Daily Surrender: Embracing True Discipleship in Christ
Summary
Time is short, and eternity is real. Every day is an opportunity to live for the King and His Kingdom, to make our lives count for something beyond ourselves. On this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the launch of new ministries and the Baptize America movement, the call is clear: it’s time to examine what it truly means to follow Jesus. Many claim spirituality or faith, but Jesus’ invitation is far deeper—He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This isn’t a one-time decision, but a daily surrender of our own plans and desires in exchange for the life He has prepared for us.
The pattern for following Jesus is laid out in the book of Acts, especially on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s bold preaching cut to the heart of his listeners, prompting the question, “What should we do?” The answer is as relevant now as it was then: repent, be baptized in water, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and be added to the community of believers. Repentance is more than feeling sorry; it’s a change of heart and mind that leads to a change of direction. Water baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation, breaking the legal hold of our past and declaring that we belong to Christ. The baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously and to be bold witnesses for Jesus, just as Peter was transformed from a fearful denier to a passionate preacher.
But the journey doesn’t end with these steps. We are called to live as disciples—serving, giving, and reaching others for Christ. This is a lifelong pursuit, not a box to check. Community is essential; we were never meant to follow Jesus alone. The church is God’s design for our growth, encouragement, and mission. Whether you are just beginning or have walked with God for decades, the invitation remains: fully surrender, step into the waters of baptism if you haven’t, seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit, plant yourself in a local church, and live every day as a disciple. Today is the day to respond, to come home, and to follow Jesus with all your heart.
Key Takeaways
- True discipleship means daily surrender, not just a one-time decision. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, which requires letting go of our own vision for our lives and embracing His. This daily act of surrender is the foundation of authentic Christian living, challenging us to trust God’s plan over our own desires. [04:47]
- The power of the Word of God is transformative, piercing our hearts and prompting real change. It’s not enough to simply hear or observe; the Word demands a response that leads to repentance and a new direction. Even outside of church walls, God’s Word can reach us, convict us, and invite us into a deeper relationship with Him. [12:09]
- Repentance is more than feeling remorse—it is a change of heart and mind that results in a change of behavior and direction. Metanoia, the Greek word for repentance, involves turning away from sin and toward God, allowing our actions to catch up with the transformation happening within. This is the true starting point of following Jesus. [16:37]
- Water baptism is a powerful, supernatural act that breaks the legal hold of our past and publicly declares our new identity in Christ. While it doesn’t remove our human propensity to sin, it marks the beginning of a new life, free from the bondage of our old self, and aligns us with the death and resurrection of Jesus. [21:48]
- The baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential for living an empowered Christian life and fulfilling the Great Commission. It is a distinct work of grace that brings boldness, authority, and the ability to be effective witnesses for Christ. Without the Spirit’s empowerment, we struggle unnecessarily; with Him, we are equipped to live out our calling in community and mission. [23:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
[04:47] - Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross
[07:58] - The Power of Pentecost and Peter’s Transformation
[10:35] - The Word of God Pierces the Heart
[12:09] - Personal Testimony: The Word’s Conviction
[14:33] - Freedom and the Power of the Word
[15:16] - The Four Steps: Repent, Baptize, Receive, Belong
[16:37] - Understanding Repentance (Metanoia)
[18:04] - Salvation and Confession of Faith
[20:24] - The Meaning and Power of Water Baptism
[21:48] - New Life in Christ: Breaking the Past
[23:26] - The Gift and Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
[24:35] - Distinct Works of Grace: Salvation and Spirit Baptism
[26:09] - The Importance of Community and the Local Church
[27:54] - Responding to the Invitation: Coming Home
[29:00] - Prayer of Surrender and Salvation
[30:25] - Next Steps and Closing Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "One, Two, Three, Follow"
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### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
2. Acts 2:36-41
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
3. Romans 6:3-7
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 16, what are the requirements for someone who wants to be His disciple?
2. In Acts 2, what was the crowd’s response to Peter’s preaching, and what steps did Peter tell them to take next? [15:16]
3. What does Romans 6 say happens to our old self when we are baptized into Christ Jesus?
4. The sermon described Peter’s transformation from a fearful denier to a bold preacher. What event marked this change in Peter’s life? [07:58]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that denying ourselves and taking up our cross is not a one-time event but a daily choice. What might this look like in everyday life? [04:47]
2. Peter’s words “pierced their hearts” in Acts 2. What does it mean for the Word of God to “pierce” someone’s heart, and how is this different from just hearing a sermon? [10:35]
3. The Greek word for repentance, “metanoia,” means a change of heart and mind that leads to a change of direction. Why is it important that repentance involves both a change of mind and a change in behavior? [16:37]
4. The sermon teaches that water baptism breaks the legal hold of our past and declares our new identity in Christ. How does this understanding of baptism go beyond just a symbolic act? [21:48]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began by reminding us that “time is short, and eternity is real.” How does this truth affect the way you approach your daily life and priorities? Is there something you feel prompted to change or focus on because of this perspective? [01:50]
2. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. What is one area of your life where you sense God asking you to surrender your own plans or desires? What would it look like to trust Him in that area this week? [04:47]
3. The Word of God is described as powerful and able to pierce our hearts. Can you share a time when a Bible passage or sermon deeply convicted or challenged you? How did you respond? [12:09]
4. Repentance is more than feeling sorry—it’s a change of direction. Is there a specific habit, relationship, or mindset you need to turn away from in order to follow Jesus more fully? What step could you take this week to move in a new direction? [16:37]
5. If you have already been baptized, how does remembering your baptism encourage you to live out your new identity in Christ? If you haven’t been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step? [21:48]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live victoriously and be a bold witness. In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s power right now? How can your group pray for you in this? [23:26]
7. Community is essential for following Jesus. Are you planted in a local church and connected to other believers? What is one way you can invest more deeply in Christian community this month? [26:09]
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Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Your Version for Jesus’ Vision
To truly follow Jesus means surrendering your own plans, desires, and dreams in order to embrace the life He has for you. This is not a one-time event, but a daily decision to deny yourself, take up your cross, and trust that His way is better than your own. The world encourages us to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that our hearts can be deceptive. Instead, Jesus calls us to lose our life for His sake, promising that in doing so, we will find true life. Each day, ask yourself if you are clinging to your own version of your future, or if you are willing to lay it down and follow Him wherever He leads. [04:47]
Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own plans instead of surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to lay that down today?
Day 2: The Power and Conviction of God’s Word
The Word of God is alive and powerful, able to pierce our hearts, convict us of sin, and call us to respond. It is not meant to be a mere source of encouragement or self-help, but a living force that brings transformation. When you open the Bible, expect it to challenge you, to reveal areas that need change, and to draw you closer to God. Allow the Scriptures to do their work in you, not just as information, but as the very voice of God calling you to repentance and new life. [10:35]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Reflection: When was the last time you allowed God’s Word to truly challenge or convict you? Will you set aside time today to read Scripture with an open heart, ready to respond?
Day 3: Repentance and Confession Lead to New Life
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for your sins; it is a change of heart and mind that leads to a change of direction. God invites you to turn from your old ways and turn toward Him, believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. This is the foundation of salvation—a gift of grace that you receive by faith. No matter where you are or what you’ve done, you can come home to God today by repenting and confessing Jesus as Lord. [18:04]
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Reflection: Is there anything you need to turn away from today in order to fully follow Jesus? Will you take a moment to confess and surrender it to Him right now?
Day 4: Baptism and the New Identity in Christ
Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation, symbolizing your identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. When you are baptized, you declare that your old life is gone and you are raised to new life in Jesus. This act breaks the legal hold of your past and marks you as a new creation, no longer a slave to sin but alive to God. If you have not yet taken this step, consider the significance of going public with your faith and embracing your new identity in Christ. [21:48]
Romans 6:3-7 (NLT)
Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your life reflect your new identity in Christ? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith?
Day 5: Living as a Disciple in Community
Following Jesus is not a solo journey; you are called to live in community with other believers, serving, giving, and reaching others for Christ. The early church modeled this by being added to the church, growing together, and living out their faith in practical ways. Being planted in a local church is essential for spiritual growth and flourishing. As a disciple, your life should be marked by generosity, service, and a passion to see others come to know Jesus. [26:09]
Acts 2:41-42, 47 (NLT)
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer... And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Reflection: How are you actively serving, giving, and reaching others in your church community? What is one step you can take this week to deepen your commitment to living as a disciple with others?
Quotes
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