Embracing Surrender: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Totality of Surrender

Surrendering to God is an all-or-nothing decision. It is not a partial act but a complete and binary choice to let go of our own will and align ourselves entirely with God's will. This act of surrender opens us up to receive God's blessings and guidance, leading to profound spiritual transformation. When we fully surrender, we allow God to work in our lives in ways we cannot imagine, transforming our hearts and minds to reflect His purpose and love.

Surrendering to God means trusting Him with every aspect of our lives, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. It requires us to let go of our own desires and plans, and instead, seek to understand and follow God's will. This kind of surrender is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to live in obedience and faith. As we surrender more fully, we experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are in God's hands.

Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

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? [35:04]

Day 2: Embracing a Mindset of Service

Our mindset significantly impacts our ability to serve and find joy. A mindset of entitlement leads to dissatisfaction and a critical heart, while a mindset of service fosters joy and fulfillment. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. When we approach life with a mindset of service, we are more open to seeing the needs of others and responding with compassion and love.

A mindset of service means putting others before ourselves and seeking to serve rather than be served. It involves humility and a willingness to sacrifice our own comfort and convenience for the sake of others. This mindset is not always easy to maintain, especially in challenging circumstances, but it is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world.

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt entitled or dissatisfied. How could you have approached it with a mindset of service instead? What practical steps can you take to adopt this mindset in your daily life? [40:00]

Day 3: Living the Beatitudes

Jesus' Beatitudes in Matthew 5 outline the characteristics of those who are blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven. These include humility, empathy, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. Embracing these traits leads to a life that is aligned with God's will and promises. The Beatitudes challenge us to adopt a mindset that is counter-cultural, focusing on spiritual values rather than worldly success.

Living the Beatitudes means striving to embody the qualities that Jesus described. It involves being poor in spirit, mourning over sin, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. These qualities are not easy to cultivate, but they are essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His Kingdom.

Matthew 5:3-10 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Reflection: Which of the Beatitudes do you find most challenging to live out in your daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate this quality more fully? [47:52]

Day 4: Hope Rooted in God

Our hope should not be based on external circumstances but rooted in our relationship with God. This hope enables us to serve others selflessly and endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Heaven. It is this hope that sustains us and gives us purpose, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

When our hope is rooted in God, we are not easily shaken by the ups and downs of life. We can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us and that He has a plan for our lives. This hope gives us the strength to persevere and to continue serving others, even when it is difficult. It reminds us that our ultimate reward is not in this world, but in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself placing hope in external circumstances rather than in your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to root your hope more deeply in Him? [51:36]

Day 5: Living a Life Worthy of Persecution

Jesus calls us to live a life that may lead to persecution for the sake of righteousness. This is not to seek suffering but to fully commit to the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Such a life is marked by humility, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of God's will, even in the face of adversity. Living a life worthy of persecution means standing firm in our faith and values, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

This kind of life requires courage and a deep trust in God. It means being willing to face opposition and criticism for the sake of righteousness. It also means being a light in the darkness, showing the love and truth of Jesus to a world that may not always welcome it. By living a life worthy of persecution, we honor God and demonstrate our commitment to His Kingdom.

2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are hesitant to fully live out your faith because of fear of persecution or criticism? How can you take a step of courage to stand firm in your faith today? [01:13:08]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Tab Church. Today, we explored the profound concept of surrender and its significance in our spiritual journey. Surrender is not a partial act; it is an absolute, binary decision to let go of our will and align ourselves entirely with God's will. This act of surrender allows us to receive what God has for us, transforming our lives in ways we cannot imagine.

We also delved into the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, where Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who are blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven. These teachings challenge us to adopt a mindset of humility, empathy, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and to embrace persecution for the sake of righteousness, promising that such a life leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Through personal anecdotes, I illustrated the difference between a mindset of entitlement and a mindset of service. Whether in challenging circumstances like a mission trip to Haiti or a more comfortable setting like a family vacation, our mindset profoundly affects our experience and our ability to serve others.

We concluded by reflecting on what dictates our hope and inner world. Jesus teaches us that our hope should be rooted in our relationship with God, not in external circumstances. This hope enables us to serve others selflessly, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Heaven. As we enter a new season, let us commit to living a life fully surrendered to God, serving others with the same love and grace that Jesus modeled for us.

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Key Takeaways

1. Surrender is Absolute: Surrendering to God is not a partial act; it is a complete and binary decision. When we surrender our will to God, we open ourselves to receive His blessings and guidance. This act of letting go allows us to align our lives with God's purpose, leading to profound spiritual transformation. [35:04]
2. **Mindset of Service vs. Entitlement**: Our mindset significantly impacts our ability to serve and find joy. A mindset of entitlement leads to dissatisfaction and a critical heart, while a mindset of service fosters joy and fulfillment. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. [40:00]
3. The Beatitudes as a Blueprint for Blessed Living: Jesus' Beatitudes in Matthew 5 outline the characteristics of those who are blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven. These include humility, empathy, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. Embracing these traits leads to a life that is aligned with God's will and promises. [47:52]
4. Hope Rooted in Relationship with God: Our hope should not be based on external circumstances but rooted in our relationship with God. This hope enables us to serve others selflessly and endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Heaven. It is this hope that sustains us and gives us purpose. [51:36]
5. Living a Life Worthy of Persecution: Jesus calls us to live a life that may lead to persecution for the sake of righteousness. This is not to seek suffering but to fully commit to the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Such a life is marked by humility, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of God's will, even in the face of adversity. [01:13:08]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:04] - The Meaning of Surrender
[36:47] - Receiving from God
[37:41] - Mindset of Service
[38:28] - Personal Anecdotes: Haiti vs. Great Wolf Lodge
[40:00] - Mindset of Entitlement
[41:30] - The Hope Meter
[43:28] - Jesus' Teachings on Hope
[45:07] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
[46:01] - The Disciples' Mindset
[47:52] - The Beatitudes Explained
[49:46] - The Fruit of Jesus' Life
[51:36] - Humility and Worship
[52:28] - Personal and Communal Mourning
[55:50] - Godly Mourning
[59:00] - Meekness and Inheritance
[62:03] - Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
[65:08] - Mercy and Belonging
[67:10] - Purity and Peacemaking
[69:11] - Persecution for Righteousness
[73:08] - Living a Life Worthy of Persecution
[77:04] - Surrendering All to God
[79:09] - Wake Up to Serve
[82:19] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes) — - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

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Observation Questions

What does it mean to be "poor in spirit" according to Matthew 5:3?
How does Jesus describe those who are "blessed" in the Beatitudes? ([47:52])
What personal anecdotes did the pastor share to illustrate the difference between a mindset of service and a mindset of entitlement? ([38:28])
According to the sermon, what should dictate our hope and inner world? ([43:28])

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of absolute surrender to God challenge our daily decision-making and priorities? ([35:04])
In what ways do the Beatitudes serve as a blueprint for living a life aligned with God's will? ([47:52])
How can a mindset of service, as opposed to entitlement, transform our experiences and interactions with others? ([40:00])
What does it mean to have hope rooted in our relationship with God rather than in external circumstances? ([51:36])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose between surrendering to God's will and following your own desires. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? ([35:04])
Think about a time when you approached a situation with a mindset of entitlement. How did it affect your experience and your ability to serve others? ([40:00])
Which Beatitude do you find most challenging to live out in your daily life? Why, and what steps can you take to embrace it more fully? ([47:52])
How can you cultivate a mindset of humility, empathy, and meekness in your interactions with others this week? ([47:52])
Identify one area of your life where you need to root your hope more deeply in your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from external circumstances to your faith? ([51:36])
Have you ever faced persecution or criticism for living out your faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience? ([01:13:08])
As we enter a new season, what specific actions can you take to live a life fully surrendered to God and serve others with love and grace? ([01:22:19])

Sermon Clips

1. "Surrender is discovering God's will for every situation and bending every effort in that direction and today as we sing I surrender all it is just this reality of you we don't surrender a little bit uh surrender is binary it's absolute it's either you're surrendering or you're not surrendering and so when I have the chance or when I plan it I usually do hands um it's almost like hands out is surrender and it's just this reality of like I surrender everything I'm letting go of everything right so practice this with me just put your hands this way and just go like this I surrender all and when we surrender all then we have the opportunity to receive." [35:04] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God has good things prepared for you. He has good things in store for you. I have a good friend, my friend, he says that to me all the time. He's like, God. God has good things in store for us. He has good things in store for you. It's almost like his calling card in my life in this season." [37:41] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What do we tend to put our hope in every day would be my question. Or let me even say it this way because we wake up every day and something gets us out of bed every day, right? And that dictates our mindset and how we feel throughout the day. And so I'll even say it this way to distill it down one more time. And it would be, what dictates how hopeful we are every day? What dictates your inner world every day?" [40:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This is the reality that we have nothing to give God. We can only receive from him. Amen. Everything that we can give God, we have first received from him anyway. He gave us life. We get to give it back to him. He gave us our family. We get to give it back to him. He gave us our intelligence. We get to put that at his service that we have to be poor is to have nothing to give, but to be poor in spirit is the reality that we have nothing to give to God." [50:37] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Worship comes to be a response. We worship him and we're just responding to everything that he's done for us. So I would say that the fruit of Jesus in this is his humility. God, it's all yours. Verse four. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. There is a personal mourning. I mourn. I lose. We lose our friends. We lose our family members. Mourning has to do with mourning the loss of a person. And some of us are mourning this morning. Some of us are mourning the life of people in our lives prior. And the promise is that you will be comforted." [52:28] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Inheritance through relationship, right? I have to be in relationship with a father or grandfather. Grandfather or grandmother, the inheritance comes because we're in relationship in some way or another connected. A will determines the recipient. Well, I would say God's will chooses the meek as recipients. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. You are a beloved son and you are a beloved daughter. So there you go. There's your connection. There's your relationship. But your meekness determines the will of God to allow you to inherit the earth." [56:46] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Yes. You get what you give. Yes. It's plant and harvest. And I say those lightly because the most important thing is that Jesus. He shows up to show us mercy in a way that we've never seen it before. Jesus redefines the word mercy for us. We didn't know mercy the way the world knows mercy today until Jesus who is saying these words steps on the stage. Right? And so blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." [01:04:25] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Why should we wake up every day ready to serve? Ready to love? Ready to care the way Jesus did? Well, because he is our hope. We are able to transition from a life of being served. Where we're easily unhappy. To transitioning into a life of being the person that shows up to serve every day. And in showing up to serve every day. We somehow find that suffering produces perseverance. And perseverance produces character. And character produces hope. And hope will never put us to shame." [01:15:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you have hope in the kingdom, you can have hope in nothing else. That was the hardest part also this morning. Was just realizing, what do I put my hope in? And I was like, Jesus, obviously. But then I realized. But I sort of start to have hope in these comforts or these levels or these markers of my life. And Jesus just reminded me this morning, like, you have to have all of your hope set on me. All of it has to be submitted to me." [01:21:11] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If we get this right, we will be on mission. We will be mission focused versus me focused. If we get this right, we will show up to a battlefield where the wounded need tended versus a resort where you need tended to. If we get this right, we will understand and live out being a child of God in every space. the hope of the kingdom will invade this earth. Jesus modeled it for us. You get to model it as well." [01:21:11] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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