Letting Christ Live Through Me (Clip)
Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that true faith is expressed by surrendering fully to Christ's sufficiency and living in continual gratitude for His presence and power within us.
This sermon emphasizes the act of surrendering to God in every step and situation, recognizing His sufficiency in our inadequacy. It encourages a posture of gratitude and availability for God to work through us, acknowledging that He has given Himself to us. The essence of faith is expressed through thankfulness in all circumstances.
Full Transcript
All I needed to do for every step I took and for every situation to which that step took me Bound myself out bow him in Recognize that all that he was I had couldn't have more he'd never enjoyed less Expose the situation in my inadequacy to his overwhelming sufficiency and say thank you Lord Jesus You're in business if you need hands here They are if you need lips to speak here, they are mine to think I'm just available for you to handle this situation I don't ask you to help me hang. I want to thank you But when you gave yourself for me, you did so to give yourself to me And so now I take for what you are in me as once I took what you did for me In other words in all its sublime simplicity to my mind The true expression of a faith that lets God do it is to say thank you in everything now this
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Recognize personal inadequacy
- Acknowledge Christ's overwhelming sufficiency
- Express gratitude to Jesus for His presence
-
II
- Offer yourself fully to Christ's service
- Allow Him to handle every situation
- Trust in His power rather than your own
-
III
- Understand faith as simple and sublime
- Live by saying thank you in all circumstances
- Let God work through your availability
Key Quotes
“Expose the situation in my inadequacy to his overwhelming sufficiency and say thank you Lord Jesus.” — Major Ian Thomas
“You're in business if you need hands here They are if you need lips to speak here, they are mine to think I'm just available for you to handle this situation.” — Major Ian Thomas
“The true expression of a faith that lets God do it is to say thank you in everything now.” — Major Ian Thomas
Application Points
- In every situation, consciously acknowledge your need for Christ's help rather than relying solely on your own strength.
- Practice daily gratitude by thanking Jesus for His presence and power working through you.
- Offer yourself fully and be available for God to use your hands, lips, and thoughts to accomplish His purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to let Christ live through me?
It means surrendering your own efforts and trusting fully in Christ's power and presence to guide and empower your life.
How can I express true faith according to Major Ian Thomas?
By recognizing your own inadequacy, relying on Christ's sufficiency, and continually thanking Him in every situation.
Why is gratitude important in the Christian life?
Gratitude acknowledges God's work in us and opens the way for Him to act powerfully through our lives.
Does this teaching require us to stop trying to help ourselves?
No, it encourages offering your efforts to God and trusting Him to work through your willingness and availability.