Absolute Surrender
E.A. Johnston teaches that true Christian life requires an absolute, wholehearted surrender to God's will, following the example of Christ and biblical figures like John the Baptist and Paul.
In 'Absolute Surrender,' E.A. Johnston passionately calls believers to fully yield their lives to God's will, drawing from the example of Jesus Christ and biblical figures like John the Baptist and Paul. Through personal testimony and scriptural insights, Johnston challenges listeners to stop resisting God's call and embrace a life hidden with Christ. This devotional sermon encourages a deep, transformative commitment that prioritizes eternal riches over worldly gain.
Full Transcript
Do you know what an absolute surrender is, friend, in regard to your life in Christ? When Jesus faced his Gethsemane, he prayed, Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And when his cruel tormentors bound his hands with cords to lead him to Calvary, he offered no resistance, because he had already settled it with God in his heart. He willingly went to that ignoble cross for sinful man, and became a sacrifice and substitute for sin.
The surrender of Christ was absolute and complete. For years I fought against God with my stubborn will, pitted against his, for I did not want to surrender to be a preacher, because I did not want to be poor. Well, that day came, friends, when God called me to be a preacher, and I surrendered to that call.
Yes, I am now poor in the eyes of this world, but I am rich toward God, and that's all that matters, friends. Christ is looking for you to give him an absolute surrender of your life to him, for his purpose and his glory. That utter surrender means you no longer have any rights or claims on your life.
Your life is hid with Christ and God. God wants to bring you to the place, friend, where you can say with John the Baptist, I must decrease so he may increase. Wouldn't it be nice, friend, that when others look at you, all they see is Jesus? This message is purposely short so you can do business with God when it's done.
Don't fight God any longer, friend. There isn't Christ, asks Saul. Why do you kick against the pricks? Paul had to surrender to be a vessel of his grace to others.
If you have been kicking against God's call on your life, friend, it's only going to make you more miserable than you already are. John the Baptist had a brief public ministry of only six months before he was beheaded for the sake of the gospel. But, oh friends, what a glorious six months that was to herald the Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
Listen, friend. Listen to me, please. He may have in store for you the best six months of your life for Him.
Only one life, which will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Example of Christ's Absolute Surrender
- Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane submitting to God's will
- His willing acceptance of the cross without resistance
- The significance of Christ's complete surrender for humanity
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II. Personal Testimony of Surrender
- Struggle against God's call due to worldly concerns
- Decision to surrender and embrace God's calling
- Finding true richness in God despite worldly poverty
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III. The Call to Absolute Surrender for Believers
- Giving up personal rights and claims on life
- Living a life hidden with Christ in God
- The desire for Christ to increase as self decreases
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IV. Encouragement to Stop Resisting God's Call
- Warning against fighting God's purpose like Saul
- Examples of John the Baptist and Paul’s surrender
- The eternal value of doing all for Christ
Key Quotes
“The surrender of Christ was absolute and complete.” — E.A. Johnston
“Christ is looking for you to give him an absolute surrender of your life to him, for his purpose and his glory.” — E.A. Johnston
“Only one life, which will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Examine your life to identify areas where you are resisting God's call and choose to surrender them fully.
- Seek to live a life that reflects Christ's humility and obedience, allowing Him to increase as you decrease.
- Trust that surrendering to God's purpose brings true richness beyond worldly wealth or status.