Yielding Our Will: The Path to True Surrender

In our journey of faith, the human will plays a pivotal role. It is a unique gift from God, a key that we alone hold, allowing us to consent or refuse, to choose or reject. This power is so significant that even the Almighty God chooses not to overpower it. Our will is the critical link between understanding and obeying the truth, and it can either be a barrier or a bridge to the liberating power of the Gospel. The essence of self-denial, as taught by Jesus, is not merely about abstaining from certain things but about surrendering our will to God. This surrender is the true essence of following Christ, as we pray, "Thy will be done."

Balancing our will involves recognizing that we cannot muscle our way to glory through sheer determination. Instead, we must yield our stubborn wills to the sovereign will of a loving God. The Bible warns against "will worship," where we focus on what we don't do rather than on being followers of Christ. True godly conviction involves standing firm on God's will, and there is a place for decision-making and steadfastness. However, we must be cautious, as Satan seeks to violate our wills if we give him a foothold. We need the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit to truly yield our wills, as it is God who works in us to will and to do His good pleasure.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals wrestling with their will. Abraham, Jonah, Balaam, David, Samson, Esther, and the rich young ruler all faced moments where their will was tested. Some, like Abraham and Esther, submitted their will to God, while others, like Jonah and Samson, struggled with their stubbornness. These stories remind us of the importance of yielding our will to God.

In our own lives, manifestations of our will can be seen in various areas, such as marriage, employment, and relationships. We must be wary of passive stubbornness, where we distance ourselves from involvement, and old areas of unyielding will that can seem normal over time. Stubborn wills can devastate nations, damage businesses, ruin homes, and destroy churches. We must examine our hearts and ask ourselves what is standing in the way of yielding our will to God.

Ultimately, the peace, victory, and joy of a will resigned to God are immeasurable. Jesus set the example by yielding His will to the Father, and we are called to do the same. As we face our own cups of struggle, let us consider the joy set before us and surrender our will to God, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The human will is a powerful gift from God, serving as the key to our choices and actions. It is the critical link between understanding and obeying the truth, and its surrender is the essence of self-denial and following Christ. [28:38]
• 2. Balancing our will involves recognizing that we cannot achieve spiritual success through sheer determination alone. We must yield our stubborn wills to God's sovereign will, avoiding the trap of "will worship" and focusing on true godly conviction. [41:19]
• 3. Biblical examples of individuals wrestling with their will, such as Abraham, Jonah, and Esther, teach us the importance of submitting our will to God. These stories remind us that yielding our will leads to God's blessings and fulfillment of His purposes. [59:15]
• 4. In our lives, manifestations of our will can be seen in various areas, such as marriage, employment, and relationships. We must be cautious of passive stubbornness and old areas of unyielding will that can seem normal over time, as they can lead to spiritual disaster. [15:53]
• 5. The peace, victory, and joy of a will resigned to God are immeasurable. Jesus set the example by yielding His will to the Father, and we are called to do the same, trusting in God's perfect plan for our lives and considering the joy set before us. [22:56]
  ** [22:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:22] - Introduction to the Human Will
• [23:38] - Understanding Our Will
• [27:22] - The Power and Gift of Will
• [30:36] - The Essence of Self-Denial
• [35:20] - Balancing Thoughts on the Will
• [38:59] - The Danger of Will Worship
• [42:04] - Conviction and Steadfastness
• [46:34] - Satan's Violation of Our Will
• [52:43] - The Need for Christ's Power
• [57:41] - Biblical Examples of Wrestling with Will
• [59:57] - Jonah's Struggle with Will
• [63:22] - David and Samson's Unyielding Will
• [65:20] - Esther's Submitted Will
• [68:16] - Practical Applications of Our Will
• [77:24] - The Cup of Struggle and Surrender

1. Luke 9:23-24
2. Romans 12:1-2
3. Colossians 3:2

1. In Luke 9:23-24, what does Jesus say is required of someone who wants to follow Him? How does this relate to the concept of self-denial discussed in the sermon? [33:15]
2. According to Romans 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do with their bodies, and how does this relate to understanding and obeying God's will? [35:39]
3. How does Colossians 3:2 instruct believers to set their affections, and what does this imply about the power of the human will? [43:12]
4. The sermon mentions several biblical figures who wrestled with their will. What are some examples given, and how did their choices impact their lives? [57:54]

1. How does the concept of "will worship" in Colossians 2:20-23 challenge the way believers might approach their spiritual disciplines? What does this reveal about the nature of true godly conviction? [41:19]
2. In the sermon, the pastor discusses the danger of passive stubbornness. How might this form of stubbornness manifest in a believer's life, and what are its potential consequences? [14:27]
3. Reflecting on the story of Esther, how does her decision to submit her will to God serve as an example for believers facing difficult choices today? [01:05:20]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of yielding our will to God. How does the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane illustrate this principle, and what can believers learn from His example? [22:56]

1. Reflect on a time when your will was in conflict with God's will. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [01:00:18]
2. Consider the areas of your life where you might be practicing "will worship." What steps can you take to shift your focus from what you don't do to actively following Christ? [41:19]
3. Identify an area in your life where passive stubbornness might be present. What practical steps can you take to become more involved and engaged in that area? [14:27]
4. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the example of Esther's submitted will to seek God's guidance and make a choice that aligns with His purposes? [01:05:20]
5. Jesus set the example of yielding His will to the Father. What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God, and what steps will you take this week to do so? [22:56]
6. Reflect on the relationships in your life, such as marriage or work. How might your will be affecting these relationships, and what changes can you make to align your will with God's will? [01:12:10]
7. Consider the "cup" you are currently facing in your life. What is one practical way you can trust in God's perfect plan and find joy in surrendering your will to Him? [17:24]