Sermon: Summary
This sermon focuses on four steps to surrendering oneself to God, using Jesus’ final moments on the cross as described in Luke 23. Pastor Mike contrasts Jimmy Buffett’s last words about temporal happiness with Jesus’ words about eternal joy and peace. The message emphasizes the importance of complete surrender to God, not just partial surrender, and explores common excuses people make for not fully surrendering their lives to Christ.
Opening Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand what true surrender means. Help us to be honest with ourselves about areas where we might be holding back from You. Guide our discussion and reveal to us what You want us to learn today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share: Get Talking
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to let go of or give up? What made it difficult to surrender that thing?
Study: Go Deeper
What does it mean to take full responsibility for our sin? Why is this the first step in surrendering to God?
How do you think the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion symbolizes sin? What significance does this have for us today?
What’s the difference between concealing sin and confessing sin? Why is confession so important?
Which of the common excuses for not surrendering to Christ resonates most with your experience or the experiences of people you know?
Looking at the three diagrams of life (non-surrendered, partially surrendered, fully surrendered), where do you honestly see yourself right now?
What areas of life do people tend to struggle most with surrendering to God? Why do you think that is?
How does trusting God with our next steps demonstrate surrender?
What practical steps can we take to move from partial surrender to full surrender in our daily lives?
Support: Accountability & Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you’ve been maintaining control rather than surrendering it to God. Write it down, pray about it daily, and take one specific action to demonstrate your trust in God’s control over that area.
How can we support and pray for you this week?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us through Your Son what true surrender looks like. Help us to release our grip on those areas we’re still holding onto, and give us the courage to trust You completely. May we experience the freedom and peace that comes with full surrender to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Additional Resources
KEY VERSES:
Luke 23:44-49 / 1 John 1:8-9 / Psalm 37:4 / 1 Corinthians 2:14
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
True surrender begins with taking full responsibility for our sin
Jesus’ sacrifice makes it possible for us to have direct access to God
Partial surrender is not the same as full surrender to Christ
God can do more with our surrender than we can do with our control
Surrender is an ongoing process that requires trust in God’s leadership