I Surrender All
--- title: "I Surrender All" date: series: "Sermons 2001 Rewritten" text: "Luke 18:28" speaker: Ed Rangel location: Waupaca Church of Christ bibleversion: NASB 1995 type: Topical status: draft tags:
sermon
sermons-2001-rewritten
surrender
discipleship
commitment
obedience
cssclasses:
tpt-sermon
tpt-sermon-outline
tpt-mode-outline
---
I Surrender All
Learning Objectives
Explain why biblical surrender means more than singing words about devotion.
Show from Scripture that discipleship requires leaving whatever stands between the soul and Christ.
Identify areas where surrender must become visible: trust, humility, service, worship, family loyalty, and daily obedience.
Warn against partial surrender that keeps worldly pleasures while claiming Christ.
Call hearers to give themselves fully to the Lord in obedient faith.
Thesis
True surrender to Christ is not emotional language in a song; it is the obedient giving of the whole self to the Lord who gave Himself for us.
A man can sing surrender and still keep his hands closed around the very thing God told him to release. He can sing about giving all to Jesus while protecting his pride, his habits, his money, his comfort, his family idols, and his favorite sins. The test of surrender is not whether the song moves us. The test is whether Christ owns us.
Introduction.
Singing is worship, and singing must be done with understanding.
First Corinthians 14:15 teaches that worship must involve both spirit and mind.
Words sung to God must not be empty sound.
A hymn can convict us if we actually mean what we sing.
The song “I Surrender All” presses a serious claim.
It speaks of giving oneself completely to Jesus.
It speaks of trusting Him and living daily in His presence.
It speaks of forsaking worldly pleasures.
It speaks of belonging wholly to the Savior.
Those thoughts are biblical, but they are also dangerous if sung carelessly.
It is easy to sing surrender.
It is harder to surrender.
It is easy to sing about giving all.
It is harder to let Christ take all.
Luke 18:28 gives us the language of actual surrender.
Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.”
The apostles did not merely admire Jesus.
They left what had to be left and followed Him.
This sermon asks a plain question.
Have we surrendered all?
Or have we only sung about it?
I. Surrender Means Giving Christ the Whole Life.
Peter’s statement shows real discipleship.
Luke 18:28 records Peter saying that they had left their own homes and followed Jesus.
They left familiar life.
They left ordinary security.
They followed the Lord.
Peter was not claiming sinless perfection.
Peter still had weaknesses.
Peter would still need correction.
But his life had been redirected by Christ.
Surrender begins when Christ’s call outranks everything else.
Comfort.
Possessions.
Reputation.
Plans.
Family pressure.
Personal desire.
Levi gives a clear example of leaving and following.
Luke 5:27–30 records the call of Levi.
Jesus saw him sitting in the tax office.
Jesus said, “Follow Me.”
Levi left everything, got up, and followed Him.
Levi did not negotiate a delayed obedience.
He did not ask to keep one hand on the tax table.
He did not ask to follow Jesus after business improved.
He got up and followed.
Surrender changes association and purpose.
Levi opened his home.
He brought others near Jesus.
His life became useful to the Lord.
Surrender is not a small adjustment.
Many want Jesus as an addition.
Add Jesus to the schedule.
Add Jesus to the family tradition.
Add Jesus to the emotional life.
Add Jesus without removing anything.
Christ does not come as a decoration.
He comes as Lord.
He calls for allegiance.
He demands the whole heart.
If Christ does not have the whole life, something else still rules.
The mouth may call Him Lord.
The heart may still belong to the world.
The habits may still obey the old master.
II. Surrender Means Forsaking What Competes with Christ.
Worldly pleasures must be brought under the Lord’s rule.
The hymn speaks of forsaking worldly pleasures, and Scripture demands the same.
The old life cannot remain master.
Sin cannot be kept as a private treasure.
Pleasure cannot outrank holiness.
Surrender means the Christian bows before Christ.
Not proudly.
Not selectively.
Not with conditions.
Humbly at His feet.
A man cannot surrender while defending the sin Christ condemns.
Drunkenness.
Immorality.
Covetousness.
Pride.
Bitterness.
False worship.
Neglect of the church.
Jesus Himself modeled submission to the Father.
Luke 22:39–45 shows Jesus praying in Gethsemane.
The cross was before Him.
The suffering was real.
The agony was heavy.
Yet Jesus yielded to the Father’s will.
He did not run from obedience.
He did not demand another path.
He submitted Himself to God’s will.
The disciple cannot claim surrender while refusing the will of God.
If Christ submitted in agony, we must submit in ordinary obedience.
If Christ obeyed unto suffering, we must obey when obedience costs us.
If Christ yielded fully, our partial surrender is exposed.
Surrender reaches even our closest earthly loyalties.
Deuteronomy 33:9 speaks of loyalty to God above even family ties.
The tribe of Levi was praised for devotion to the covenant.
Their allegiance to God had to outrank natural relationships.
God’s word had to govern even painful loyalties.
Christ teaches the same principle in discipleship.
Family is God’s gift.
Family is not God.
No earthly relationship may outrank the Lord.
This is where many refuse surrender.
A parent excuses a child’s sin.
A spouse compromises truth to keep peace.
A family tradition is defended over Scripture.
Blood ties are allowed to silence obedience.
Christ must be first.
Not because family does not matter.
Because God matters more.
Because only God has the right to rule the soul.
III. Surrender Means Becoming Wholly the Lord’s.
The Lord does not redeem people for divided ownership.
First Peter 2:10 teaches that God’s people have received mercy and now belong to Him.
Once they were not a people.
Now they are God’s people.
Mercy changes identity.
Romans 8:9–10 teaches that those who belong to Christ are governed by His Spirit.
A man outside Christ is ruled by flesh.
A man in Christ must live under Christ’s authority.
The body is dead to sin, but the spirit lives because of righteousness.
Ephesians 2:1–7 shows the mercy that made dead sinners alive.
Sinners were dead in trespasses.
God was rich in mercy.
Grace made life possible in Christ.
That mercy demands a changed life.
Wholly belonging to Christ brings real joy.
The song speaks of knowing the joy of belonging to the Savior.
That joy is not sentimental.
That joy is not shallow emotion.
That joy comes from being right with God.
Joy is found in the Lord’s possession of us.
The Christian is not abandoned.
The Christian is not masterless.
The Christian belongs to the Savior.
A divided man cannot know this joy.
He wants Christ, but keeps the world.
He wants forgiveness, but resists repentance.
He wants heaven, but refuses surrender.
Division kills joy.
Wholly belonging to Christ means serving like Christ.
John 13:5–20 shows Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.
The Lord stooped.
The Master served.
The Teacher gave an example.
Surrender does not produce arrogance.
It produces humility.
It produces service.
It produces willingness to do lowly work.
If we belong to Christ, we must stop fighting over status.
We serve in the home.
We serve in the church.
We serve brethren.
We serve without demanding applause.
Surrender says, “Take me, Lord,” and then accepts the work He gives.
Not only visible work.
Not only pleasant work.
Not only easy work.
Any work that honors Him.
IV. Surrender Means Giving God the Future, the Family, and the Self.
Abraham shows surrender when God tests him.
Genesis 22 records God testing Abraham.
Isaac was the son of promise.
Isaac was deeply loved.
God commanded Abraham to offer him.
Abraham obeyed in faith.
He did not understand every detail.
He trusted God’s promise.
He placed God above what was most precious to him.
Surrender gives God what the heart would rather keep.
Not because God is cruel.
Because God must be trusted.
Because nothing may become greater than Him.
Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve.
Joshua 24:15 places the decision plainly.
Choose false gods.
Or serve the LORD.
Neutrality was not an option.
Joshua spoke for his own house.
He did not wait for the crowd.
He did not hide behind public opinion.
He declared that his house would serve the LORD.
Surrender must enter the home.
Fathers must lead.
Mothers must strengthen.
Children must be taught.
The home must not drift into worldliness while claiming faith.
The Christian gives himself to God because he has been freed from sin.
Romans 6:22 teaches that Christians have been freed from sin and enslaved to God.
Freedom from sin is not freedom to serve self.
Freedom from sin means belonging to God.
The outcome is sanctification and eternal life.
Romans 8:15 reminds Christians that they have received the spirit of adoption.
We do not come to God as slaves of fear.
We come as children who cry, “Abba, Father.”
Sonship should deepen surrender, not weaken obedience.
Romans 8:28 gives confidence that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
The surrendered life is not wasted.
The faithful life is not ignored.
God can use even suffering in the life of those who belong to Him.
Application.
For the Christian who sings surrender.
Do not sing words you refuse to live.
If Christ has your song but not your habits, you have not surrendered all.
If Christ has your Sunday but not your week, you have not surrendered all.
For the church.
A congregation cannot be strong with half-surrendered members.
The work suffers when people keep their time, money, gifts, and energy from the Lord.
The Lord deserves more than leftovers.
For parents and the next generation.
Children can tell whether Christ really rules the home.
They hear what we sing, but they also watch what we choose.
Teach them surrender by showing them Christ comes before comfort, sports, money, pride, and family excuses.
For the sinner.
Christ does not call you to admire Him from a distance.
He calls you to surrender in obedient faith.
Salvation is not self-improvement; it is submission to the Lord.
Conclusion.
Philippians 2:5–9 shows the mind of Christ.
He humbled Himself.
He took the form of a servant.
He became obedient to the point of death.
God highly exalted Him.
The Savior surrendered Himself to the Father’s will.
He did not hold back.
He did not protect Himself from the cross.
He gave Himself for sinners.
The question is whether we will give ourselves to Him.
Not part.
Not appearance.
Not song only.
All.
A song service can stir the heart, but the Lord wants more than stirred feelings.
He wants obedience.
He wants holiness.
He wants loyalty.
He wants the life.
If we sing surrender, let us live surrender.
Plan of Salvation
Hear the word.
Faith begins when the sinner hears the message of Christ.
No man can obey a gospel he refuses to hear.
Reference: Romans 10:17.
Believe Christ.
The sinner must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Faith must rest in the crucified and risen Lord.
Reference: John 8:24.
Repent.
Repentance turns the heart away from sin and toward God.
A man cannot surrender to Christ while clinging to the old life.
Reference: Acts 17:30.
Confess Christ.
Faith must not remain hidden.
The sinner must confess Christ as Lord.
Reference: Romans 10:9–10.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
The sinner must submit to baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness.
Baptism is not a symbol after salvation; Scripture connects it with forgiveness, new life, and entrance into Christ.
References: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21.
Live faithfully.
Surrender continues after conversion.
The Lord calls His people to remain faithful until death.
Reference: Revelation 2:10.
Word Study.
| Word | Original | Meaning | Use in Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left | ἀφίημι / aphiēmi | To leave, forsake, release. | Peter says the apostles left what was theirs to follow Jesus. |
| Followed | ἀκολουθέω / akoloutheō | To follow as a disciple. | Discipleship means going after Christ under His authority. |
| Serve | עָבַד / avad | To serve, work, worship. | Joshua calls Israel to choose whom they will serve. |
| Freed | ἐλευθερόω / eleutheroō | To set free, liberate. | Romans 6 teaches Christians are freed from sin to belong to God. |
| Slave | δουλόω / douloō | To enslave, bring under service. | The Christian is no longer sin’s slave but becomes God’s servant. |
| Obedient | ὑπήκοος / hypēkoos | Submissive, obedient. | Philippians 2 describes Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. |
| Exalted | ὑπερυψόω / hyperypsoō | To highly exalt. | God exalted Christ after His humble obedience. |
|---|---|---|---| | Left | ἀφίημι / aphiēmi | To leave, forsake, release. | Peter says the apostles left what was theirs to follow Jesus. | | Followed | ἀκολουθέω / akoloutheō | To follow as a disciple. | Discipleship means going after Christ under His authority. | | Serve | עָבַד / avad | To serve, work, worship. | Joshua calls Israel to choose whom they will serve. | | Freed | ἐλευθερόω / eleutheroō | To set free, liberate. | Romans 6 teaches Christians are freed from sin to belong to God. | | Slave | δουλόω / douloō | To enslave, bring under service. | The Christian is no longer sin’s slave but becomes God’s servant. | | Obedient | ὑπήκοος / hypēkoos | Submissive, obedient. | Philippians 2 describes Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. | | Exalted | ὑπερυψόω / hyperypsoō | To highly exalt. | God exalted Christ after His humble obedience. |
Scripture Interlock Table.
| Testament | Reference | Original Context | Connection to Main Text | Doctrinal Use | Sermon / Teaching Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Genesis 22:1–18 | God tests Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac. | Shows surrender of what is most precious to God. | Teaches trust and obedience above natural attachment. | Supports Point IV. |
| Old Testament | Deuteronomy 33:9 | Levi’s loyalty to God’s covenant is praised above family attachment. | Shows loyalty to God must outrank earthly ties. | Supports complete allegiance to God. | Supports Point II. |
| Old Testament | Joshua 24:15 | Joshua calls Israel to choose whom they will serve. | Shows surrender requires a clear decision. | Rejects neutrality. | Supports Point IV. |
| Old Testament | Psalm 56:11 | The psalmist trusts God and refuses fear of man. | Supports surrendering fear and trusting God. | Shows confidence in God over human threat. | Supports Point II. |
| Old Testament | Daniel 4:1–37 | Nebuchadnezzar is humbled until he acknowledges God’s rule. | Shows surrender includes giving up pride before God. | Warns against self-rule and arrogance. | Supports Point II. |
| New Testament | Luke 18:28 | Peter says the apostles left their own things and followed Jesus. | Main text. | Shows discipleship requires costly following. | Governs the sermon. |
| New Testament | Luke 5:27–30 | Levi leaves the tax office and follows Jesus. | Gives a concrete example of immediate surrender. | Shows obedience to Christ’s call. | Supports Point I. |
| New Testament | Luke 22:39–45 | Jesus submits to the Father’s will in Gethsemane. | Shows surrender modeled by Christ Himself. | Teaches obedience even under suffering. | Supports Point II. |
| New Testament | John 13:5–20 | Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and gives an example of humble service. | Shows surrender produces service, not pride. | Calls disciples to humility. | Supports Point III. |
| New Testament | Romans 6:22 | Christians are freed from sin and enslaved to God. | Shows surrender as transfer of ownership. | Refutes self-directed Christianity. | Supports Point IV. |
| New Testament | Romans 8:15 | Christians receive adoption and call God Father. | Shows surrender is the life of children belonging to God. | Grounds obedience in sonship. | Supports Point IV. |
| New Testament | Romans 8:28 | God works for good in those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. | Gives confidence to the surrendered life. | Shows faithful surrender is not wasted. | Supports Point IV. |
| New Testament | Ephesians 2:1–7 | God makes dead sinners alive by mercy and grace. | Shows surrender follows mercy. | Grounds changed life in grace. | Supports Point III. |
| New Testament | Philippians 2:5–9 | Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to death, then God exalted Him. | Gives the final model of surrender. | Centers surrender in Christ’s own obedience. | Supports Conclusion. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Old Testament | Genesis 22:1–18 | God tests Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac. | Shows surrender of what is most precious to God. | Teaches trust and obedience above natural attachment. | Supports Point IV. | | Old Testament | Deuteronomy 33:9 | Levi’s loyalty to God’s covenant is praised above family attachment. | Shows loyalty to God must outrank earthly ties. | Supports complete allegiance to God. | Supports Point II. | | Old Testament | Joshua 24:15 | Joshua calls Israel to choose whom they will serve. | Shows surrender requires a clear decision. | Rejects neutrality. | Supports Point IV. | | Old Testament | Psalm 56:11 | The psalmist trusts God and refuses fear of man. | Supports surrendering fear and trusting God. | Shows confidence in God over human threat. | Supports Point II. | | Old Testament | Daniel 4:1–37 | Nebuchadnezzar is humbled until he acknowledges God’s rule. | Shows surrender includes giving up pride before God. | Warns against self-rule and arrogance. | Supports Point II. | | New Testament | Luke 18:28 | Peter says the apostles left their own things and followed Jesus. | Main text. | Shows discipleship requires costly following. | Governs the sermon. | | New Testament | Luke 5:27–30 | Levi leaves the tax office and follows Jesus. | Gives a concrete example of immediate surrender. | Shows obedience to Christ’s call. | Supports Point I. | | New Testament | Luke 22:39–45 | Jesus submits to the Father’s will in Gethsemane. | Shows surrender modeled by Christ Himself. | Teaches obedience even under suffering. | Supports Point II. | | New Testament | John 13:5–20 | Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and gives an example of humble service. | Shows surrender produces service, not pride. | Calls disciples to humility. | Supports Point III. | | New Testament | Romans 6:22 | Christians are freed from sin and enslaved to God. | Shows surrender as transfer of ownership. | Refutes self-directed Christianity. | Supports Point IV. | | New Testament | Romans 8:15 | Christians receive adoption and call God Father. | Shows surrender is the life of children belonging to God. | Grounds obedience in sonship. | Supports Point IV. | | New Testament | Romans 8:28 | God works for good in those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. | Gives confidence to the surrendered life. | Shows faithful surrender is not wasted. | Supports Point IV. | | New Testament | Ephesians 2:1–7 | God makes dead sinners alive by mercy and grace. | Shows surrender follows mercy. | Grounds changed life in grace. | Supports Point III. | | New Testament | Philippians 2:5–9 | Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to death, then God exalted Him. | Gives the final model of surrender. | Centers surrender in Christ’s own obedience. | Supports Conclusion. |
Invitation.
Hear the word.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Believe Christ.
John 8:24 warns that unless you believe that Jesus is He, you will die in your sins.
Repent.
Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Confess Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 teaches confession with the mouth and belief in the heart.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully.
Revelation 2:10 calls the Christian to be faithful until death.
