Embracing Surrender: Transformative Teachings of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Truth Transforms Perception

Transformation begins with a humble heart that is open to learning and applying the teachings of Jesus. It is not enough to simply know the words of Scripture; one must allow these words to change their understanding of the world and themselves. This process of transformation is akin to rewiring one's mental maps, aligning thoughts and actions with the reality of God's wisdom. It is a journey that requires a devoted heart, ready to embrace the truth and let it reshape every aspect of life. The truth of Jesus is not just informative; it is transformative, leading to a life of flourishing and thriving under God's guidance. Embracing this truth means being willing to let go of old patterns and lies, and to courageously step into the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [27:20]

James 1:22-25 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection:
How has your understanding of a specific biblical truth changed the way you perceive and interact with the world around you?

Day 2: Love as the Measure of Formation

The ultimate goal of spiritual formation is to become more loving, reflecting the divine love that is central to the teachings of Jesus. This journey of growth requires continual self-assessment to ensure that one's understanding of Jesus's teachings is indeed leading to an increase in love for others. Love is the acid test of discipleship; it is the true measure by which one can gauge their spiritual progress. As followers of Christ, individuals must strive to embody the love that Jesus exemplified, a love that is patient, kind, and selfless. This love is not passive; it actively seeks the good of others and is the hallmark of a life transformed by the teachings of Jesus. [45:20]

1 John 3:18-19 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;"

Reflection:
In what ways can you tangibly demonstrate love to someone in your life today, reflecting the love that Jesus has shown you?

Day 3: Disruption as a Sign of Engagement

Taking Jesus's teachings seriously means allowing them to disrupt and challenge our preconceptions and comfort zones. This disruption is a clear indication of genuine engagement with His words. It prompts believers to live differently, to pursue the good life that Jesus exemplifies. If His teachings do not unsettle us in some way, it may be a sign that we are not fully committed to following Him. True discipleship involves being open to the ways Jesus's teachings can turn our world upside down, leading us to make choices that are not merely impulsive reactions but are grounded in the pursuit of a life that aligns with the kingdom of God. [34:43]

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:
What is one aspect of Jesus's teachings that has recently challenged you, and how are you responding to that challenge in your daily life?

Day 4: Humility in Learning from Jesus

Humility is the cornerstone of learning from Jesus. Adopting the posture of a disciple means sitting at the feet of the Rabbi, embracing the dust of His journey, and submitting to His authority. This relational approach to discipleship requires trust in Jesus's power and a willingness to be shaped by His life and teachings. It is through this humble posture that one can truly understand and embody the teachings of Jesus, allowing them to inform and transform every aspect of life. Trusting in Jesus means being open to the ways He wants to mold and use each person for His purposes, even when it requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. [29:16]

Luke 10:39-42 (ESV)
"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"

Reflection:
How can you adopt a posture of humility today to learn something new from Jesus's teachings, and how might this change your approach to a current situation?

Day 5: Surrender and Embrace During Lent

The path of surrender during Lent involves letting go of falsehoods and embracing new practices that draw us closer to Jesus. This season is a time for reflection on one's faith, confronting the realities of the heart, and making choices that align with Jesus's teachings. Surrender is not just about giving up something; it is about embracing a new way of living that leads to true life and freedom. It is in this surrender that one finds hope and the promise of transformation. As believers let go of untruths and embrace the practices that Jesus modeled, they will experience the fullness of life that He came to give. [48:26]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

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?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through Lent, we are called to a path of surrender, to relinquish our egos, self-sufficiency, and unhelpful life patterns. We have been following Jesus in the final week of His life, learning what truly matters in the kingdom of God. Today, we focus on Jesus's interactions with the teachers of the law, as depicted in Matthew chapters 23 through 25. Jesus, the master teacher, delivers His message with clarity and force, despite the resistance from the religious leaders who attempt to trap Him with trick questions.

Jesus's teachings are not always well received, as truth can be challenging to accept. The Pharisees and teachers of the law knew the scriptures and traditions, yet they failed to apply them with the right heart and motivation. They loved the words but missed the essence behind them. This is a caution for us as well, as we can know biblical truths without them being evident in our lives. We must not only study Jesus's words but also practice them, embodying the teachings in our daily actions.

Jesus's teachings are transformative, but they can also be difficult to grasp. When His teachings challenge our preconceptions or seem too demanding, we may become defensive or evasive. Yet, if we take Jesus's teachings seriously, they will inevitably disrupt our lives, leading us to ask different questions and make changes. This is the power of Jesus's teaching—it broadens our perceptual horizon, allowing us to make choices that are not merely impulsive reactions.

Learning from Jesus requires a posture of humility, a willingness to sit at His feet, and a devotion to understanding His teachings amid the realities of daily life. Jesus, referred to as teacher and rabbi, used various teaching methods to convey His message, and we must be patient and devoted learners to grasp the full meaning of His words.

As we reflect on our faith during Lent, we must consider whether we truly believe and trust in Jesus's teachings. We are invited to let go of falsehoods and embrace practices that draw us closer to Jesus. Confession is one such practice, where we come clean before Jesus, acknowledging our need for His mercy and forgiveness.

In summary, to become faithful disciples and avoid the fate of the Pharisees, we must humbly submit to Jesus, organize our lives around His teachings, and be willing to fail and learn. We must take a long, loving look at our lives, embracing the path of surrender that leads to life, freedom, and hope.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 23:1-3 (NIV) — > Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”

2. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
> “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

3. 1 John 4:8-11 (NIV)
> Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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Observation Questions

What were the Pharisees and teachers of the law criticized for by Jesus in Matthew 23:1-3?
According to Matthew 7:24-27, what is the difference between the wise and foolish builders?
How does 1 John 4:8-11 describe the nature of God and the expected response from believers?
In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the Pharisees' knowledge and their application of it? ([41:04])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of practicing what is preached in Matthew 23:1-3? How does this relate to the Pharisees' behavior?
What does building a house on the rock versus sand symbolize in Matthew 7:24-27? How does this metaphor apply to our daily lives?
How does the description of love in 1 John 4:8-11 challenge our understanding of God's love and our love for others?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus' teachings are transformative and can disrupt our lives. How does this disruption manifest, and why is it necessary for spiritual growth? ([34:43])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you knew the right thing to do but struggled to practice it. What steps can you take to align your actions with your beliefs more consistently? ([41:04])
Jesus' teachings often challenge our comfort zones. Identify one teaching of Jesus that you find particularly challenging. How can you begin to embrace and apply it in your life? ([34:43])
The sermon emphasized the importance of humility in learning from Jesus. What practical steps can you take to adopt a posture of humility in your spiritual journey? ([29:16])
During Lent, we are called to let go of untruths and embrace new practices. What is one untruth you need to let go of, and what new practice can you adopt to draw closer to Jesus? ([48:26])
The true measure of spiritual formation is love. Think of a recent interaction where you struggled to show love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? ([45:20])
Confession is a practice that brings us closer to Jesus. Is there something you need to confess to God today? How can this act of confession help you experience His mercy and forgiveness? ([49:05])
The sermon mentioned that taking Jesus' teachings seriously will mess with your life. How can you prepare yourself to embrace the changes that come with following Jesus more closely? ([34:43])

Sermon Clips

- "Jesus wants to teach us something far more valuable than knitting. He wants us to take hold of life that is really life." [26:17] (Download | )

- "If you take Jesus' teaching seriously, it will mess with your life. And if it's not messing with your life in some way, I wonder how seriously you're taking it." [34:43] (Download | )

- "Learning from Jesus doesn't involve a cool, distant learning posture. To understand Jesus you need to stay close and not just hear what he says, but watch what he does." [30:29] (Download | )

- "The goal of any teacher is not just that students would learn, but that they would go out and take that learning and change the world." [39:45] (Download | )

- "We need to give ourselves over to our Rabbi Jesus with humility and devotion. We need to organize our lives around following what Jesus says to us." [48:26] (Download | )

- "They love the words, but fail to see what's behind them. And again, before I'm too hard on them, I need to hear that rebuke for myself." [41:51] (Download | )

- "Love is the acid test of spiritual formation. And when we hear Jesus teaching, we're going to be confronted with that dissonance between what we say we love and what we really love." [45:20] (Download | )

- "To follow the teaching of Jesus, we have to love the teacher. We must know that we're loved. We must believe that Jesus alone has the words that will lead us to new life, to a changed life, and be willing to step out and live it." [46:42] (Download | )

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