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Overcoming (Part 6): Self-Surrender
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsEvery individual grapples with the tension between self-seeking impulses and the noble call to self-denial and self-surrender. A Christian's journey is marked by both self-surrender and self-development, for only through surrendering self-will can one unlock true human potential. This surrender involves relinquishing what the carnal nature cherishes to embrace something greater, spiritual, and eternal. From the earliest times, humanity has been called to surrender. Abraham abandons friends and homeland at God's command, venturing into the unknown, and even offers his cherished son, Isaac, in obedience. Moses surrenders self at God's call, leading the Israelites and willing to sacrifice his place in God's Book of Life for their sake. Israel, as a nation, is set apart as a surrendered people, with their sacrificial system and laws reflecting complete devotion to God through offerings and consecration. Self-surrender also means giving oneself fully. Nehemiah forsakes his position to aid the exiles in Jerusalem, while Esther risks her life for her people's safety. The early disciples share all possessions for the common good, and Paul joyfully surrenders himself to God's purpose, facing unknown perils. Ultimately, self-surrender requires dying to self, allowing Christ to live within, making a living sacrifice daily. This includes yielding for the welfare of others and submitting to authority for God's sake. Christ's teaching and example underscore self-surrender as essential to discipleship. His followers leave everything to follow Him, prioritizing God above family and even their own lives. Jesus Himself embodies this virtue, submitting to His parents as a child, enduring privation, and doing the Father's will throughout His life. He refuses to use His power for personal gain, and with His final breath, surrenders His spirit to the Father. Through His work in us, we are enabled to respond to His call, finding that the reward of self-surrender—eternal life and joy in God's Kingdom—is well worth the cost.
Surrender
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA Christian can obey God's law yet still resist His sovereign will. Such was Jonah, angry with God for His mercy. Christ is our example of true surrender.
Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
Characteristics of the Surrendered Life
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerBy surrendering to God and conducting ourselves in harmony with His revealed truth, we can live abundantly, and our lives become transformed.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
To Live, We Must Die
'Ready Answer' by Bill OnisickHow many of us go through life with our noses to the grindstone? Real life comes as a result of giving our own.
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeProducing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.
Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty, Part Three: The Fruits
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHere are four qualities of character that our full acceptance of God's sovereignty will build and that will prepare us for whatever work God may choose for us.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
Counting the Cost of Humility
Sermonette by Bill OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnce we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
Philippians (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ, through His voluntary humility, has given us a model of the mindset that we need to have in order to attain membership in the family of God.
How Does God View Human Government?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs obnoxious as tyrannical power may seem, we have the obligation to behave lawfully. Even the vilest of leaders has been allowed by God to rule.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding God's sovereignty as a basic doctrine provides a link between knowledge and practice, as well as providing motivation to yield to God's purpose.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.