be hurt. We will be unjustly taken advantage of. Lord, help me to love even my enemies, as you said. Right? That is faith. And we can do that when we know whose we are. [01:15:07] (89 seconds)  #FaithInBrokenness Edit Clip