The key is understanding that Jesus is already Lord of your life. We do not make Jesus Lord. Jesus is Lord. What we are supposed to do is submit to His lordship. Another word for our response to Jesus’ Lordship is “submission.” To submit is to yield to the will and control of another, and, with reference to Christians, it is yielding to the will and control of Jesus Christ. This means that when Scripture commands believers to love one another (John 15:17), that is what is to be done. It means that when Scripture says we are not to commit adultery or steal (Exodus 20:14-15), these things are not to be done. It should be understood that submission, or obedience to the commands of God, is related to Christian growth and maturity, and is not related to becoming a Christian. A person becomes a Christian by faith alone in Christ apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
We should realize that complete obedience cannot be accomplished simply by willing it to be done or in the strength of one’s inner being. It will not happen simply because we “decide” to do it. This is because even believers are prone to sinful conduct and thoughts apart from the work and power of the Holy Spirit. In order to be obedient, we must rely on the power provided by the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). This in itself is an act of obedience, for we are commanded in Ephesians 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit. This doesn’t mean that a believer gets more of the Spirit, but rather that the Spirit gets more of the believer—which is the whole idea of submission. Being filled with the Spirit is yielding to the Spirit’s control. Practically speaking, this happens as a believer responds positively to the leading of the Holy Spirit. By this is not meant feeling that one is being lead into full-time Christian ministry and obeying that feeling, although this may be included. Rather, it refers to the day-to-day decisions we make, such as responding kindly to someone who has mistreated us (Romans 12:17); being truthful in our communication with others (Ephesians 4:25); being honest in our business dealings (Ephesians 4:28); spending time in prayer and studying God’s Word as we are commanded (2 Timothy 2:15). These are a just a few examples of daily decisions that demonstrate submissiveness to Christ.
It is also important to note that even when we fail to obey, God has made a provision for that so that we can remain in fellowship with Him. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Even this is part of submission and obedience—to confess our sins to God so that we can remain in fellowship with Him. It is important to note that when tough decisions arise, the first thing we should do is pray, asking the Lord to help us to make the right decision and/or be obedient to what we already know is right from the Word.
To sum up the idea of the Lordship of Christ, it does not consist of one act of obedience but rather is measured by the sum of our obedience, and it cannot be accomplished in our own strength or power, but by the power available to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are strongest when we are relying on Him (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Indeed, for those he has graced with his gift of Salvation. We must push in with Christ, simply because we love him. Yet, like in Luke 8; too many people will allow themselves to be separated, as they love their comfort in the world more than He. It is a matter of heart communion, and not just intellectual understanding like a scribe (Theologian) thinks.
This is why Jesus told his disciples that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is like a little child, holding a simple, childlike faith – and never acting in the independence of the true vine, who is Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us who actually know him, push in, and run the good race together, that we might be found perfect, by allowing ourselves to be transformed into his image, by way of the cross – (crucifixion of the old man, in sanctification) ; not by our power but by the power of the Holy Spirit, which indwells every actual child of God.
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Michael, this is very good! May I have your permission to reblog this sometime next week? Of course, I will include a link to read the rest of the post here.
Blessings to you Brother!
~Anna
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Thank you, Anna, for visiting and your comment on the post. I do so appreciate both.
I would be honored for you to re-blog this post. The important thing, I believe, is spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone in all of the nations. If accomplishing that end can be further achieved, then by all means, share it. I look forward to reading your forth coming post.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours always.
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Thank you so much, Michael! I will schedule it to post on 3/13. I love your closing comment, and I pray the same for you and yours!
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You are quite welcome, Anna.
I will be looking for your upcoming post and hope that others will follow…..
My closing comment? [smiling] I primarily always close with this blessing. I truly believe that there is but one God and He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob….. and, only He can bless us fully. I also believe in the power of Intercessory Prayer [for others].
Thank you, Anna, for your blessings upon me and mine. I do so appreciate this..
As always, May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives.
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Amazing God bless you all
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Thank you! And thank you for your comment. It is greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and keep you.
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Thank you for your comment. It is greatly appreciated. I am quite pleased you enjoyed the post.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you.
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I wish to thank you for the link and for your kindest of words, Anna. Both are greatly appreciated. But mostly I wish to thank you for helping to get the word of God out to all of the world.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and yours. May His face shine upon you and your ministry…..
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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