Living Fully Surrendered: Pleasing God in Today's World

In today's message, we explored the profound question of what it truly means to live a life that is pleasing to God. We began by considering the words of our youngest class, who reminded us of the futility of gaining the world at the expense of our souls. This led us to reflect on the importance of giving God the maximum out of our lives, not just a portion. The challenge is to live without regret, knowing that even a small percentage of our soul given to the world can taint the whole. We must strive to live with the mentality that our lives are fully surrendered to God, seeking His truth and allowing it to transform us.

We also delved into the concept of making our enemies a footstool, as mentioned in Acts 2. This is not about conquering people but overcoming the flesh and the self that often stands in the way of our spiritual growth. The key to victory lies in sitting at the right hand of God, a position of authority and rest, where He promises to make our enemies a footstool for our feet. This invitation is open to all, regardless of past defeats or struggles.

Furthermore, we addressed the pressing issue of the world's declining moral standards, particularly concerning modesty and purity. We were reminded of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against the pervasive influences of the world. This is especially crucial for our young people, who face immense pressure to conform. We must be vigilant in teaching them to find their identity in Christ and to live in a way that pleases Him.

Finally, we emphasized the role of parents in leading their children to know the Father. Our homes should be places where the knowledge of God is imparted, not just through words but through the example of a life lived in peace and trust in God's sovereignty. As parents, we have a limited time to instill these values, and we must seize every opportunity to do so.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The pursuit of worldly success at the cost of our soul is ultimately futile. We must strive to give God the maximum out of our lives, recognizing that even a small compromise can taint our entire being. [00:38]
• 2. True victory over our enemies, which are often our own fleshly desires, comes from sitting at the right hand of God. This position of rest and authority allows God to make our enemies a footstool for our feet. [09:11]
• 3. The declining moral standards of the world, particularly in modesty and purity, are a call to vigilance. We must guard our hearts and minds and teach our young people to find their identity in Christ. [12:16]
• 4. Parents have a crucial role in leading their children to know the Father. Our homes should be places where the knowledge of God is imparted through example and teaching, providing a foundation of peace and trust. [27:03]
• 5. The Word of God must be our home, a place we return to daily for strength and guidance. It is through abiding in His Word that we find the power to overcome the temptations and challenges of the world. [42:06]
  ** [42:06]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - The Challenge of Giving God Our All
• [01:10] - Seeking God's Best, Not the World's
• [02:26] - Living Without Regret
• [03:25] - Loving the Truth
• [04:00] - The Danger of Compromise
• [05:09] - Making Enemies a Footstool
• [08:00] - Sitting at God's Right Hand
• [10:39] - The Decline of Moral Standards
• [12:16] - A Burden for Our Young People
• [20:09] - Knowing God as the Father
• [27:03] - Leading Our Children to Know God
• [31:42] - The Role of Parents
• [39:45] - Overcoming Temptation
• [44:01] - Abiding in God's Word

1. Acts 2:34-35
2. 1 John 2:12-15
3. 2 Thessalonians 2:10

1. In Acts 2:34-35, what does it mean for our enemies to become a footstool for our feet? How does this relate to the concept of sitting at the right hand of God? [08:13]
2. According to 1 John 2:12-15, what are the different groups of people John addresses, and what does he say to each group? How does this reflect the stages of spiritual growth? [20:09]
3. How does the sermon describe the influence of the world on our souls, and what analogy is used to explain the impact of even a small compromise? [04:14]
4. What role do parents play in leading their children to know God, according to the sermon? How is this connected to the passage in 1 John 2? [27:03]

1. What does it mean to live a life that is fully surrendered to God, and how does this relate to the idea of giving God the maximum out of our lives? [01:21]
2. How can sitting at the right hand of God be a position of both authority and rest? What practical implications does this have for overcoming personal struggles? [09:11]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the world's declining moral standards, particularly in modesty and purity, affect young people? How can they find their identity in Christ amidst these challenges? [12:16]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of the Word of God as a home for believers? What does it mean for the Word to abide in us? [42:06]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be compromising your soul for worldly success? How can you strive to give God the maximum out of your life this week? [01:21]
2. Consider a personal struggle or "enemy" you face. How can you practice sitting at God's right hand to gain victory over this struggle? What steps will you take to rest in His authority? [09:11]
3. For parents: How can you create an environment in your home that helps your children know God as their Father? What specific actions can you take this week to model a life of peace and trust in God's sovereignty? [27:03]
4. Young people: In what ways are you pressured to conform to the world's standards of modesty and purity? How can you actively find and affirm your identity in Christ in these situations? [12:16]
5. How can you make the Word of God your home? Identify one specific way you will engage with Scripture daily to strengthen your spiritual foundation. [42:06]
6. Think about a recent decision or action. Did it reflect a life fully surrendered to God, or was there a compromise? How can you ensure future decisions align with God's truth? [03:25]
7. Identify a person in your life who may benefit from knowing God as their Father. How can you share your faith with them this week in a way that is both genuine and impactful? [25:57]