Living a Life of Surrender to God's Kingdom

 

Summary

In the discourse, the central theme revolves around the concept of living a life of surrender, reflecting the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of laying down personal ways and desires to reveal the kingdom way, which is characterized by a radical departure from worldly norms and a commitment to the values of the Kingdom of God. This life of surrender is portrayed as more blessed and fulfilling, aligning with the teachings of William Barclay, who suggested that Christians should focus on their duties and responsibilities rather than their rights and privileges.

The message further elaborates on the example set by Jesus, who, despite being subjected to mockery, abuse, and crucifixion, surrendered without retaliation. This act of surrender is presented as the ultimate demonstration of love and sacrifice, which believers are called to emulate. The act of communion is introduced as a time for reflection on Jesus' sacrifice and the life of surrender he modeled.

The discourse also addresses the common misconception that external actions or good deeds can earn favor with God. It clarifies that righteousness before God is not achieved through personal efforts but through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for sin through his death on the cross. This gift of salvation is offered freely to all who choose to turn from their ways and receive Jesus as their means of salvation.

Additionally, the message underscores the importance of personal discipleship and the transformative power of engaging with the Bible on a daily basis. It encourages individuals to develop a lifestyle of reading and meditating on Scripture, which leads to a deeper relationship with God and spiritual growth. The testimony of those who have completed discipleship programs is shared, highlighting the positive impact on their faith journey.

The discourse also delves into the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, particularly focusing on the internalization of the law and the importance of sincerity and surrender. It explains that Jesus' teachings go beyond the external adherence to the law, probing into the attitudes and intentions of the heart. The message explains that true Christian morality arises from the heart and can only be provided by God.

The concept of living a life of surrender is further illustrated through the teachings of Jesus on retaliation and the treatment of others. The message explains that the kingdom way involves not defending personal rights or seeking retribution but rather turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and giving generously. This approach to life is presented as a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Jesus in the lives of believers.

Finally, the message touches on the importance of integrity in speech, emphasizing that one's yes should be yes, and no should be no. It warns against the deceptive practices of the Pharisees, who sought to circumvent the true spirit of the law by swearing oaths without the intention of keeping them. The message calls for honesty and truthfulness, reflecting the character of God rather than the deceitfulness of the evil one.

Key Takeaways:

- Living a life of surrender is not about asserting personal rights but about embodying the selfless way of Jesus, who laid down his life for others. This radical lifestyle serves as a witness to the values of the Kingdom of God and challenges the norms of a self-centered world. [01:02:12]

- True righteousness is not achieved through external actions or adherence to religious laws but through a heart transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. It is a matter of internal attitudes rather than outward appearances, and only God can produce such genuine morality within us. [41:28]

- Personal discipleship and daily engagement with Scripture are essential for spiritual growth and transformation. By committing to a lifestyle of Bible reading and reflection, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and become equipped to live out their faith authentically. [31:13]

- The teachings of Jesus challenge believers to respond to offenses with grace and generosity, exemplifying the principles of the Kingdom by turning the other cheek and going the extra mile. Such actions can lead to opportunities for sharing the gospel and demonstrating the love of Christ. [01:01:01]

- Integrity in speech reflects the character of God, who is truthful and faithful. Believers are called to let their yes be yes and their no be no, avoiding deceitful practices and representing the truth of God in their words and commitments. [53:38]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:33-42 - "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

2. Leviticus 19:12 - "And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord."

3. Exodus 21:24 - "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about making oaths and swearing in Matthew 5:33-37?
2. According to Matthew 5:38-42, how does Jesus instruct us to respond to those who wrong us?
3. What Old Testament laws are referenced in Matthew 5:33-42, and how does Jesus reinterpret them?
4. How does Leviticus 19:12 relate to Jesus' teaching on oaths in Matthew 5:33-37?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize letting your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" be "No"? What does this reveal about the nature of truth and integrity? ([52:55])
2. How does Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek and going the extra mile challenge common human responses to injustice and offense? ([01:01:01])
3. In what ways does Jesus' reinterpretation of "an eye for an eye" shift the focus from retribution to grace and generosity? ([55:42])
4. How does the concept of living a life of surrender, as modeled by Jesus, contrast with the values of the world? ([01:02:12])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt wronged. How might Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek and going the extra mile change your response in a similar future situation? ([01:01:01])
2. Consider your daily interactions and commitments. Are there areas where you struggle to let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" be "No"? How can you work on being more truthful and reliable in your speech? ([52:55])
3. Think about a time when you focused on your rights rather than your responsibilities. How can you shift your mindset to prioritize duties and responsibilities, as suggested by William Barclay? ([01:02:12])
4. How can you incorporate daily Bible reading and meditation into your routine to foster spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God? ([31:13])
5. Identify a person or situation where you can practice radical generosity or grace this week. What specific action can you take to demonstrate the values of the Kingdom of God? ([01:01:01])
6. Reflect on the integrity of your speech. Are there any habits of exaggeration or deceit that you need to address? How can you commit to more honest and straightforward communication? ([53:38])
7. How does the example of Jesus' ultimate surrender on the cross inspire you to live a life of surrender in your own context? What practical steps can you take to emulate His example of love and sacrifice? ([01:02:53])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Surrendered Path
Surrender is not a sign of weakness but a bold step into a life that mirrors Jesus' selfless love. By setting aside personal desires and rights, one enters a transformative journey that aligns with the radical values of the Kingdom of God. This path challenges the self-centered norms of the world and leads to a more blessed existence. [01:02:12]

Luke 9:23-24 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save 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?

Day 2: Righteousness Beyond Actions
True righteousness stems from a heart transformed by faith in Jesus Christ, not from external deeds or strict adherence to religious laws. It is about the internal attitudes and intentions that only God can shape within us, leading to genuine morality that reflects His character. [41:28]

Romans 2:28-29 - "A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual disciplines. Are they motivated by a desire to appear righteous before others, or are they the outpouring of a heart genuinely seeking God?

Day 3: The Discipline of Daily Devotion
Engaging with Scripture daily is crucial for spiritual growth and deepening one's relationship with God. This discipline transforms individuals from the inside out, equipping them to authentically live out their faith and embody the teachings of Christ in every aspect of life. [31:13]

Psalm 1:2-3 - "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a consistent practice of reading and meditating on Scripture into your daily routine, and what might be the first step you take today to begin this discipline?

Day 4: Grace in the Face of Offense
Jesus' teachings call us to respond to offenses not with retaliation but with grace and generosity. This kingdom-minded approach involves turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, serving as a powerful witness to the transformative love of Christ in our lives. [01:01:01]

Matthew 5:38-40 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
Reflection: Can you think of a recent situation where you felt wronged? How might you apply Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek and respond with grace instead of seeking retribution?

Day 5: Integrity in Our Words
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody honesty and truthfulness in our speech, reflecting God's character. Our words should be straightforward and reliable, avoiding the deceitful practices that undermine the integrity of our witness to the world. [53:38]

James 5:12 - "Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple 'Yes' or 'No.' Otherwise you will be condemned."
Reflection: Consider your recent conversations. Have there been moments where you were not completely truthful or reliable? How can you commit to speaking with integrity starting today?

Quotes

1) "The foundation of the Christian walk is to have your own Walk With Jesus at home during the week. Don't wait for Sunday for the next sermon; you've got to be in your Bible." [31:13] (Download)

2) "It's about laying down our way to show the way, the way to Jesus. The kingdom way is not about our way; it's about laying down our way to show the way to Jesus." [01:02:12] (Download)

3) "William Barclay said Christians think not of their rights but of their duties, not of their privileges but of their responsibilities. It's in surrender for Jesus that we have much to gain." [01:02:53] (Download)

4) "We get to reveal the kingdom way and guess what, the kingdom way is not about our way. It's about laying down our way to show the way to Jesus." [01:02:12] (Download)

5) "True Christian morality must arise from the heart and as a result of this no one but God who controls the heart can provide it." [41:28] (Download)

6) "We don't have to live our lives trying to get even when people wrong us because that's not the needed conduct of the citizens of God's kingdom." [58:41] (Download)

7) "God cannot lie. He's a god of his word. What he says he means and what he means he says and he carries out what he says. Praise the Lord for that." [53:38] (Download)

8) "Jesus I confess I'm a sinner and that I'm in need of saving. I can't do it on my own but I want to receive you as my Lord and my savior." [01:06:09] (Download)

9) "The law was given to reveal God's standard of righteousness but it also revealed that we were unable to live up to it. The law could do nothing to enable you to live it out." [42:08] (Download)

10) "It's more than a program, it's more than just material to go through. The idea is that this is our lifestyle. It just gave me a simple way to be systematic in core learnings and foundational beliefs." [28:09] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?