From Brokenness to Surrender: Embracing God's Grace
Summary
In my recent sermon, I reflected on the story of Simon Peter's journey from commitment to brokenness and ultimately to surrender. Peter, a disciple who had been with Jesus for three years, pledged his loyalty to Jesus, even stating he was willing to die with Him. However, when faced with the reality of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. This failure led Peter to a profound realization about the nature of human commitment and the power of God's grace.
Peter's brokenness after his denial was a pivotal moment. It was a bridge he had to cross, which I referred to as the Bridge of Brokenness. This bridge is a span between mere commitment and the place of surrender. In his broken state, Peter was open to God's assistance, realizing that his own strength was insufficient. This openness allowed for a transformation that would not have been possible without his failure.
The resurrection of Jesus was crucial for Peter. It signified that brokenness and failure were not the end of his story. Jesus sought Peter out after His resurrection, restoring him and commissioning him to lead the early church. Peter's first sermon on the day of Pentecost led to the baptism of 3,000 people. This restoration showed that a surrendered life, rather than a life filled with self-confident commitments, is what Jesus desires.
I emphasized that Christianity is unique in offering rightness with God as a gift, not as something to be earned. It is by grace through faith that we are saved, not by works. This grace invites us to surrender to Jesus, to let go of our past, and to embrace our true identity in Christ.
During the sermon, I also addressed practical questions about baptism, explaining its significance as an outward expression of inward faith. Baptism is a reenactment of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing our own transformation. I encouraged those who have come to faith to take the step of baptism, to publicly declare their allegiance to Christ.
Finally, I invited the congregation to respond to God's call, to surrender to Jesus, and to be baptized. I reassured them that this act of obedience is a celebration of their faith and a step towards living in the fullness of God's grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Brokenness is a bridge to a deeper understanding of ourselves and God's grace. When we are broken, we are more receptive to God's help and more aware of our limitations. This humility is essential for spiritual growth and effective service in God's kingdom. [41:05
- Surrender, not commitment, is the key to a life of faith. While commitments can be made in moments of strength, surrender is a daily choice to rely on God's power rather than our own. It is in surrender that we find the true joy of following Jesus. [51:15
- Grace sets Christianity apart from all other religions. It is the unmerited favor of God that brings us into right relationship with Him. Understanding and living in this grace is what transforms our lives and our approach to faith. [51:57
- Baptism is an essential step of obedience for every believer. It is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Through baptism, we identify with Christ and His church, and we celebrate the new life He has given us. [57:01
- Obedience to Jesus' commands is a reflection of our faith. When we learn what Jesus desires of us, such as baptism, our response should be immediate obedience. This act does not negate previous faith experiences but rather validates and expresses our ongoing trust in Him. [01:00:19
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:31-35 (NIV)
> Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
2. Luke 22:54-62 (NIV)
> Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
3. John 21:15-17 (NIV)
> When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Peter declare to Jesus in Matthew 26:33-35, and how did Jesus respond?
2. Describe the sequence of events that led to Peter's denial of Jesus in Luke 22:54-62.
3. In John 21:15-17, how many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him, and what was Peter's response each time?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was so confident in his commitment to Jesus in Matthew 26:33-35, and what does this reveal about human nature? [35:14]
2. How did Peter's denial and subsequent brokenness (Luke 22:54-62) prepare him for his future role in the early church? [40:35]
3. What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him in John 21:15-17, and how does this relate to Peter's three denials? [49:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made a commitment to God but failed to follow through. How did that experience affect your faith and understanding of God's grace? [35:52]
2. Peter's brokenness led to a deeper reliance on God's strength rather than his own. In what areas of your life do you need to move from self-reliance to surrender? [40:03]
3. How can you practice daily surrender to God, rather than relying on your own strength and commitments? What practical steps can you take this week? [51:15]
4. Baptism is described as an outward expression of inward faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? [53:01]
5. Jesus restored Peter and gave him a mission despite his failures. How can you embrace God's grace and move forward in your calling, even if you feel unworthy? [41:37]
6. How does understanding the difference between commitment and surrender change your approach to following Jesus? [50:38]
7. Reflect on the concept of grace as a gift from God. How does this understanding impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God? [51:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Brokenness as a Bridge
Brokenness often feels like a place of defeat, but it is, in fact, a bridge to a deeper understanding of oneself and the divine grace that is always at hand. When one is broken, defenses are down, and the heart is open, creating a space where humility can grow and transformation can begin. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing the limitations of human strength and the need for something greater. In this state of vulnerability, one is more receptive to the help that God offers, and it is here that the seeds of spiritual growth are sown. It is through brokenness that one can truly learn to serve effectively in God's kingdom, as it teaches reliance on His strength rather than one's own. [41:05]
"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." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you felt broken or defeated. How did that experience change your understanding of your own strength and God's grace in your life?
Day 2: Surrender Over Commitment
While commitments are often made in moments of self-assured strength, true surrender is a daily, conscious choice to depend on God's power. Surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous process that involves letting go of the illusion of control and embracing the reality of God's sovereignty. This act of surrender leads to the true joy of following Jesus, as it aligns one's life with divine will and purpose. It is in the moments of surrender that one finds peace and strength, for it is then that one is carried by the grace of God rather than struggling alone. [51:15]
"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: 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?
Day 3: The Uniqueness of Grace
Grace is the cornerstone of Christianity, setting it apart from all other belief systems. It is the unmerited favor of God that brings humans into a right relationship with Him, not through their own efforts but as a divine gift. This grace is transformative, changing not only one's status before God but also one's approach to life and faith. Understanding and living in this grace means recognizing that salvation and rightness with God are not earned by works but received through faith. This knowledge should permeate every aspect of life, leading to a profound sense of gratitude and a desire to serve others out of love, not obligation. [51:57]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Reflection: How does the understanding of grace as a gift from God, rather than something earned, change the way you approach your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 4: Baptism as a Declaration of Faith
Baptism is an essential step of obedience for every believer, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their allegiance to Jesus and their identification with His church. This sacrament is a celebration of the new identity and the new community one joins, and it serves as a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of faith in Jesus. [57:01]
"Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 ESV
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on the significance of that moment in your faith journey. How does your baptism continue to influence your walk with Christ today?
Day 5: Faith Expressed Through Obedience
Obedience to Jesus' commands is a tangible reflection of faith. It is through actions, such as baptism, that faith is expressed and validated. This obedience is not a means to earn favor with God but a response to the love and grace already received. It is an act of worship, a declaration of trust, and a step toward living out the full implications of faith. When one learns what Jesus desires, the appropriate response is immediate obedience, which serves as a testament to an ongoing and living trust in Him. [01:00:19]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22 ESV
Reflection: Consider a command of Jesus that you find challenging to obey. What steps can you take today to move toward obedience in this area?
Quotes
"Peter learned a hard lesson about his own human nature and friends it's true sometimes we drastically overestimate the power of our human energy when it comes to living out our commitments. Peter's broken in this moment, it hurts...failure and Brokenness should never be the last words of a life story. God's grace can write another ending if there's a willingness to let go of the pen and let God do the writing." [41:05
"Jesus wants a life yielded and surrendered to him, not a mouth full of lofty false commitments. It was an attitude of surrender that actually made Peter usable and when we empty ourselves of this naive self-confidence that we have, God's power actually has a chance to work through us. Peter had moved from commitment to surrender and sooner or later we all do or we quit in frustration." [51:15
"Christianity is the only way that offers rightness with God free of charge, no strings attached as Paul himself wrote for it is by Grace you have been saved through faith; this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God not by works. Your true identity is not found in what you've done in the past but in who God says you are because of Christ." [51:57
"Baptism is an essential part of coming to Faith In Jesus...every single one of them ends with the visible expression of baptism. Why? It's because our lord Jesus asked us to do it. You really want to tell him no? If so, you better do a gut check and see if what you've got up here in your head has actually made it to your heart." [57:01
"The biblical sequence is to believe and then be baptized. You put your trust in the one who died for you on the cross and you express it outwardly by the symbolism of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus in baptism. This is why we don't practice the baptism of babies...baptism is something that has to be expressed from a person's heart after that person comes to Faith." [58:10
"Once you understand the desire of Jesus concerning baptism or by the way anything, you should just obey, go ahead and do it. Whether you made that decision to receive Christ 10 minutes ago or 10 days ago or 10 years ago...when you get new news from the Bible and you choose to obey that, it doesn't reflect poorly on your faith, it's a validation of your faith." [01:00:19
"Jesus approaches Peter...and he asked him the same basic question how many times? Three times. He asked Peter if he loved him...Jesus is asking, 'Hey Peter, do you totally love me? Are you totally committed to me? Peter, are you ready to make a big dramatic statement about your love and commitment to me?' But friends, Peter has crossed the bridge of Brokenness." [47:40
"Jesus told us the first thing we're to instruct his followers to do after they come to Faith is to be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...it puzzles me that anybody would be reluctant to do that when our leader and our forgiver who died in our place asked us to do it." [54:10
"Your faith certainly is personal but when it's working right it's not private. The first thing a Believer is commanded to do in baptism is to go public with their faith and any completely surrendered follower would...the Bible says that categorically if you're a follower of Jesus you're to be baptized because your leader and the forgiver of your sins asked you to." [55:51
"Friends, baptism is a drama in which you get to play the part of the Lord Jesus in a reenactment of the core issues of our faith: his death, his burial, his resurrection. You can clearly see that in immersion, that was the pattern in the New Testament, going down into the water, getting up coming back up out of the water." [01:02:28
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