Surrendering to Christ: Embracing His Kingship

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when we allow Jesus to be more than just our Savior, but also our Lord and King. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how my life began to change when I decided to come under God's authority, realizing that true freedom is found in surrendering to His will. This transformation is a lifelong process, and while it began in my early twenties, it continues to this day. We delved into the story of King Herod from the Gospel of Matthew, examining how his reaction to the news of Jesus' birth mirrors the resistance we often feel when confronted with the idea of Christ as King. Herod's fear and desire to maintain control led to tragic actions, highlighting the tension we all face when we want to be the rulers of our own lives.

This tension is rooted in two primary issues: our desire to be king of our own kingdoms and our uncertainty about whether Jesus can be fully trusted. These issues stem from our experiences with authority and our innate desire for control. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus' kingdom is unlike any earthly rule. He laid down His power and control, choosing the cross over a throne, to offer us life and reconciliation with God. This is the good news of the Gospel, and it invites us to trust and surrender to a King who loves us deeply.

To address the tension within us, we must confess our desire for control and our trust issues, and then actively remember and surrender to God's authority daily. The Lord's Prayer serves as a powerful tool for this, helping us to remember who God is, surrender to His will, and trust in His provision, pardon, and protection. As we do this, the little "King Herod" within us diminishes, allowing us to grow more into the image of Christ and experience the freedom and joy He offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation Through Surrender: True transformation begins when we decide to come under God's authority, recognizing that maximum freedom is found in surrendering to His will. This process is lifelong, requiring daily commitment to let Jesus be both Savior and King in our lives. [18:55]

2. The Herod Within Us: Like King Herod, we often resist the idea of Jesus as King because we want to maintain control over our lives. This resistance is rooted in our desire to be the rulers of our own kingdoms, leading to tension and defiance against God's authority. [38:42]

3. Trusting a Different Kind of King: Our uncertainty about trusting Jesus as King often stems from negative experiences with earthly authority. However, Jesus' kingdom is radically different; He laid down His power for our salvation, demonstrating a love and trustworthiness that surpasses all human rulers. [46:50]

4. Confession and Surrender: To overcome the tension within us, we must confess our desire for control and our trust issues, actively choosing to surrender to God's authority. This involves daily practices of remembering who God is and trusting in His provision, pardon, and protection. [49:15]

5. The Power of Prayer: The Lord's Prayer is a powerful tool for aligning our hearts with God's will. It helps us remember His sovereignty, surrender our desires, and trust in His care, leading to a diminishing of the "little King Herod" within us and a deeper transformation into Christ's image. [51:49]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Groundhog Day Humor
[02:30] - Church Events and Activities
[05:15] - Connect and Serve Now Events
[08:00] - Student and Family Ministry Updates
[10:30] - Offering as Worship
[13:36] - Personal Story and Transformation
[18:55] - Surrendering to God's Authority
[21:13] - Questioning Authority and Transformation
[23:43] - The Last Kingdom Series Overview
[25:23] - Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Birth
[29:45] - Herod's Disturbance and Actions
[31:59] - The Magi's Journey and Warning
[34:11] - Herod's Horrific Decree
[36:43] - The Significance of Herod's Story
[38:42] - The Herod Within Us
[40:06] - Living in Defiance of the King
[46:50] - Trusting a Different Kind of King
[49:15] - Addressing and Confessing Our Issues
[51:49] - The Power of the Lord's Prayer
[54:01] - Lifeguard Analogy and Surrender
[58:01] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-18
2. Matthew 6:9-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What was King Herod's reaction to the news of Jesus' birth, and how did it reflect his desire for control? [29:45]

2. How did the Magi respond to their dream warning them not to return to Herod, and what does this reveal about their understanding of Herod's intentions? [31:59]

3. In what ways did Joseph respond to the angel's warning about Herod's plan, and what does this indicate about his trust in God's guidance? [34:11]

4. How does the Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, help believers remember God's sovereignty and their need to surrender? [49:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Herod's fear of losing control mirror the internal struggle many people face when considering Jesus as King in their lives? [38:42]

2. What does the story of Herod and the Magi teach about the nature of earthly authority versus the authority of Jesus? [46:50]

3. How can the Lord's Prayer serve as a daily reminder of God's provision, pardon, and protection, and why is this important for spiritual growth? [51:49]

4. In what ways does the story of Herod challenge believers to examine their own resistance to God's authority in their lives? [40:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you resisted God's authority in your life. What was the outcome, and how might surrendering have changed the situation? [18:55]

2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust Jesus as King. What steps can you take to build trust in His authority? [46:50]

3. How can you incorporate the Lord's Prayer into your daily routine to help diminish the "little King Herod" within you? [51:49]

4. Consider a past experience with authority that has affected your trust in Jesus. How can you begin to heal from that experience and open your heart to His rule? [40:06]

5. What practical steps can you take this week to confess your desire for control and actively surrender to God's will? [49:15]

6. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust in God's provision, pardon, or protection. How can you apply the principles of the Lord's Prayer to this situation? [51:49]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group to embrace Jesus as both Savior and King in their lives? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual journey? [23:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Surrender
True transformation begins when we decide to come under God's authority, recognizing that maximum freedom is found in surrendering to His will. This process is lifelong, requiring daily commitment to let Jesus be both Savior and King in our lives. The journey of transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that unfolds over a lifetime. It begins with a conscious decision to submit to God's authority, acknowledging that true freedom is found in surrendering to His will. This surrender is not about losing oneself but about finding one's true identity in Christ. As individuals commit daily to this path, they experience a profound change in their lives, marked by a growing alignment with God's purposes and a deepening sense of peace and joy. [18:55]

"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 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 2: The Herod Within Us
Like King Herod, we often resist the idea of Jesus as King because we want to maintain control over our lives. This resistance is rooted in our desire to be the rulers of our own kingdoms, leading to tension and defiance against God's authority. The story of King Herod serves as a mirror reflecting the internal struggle many face when confronted with the sovereignty of Christ. Herod's fear and desire to maintain control led to tragic actions, illustrating the destructive nature of resisting God's authority. This resistance is often fueled by a deep-seated desire to be the ruler of one's own life, resulting in tension and defiance against divine authority. Recognizing this "Herod" within us is the first step towards overcoming it and embracing the peace that comes with surrendering to Christ's kingship. [38:42]

"Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.'" (Psalm 2:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you resisted God's authority. What motivated your desire for control, and how can you begin to release it to God today?


Day 3: Trusting a Different Kind of King
Our uncertainty about trusting Jesus as King often stems from negative experiences with earthly authority. However, Jesus' kingdom is radically different; He laid down His power for our salvation, demonstrating a love and trustworthiness that surpasses all human rulers. The New Testament reveals a kingdom unlike any earthly rule, where Jesus, the King, chose the cross over a throne. This act of self-sacrifice demonstrates a love and trustworthiness that surpasses all human rulers, inviting individuals to place their trust in Him. Understanding this difference is crucial for overcoming the uncertainty that often accompanies the idea of surrendering to Christ's authority. By recognizing the unique nature of Jesus' kingship, individuals can find the courage to trust and follow Him wholeheartedly. [46:50]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a past experience with authority that has affected your trust in Jesus. How can you begin to see Jesus' authority as different and trustworthy today?


Day 4: Confession and Surrender
To overcome the tension within us, we must confess our desire for control and our trust issues, actively choosing to surrender to God's authority. This involves daily practices of remembering who God is and trusting in His provision, pardon, and protection. Confession is a powerful tool for addressing the internal tension that arises from the desire for control. By acknowledging these desires and trust issues, individuals can begin the process of surrendering to God's authority. This surrender is not a passive act but an active choice that involves daily practices of remembering God's character and trusting in His provision, pardon, and protection. Through these practices, individuals can experience a deeper sense of peace and alignment with God's will. [49:15]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific desire for control do you need to confess today? How can you incorporate a daily practice of surrender into your routine?


Day 5: The Power of Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is a powerful tool for aligning our hearts with God's will. It helps us remember His sovereignty, surrender our desires, and trust in His care, leading to a diminishing of the "little King Herod" within us and a deeper transformation into Christ's image. Prayer is a vital practice for aligning one's heart with God's will. The Lord's Prayer, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for this alignment, reminding individuals of God's sovereignty and inviting them to surrender their desires to Him. Through this prayer, individuals can experience a diminishing of the "little King Herod" within them, allowing for a deeper transformation into the image of Christ. By regularly engaging in this practice, individuals can cultivate a heart that is more attuned to God's purposes and experience the freedom and joy that comes with it. [51:49]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the Lord's Prayer into your daily routine to help align your heart with God's will? What specific part of the prayer resonates with your current life situation?

Quotes



During my early 20s, kind of the end years of college, and part of that transformation was coming to a place where Jesus wasn't just my savior, but he started to become my Lord, and as we've been talking about throughout this series, my King as well. And when I look back at that and I go, what was so instrumental was I made a decision to come under God's authority. [00:19:52] (26 seconds)


He wants us to see this and wrestle with this in a way that would be like a mirror. Because if we hold up a mirror and we look at this account, and we go, am I in there somewhere? If we honestly will ask that question, we'll get some information back that is incredibly, incredibly helpful. And here it is. Here it is. It's a little rough. It's a little like, okay, I'm coming at you and I'm coming at myself. But this is the truth. [00:38:04] (25 seconds)


Deep down in each and every one of us, if we're honest, there's something in you that wants to be king. There's something in you that wants to be king. And when you get news that Christ, the king has come, that Jesus has come and he wants to be more than savior and sin forgiver, he wants to be king in your life. Sometimes our heart doesn't leap and go, that's amazingly good news. [00:38:29] (27 seconds)


I'm going to lay down the power. I'm going to lay down the control. I'm going to die so that they can be saved. I'm going to give up everything that I deserve. I deserve a throne. You're right. I have a seat in heaven. I deserve all glory, honor, and praise. And I'm going to lay it all down in exchange for a cross. [00:47:58] (22 seconds)


And the opening lines of this prayer allow us to surrender your will, not my will, your way, not my way. Jesus goes on and he goes, let's talk about trust. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us. From the evil one. [00:51:16] (22 seconds)


This helps us trust specifically in three ways. Three ways that begin with the letter P so that we can kind of remember it. It helps us trust God with our daily provision. God, I have needs in my life. They might be physical needs, health needs, financial needs, vocational needs, relational needs. [00:51:38] (18 seconds)


And so, we can remember and we can surrender each and every day, multiple times a day, just praying this prayer, but a very intentional way. And we can grow in our trust. And I'm telling you, if you do that, that little King in each and every one of us, that residual anger will grow lesser and lesser and literal. [00:53:09] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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