Embracing Christ's Lordship: Authority, Surrender, and Grace

Summary

On the eve of D-Day, General Eisenhower’s simple command, “Okay, let’s go,” set history in motion. This moment of authority and command is a small reflection of the far greater authority of God, who reveals Himself in Scripture as Adonai—Lord, Master, the One with ultimate authority. The name Adonai, used thousands of times in the Bible, is not just a title but a declaration of God’s supreme rule and majesty. Unlike any earthly authority, God’s lordship is absolute, unrivaled, and rooted in His very nature as Creator and Sustainer of all things.

To know God as Adonai is to recognize that He does not share His throne. He alone is the highest authority, the Lord of lords, and the God of gods. This truth is not just theological; it is deeply personal and practical. Jesus, the Son, is not only our Savior but also our Lord. The New Testament makes it clear: God has exalted Jesus above every name, and one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not a distant future event to be passively awaited, but an invitation to live under His lordship now.

Bowing the knee to Jesus is more than a physical act; it is a posture of the heart. True submission means placing every aspect of our lives under His authority, not just in word but in deed. The external and internal cannot be separated—what is true in our hearts must be expressed in our lives. Confession of Jesus as Lord is not mere lip service; it is a wholehearted agreement, a profession that shapes our identity and actions.

Paul’s exhortation in Philippians is to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” not as a means to earn God’s favor, but as a response to the reality of Christ’s lordship. Like a sculptor revealing the beauty within a block of marble, God is at work in us, shaping us to reflect Christ. This process is not about compartmentalizing our faith or giving God a portion of our lives, but about surrendering all. Jesus’ commands are not friendly suggestions—they are the words of our King, who is both sovereign and good.

For some, the idea of Jesus as Lord may feel burdensome, shaped by negative experiences with authority. But Jesus is not a harsh master; He is gracious, patient, and kind. He invites us to bow before Him, not out of fear, but because He is worthy and good. Whether we bow now or later, every person will one day acknowledge His lordship. Today is the invitation to know Him as both Savior and Lord, to surrender fully, and to trust in His goodness.

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Key Takeaways

- God as Adonai: The Supreme Authority
Recognizing God as Adonai means acknowledging that He alone holds ultimate authority over all creation. This is not a shared throne or a delegated power—He is the highest, the Lord of lords, and no other authority can rival Him. Our understanding of God’s lordship should shape every aspect of our lives, reminding us that His commands are not optional but carry the weight of divine authority. [03:00]

- The Posture of Bowing: Humility and Surrender
Bowing before Jesus is more than a physical gesture; it is a profound act of humility and surrender. To bow is to place our lives entirely in His hands, acknowledging our dependence and His worthiness. This posture is both external and internal, and true submission cannot be faked—God sees the heart, and He desires a surrender that is genuine and complete. [13:00]

- Confession and Profession: The Unity of Heart and Mouth
Confessing Jesus as Lord is not just about saying the right words; it is about a deep, heartfelt agreement that is expressed outwardly. The Bible never separates internal belief from external confession—both are necessary and reinforce each other. A silent or compartmentalized faith falls short of the biblical call to openly and boldly profess Christ’s lordship in every area of life. [16:43]

- Working Out Salvation: The Call to Integrity and Transformation
Paul’s call to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” is an invitation to intentional, ongoing transformation. This is not about earning salvation, but about allowing God to shape us, removing everything that does not reflect Christ. True maturity is not measured by knowledge alone, but by a life that consistently honors Jesus as Lord, both in public and in private. [21:09]

- The Goodness of the Lord: Authority Rooted in Grace
While earthly authorities may fail or abuse their power, Jesus’ lordship is marked by goodness, mercy, and patience. He is not a harsh taskmaster, but a gracious King who meets us in our failures and calls us forward. Surrendering to His authority is not a burden, but a pathway to life, because He is both King and good, worthy of our trust and devotion. [32:32]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - D-Day and the Power of Command
[01:49] - Understanding Adonai: God’s Name as Lord
[03:00] - The Supremacy of God’s Authority
[05:04] - Jesus: Savior and Lord
[06:44] - Philippians 2: The Exaltation of Christ
[08:46] - The Humiliation and Exaltation of Jesus
[09:46] - Every Knee Will Bow: The Universal Lordship
[10:34] - The Invitation to Bow Now
[11:42] - The Meaning of Bowing: Reverence and Humility
[13:00] - Bowing as Surrender: Heart and Posture
[16:43] - Confession: Professing Jesus as Lord
[18:36] - Practice: Living Under Christ’s Lordship
[21:09] - Working Out Salvation with Fear and Trembling
[23:30] - Integrity: Honoring Christ in All Circumstances
[25:00] - The Danger of Lip Service
[26:37] - Obedience to the Supreme Commander
[30:00] - The Burden of Lordship Without Grace
[31:48] - Is Jesus Safe? The Goodness of the King
[32:32] - The Invitation: Bowing to the Good and Gracious Lord

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Adonai – The Lordship of Christ”

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### Bible Reading

Philippians 2:9-13 (ESV)
> Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what has God done for Jesus, and what is the response of all creation to Him?
2. In the sermon, what does the act of bowing the knee to Jesus represent, both physically and spiritually? [[13:00]]
3. What does Paul mean when he says to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”? [[18:36]]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between calling Jesus “Lord” with our lips and actually living under His lordship? [[25:00]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul connect the exaltation of Jesus with the command that “every knee should bow” and “every tongue confess”? What does this say about Jesus’ authority? [[06:44]]
2. The sermon says that bowing is more than a gesture—it’s a posture of the heart. Why is it important that our external actions match our internal beliefs? [[13:00]]
3. What does it look like to “work out” our salvation, and how is this different from “working for” our salvation? [[18:36]]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus’ commands are not “friendly suggestions.” How does this challenge the way we sometimes approach Jesus’ teachings? [[26:37]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that God as Adonai does not share His throne. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to let someone or something else have more authority than Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? [[03:00]]
2. Bowing the knee is described as a sign of humility and surrender. Is there a specific situation or relationship where you need to humble yourself before God and trust His authority? What’s holding you back? [[13:00]]
3. The message warns against “lip service”—saying Jesus is Lord but not living it out. Are there ways in your daily life where your actions don’t match your confession? What’s one step you can take to bring your actions and words into alignment? [[25:00]]
4. Paul calls us to “work out” our salvation with intentionality. What is one area of your life where you sense God “chipping away” at something that doesn’t reflect Christ? How can you cooperate with Him in that process? [[21:09]]
5. The sermon acknowledges that some people have negative experiences with authority and may struggle to trust Jesus as Lord. If that’s you, what would help you see and trust Jesus’ goodness and grace? [[32:32]]
6. Jesus’ commands are described as the words of a King, not just good advice. Is there a command of Jesus you’ve been treating as optional? What would it look like to obey Him fully in that area? [[26:37]]
7. The message says that every person will one day bow before Jesus. How does knowing this affect the way you want to live today? Is there a decision you need to make now, rather than waiting? [[09:46]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are humble and surrendered, asking God to help each person trust His authority and goodness as Adonai, and to live out their confession that Jesus is Lord in every area of life.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus is Exalted as Lord Above All

Jesus Christ has been given the highest authority and the name above every name, exalted by God the Father because of His obedience and humility, even to death on a cross. This means that there is no power, throne, or authority that surpasses Him—He is supreme over all creation, and His lordship is not just a title but a reality that shapes the destiny of every person and all of creation. To recognize Jesus as Lord is to acknowledge that He alone is worthy of our worship, allegiance, and surrender, and that His rule is both just and gracious. [06:44]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to recognize Jesus’ authority, and what would it look like to truly surrender that area to His lordship today?



Day 2: Bowing in Humility—Posture Before the Lord

Bowing before Jesus is more than a physical act; it is a posture of the heart that signifies total surrender, humility, and reverence before the One who is utterly worthy. To bow is to place your whole life under His authority, acknowledging that your very existence is in His hands and that He alone deserves to be elevated. This act of humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing the infinite worth of Christ and responding with genuine submission, both inwardly and outwardly, as a reflection of what is true in your heart. [14:15]

Romans 14:11 (ESV)
"For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'"

Reflection: When was the last time you physically or symbolically bowed before God in prayer or worship, and how might intentionally adopting this posture help you express humility and surrender to Him today?



Day 3: Confessing Jesus as Lord—Profession of Faith

Confessing that Jesus is Lord is not just about saying the right words; it is a wholehearted agreement and public declaration that flows from deep conviction. True confession marries the internal belief of the heart with the external profession of the mouth, leaving no room for hypocrisy or silence. This means that faith in Christ is not meant to be hidden or private, but boldly professed, so that your life and words together testify to His lordship and your allegiance to Him. [16:43]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your confession of Jesus as Lord, and how can you courageously share your faith with them this week?



Day 4: Living Under Christ’s Lordship—Practice and Obedience

To live under the lordship of Jesus means that every area of your life—your work, relationships, priorities, and affections—is brought under His authority, not just in public but especially in private. This is a daily, intentional process of allowing God to shape you, like a sculptor refining a masterpiece, so that your actions, decisions, and character reflect Christ more and more. True obedience is not about performing for others or compartmentalizing your faith, but about consistent integrity and wholehearted submission to Jesus, knowing that God Himself is at work in you for His good pleasure. [23:30]

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: What is one specific area where you need to bring your actions or decisions under the lordship of Jesus, and what step can you take today to obey Him in that area—even if no one else is watching?



Day 5: Jesus is Lord and Savior—He is Good and Gracious

Jesus’ lordship is not harsh or burdensome; He is a good, gracious, and merciful King who invites you to know Him as both Lord and Savior. While He calls for your full surrender and obedience, He also meets you in your failures with patience and kindness, never leaving you to carry the weight of perfection on your own. To bow before Jesus is to trust not only in His authority but also in His goodness, knowing that He is worthy of your trust and that His commands are for your ultimate good and flourishing. [32:32]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: Are you carrying the burden of trying to obey Jesus in your own strength, or are you trusting in His goodness and grace? How can you rest in His mercy and let Him lead you today?

Quotes

Adonai, it comes from the word Adon, which basically just speaks to someone who is a master or a lord. There's someone who has authority in your life. In the Bible, we see this used for even just people, right? So King David, before he became king, referred to King Saul as his Adon, his lord. [00:01:49] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

But when we see Adonai, Adonai is the plural of Adon. So it's interesting when we see the Bible use Adonai in reference to God, not at all meaning that God is multiple. It's not speaking to the multiplicity of God. It's what the scholars actually refer to as the plural of majesty. And so what it's doing is a Hebrew way of articulating and defining the greatness and dignity and the supremacy of God. [00:02:35] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

He not only did he create creation, he now rules and reigns over it. So he can set his law before us and say that he has the right to not just demand that but to follow through and to uphold that law for which we know that there are consequences. [00:04:23] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

To confess something, as Paul is saying, is to verbally, audibly confess it with your mouth that you are in total and absolute agreement with what you are confessing. So there's no hypocrisy in it. So we think that, hey, you know, one day every knee will bow and every tongue is going to confess, and we think that those tongues are going to confess that Jesus is Lord like tongue in cheek, like they're going to say it because they got to say it, you know, but there's that little bit of attitude behind it that says, no, I don't really think that's true. What Paul is saying is, no, on that day, there will be no doubt in anybody's mind, in anybody's heart, on that day, everybody's going to know that Jesus is Lord, and everyone's going to say it like they mean it. [00:16:31] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip

You're not working for your salvation. Your salvation is there. You are in Christ, but you bring that salvation to its proper conclusion. That means you're not just saying things with your mouth, you're living it with your life. This beautiful sculpture that is the maturity in Christ is in there. [00:20:25] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

Everything, guys, is brought under the Lordship of Christ. So when he's saying, work it out with fear and trembling, he's saying, don't be lazy about this. Don't be lazy about following Jesus as his Lord. You ought to do that today and do it intensely. Like it matters. Bring your salvation to its proper conclusion. That's the calling on us today. That we live this thing out in our practice. [00:21:47] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

When the rubber meets the road, who's calling the shots in your life? Who is seated on the throne of your life? Is Jesus Lord when it's convenient? When it fits in your schedule? When it's comfortable? Or is Jesus Lord when He calls you out of that comfort zone? [00:25:50] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

When Jesus is Lord he is not asking for just a compartment of your life he does not interested in part of you he has called all of you he invites you to go all in and to follow him i mean we're not going to be perfect with this and don't don't hear what i'm not saying with that we're going to stumble we're going to fall but at some point guys we got to start also being honest we're just say one thing with our mouth we're not fooling god if our heart's not there if we're really not submitting to him as lord [00:28:25] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip