“TO ENJOY HIM FOREVER – Pt. 5”

Sunday, January 3, 2010

INTRO: To enjoy Him fully requires complete surrender.

I. THE CALL TO COMPLETE SURRENDER

A. James 4:7-10

     1. We’re called to submit to God (v. 7a).

     2. The devil flees to the degree we submit to God (v. 7b).

     3. We’re as close to God as we choose to be (v. 8a).

     4. Drawing closer to God will require cleansing our hands

          and purifying our heart (v. 8b; Matt. 5:8; Ps. 24:3-4).

     5. Cry out for a closer walk with Jesus (v. 9a; Matt. 5:4).

     6. Become dissatisfied with your current walk (v. 9b).

     7. This humbling will lead to elevation (v. 10).

B. Matthew 10:37-39

     1. We’re to love Jesus more than anyone else (v. 37).

     2. Take up your cross and follow Jesus (v. 38; Lk. 14:27).

          a. cross – exposure to death – self denial (Mat. 16:24).

          b. Follow Jesus and His example (Matt. 26:39-46).

     3. We find Christ’s life to the degree we’re willing to lose

          our own (v. 39; Matt. 16:25; Rom. 8:8). Once you

          surrender all, there’s nothing more to lose!

     4. Jesus increases in us to the degree we decrease (Jn. 3:30).

     5. The extent of our surrender is the extent of our victory!

II. THE RESULTS OF COMPLETE SURRENDER

A. Christ lives in us (Gal. 2:20).

B. We produce much fruit (Jn. 12:24-25).

C. The flesh and religion resist it (Ps. 32:9).

D. The fullness of joy will come (Ps. 30:5, 11; 126:5).

III. THE HINDRINCES TO COMPLETE SURRENDER

A. Pride (Ps. 10:4; Isa. 14:13-15).

B. Religion (Matt. 23:25-28). Religion focuses on:

     1. Outward appearance rather than inward purity.

     2. Rules rather than relationship.

     3. Lip service rather than heart  worship (Mat. 15:7-9).   

     4. Dulling our spiritual senses (Matt. 13:15).

CONCLUSION: There are only two choices – My way or His way? What will you choose?