Complete Surrender: Embracing God's Transformative Power
Summary
In the sermon delivered by J. Mark Johns at Canvas Church, the central theme revolves around the transformative power of God and the importance of complete surrender to His will. The pastor begins by reflecting on the good news brought by the Angels to the Shepherds, emphasizing that the joy found in knowing one's identity in Christ is unshakeable. He shares a personal shift in desires after coming to Christ, moving from self-centeredness to a longing to honor God.
Pastor Johns then discusses the necessity of a change in desires for believers, stressing that it is not just about attending church but living a life that pleases God. He acknowledges life's challenges and the feelings of exhaustion that can come with them, reassuring the congregation that such feelings are human. He encourages holding onto hope and trusting in God's ability to bring change, referencing Isaiah 40 to remind them of the everlasting God who created the earth.
The pastor shares his experience of being saved but not fully surrendered, and how his life changed when he completely surrendered to God's will. He urges the audience to go all in with God, letting go of their own plans and desires, and highlights that our professions do not define us; rather, as followers of Jesus, we are called to make a difference in the world.
The relevance of God's power is further explored, with the pastor explaining that Jesus being identified as the Mighty God means that God's power is always on display, especially when individuals believe in the gospel and have a personal relationship with Christ. He clarifies that the goal of God's involvement in our lives is to make us holy, not necessarily happy, and that despite the world's pain and struggle, God desires His followers to live holy lives.
The pastor reflects on his past relationship with God, admitting to playing games and not fully surrendering. He shares how the Holy Spirit convicted him and brought people into his life for accountability, leading to a sincere prayer of surrender and the belief that God has a purpose and plan for everyone.
The sermon also emphasizes the strength that God provides to the weak and powerless, with the pastor encouraging those contemplating quitting on their marriage, walk with God, or belief in a better future to understand that God knows and loves them deeply. He references 2 Corinthians, where Paul talks about God's power working best in our weakness.
Pastor Johns stresses that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to be His representatives in all areas of life. He encourages the audience to surrender everything to God and allow Him to be the Lord over every aspect of their lives, promising that this will lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life.
The pastor concludes by discussing the incomprehensible might of God, the vastness of the universe, and the concept of Jesus being called "Mighty God." He connects this to the message of Christmas, explaining that God sent Jesus into the world to get close to the people He loves in a way that they could understand. The pastor emphasizes that this concept can only be received by faith.
Key Takeaways:
- The joy of knowing one's identity in Christ is a profound and unshakeable source of strength, rooted in the eternal rather than the temporal. This joy is not contingent on life's circumstances but is anchored in the transformative relationship with God, who empowers believers to live lives that honor Him. [14:01]
- True faith in Christ is evidenced by a shift in desires from self-centeredness to a life dedicated to glorifying God. This transformation is not achieved through human willpower alone but is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who provides both the desire and the ability to live a life that reflects God's holiness. [16:54]
- Complete surrender to God's will is a pivotal moment in a believer's life, leading to a significant shift in perspective and purpose. When we relinquish control and trust in God's plan, we become effective witnesses of Christ in every aspect of our lives, regardless of our occupation or social status. [24:52]
- The power of God is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality that manifests in the lives of believers, enabling them to endure hardships and pursue holiness amidst a world filled with pain and struggle. This divine power is a testament to God's ongoing work within us, shaping our character and actions. [08:53]
- The might of God is beyond human comprehension, yet through Jesus, God made Himself accessible and relatable to humanity. The incarnation of Jesus is a profound mystery that demonstrates God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives, a truth that requires faith to fully embrace. [05:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; the government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
2. Philippians 2:13 - "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
3. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His nature? [00:30]
2. According to Philippians 2:13, what two things does God provide to believers to help them live a life that pleases Him? [09:31]
3. How does Paul describe God's power in 2 Corinthians 12:9, and what is its significance in our weaknesses? [20:41]
4. What personal experiences did Pastor Johns share about his journey from being saved to fully surrendering to God's will? [24:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, written 700 years before Christ, validate the authenticity of the Bible according to Pastor Johns? [01:07]
2. In what ways does Philippians 2:13 illustrate the transformative power of God in a believer's life? How does this align with the sermon’s message about a shift in desires? [16:54]
3. Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:9. How does understanding that God's power works best in our weakness change our perspective on personal struggles and challenges? [20:41]
4. Pastor Johns mentioned that true joy is found in our identity in Christ, not in our circumstances. How does this concept challenge the common pursuit of happiness in today's culture? [14:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Johns emphasized the importance of complete surrender to God's will. What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to God, and what steps can you take to change that? [24:52]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt weak or powerless. How did you experience God's strength in that situation, and how can you apply this understanding to current challenges? [20:41]
3. The sermon highlighted the shift in desires that comes with true faith in Christ. What desires or habits in your life need to change to align more closely with God's will? [16:54]
4. Pastor Johns spoke about the joy of knowing one's identity in Christ. How can you cultivate this unshakeable joy in your daily life, especially during difficult times? [14:01]
5. How can you be a representative of Christ in your workplace or community, regardless of your profession or social status? What practical steps can you take to live out this calling? [25:58]
6. Pastor Johns shared his experience of playing games with God before fully surrendering. Are there any "games" you are playing with God right now? How can you move towards genuine surrender? [24:18]
7. Considering the vastness and might of God as described in the sermon, how does this understanding impact your faith and trust in God's plan for your life? [05:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, encouraging personal reflection and practical application of the biblical truths discussed.
Devotional
Day 1: Unshakeable Joy in Christ
Joy in Christ transcends our circumstances, anchoring us in a relationship with God that is both transformative and empowering. This joy is not dependent on the ebb and flow of life's situations but is a steadfast source of strength that comes from knowing one's identity in Christ. It is a joy that compels believers to live lives that honor God, regardless of the challenges faced. [14:01]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your relationship with Christ, even when facing difficult circumstances?
Day 2: Transformation Through the Spirit
The Holy Spirit reshapes desires, turning hearts from self-centeredness to a passion for glorifying God. This change is not something one can achieve alone but is a work of the Spirit, who instills both the longing and the capability to live a life reflective of God's holiness. It is a transformation that marks true faith and a commitment to living out the gospel. [16:54]
Philippians 2:13 - "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Reflection: What self-centered desires can you ask the Holy Spirit to transform into a deeper yearning to honor God in your daily life?
Day 3: Surrender to Divine Purpose
Surrendering to God's will marks a pivotal shift in a believer's journey, changing one's perspective and purpose. It involves letting go of personal plans and embracing God's design, which leads to becoming an effective witness for Christ in every aspect of life. This surrender is not about losing oneself but finding true fulfillment and impact through divine guidance. [24:52]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: God's Power in Our Lives
God's power is a present and active force in the lives of believers, enabling them to face hardships and pursue holiness. This divine power is not just an abstract idea but a reality that shapes character and actions, demonstrating God's commitment to transforming us from within. It is through this power that believers can stand firm amidst the world's pain and struggle. [08:53]
Ephesians 3:16-17 - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to rely on God's power instead of your own? How can you actively seek His strength in this area?
Day 5: The Mystery of Incarnation
The incarnation of Jesus is a profound mystery that reveals God's desire to be intimately involved with humanity. Through Jesus, the incomprehensible might of God became accessible and relatable. This act of divine love requires faith to fully embrace and is the cornerstone of the Christian belief in God's redemptive plan for the world. [05:57]
Colossians 1:15-17 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
Reflection: How does the truth of Jesus' incarnation challenge or encourage you to live out your faith more authentically in your daily interactions?
Quotes
"We have been sent and scattered throughout this world every week in a plethora of places so that the power of God working through you and me can reveal to the world the hope and the freedom and the forgiveness that only Christ can give." [27:48] (Download)
"The message of the Mighty God of Christmas is that there is nothing in our lives so broken that God can't heal it, that there's nothing so lost that God can't recover it, that there's nothing so dead that the power of God cannot resurrect it." [28:25] (Download)
"Every day, Lord, I'm going to turn from me and I'm going to turn to you, and when you do that, something's going to shift, something's going to be different." [29:44] (Download)
"When you find yourself at the end of your strength, you have just discovered the beginning of his. His power isn't made perfect because you have great power; his power actually manifests itself in its greatest moments when we're over our head and exhausted." [20:41] (Download)
"I believe that you are here on purpose for a purpose and with a purpose, and maybe somebody in this room, you have been contemplating quitting... God knows who you are, where you are, and he sent you here today so that you would come face to face with his love." [20:06] (Download)
"God said I want you to understand that I cannot save you as long as you are convinced you can still save yourself. I cannot provide for you, I cannot heal you, I cannot help you as long as you are still committed to the script of your own life." [21:16] (Download)
"There should be a shift in your desires to honor the Lord, to please the Lord, and to live a life of purpose for Him. And I love this, He doesn't just say desires, but He actually gives us the power to do it." [16:54] (Download)
"When I fully surrendered, that's when the power of God began to work for me and through me and do something in my life that I just could not even begin to fully imagine." [24:52] (Download)
"Our titles in life are not who we really are, our titles in life are just what we do. If you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are a disciple, that's what you are." [26:30] (Download)
"God found a way to get close to the people that he loves so much, and through Jesus, he took all of his power and packaged it in a way that we could see, feel, and understand." [07:41] (Download)
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