THE SURRENDERED LIFE
Text: Galatians 2 : 20
The word surrender conjures up many pictures.
We think of Japan’s surrender at the end of WW II.
Maybe we picture the celebrations in Times Square.
To some it may be the image of Saddam Hussein and his spider-hole.
And to others just a simple wrestling hold they have placed someone in.
All are images of surrender. Someone has to give in to defeat.
But the surrender that the text speaks of leads not to defeat, but to victory.
When we surrender to Christ, we have victory in this life and the life everlasting.
What does it mean to surrender to Christ?
Is it just living as though dead to sin?
As we look to the Word of God we will see what indeed is:
The Surrendered Life
I. The Surrendered Life Serves Without Question.
A. The story of Noah and the Ark. (Genesis 6)
Genesis 6 : 22 Thus did Noah; according to all God commanded him, so did he.
B. Other examples; Elisha, I Kings 19; Isaiah 6 : 8; Jesus John 4 : 34
C. Each followed without question the will of God.
II. The Surrendered Life, Submission To Divine Will Leads To.
A. A relationship to God.
Matthew 12:50 Whosoever shall do the will of my Father, which is in Heaven the same is, my brother, and sister and mother.
1. We become part of the family of God.
2. Which has certain privilege.
B. This comes through keeping God’s law in our hearts.
Psalms 40:8 I delight to do your will, o my God, yes you law is within my heart.
1. God will show you His will. (Psalms 143:10)
2. When He does it must be kept in your heart.
C. This becomes an every day life experience.
James 4:15 For that you ought to say, if the Lord will we shall live, and do this, or that.
1. The will of God becomes the factor in how we live.
2. We won’t make plans without Him.
III. The Surrendered Life Allows Us To Follow In All Of Life’s Experiences.
A. In the good times. It is easy to follow.
God Is Good, All The Time
B. We will also be able to follow in the bad times.
1. David’s example when his son died. (2 Sam. 12: 17)
2. Job’s statement, “ Naked I came into the world and naked shall I return, the Lord gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)
3. Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mark 14:36)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Conclusion: If we are to expect to live a life as a follower of Christ we must first surrender to Him.
Without surrender He is not Lord. If He is not Lord, then He is not Savior.
He must rule in your heart as you surrender unconditionally to Him.
Without surrender, victory will not come, and Heaven will not be yours.
