What does it mean to be surrendered to God? Is there a difference between following Jesus, and total surrender? How do you know if you’re totally surrendered?
Surrender definition: verb. “cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.”
Submit definition: verb. “accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person.”
I’ve been wrestling with this idea lately on the back burner during Made New. The process of sanctification should be constant, but can only happen if we’re totally surrendered. It’s a process that Jesus leads us through step by step, and it’s beautiful and graceful, but it’s not easy. How do we continually submit to it?
I would argue that there are different levels of surrender. And you can’t stay in one level forever. There will come a moment when the Holy Spirit will urge you on…and you’ll either move forward with Him, or begin to move away from Him. I’ve seen it happen too many times to count. I get to rejoice with those who move forward, and mourn for those who don’t.
Initial surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit that leads to salvation. John 6:44, Acts 2:21
When we can let go of attempting to earn God’s favor, and just rely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 5:21
When we make room in our lives for more of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and begin to exhibit traits of His character. Galatians 5:22
When we are constantly changing, denying ourselves, and our self-worshipping nature is replaced with one that resembles Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:13, Mark 8:34
Galatians 2:20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Biblical Heroes who demonstrated submission and total surrender:
Esther…Esther 4:16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
Paul & Silas in Acts 16. Midnight singing and dungeon faith.
Paul in Acts 14. Getting back up and going back into town. Back to the missionary work he was called to.
Joseph throughout his life. Doing what was right, not what was easy.
Moses? (Why do some people seem to get there so much quicker than others? Woman at the well, vs. Moses who seemed to be constantly fearful and questioning God)
Job at the end?
Who else can you think of?
Discussion:
What stage do you think you’re at? Why?
What’s the benefit of moving through the stages?
Would you say it’s difficult to move through them?
If we’re having trouble, how do we get through it?
Identify the stage you’re in, and make specific goals about moving forward.
Identify some selfish recurring thoughts, that you can focus on changing.
Spend some time in prayer asking God what is the next thing to work on.
Identify some people who you can confide in and will help you through this journey.