FREEDOM MINISTRIES
The Heart of a Surrendered Life
Luke 9:23 | Part 1
Pastor Larry Luffman | Freedom Ministries
God’s plan for the believer is found in Galatians 5:22-23. This describes for us the character and attitude that Christ desires to produce in and through us.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 meekness, and self-control; against such, there is no law.
Ephesians 5:18c “be filled (controlled) with the Spirit.”
Self always stands in defiance of surrender.
Self says, “It’s all about me and my happiness.”
Surrender says, “It’s all about Christ and His pleasure.”
Self asks, “Am I pleased with this action, attitude, and decision?”
Surrender always asks, “Is Christ pleased with this action, this attitude, this decision? Is Christ honored?”
What does a heart of surrender require?
1. The heart of a surrendered life is a denying of your flesh.
The word “deny” means “to deny utterly, to disown, to reject.”
“The flesh” speaks of the part of us that desires to live independent of God and it seeks self-gratification, rather than seeking to please Christ.
Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world,
Self (the flesh) says – “I deserve this. Everybody else is doing it. It makes me happy. There is nothing in the Bible that directly forbids it.”
The Spirit says – “Does it please Christ? Does it help me to run the race for Christ? Does it draw me closer to Christ?”
1 Corinthians 9:27 - But I bring and keep my body under subjection, lest when preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Paul gladly denied himself of his own preferences and rights when it meant pleasing the Lord, furthering His work, and reaching souls. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Never be satisfied with where you are in your development and growth as a follower of Christ.
A true, deep yearning for Christ – “if any man will come after me let him take up his cross and follow me.”
A decision to do whatever it takes to experience His life-giving power in and through you.
At key times in your life, you will be faced with a decision – will I follow after my flesh or Christ?
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