Daily Surrender: The Path to True Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the profound commitment of individuals choosing to follow Jesus through baptism. Witnessing Edgar and Anila publicly declare their faith was a powerful reminder of the transformative work Jesus is doing in our community. This morning, we delved into Matthew 16:24, where Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This call to "come and die" is not just a metaphor but a real invitation to surrender our lives fully to Jesus, trusting that there is life on the other side of this surrender.
Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" is pivotal. It challenges us to move beyond societal opinions and personal misconceptions to a place of personal conviction and declaration. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, was a revelation from the Father, not something he arrived at on his own. This underscores the necessity of divine revelation in truly understanding and following Jesus.
Following Jesus doesn't require us to have all the answers or understand every detail. It requires faith and obedience to what God has revealed to us. Jesus' rebuke of Peter, calling him "Satan" for trying to deter Him from His path, highlights the importance of aligning our understanding and actions with God's will, even when it contradicts our expectations or desires.
Taking up our cross daily means continually dying to our own plans, desires, and sins, and trusting in God's plan for our lives. This daily surrender is not easy, but it is the path to true life. Jesus modeled this for us by fully submitting to the Father's will, even unto death, and trusting in the resurrection life that followed.
In practical terms, this might mean letting go of personal ambitions, dealing with hidden sins, or surrendering our fears and anxieties to God. Each of us has unique crosses to bear, and the journey of following Jesus is a daily, ongoing process of dying to self and living for Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Personal Revelation of Jesus: Understanding who Jesus is requires a personal revelation from God. Like Peter, we must move beyond societal opinions and personal misconceptions to a place of personal conviction and declaration. This revelation is a gift from the Father, opening our eyes to the true identity of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. [51:21]
2. Faith and Obedience Over Full Understanding: Following Jesus doesn't require full understanding of every detail but demands faith and obedience to what God has revealed. We are responsible for acting on the knowledge we have, trusting God with the unknown. This principle encourages us to step out in faith, even when we don't see the full picture. [58:01]
3. Daily Surrender: Taking up our cross daily means continually dying to our own plans, desires, and sins, and trusting in God's plan for our lives. This daily surrender is not easy, but it is the path to true life. Jesus modeled this for us by fully submitting to the Father's will, even unto death, and trusting in the resurrection life that followed. [01:07:27]
4. Life on the Other Side of Death: There is life on the other side of our surrender. Jesus trusted that there was life beyond the cross, and we must trust that there is abundant life beyond our own sacrifices and denials. This perspective helps us endure the difficulties of surrender, knowing that God's plans are ultimately for our good. [01:03:20]
5. Practical Application of Surrender: Surrendering to Jesus looks different for each person, depending on their unique struggles and circumstances. It might involve letting go of personal ambitions, dealing with hidden sins, or surrendering fears and anxieties. The key is to continually seek God's will and trust Him with the outcomes, knowing that He is a better provider and guide than we could ever be. [01:16:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:46] - Baptism of Edgar
[27:27] - Baptism of Anila
[43:44] - Reflections on Worship
[45:08] - Introduction to Matthew 16
[45:32] - Jesus' Call to "Come and Die"
[46:25] - Vision of Worship and Bowing
[47:55] - Context of Jesus' Words
[48:44] - Jesus' Ministry and Miracles
[49:39] - Who Do People Say Jesus Is?
[50:54] - Peter's Confession
[51:21] - Revelation from the Father
[52:28] - Peter as Spokesperson
[53:14] - Understanding the Messiah
[54:28] - Peter's Declaration of Faith
[55:30] - Jesus' Praise and Revelation
[56:46] - Distinction Between Opinions and Faith
[57:24] - Who Is Jesus to You?
[58:01] - Faith and Obedience
[58:43] - Jesus Predicts His Death
[59:22] - Peter's Rebuke and Jesus' Response
[01:00:28] - The Necessity of the Cross
[01:01:52] - Misunderstanding the Messiah's Mission
[01:03:20] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:04:30] - Daily Surrender
[01:05:50] - Life Beyond Surrender
[01:06:40] - Practical Application
[01:07:27] - Daily Cross-Bearing
[01:08:09] - Continual Revelation and Surrender
[01:09:08] - Personal Examples of Surrender
[01:10:06] - Marriage and Dying to Self
[01:11:52] - Overcoming Addiction
[01:12:43] - Life on the Other Side
[01:13:27] - Surrendering Expectations
[01:14:30] - Career and Ministry Call
[01:15:24] - God's Call and Our Response
[01:16:33] - Gradual Surrender
[01:17:10] - Full-Time Ministry Transition
[01:17:45] - Continual Trust in God
[01:18:14] - Invitation to Surrender
[01:18:45] - Galatians 2:20 Reflection
[01:19:17] - Daily Process of Surrender
[01:19:50] - Jesus' Invitation to Life
[01:20:40] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:24 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
2. Matthew 16:13-17 - "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.'"
3. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when he said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me"? ([45:32])
2. How did Peter respond to Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" and what was Jesus' reaction? ([50:54])
3. What was the significance of Jesus calling Peter "Satan" after Peter rebuked Him? ([59:22])
4. According to the sermon, what does it mean to take up our cross daily? ([01:07:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to have a personal revelation of who Jesus is, rather than relying on societal opinions? ([51:21])
2. How does the concept of daily surrender challenge our personal ambitions and desires? ([01:07:27])
3. What does it mean to trust that there is life on the other side of our surrender, as Jesus did with the cross? ([01:03:20])
4. How can the story of Peter's confession and subsequent rebuke help us understand the balance between faith and misunderstanding in our walk with Jesus? ([59:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Who do you say Jesus is? How has this personal revelation impacted your daily decisions and actions? ([50:54])
2. What are some specific areas in your life where you need to practice daily surrender? How can you start this process today? ([01:07:27])
3. Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to trust God with an unknown outcome? How did you handle it, and what was the result? ([01:03:20])
4. Think about a time when your expectations did not align with God's plan. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([59:22])
5. Identify one personal ambition or hidden sin that you need to let go of. What steps can you take this week to surrender this to God? ([01:07:27])
6. How can you encourage someone else in your community to take up their cross and follow Jesus? Share a practical way you can support them in their journey. ([01:07:27])
7. Reflect on Galatians 2:20. What does it mean for you to live by faith in the Son of God in your current circumstances? How can this verse guide your actions this week? ([01:18:45])
Devotional
### Day 1: Personal Revelation of Jesus
Theme: Understanding Jesus through Divine Revelation
Description: Understanding who Jesus truly is requires a personal revelation from God. This is not something that can be fully grasped through societal opinions or personal misconceptions. In Matthew 16:16-17, Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, was a revelation from the Father. This underscores the necessity of divine revelation in truly understanding and following Jesus. It is a gift from the Father that opens our eyes to the true identity of Jesus. This personal revelation moves us from a place of hearsay and assumption to a place of conviction and declaration. [51:21]
Bible Passage: "And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'" (Matthew 16:17, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your own journey of faith. Can you identify a moment when you felt a personal revelation of who Jesus is? How did it change your understanding and relationship with Him?
### Day 2: Faith and Obedience Over Full Understanding
Theme: Trusting God Beyond Our Understanding
Description: Following Jesus does not require us to have all the answers or understand every detail. It demands faith and obedience to what God has revealed to us. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This principle encourages us to step out in faith, even when we don't see the full picture. Jesus' rebuke of Peter for trying to deter Him from His path highlights the importance of aligning our understanding and actions with God's will, even when it contradicts our expectations or desires. [58:01]
Bible Passage: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God because you don't understand His plan? What step of faith can you take today to trust Him more fully?
### Day 3: Daily Surrender
Theme: The Daily Act of Surrendering to God
Description: Taking up our cross daily means continually dying to our own plans, desires, and sins, and trusting in God's plan for our lives. This daily surrender is not easy, but it is the path to true life. Jesus modeled this for us by fully submitting to the Father's will, even unto death, and trusting in the resurrection life that followed. Each of us has unique crosses to bear, and the journey of following Jesus is a daily, ongoing process of dying to self and living for Him. [01:07:27]
Bible Passage: "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to practice daily surrender? How can you start this process today?
### Day 4: Life on the Other Side of Death
Theme: Finding Life Through Surrender
Description: There is life on the other side of our surrender. Jesus trusted that there was life beyond the cross, and we must trust that there is abundant life beyond our own sacrifices and denials. This perspective helps us endure the difficulties of surrender, knowing that God's plans are ultimately for our good. Trusting in God's plan, even when it involves personal sacrifice, leads to a deeper, more fulfilling life in Christ. [01:03:20]
Bible Passage: "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you surrendered something significant to God. How did you experience His life and blessings on the other side of that surrender?
### Day 5: Practical Application of Surrender
Theme: Living Out Surrender in Daily Life
Description: Surrendering to Jesus looks different for each person, depending on their unique struggles and circumstances. It might involve letting go of personal ambitions, dealing with hidden sins, or surrendering fears and anxieties. The key is to continually seek God's will and trust Him with the outcomes, knowing that He is a better provider and guide than we could ever be. This daily, practical application of surrender is a journey that requires constant reflection and adjustment. [01:16:33]
Bible Passage: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
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?
Quotes
1. "And I'm just so thankful for what Jesus is doing here at LCC in the hearts of people. You know, people just deciding to follow Jesus. And then... And then following him in baptism and declaring that Jesus Christ is my Lord and I'm going to live for him the rest of my life. It's incredible. It's awesome. And I'm just so thankful for what God's doing." [43:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When Jesus spoke these words, come and die, he was in the middle of a big conversation with his disciples about who Jesus really was and what he was really there to do. So we're going to back up and go to Matthew 16, 13. And if you're taking notes, this same conversation is recorded in Mark 8 and Luke chapter 9. And I think it's really good sometimes to take the Gospels and something that Jesus spoke and find out, you know, what did Luke catch? What did Mark catch? It's really good in studying the word. And I think it'll bless you." [47:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So my first point for this sermon is to follow Jesus. We've got to answer, who is he to us? Who is he to you? Jesus is telling his disciples and Peter that you're mine, you're different, that I've been revealed to you. The Father has opened your eyes. You didn't get there on your own. The Father revealed who I was to you, and I am your Savior, your Lord and Messiah. And they're agreeing. Yes, we're putting our hope in you." [57:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Believing in Jesus and following him does not require full understanding about everything, but believing and acting on what God has shown you about him. It's not about what you don't know that you're responsible for. It's about the things that we do know that the Lord has revealed to us to act and believe on." [58:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus trusted that there was life on the other side of the cross. And his human nature, there was, he was fully human. So there was times in the Bible where Jesus is, like, asking God, if there's any other way, make it happen, but not my will, but yours. So even Jesus sometimes struggled to see the life on the other side of the cross. It's kind of odd to think, isn't it? But he trusted that there was life on the cross. And he trusted that there was life on the other side of the cross. And that's the best news possible, is that there's life on the other side of that cross." [01:03:20] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So this is the example that Jesus leaves us to take up our cross, to deny ourselves because he did that, to die to our sin. For us, it's us dying to our sin. It's dying to our expectations, what we think should happen. Sometimes it's even dying to what we think should happen because I'm serving the Lord. I'm a Christian. This shouldn't be happening to me. And, but instead trust the Father with the outcome just like he did. And so this is how we follow Jesus. That's kind of the answer. It's not a formula. It's not simple actually." [01:04:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And so, you know, we hear the word save, and we think like, ah, I saved you, you know. But whoever wants to save his life, think of it more like a savings account. Whoever wants to save up his life will lose it. But whoever spends his life for me will find it. And Tony Evans says it like this, if you want to run your life, you'll find that you lose the life you were looking for. Because there's life on the other side of that death, on the other side of that denying yourself, on the other side of that difficulty. But it's only if we let Jesus actually be Lord." [01:05:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So I died a little bit at a time to the dependence on me and my career to give me the life that I think I needed to depending on the Lord and trusting the Lord to give me what I needed and to live for him and to do what he's called me to do. There's a lot more to the story. Uh, but I've got to say again, there's so much life on the other side of that death. There's so much life. He's been so good to me. He's so much better of a provider than I've ever was as hard as I was trying." [01:17:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so if I was going to rephrase that or add my little bit into it, I, I, the me, myself, my sense of self, my sense of how things should go, my life should go, my right to define myself by something else, by what I do, that's been crucified with Christ. And it's no longer, it's no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. He's given us more life than we can ever imagine. If we can see past the hard stuff that's in front of us, we see past the difficulty that we think it's going to cost us. If we give that to the Lord, this or that, whatever it is, of course, leading you to, to lay down and give to." [01:19:17] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "But the invitation still stands today. Jesus comes to us and says, let me be your Lord. Come and die so that you can truly live. That's what he's saying to us today. And so in response to that, what are we going to do? Because if we say that he is Lord and he's, he's the one, it requires a response from us. So what's our response? That's a question you guys got to answer. I've got to answer it. Every day." [01:19:50] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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