Going All In: Surrendering to Jesus Daily
Summary
Going all in for Jesus means surrendering every selfish and sinful desire, letting go of the things that keep us from fully trusting Him, and making a daily choice to follow Him wholeheartedly. It’s not about checking off religious boxes or doing things out of obligation, but about cultivating a genuine hunger for more of Jesus and seeking out community with other believers who will encourage and hold us accountable. The call to go all in is rooted in Galatians 2:20, which reminds us that our old selves have been crucified with Christ, and now Christ lives in us. This transformation isn’t just about denying old habits; it’s about experiencing a real change of heart where our desires shift toward what is holy and pleasing to God.
Paul’s story in Acts 9 is a powerful example of this transformation. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul had a life-changing encounter with Jesus that led him to abandon his old ways, get baptized, and boldly proclaim Christ. Like Paul, each of us has a testimony—a moment when God called us to something deeper. But going all in isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily decision to keep the fire alive, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. There will be seasons when it feels hard, when we’re tempted to hold back our time or energy, but true surrender means trusting God enough to say yes, even when we don’t know what the outcome will be.
The story of the “All In” movement at my school shows the ripple effect of bold obedience. Three students said yes to God’s call, not knowing what would happen, and their faith sparked a revival that touched hundreds. Our willingness to go all in can have a profound impact on our families, communities, and beyond. The invitation from Acts 22:16 is clear: “What are you waiting for?” God is ready to meet us right where we are, not when we have it all together, but in our mess and need. Going all in might look different for each of us—getting baptized, joining a Bible study, or simply committing to daily prayer—but the time to respond is now. When we say yes to Jesus, He changes everything for the better and leads us into the fullness of His purpose and glory.
Key Takeaways
- Surrendering to Jesus means more than just denying old habits; it’s about allowing Him to transform our desires so that our hearts yearn for what is holy and glorifying to God. This transformation is not empty self-denial, but a genuine change that comes from being united with Christ. When we are crucified with Him, our old ways lose their grip, and we find new purpose in living for Him. [06:40]
- Going all in for Jesus is a daily choice, not a one-time event. Spiritual passion can fade if we rely only on past encounters or emotional highs, but true commitment is sustained by daily disciplines—prayer, Scripture, and community. Even when it feels hard or inconvenient, choosing to pursue Jesus each day keeps the fire alive and deepens our relationship with Him. [20:30]
- Obedience to God’s call often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and facing discomfort or even suffering. Acts 9:16 reminds us that following Jesus involves dying to ourselves and embracing the challenges that come with true discipleship. The fear of the world can hold us back, but reverence for God should move us to answer His call, trusting that He is enough. [27:10]
- Our bold “yes” to God can have a ripple effect far beyond what we imagine. The faith of a few can spark revival and inspire many others to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly. When we trust God with our obedience, even without knowing the outcome, He multiplies our faith and uses it to impact families, schools, and communities. [34:00]
- God invites us to come to Him as we are, not after we’ve cleaned ourselves up. The call to go all in is for now, not later. He meets us in our mess and transforms us from the inside out, urging us to respond without delay so we can step into the fullness of His purpose and glory for our lives. [56:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:00] - What Does Going All In Mean?
[04:30] - Galatians 2:20: Crucified with Christ
[06:40] - Transformation of Desires
[09:00] - Paul’s Conversion Story
[13:30] - Personal Testimony: Encounter with God
[17:50] - The Challenge of Daily Commitment
[20:30] - Struggles and Setbacks
[24:00] - The Cost of Obedience
[27:10] - Fear of the World vs. Fear of the Lord
[30:00] - The “All In” Movement at School
[34:00] - The Ripple Effect of Bold Faith
[40:00] - The Call to Action: Acts 22:16
[56:30] - Responding Now: God Meets Us Where We Are
[01:03:40] - Living in God’s Purpose and Closing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Going All In for Jesus
---
### Bible Reading
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
> "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Acts 9:1-19 (ESV)
(Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus)
Acts 22:16 (ESV)
> "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 2:20, what does it mean for someone to be "crucified with Christ"?
2. In Acts 9, what were the key steps in Paul’s transformation after his encounter with Jesus?
3. The sermon described going all in for Jesus as more than just denying old habits. What does the speaker say happens to our desires when we surrender to Jesus? [06:40]
4. What was the immediate response that Ananias called Paul to in Acts 22:16, and how did Paul respond?
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The speaker says that going all in for Jesus is not about checking off religious boxes, but about a real change of heart. How does this perspective challenge common ideas about what it means to be a Christian? [02:00]
2. Paul’s story in Acts 9 shows a dramatic change after encountering Jesus. What does this suggest about the power of a personal encounter with Christ to change someone’s life? [09:00]
3. The sermon mentions that going all in is a daily choice, not a one-time event. Why might spiritual passion fade if we only rely on past experiences? [17:50]
4. The speaker talks about the cost of obedience and stepping out of comfort zones. What fears or challenges might keep someone from fully surrendering to God? [27:10]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that surrendering to Jesus means letting go of selfish and sinful desires. Is there a specific desire or habit in your life that you sense God is asking you to surrender? What would it look like to take a step toward letting it go this week? [06:40]
2. The speaker shared about the “All In” movement at her school, where a few students’ bold faith sparked a revival. Is there a place in your life—family, school, work, or community—where you feel God nudging you to take a bold step of faith? What’s holding you back? [34:00]
3. Going all in is described as a daily choice. What is one practical way you can pursue Jesus more intentionally each day this week (for example, setting aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, or joining a community group)? [20:30]
4. The sermon mentions that God meets us in our mess, not after we’ve cleaned ourselves up. Are there areas of your life where you feel you need to “get it together” before coming to God? How might you approach God differently in light of this truth? [56:30]
5. The speaker talked about the fear of the world versus the fear of the Lord. Is there a situation where you’ve been more concerned about what others think than about following God’s call? How can you shift your focus this week? [27:10]
6. Acts 22:16 asks, “What are you waiting for?” Is there a step of obedience—like baptism, joining a Bible study, or committing to daily prayer—that you’ve been putting off? What’s stopping you, and what would it take to move forward? [56:30]
7. The speaker shared her own ups and downs in following Jesus. When have you felt your spiritual passion fade, and what helped you reignite it? How can the group support you in keeping your fire for Jesus alive? [17:50]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for courage to go all in for Jesus, surrendering whatever is holding them back, and to experience the fullness of God’s purpose and glory in their lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Dying to Self—Crucified with Christ
To go all in for Jesus means letting go of every selfish and sinful desire, allowing Christ to live through you instead of clinging to your old ways. This is not just about denying yourself, but about experiencing a true transformation where your heart begins to yearn for what is holy and pleasing to God. When you are crucified with Christ, your desires change, and you find yourself longing for righteousness and a life that brings glory to God. This daily surrender is the foundation of a life fully devoted to Jesus, and it is the invitation He extends to each of us. [03:40]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one old desire or habit you need to surrender today so that Christ can live more fully through you?
Day 2: Paul’s Testimony—A Radical Transformation
Paul’s story in Acts 9 is a powerful example of what it looks like to go all in for Jesus. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered Jesus in a life-changing way, leading him to abandon his old life, be baptized, and boldly proclaim Christ. His transformation shows that no one is too far gone for God’s grace, and that a true encounter with Jesus leads to a new identity and purpose. Like Paul, each person has a testimony of how Jesus has called them out of darkness and into His marvelous light, inviting them to live fully for Him. [07:40]
Acts 9:1-19 (ESV)
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.' The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.' But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to allow God to radically transform you, just as He did with Paul?
Day 3: Answering the Call—Obedience Despite Discomfort
Going all in for Jesus is not a one-time event but a daily choice, often requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and face discomfort or even suffering. God’s call may feel intimidating or inconvenient, but true obedience means saying “yes” even when it’s hard, trusting that God’s plans are greater than our fears. When we fear the world more than we fear the Lord, we miss out on the fullness of what He wants to do in and through us. Choosing to answer God’s call, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the path to a life of purpose and impact. [13:10]
Romans 12:1 (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."
Reflection: What is one step of obedience God is calling you to take today, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly?
Day 4: The Power of Your “Yes”—Impacting Others Through Bold Faith
Your willingness to go all in for Jesus can have a ripple effect far beyond what you can see. Just as a few students’ boldness sparked a revival in their school and community, your “yes” to God can inspire and encourage others to pursue Him wholeheartedly. You may not know who will be impacted by your faith, but God uses ordinary people’s obedience to bring about extraordinary change. Imagine the difference your boldness could make in your family, workplace, or community when you trust God to be enough and step out in faith. [17:50]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life might be encouraged or inspired if you boldly say “yes” to God today, and what is one way you can let your faith shine?
Day 5: The Time Is Now—Responding to God’s Invitation
God’s invitation to go all in is not for some distant future; it is for today. Like Ananias’ words to Paul, “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized,” God calls each of us to respond now, not later. He meets us right where we are, not when we have it all together, and He is ready to transform our lives if we are willing to surrender. Don’t let hesitation, disappointment, or waiting for the “perfect” moment hold you back from experiencing the fullness of life with Jesus. The time to say “yes” is now. [22:00]
Acts 22:16 (ESV)
"And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."
Reflection: What is holding you back from going all in for Jesus right now, and how can you take a concrete step toward Him today?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 27, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?