Pure and Entire Resignation of Self to Obtain Freedom of Heart
The sermon emphasizes the importance of full resignation to God, trusting in His will, and surrendering one's own self-will and desires for inward peace, happiness, and a fruitful union with God.
Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of complete surrender to Christ, emphasizing the need to renounce self-will, possessions, and desires in order to fully gain God's grace. He highlights the necessity of continual resignation in all aspects of life, without reservation or hesitation, to achieve true liberty of the heart and a deep friendship with God. Kempis warns against half-hearted commitments and urges for a daily sacrifice of self to maintain a fruitful union with God, leading to inner peace and freedom from darkness.
Text
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, renounce self and you shall find Me. Give up your own self-will, your possessions, and you shall always gain. For once you resign yourself irrevocably, greater grace will be given you.
THE DISCIPLE
How often, Lord, shall I resign myself? And in what shall I forsake myself?
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
Always, at every hour, in small matters as well as great -- I except nothing. In all things I wish you to be stripped of self. How otherwise can you be mine or I yours unless you be despoiled of your own will both inwardly and outwardly? The sooner you do this the better it will be for you, and the more fully and sincerely you do it the more you will please Me and the greater gain you will merit.
Some there are who resign themselves, but with certain reservation; they do not trust fully in God and therefore they try to provide for themselves. Others, again, at first offer all, but afterward are assailed by temptation and return to what they have renounced, thereby making no progress in virtue. These will not reach the true liberty of a pure heart nor the grace of happy friendship with Me unless they first make a full resignation and a daily sacrifice of themselves. Without this no fruitful union lasts nor will last.
I have said to you very often, and now I say again: forsake yourself, renounce yourself and you shall enjoy great inward peace. Give all for all. Ask nothing, demand nothing in return. Trust purely and without hesitation in Me, and you shall possess Me. You will be free of heart and darkness will not overwhelm you.
Strive for this, pray for this, desire this -- to be stripped of all selfishness and naked to follow the naked Jesus, to die to self and live forever for Me. Then all vain imaginations, all wicked disturbances and superfluous cares will vanish. Then also immoderate fear will leave you and inordinate love will die.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Necessity of Resignation
- A. Resigning self is the key to finding God
- B. Giving up self-will and possessions leads to greater gain
- II. The Frequency and Extent of Resignation
- A. Resignation should be done at every hour and in all things
- B. Nothing should be excepted, including small matters
- III. The Importance of Full Resignation
- A. Resignation without reservation is necessary for true liberty
- B. A daily sacrifice of self is required for fruitful union
- IV. The Benefits of Resignation
- A. Inward peace and happiness are the result of full resignation
- B. Trust in God leads to possession of Him and freedom of heart
Key Quotes
“My child, renounce self and you shall find Me.” — Thomas a Kempis
“Give all for all. Ask nothing, demand nothing in return.” — Thomas a Kempis
“Strive for this, pray for this, desire this -- to be stripped of all selfishness and naked to follow the naked Jesus.” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to resign yourself to God at every hour and in all things, trusting fully in His will.
- Surrender your own self-will and desires, and ask nothing in return, trusting in God's goodness and provision.
- Strive for a daily sacrifice of yourself, dying to self and living for God, and pray for the strength to do so.