Surrendering All – The Call to Follow Jesus
"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." – Luke 14:33
The Journey of Surrender and Transformation
This past Sunday, we concluded the Give It to God sermon series—a journey of complete surrender to Jesus and transformation through His grace. The final message centered on one profound truth: discipleship requires forsaking all to follow Christ.
Rooted in Luke 14:25-35, this teaching challenges us to surrender our time, passions, and anything that competes with our allegiance to Jesus. It calls for an uncompromising devotion, urging us to embrace the cost of following Him fully.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
In Luke 14, Jesus addresses the crowds with a sobering message about the high cost of discipleship. Following Him is not a casual commitment but a call to prioritize Him above all—our possessions, relationships, and even our own lives.
Through His teaching, Jesus outlines three critical principles for those who desire to follow Him:
Surrender: Letting go of anything that competes for Christ’s lordship in our lives.
Commitment: Wholehearted devotion without conditions or compromises.
Consideration: A serious understanding of the sacrifices required to follow Him.
True discipleship demands that we love Jesus above all else and count the cost of living a life completely surrendered to Him.
The Test of Surrender: The Rich Young Ruler
In Luke 18:18-30, Jesus encounters a rich young ruler who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Despite his outward obedience, the ruler’s heart is revealed when Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow Him. His wealth had become an idol, preventing him from fully surrendering to God.
This passage reminds us of two key truths:
Identifying Idols: Wealth, relationships, ambitions, and passions can all become idols that hinder our relationship with Christ.
God’s Grace: While surrender is difficult, what is impossible for us is made possible through God’s grace and power.
The ruler’s sadness shows us that clinging to worldly security can cost us the eternal treasures of God’s Kingdom.
Redeeming Our Time and Passions
Life is fleeting, and our time is one of the most valuable resources God has given us. Yet, in today’s world, it is easy to waste time on things with no eternal value. Recent studies show the alarming amount of time spent on screens, entertainment, and fleeting pursuits, reminding us of the importance of stewarding our time wisely.
Psalm 90:12 teaches us to "number our days," encouraging us to use our time for God’s purposes rather than squandering it on temporary distractions.
Surrendering to Jesus
Surrendering our time and passions involves submitting our schedules, desires, and ambitions to Jesus, allowing Him to refine and redirect them for His glory. It is an act of worship that reflects our trust in His plans for our lives.
Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
Proverbs 16:3: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
When we surrender, God doesn’t leave us empty. Instead, He transforms what we give and returns it with purpose, fulfillment, and eternal significance.
Living with Eternity in Mind
As we reflect on this past Sunday’s message, we are reminded that every sacrifice we make for Christ is worth it. Luke 18:29-30 assures us that those who leave everything for Jesus will receive blessings both now and in eternity. This eternal perspective changes how we prioritize our time and passions.
Practical Application: Redeeming Our Lives
Assess Priorities: Are your activities and passions aligned with God’s purposes? Reflect on Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Dedicate Time for God: Prioritize prayer, worship, and serving others as Jesus did in Mark 1:35.
Use Passions for His Glory: Offer your talents to advance His Kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The Challenge: Will You Surrender?
As we close this series, I challenge you to examine your life:
What are you unwilling to surrender to Jesus?
Are worldly distractions robbing you of the purpose God has for you?
Romans 12:1 urges us to present our lives as living sacrifices to God. While surrender may seem impossible in our strength, Jesus reminds us in Luke 18:27 that with God, all things are possible.
Final Scripture:
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." – Philippians 3:8
The journey of surrender leads to the abundant life Jesus promises. Let us forsake all, follow Him, and live fully for His glory.
Pastor Niel Petersen
