Embracing Submission: The Path to True Fulfillment
Summary
In reflecting on the significance of Good Friday, we gather to remember the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, a pivotal moment in history that brought salvation to humanity. This day, often marked by somber reflection, is also a celebration of the eternal life, joy, hope, and salvation that Jesus secured for us. Despite the immense suffering He endured, Jesus fulfilled His mission to save mankind, a mission that neither Satan nor the world could thwart.
The narrative of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane offers a profound lesson on submission to God's will. Jesus, fully divine yet fully human, experienced deep anguish as He faced the impending crucifixion. His prayer, "Not as I will, but as You will," exemplifies the struggle and ultimate submission to God's plan. This submission is not about relinquishing control but about aligning with God's perfect will, which always results in the best outcome.
Submission is a real struggle, as it requires us to let go of our desires, plans, and comforts. It demands that we prioritize God's will over our own, recognizing that life is not about us but about fulfilling God's purpose. This struggle is evident in our daily lives, whether in career decisions, relationships, or personal ambitions. Yet, through prayer and reliance on God's strength, we can find the courage to submit and accept the consequences that come with it.
The story of Jesus' submission is a reminder that God's will, though challenging, leads to the most beneficial outcomes. Jesus' obedience brought about the salvation of the world, demonstrating that true fulfillment and purpose are found in surrendering to God's plan. As we reflect on this Good Friday, we are called to examine our own lives and consider how we can live in response to the sacrifice of Christ, embracing the joy and completeness that come from submitting to God's will.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Submission: Submission to God's will is a profound struggle, as it requires us to relinquish our desires and control. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, "Not as I will, but as You will," exemplifies the ultimate act of submission, reminding us that aligning with God's plan leads to the best outcomes. [09:14]
2. The Human Struggle with Control: Our natural inclination is to prioritize our comfort and desires, often at the expense of God's will. The story of Jesus in the garden highlights the tension between human desires and divine purpose, urging us to seek God's will above our own. [12:21]
3. The Role of Prayer in Submission: Daily prayer is essential in helping us submit to God's will. By seeking God's guidance and strength, we can find the courage to align our lives with His purpose, even when it requires sacrifice and acceptance of difficult consequences. [24:12]
4. Acceptance of Consequences: True submission involves accepting the responsibilities and consequences that come with aligning with God's will. Jesus' acceptance of His path to the cross demonstrates the peace and strength that come from trusting in God's perfect plan. [29:45]
5. The Joy of Submission: Submission to God's will ultimately leads to joy and fulfillment. Jesus' obedience brought salvation to the world, illustrating that true purpose and completeness are found in surrendering to God's plan, rather than pursuing our own desires. [40:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:36] - The Struggle of Submission
- [06:22] - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane
- [09:14] - Understanding Jesus' Distress
- [12:21] - The Reality of Sin and Salvation
- [16:16] - Submission in Everyday Life
- [18:58] - The Temptation to Take the Easy Road
- [21:16] - The Importance of Prayer
- [24:12] - Daily Prayer for Submission
- [26:58] - Personal Reflections on Submission
- [29:45] - Acceptance of Consequences
- [33:05] - Trusting God's Decisions
- [35:14] - The Challenge of Acceptance
- [37:03] - The Ultimate Act of Submission
- [40:04] - The Joy and Purpose in Submission
- [42:28] - Call to Response and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Significance of Submission
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 26:36-46
- John 6:38
- Philippians 2:5-8
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 26:36-46, what emotions did Jesus express in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how did He respond to these emotions? [06:22]
2. According to John 6:38, what was Jesus' primary purpose for coming to earth, and how does this relate to His actions in the Garden of Gethsemane? [12:21]
3. How does Philippians 2:5-8 describe Jesus' attitude towards submission, and what actions did He take as a result? [40:04]
4. What specific struggle did Jesus face in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how did He demonstrate submission to God's will? [09:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane illustrate the struggle between human desires and divine purpose? What can this teach us about our own struggles with submission? [09:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that submission to God's will can lead to the best outcomes, even when it involves personal sacrifice? [37:03]
3. How does the concept of submission in Philippians 2:5-8 challenge our understanding of power and authority in our personal lives? [40:04]
4. What role does prayer play in helping believers submit to God's will, according to the sermon? How can this be applied in daily life? [24:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision where you prioritized your own desires over God's will. How might the outcome have been different if you had chosen submission instead? [12:21]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to relinquish control. What steps can you take to align this area with God's will? [16:16]
3. Consider a situation where you faced consequences for submitting to God's will. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of God's plan? [29:45]
4. How can you incorporate daily prayer into your routine to seek guidance and strength for submission? What specific prayers might you include? [24:12]
5. Think of a time when you resisted accepting the consequences of submission. What can you learn from Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane to help you accept future outcomes? [29:45]
6. How can you encourage others in your life to embrace submission to God's will, especially when it involves difficult choices or sacrifices? [21:16]
7. Reflect on the joy and fulfillment that come from submitting to God's plan. How can you cultivate a mindset that seeks this joy in your daily life? [40:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Struggle of Submission
Submission to God's will is a profound struggle, as it requires us to relinquish our desires and control. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, "Not as I will, but as You will," exemplifies the ultimate act of submission, reminding us that aligning with God's plan leads to the best outcomes. This struggle is not about giving up but about trusting that God's will is perfect and leads to the most beneficial outcomes. In our daily lives, we often face decisions where our desires conflict with what we sense God is calling us to do. It is in these moments that we are invited to follow Jesus' example and submit to God's will, trusting that His plan is greater than our own. [09:14]
Matthew 26:39 (ESV): "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to submit to God's will? How can you begin to trust His plan over your own desires today?
Day 2: The Tension Between Human Desires and Divine Purpose
Our natural inclination is to prioritize our comfort and desires, often at the expense of God's will. The story of Jesus in the garden highlights the tension between human desires and divine purpose, urging us to seek God's will above our own. This tension is a common experience in our lives, where we are tempted to choose the easy path rather than the one God has set before us. By recognizing this struggle, we can begin to seek God's guidance and strength to align our lives with His purpose, even when it requires sacrifice. [12:21]
Galatians 5:17 (ESV): "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Identify a recent decision where you prioritized your desires over God's will. How can you seek His guidance to align your future choices with His purpose?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer in Submission
Daily prayer is essential in helping us submit to God's will. By seeking God's guidance and strength, we can find the courage to align our lives with His purpose, even when it requires sacrifice and acceptance of difficult consequences. Prayer is not just about asking for what we want but about seeking to understand and embrace God's will for our lives. Through prayer, we can find the strength to let go of our desires and trust in God's perfect plan. [24:12]
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek God's will and strength in your life?
Day 4: Embracing the Consequences of Submission
True submission involves accepting the responsibilities and consequences that come with aligning with God's will. Jesus' acceptance of His path to the cross demonstrates the peace and strength that come from trusting in God's perfect plan. When we submit to God's will, we may face challenges and sacrifices, but we can also experience the peace that comes from knowing we are following His purpose. Embracing these consequences is a testament to our faith and trust in God's plan. [29:45]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one consequence of submitting to God's will that you are currently facing? How can you find peace and strength in trusting His plan?
Day 5: The Joy and Fulfillment in Submission
Submission to God's will ultimately leads to joy and fulfillment. Jesus' obedience brought salvation to the world, illustrating that true purpose and completeness are found in surrendering to God's plan, rather than pursuing our own desires. When we align our lives with God's will, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living out His purpose for us. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God and our trust in His plan. [40:04]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced joy and fulfillment from submitting to God's will. How can you continue to seek His purpose in your life today?
Quotes
We are here because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. More than 2,000 years ago, He came and He died for each one of us. You know, sometimes I know that many Good Fridays, we feel as if we cannot laugh. We feel as if we have to be serious because of the great sufferings of Jesus. And yes, He indeed did suffer. [00:00:11] (23 seconds)
But you know, this is the greatest Friday in all of history because on this Friday, when Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross, for sins in the past, present, and future, He did so and He brought us salvation. He brought us eternal life. And that's why there need not be a somber spirit because Jesus Christ did what He came to earth to do, to save mankind. [00:00:36] (29 seconds)
Jesus Christ came and saved the world and by doing so gave us eternal life, eternal joy, eternal hope, eternal salvation. Indeed, this is a time to worship Him. [00:01:09] (14 seconds)
That's why it is one of our greatest struggles, the great struggle of when the Scriptures tell us it isn't about our will, but that it should be about God's will in our life. [00:03:43] (13 seconds)
Jesus is about to die on the cross for the sins of mankind. He knew he would have to die, submitting to God the Father's will. He knew of this since he was a child. Even before he took on incarnate form as a babe of Bethlehem, while in heaven, he knew what had to happen. You read the book of Hebrews chapter 10. [00:04:56] (21 seconds)
And that's why Jesus declares in John chapter 6, verse 38, For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. [00:05:17] (13 seconds)
He knew what was at stake, the saving of mankind from sin, but yet requiring His death, the death of the sinless Son of God, the God-man, God Himself, the person of Jesus Christ. [00:08:24] (14 seconds)
It is very difficult to give up what we love, what is that which we believe is our right, our very life. And while the struggle for submission is not the one that Jesus went to, it is a daily struggle for us in which we need prayer support for. [00:09:59] (18 seconds)
All of this is very hard because submission demands that we give up. We give up our rights, our pleasures, our desires, our plans, the very control of our lives. [00:10:51] (14 seconds)
You have to understand the struggles. You have to have a right perspective that submission is not about you and your decision. You have to pray. You have to ask for help from the one who can enable you to make these hard life choices and decisions. [00:21:27] (17 seconds)
And you need to ask the help, the supernatural help of the Heavenly Father. You know, Jesus had His inner core of three disciples. In the same way, you and I need a good buddy system, spiritual buddy system, like in a life group, to aid us in our journey through life and in the hard decisions of life. [00:21:44] (21 seconds)
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