 |
| WORKBOOK COMING SOON! |
“…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….”
(Proverbs 16:25 KJV).
*
To be autonomous means to be independent or to
follow the private rules and desires of your choosing. “But the people replied, “Don’t
waste your breath. We will continue
to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…”
(JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
An autonomous person
thinks of themselves as self-governing, self-directing, self-sufficient, and not
controlled by forces outside of one’s self.
“…Not that we are
sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2
Corinthians 3:5 KJV).
The state of being
autonomous is described as having human will to make informed self-sufficient
decisions about one’s choices or behaviors. Satan usurped his autonomous and it
caused him to FALL from heaven. “…A
man's pride (usurp of self) shall bring
him LOW…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV). “…Pride (usurp of self) goeth before destruction, and an
haughty spirit before a FALL…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). “…How
you are FALLEN from heaven, O shining
star, son of the morning!
…For you said to yourself, ‘I will
ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I
will
preside on the mountain of the gods
far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most
High …”
(Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).
To be autonomous is to
believe you are endowed with the capacity to be self-reliant and capable of
being in control of your own life without interference.
“…you
said to yourself, ‘I will
…I will …I will…”
(Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar
usurped his autonomy too. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. ….was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar
clearly demonstrates the ideology of personal autonomy. He doesn’t NEED God and
he prefers to live HIS life apart from God’s control or laws and be the center
of HIS own universe.
King Nebuchadnezzar
rejected God’s advice and continued to rely and depend upon himself. He CHOOSE
to continue to live independent of God and his HOLY standards.
Autonomy is basically a
man’s self-effort to live independently of God instead of under his “rightful”
Lordship of God.
This is God’s world and
ALL peoples are God’s people. Therefore, he is ultimately sovereign and has the
“RIGHT” to rule over the entire universe.
Autonomy, on any level,
it mankind’s rejection of God’s “RIGHT” to rule. The original sin was not only
the FIRST independent CHOICE, but also the REJECTION of God’s LORDSHIP and
REBELLION against his standards.
Self-autonomy, in ANY
area of your life, is a continuation of the original sin of REJECTION and
REBELLION against God’s sovereignty.
Your self-autonomy SAYS,
God does “NOT” have LORDSHIP over “THIS” area of MY life.
Self-autonomy SAYS that
individuals are self-governed to the degree that they can do WHATEVER they feel
or believe is right in their own eyes. “….The way
of a fool is right in his own
eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is
a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death...” (Proverbs
14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….”
(Proverbs 16:25 KJV).
Self-autonomy refers to the personal power
one believes he or she possesses - based on the ability of human will - to make
decisions within themselves without outside interference. “Those who trust in themselves are
fools, but those who walk in
wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).
Once you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior
most believers STRUGGLE with giving up self-autonomy. However, God “….made
…Jesus, whom ye crucified, both [your]…Lord and Christ… (Acts 2:36
KJV).
Like Jesus, believers are to willfully and
voluntarily submit to God’s sovereignty or Lordship over their lives.” “…"Father,
if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done"
(Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…”
(1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
In order to entrust yourself to God’s
sovereignty self-autonomy has to be relinquished. “…yet not My will, but Yours be done…"
(Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Autonomy is also related to the word
control. Control is when YOU direct or determine your own actions, thoughts,
emotions, or plans. “But
the people replied, “…We will
continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…”
(JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Control is when YOU govern your own
restrictions or liberties. “…But
my people would not listen to me.
They KEPT DOING
WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following
the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
In Strong’s lexicon control means to hold
back, shut up, halt, stop, detain, or restraint.
Salvation makes Jesus Lord of your life by
“RIGHT.” God “….made …Jesus, whom ye crucified, both [your]…Lord and Christ…
(Acts 2:36 KJV).
A relinquishing of self-autonomy is part
of the Christian journey. This means you have voluntarily and willfully CHOOSEN
to hand over your right to CONTROL your OWN life. “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
However, losing self-autonomy makes people
feel helpless, scared, terrified, naked, exposed, or weak.
“…After this, the
armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on
Jehoshaphat. Messengers
came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from
beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name
for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat
was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
To lose self-autonomy or control is
frightening for many. “…Jehoshaphat was
TERRIFIED by this news...”
(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
You will either try to regain self-autonomy
or control or you will CHOOSE to submit to a higher power. “…Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
Some events, situations, or circumstances
don’t allow people to maintain self-autonomy/control OR MAKE CHOICES. “One
day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest
brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and
the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with
them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped
to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said,
“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the
servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was
still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three
raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put
the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons
and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,
when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four
corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only
one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
Job could NOT maintain self-autonomy over
what happened. He could NOT control what happened. He could NOT CHOOSE what
happened. Job relinquished control with the right attitude. He said “..though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job
13:15 KJV). Job said, “Naked I came from
my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed
be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).
When I had my brain bleed, I lost self-self-autonomy
or control over parts of my health and life. Like the a domino effect, one by
one, I lost self-autonomy or control
over my balance, my relationships, my independence, my choices, where I could
live, my ability to multitask, my preferred lifestyle, my ability to eat what I
wanted, my original speech, and my ability to filter all of my words.
I hated being so out-of-control. I hated
being so dependent. I hated being at the mercy of others. I wanted my self-autonomy
back. I wanted my control back! However, the question soon became “What does God want?”
First of all, God wanted to strip me of my
pride. I felt he made me wear helplessness and vulnerability like a neon sign.
It felt like everybody could witness some kind of weakness in me.
I imagined I was truly living in a fish
bowl. Suddenly, I had an undeniable “need” for the caregiving and support of
others.
Without knowing it, I had programmed
myself to avoid “needing” others as much as possible. I THOUGHT it was a sign
of weakness.
I THOUGHT maintaining personal self-autonomy,
control, and independence was a sign of being blessed. It WASN’T!
The LOSS of FURTHER self-autonomy MADE me acknowledge
my TOTAL and COMPLETE need for God in EVERY area of my life.
I had ONLY relinquished CONTROL to God in
the areas of MY CHOOSING. I had so much MORE to surrender.
Surrendering
ALL my self-autonomy, control, and independence was actually surrender to MORE
of God’s love and grace.
Surrender; NOT self-autonomy became a
blessing and my disability became like a magnet attracting Christian love,
kindness, and friendships as well as a GIFT of deeper humility.
God reached out to me through others, and
I humbly reached back. It was EXTREMELY hard to be so publicly helpless and
out-of-control, but a loss of self-autonomy will take you to unfamiliar places.
My loss of self-autonomy was so public I
couldn’t diminish or hide my helplessness or my loss of control.
I was usually on the other side as a
GIVER, but not so much as a RECEIVER, especially to this depth.
I watched, allowed, and surrendered to people
who ministered to me through many Christlike avenues of caregiving. “Ye are
of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for
love is of God; and every one that loveth is born
of God, and knoweth God. He that
loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
I recognized God’s disciples by the way
they demonstrated love “…one to another [and to me]…” (John 13:35
KJV).
When a loss of self- autonomy leaves you
helpless and out-of-control; surrender to God. Surrendering to God is actually
surrendering to LOVE. “…God
is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
Surrender takes humility, but humility
becomes a POWERFUL submission to true LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1
John 4:4-8 KJV).
Humility proves to be a very adequate
teacher, guide, and support when TRADING self-autonomy for LORDSHIP!!!
Humility is also a sign that LORDSHIP, of
YOUR life, has been put in the proper hands. Humble yourself to the LORDSHIP of
LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
God “…is patient …is kind. [God]…does not envy, …does
not boast, it is not proud.
[God]…does not dishonor others, … is not self-seeking, ..is
not easily angered, …keeps no record of wrongs. … AND….never
fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
I HUMBLED myself to the LORDSHIP of love,
to patience, to kindness, to honor, to unselfishness, to grace, to mercy, and
to someone who will NEVER fail to continually love you (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…”
(Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the
same
yesterday and today and forever”
(Hebrews 13 :8 NIV).
“…If
My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, …” (2
Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “Humble yourselves in
the sight of the Lord, and
he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…” (1 Peter 5:6
KJV).
Surrendering to the LORDSHIP of LOVE
allows you to become content and peaceful. “…Be content with what you have, because God
has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…”
(Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “God is [your] refuge
and strength, a
very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).
Apostle Paul said, “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be
in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…”
Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). His secret,
“…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
(Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Surrendering to the LORDSHIP of LOVE will
REVEAL that ONLY God is truly autonomous, in control, and sovereignty. “…Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms
115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases (not mankind)
with the powers of heaven and
the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or
say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
My loss of personal self-autonomy enabled
me to become MORE dependent on the LORDSHIP of LOVE. “….All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…”
(Job 14:14 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV).
In order to process through my
helplessness, my loss of control, and my need for the LORDSHIP of LOVE I had to
detach myself from my lingering pride. I had to totally and completely entrust
myself to God. Jesus said, “…LEARN from me, for I
am gentle and HUMBLE in heart…”
(Matthew 11:29 KJV). “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…”
(1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
My spiritual development, especially in
humility, grew in leaps and bounds; allowing me to experience a deeper, fuller,
richer, and more productive relationship through the LORDSHIP of LOVE.
God is rightfully sovereign over the
life of the believer, but the believer does not always relinquish that
sovereignty to God. “…But
my people would not listen to me.
They kept doing whatever they wanted, following
the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
I learned God was NOT sovereign over EVERY
area of my heart. God knew that there
was STILL pride and self-autonomy was in my heart. The LORD of LOVE “cares”
VERY much about my heart. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD
looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God looks at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed
evil thoughts…these … come from within, and defile a person.”
(Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
It is wise to surrender to the LORDSHIP of
LOVE, because he CARES about YOU. He CARES about your HEART, which “…is deceitful above all things and desperately
wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
Christ died so God could be sovereign in
the lives of his people, particularly through the Lordship of Christ/Love. “…Ye shall be holy unto me:
for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you
from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26
KJV).
Growing in humility enabled me to submit deeper
and deeper to the Lordship of Christ/Love. I learned, first of all, “…do not think of yourself more highly than you
ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). Second, always remember, “….there is not a just man upon earth,
that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). And finally
know, “… there is none good but one, that
is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).
Submitting to the Lordship of Christ/Love
SAYS that God has FINALLY gained sovereignty over your life, which is his
“RIGHT” anyway as your Lord and Savior. “…Because YOU BELONG to him..” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “…[Lordship is for] those who
BELONG TO Christ Jesus…” (Galatians 5:24 NASB).
It’s becomes easier to submit to the
sovereignty of God when you authentically experience situations and
circumstances that REVEAL his “necessary” LOVE, his goodnesses, his amazing
graces, his mercy, his glorious presence, and his MANY spiritual blessings. There
is NONE, not even YOU, like him!!! “… I am God, and there
is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…"
(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “…
there is NONE like unto thee, O
LORD; thou art
great, and thy name is great in might.…”
(Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God deserves to be the LORD of LOVE over
the believer’s life. He paid the price for the “right” simple to LOVE “YOU!” “…The just for the unjust…”
(1 Peter 3:18 KJV).
Praise the sovereign God for all “… [the] great
things [he hath done] for us…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV).
I will “…confess with [my]…mouth, the
Lord Jesus ….” and humbly surrender to the LORD of LOVE (Romans
10:9-10 KJV).
By submitting to others, who loved me, through
my helpless medical condition, I learned to submit in a greater way to the LORD
of LOVE. All things really do work together for good. “..All things work
together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED
to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
I was EMPOWERED, through indwelling Holy
Spirit, to surrender again and again to the LORD of LOVE. “…It is God who works in you to
will
and to act in order to fulfill his good
purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
The indwelling Holy Spirit directed me to
the LOVE of God. “…direct [their]…
hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB). “…May the
Lord lead your hearts INTO a full understanding and EXPRESSION of the love of
God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).
Where else was there to go? “…Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away
also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We
have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God…” (John 6:67-69 NASB). “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is
great in might.…”
(Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
If you are not FULLY surrendered you are “NOT” FULLY
God’s disciple. You “…cannot [fully] be (Christ’s) disciple…” (Luke 14:26
KJV).
A loss of personal self-autonomy is a SIGN
of the COST you are willing to PAY to “…come after [Jesus]…..” (Luke
14:27 KJV).
The less options you have to take the path
of self-autonomy the narrower the path becomes that leads to a GREATER
authentic, surrendered life to the LORD of LOVE. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there
are few who find
it” (Matthew 7:14 NASB).
When God is the LORD of LOVE in your life,
it will be evident through your authentic dependency on his POWERFUL indwelling
PRESENCE. “…That
he would grant [YOU]… according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened
with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16
KJV). . “…It is God which worketh in [you]… both to
will and to do of his
good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
Humble surrendered is gained from
real-life experience that promotes spiritual development by testing faith,
which is like a pruning, so it will GROW. “…Dear brothers and sisters …when your faith
is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow….”
(James 1:2-4 NLT).
The LORD of LOVE may use the loss of self-autonomy
to enable you to actually become truly humble, dependent, and respectful of his
sovereignty. King Nebuchadnezzar is a witness. “…Everything he does is right and all his ways
are just. And those who walk in pride he
is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV).
God’s sovereign LOVE is also experienced
through a life progressively growing and developing in the grace, knowledge,
and image of Jesus Christ. “…Grow in the grace and knowledge or our LORD
and SAVIOUR Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18). “…God …predestined [you] to be
conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV).
When you have surrendered to the LORD of
LOVE you have voluntarily and willfully relinquished your self-autonomy. “…[Your heart cries] …if the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV). “… [I NOW]… live by
the faith
of the Son of God. …”
(Galatians 2:20 KJV).
“…I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN
[me]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what
I am…” (1
Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
Self-autonomy LIMITS you to your FINITE
abilities. Humble surrender to the LORD of HOLY LOVE removes the LIMITS and opens your
life up to INFINITE possibilities!! “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with
God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing
too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS
ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
Jesus said, “For I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me”
(John 6:38 KJV). “…not to do mine
own will, but the will of him that sent me….” (John 6:38 KJV).
Jesus knew he couldn’t do autonomously
what he could do surrendered to GOD. “….NO MAN can do these miracles that thou doest, EXCEPT GOD BE WITH
HIM…” (John 3:2 KJV).“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Spirit and POWER, and how
he went around doing good and healing all ….because God was with him…” (Acts
10:38 NIV). “…Stephen, a man full of God’s
grace and POWER,
performed great
wonders and signs among the people…”
(Acts 6:8 NIV). “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (power) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating
among you the
marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (power)…”
(2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV).
“…Verily, verily, I say unto
you, He that believeth on me, the works
that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he do; because I go
unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV). “…the Father that
dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth
the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Humble surrendering to LORD of LOVE is NOT
easy, because the flesh has learned to live independent of God and is hostile
to God. “…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to
God; it does not submit to
God's law, nor can it do so…” (Romans 8:7 NIV).
Therefore, the trouble with humble surrender
is the FLESH. “…The trouble is with me,
for I am all too human, a slave to
sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do (surrender) what is
right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does
it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my
sinful nature. I want to do (surrender)what is right, but I can’t. I want to do (surrender) what is good, but I don’t.
I don’t want
to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. I have discovered this
principle of life—that when I want to do (surrender) what is right, I inevitably do what is
wrong. I
[am] …a slave to the sin (a mind governed by the flesh) that is … within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am!” (Romans
7:14-25 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [heart] sin?” (Romans
7:14-25 NLT).
“…Thank
God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our
Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Therefore, “… [May God] … grant you, according to the
riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians
3:16 KJV). “…May
the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his
will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…May the God of
peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in us what
is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…For it
is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV
In addition, if you humbly surrender
yourself under the LORD of HOLY LOVE, his
way of life will become YOUR way of life. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding
great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers (participants) of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this,
giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to
knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things
be in you, and abound …[you
will be fruitful in] the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2
Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).
When a believer finds themselves in
situations or circumstances where self-autonomy is lost they should remember
God is a God of correction. “If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you
are not
legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
“….For whom the Lord
loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “…Those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…that we might be partakers of his
holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).
A believer will never know IF they are
truly submitted to God’s sovereignty until they have to prove it. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there
is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God,
and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although
thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job
2:3 KJV). Job said: “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).
Believers are sent to earth to serve God’s
purpose, first and foremost. Like Jesus, we did “…not come to be served, but to serve….” (Matthew 20:28
NIV).
One of the Hebrew words for serve is abad
and one of the definitions is to work. God’s true people came here to WORK.
Jesus said, “…for the works which
the Father has given Me to finish, the
same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me”
(John 5:36 KJV). “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).
Jesus was fulfilled from serving the
PURPOSE (will) God sent him to earth to DO. “Then Jesus explained:
"My nourishment (fulfillment) comes from doing the will of God (purpose),
who sent me, and from finishing his work” (John 4:34 NLT).
Jesus literally “became” God’s personal
servant, from his heart, even while suffering. “Though he were a Son, yet
learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). . “…The
faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…”
(Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Another Hebrew word for serve is sharath
and one definition means to become a “personal
servant to.” Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
It is clear Jesus submitted to God and
personally served HIM wholeheartedly. Jesus confidently said, “…The ...
works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me” (John
5:36 KJV).
Jesus was God’s personal servant while on
earth and he submitted to HIS PURPOSE, no matter the cost, by actually becoming
“…a ransom for many...[by humbly
surrendering]… himself and bec[oming] obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV).
He was absolutely and totally surrendered.
Jesus is the ultimate example of how we are to go through a loss of self-autonomy.
“…I came
down from heaven, not to do mine own
will but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).
Every believer is to “become” a personal
servant to God. God called Jesus his “beloved Son” in
whom he was well pleased (Matthew 3:17).
One of God’s most important purposes for every
believer is to “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans
8:29 KJV).
It doesn’t matter how you lose your self-autonomy;
surrender to God. Let the indwelling Holy Spirit empower you to depend on
Jesus. "Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him whom he hath
sent.” (John 6:29 KJV).
Jesus “…Christ suffered for you…,
leaving you… an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no
sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their
insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he
suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges
justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
He sent the indwelling Holy Spirit to
empower you do the same thing. “…God … sent forth the Spirit
of His Son “INTO”
OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God who works in you to
will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose”
(Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of
the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing
his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through
Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews
13:20-21 NIV).
Jesus became God’s personal servant
on earth and humbly submitted to his sovereignty. Jesus suffered too
because he took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).
Even though it didn’t change his holy
nature, when Jesus took on the “likeness” of human flesh he literally
experienced what it was like to be like you. “… [That why he can] be touched with the feeling of [y]our
infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).
Jesus DEMONSTRATES, to believers, how to
walk through a loss of self-autonomy. “ … In the days of his flesh, when he
had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him
that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though
he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And
being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them
that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). He lost his self-autonomy too; “…yet
without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in
his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever
suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).
The loss of self-autonomy was challenging
to Jesus too. “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt
down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me;
yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Jesus KNOWS it isn’t easy to lose self-autonomy.
Thus, Jesus voluntarily and willfully, and lovingly submitted to God’s
sovereignty, FOR YOU, and now he is ABLE to HELP YOU do it too. “…And being
made perfect, he became author of
eternal salvation unto ALL them who obey him…”
(Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
Jesus kept his focus on God’s sovereign
will. Jesus’ humble surrender transformed the entire world. “…he became author of eternal salvation unto ALL …”
(Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
Jesus was promoted and is now “highly
exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus
EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under
the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).
A loss of self-autonomy will be a
struggle, but if you entrust yourself to God’s sovereign PURPOSE (will) you
will be blessed.
A
loss of self-autonomy may last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and the
experiences may NOT be pleasant. It is training YOU. . “No chastening (correction) for the present
seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable FRUIT of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...”
(Hebrews 12:11 KJV). “… [God allows correction]…for our profit, that
[you] might
be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews
12:10 KJV).
When God allows or permits a loss of self-autonomy
it is not about what is actually happening TO you as much as it is about
what is happening IN you. God cares about your heart. “…The LORD LOOKS AT THE
HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “….[It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart,
come evil
thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come
from WITHIN; they are what defile
you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the … [self-autonomy]... that is … WITHIN me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
God
SEES the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature,
for he knew what was in each person’s heart…”
(John 2:24-25 NLT). “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do…” (Psalms
139:1-6 NLT).
Remember when God took Israel through the
wilderness (trials) for forty years? He did it to humble them, test them, to
see if they would keep his commandments or not, and to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).
Forty years is a LONG time to be without self-autonomy,
but sometimes it takes people a long time to see their OWN sinful condition in
the holy light of God’s HOLY truth.
Some believers have walked with God for many,
many years and “STILL” participate in an autonomous life of secret sin. “…my
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they
wanted, following the stubborn desires
of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t
waste your breath. We will continue
to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires”
(JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Many believers CLAIM to be God’s people,
yet have not truly turned from their autonomous wicked ways. “…If My people
which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
God wants HIS people to “BE” holy like him;
that’s his standard. He does NOT mollycoddle with sin on ANY level JUST because
it’s you doing the sin. “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter
1:16 KJV).
God
loves YOU, but he will NOT pamper or indulge your ongoing, autonomous sinful
lifestyle.
“... Do you
not know that the
unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians
6:9-10 NASB).
True respect and enlightenment for God’s
sovereignty will humble a true believer. Humble surrender exalts God’s LORDSHIP
of LOVE over a believer’s life and they voluntarily and willfully give up self-autonomy.
“He must become greater and greater, and
I must become less and less” (John 3:30 NLT).
God’s LORDSHIP of LOVE will become crystal
clear, especially when the loss of self-autonomy comes along and exposes what
is truly in your heart. “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…”
(Acts 8:21 KJV).
When the loss of self-autonomy comes along
and if the heart is not right, you will know. “For out of the heart proceed
evil thoughts,...” (Matthew 15:19 KJV). “… [It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart,
come evil
thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come
from WITHIN; they are what defile
you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).
Believers may SAY they give their hearts
to God, but “NOT” their self-autonomy, which come out of the heart. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath
Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites,
as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark
7:6 KJV).
Therefore, a loss of self-autonomy is
about the “… trying of [your]… faith [which]...worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect (spiritual mature) and
entire, wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV).
If God is to be truly the LORD in your
life, unfortunately, for many believers, it will come through a loss of
personal self-autonomy. “… [God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath
tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 KJV). “….The proof of
[my]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1
Peter 1:7 ASV).
You may not understand the situations and
circumstances in which you lose your personal self-autonomy, but most likely, it
serves a bigger PURPOSE than what is happening. “O the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known
the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34
KJV).
God “… ways
[are often]…past finding out…” and his ways will NOT always make
human sense (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).
In the story of Lazarus and the little
girl in John 11 and Mark 5, it seems Jesus simply didn’t come to the situation
“on time.”
In our loss of self-autonomy it may seem
“too late” for Jesus to show up and fix what seems out of control.
It is normal to feel a loss of
self-autonomy when someone we love dies anyway, or gets sick anyway, or leaves
anyway, or a marriage breaks up anyway, especially after all we “thought” we did
to keep things “IN” control.
What is the point of trusting God if the
situation or circumstance “seems” hopelessly out of control and the
possibilities have DIED ANYWAY?
After reading and studying these two
biblical stories where Jesus did not come until death occurred, I also wondered
“why?” It’s over and everybody is packing up to leave, so why is Jesus showing
up now?
Jesus had a GREATER and more sovereign PURPOSE.
Usually, a loss of self-autonomy is a sign
to “give up” or to start blatantly accusing God of not working things out the
way YOU wanted or the way you felt he promised.
Lazarus’ sister, Martha said, “… as
soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died…
” (John 11:20-22 KJV).
She boldly
accused Jesus of not being there and implied it was TOO LATE, so she said, “… Lord, by this
time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …”
(John 11:39 KJV).
In the other story they thought he was TOO
LATE too and “…they laughed him to scorn…
“(Mark 5:40 KJV). Is God still sovereign in these stories? Is God still
in the LORD?
Jesus showed up in his sovereign timing
and with a sovereign purpose. Martha, Mary, and the others were DONE and
situation was NOW long out of their control. People were weeping and wailing
over Lazarus and the little girl (John 11:17-22, Mark 5:38-39).
When the situation looks dead or out of
control, the LORD says,“…only believe (humble surrender),”
because God is still sovereign
(Mark 5:36 KJV).
God has NOT loss control. “And he that was dead
came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was
bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...”
(John 11:43-44 KJV).
“And he took the damsel by the hand,
and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee,
arise.” (Mark 5:41 KJV).
God is sovereign over dead, out of control situations. Therefore, personal self-autonomy has
limitations.
However, HEARING God’s Word summons the
indwelling spirit of faith and it will empower you to HOPE. “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing…!"
(Romans 4:18 NLT).
“…Trust in the Lord
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…You will abound
in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…I pray that God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely.... Then
you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the Holy
Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT).“…FAITH COMETH
BY HEARING, and hearing by
the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).
You may have loss self-autonomy and can’t
fix the situation, but the humbly surrendered KNOW the sovereign God CAN. “…The things which are
impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
Wherever you have laid down your trust in
your personal, self-autonomy, the humbly surrendered acknowledges God. The
bible says, “… In all thy ways acknowledge
him, and he
shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
No matter how long it’s been the sovereign
God is “STILL” able to DO far more abundantly BEYOND what you have asked for or
thought of. “…[He can] do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask
or think, according to the power that works within [you]…”
(Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only believe”
(Mark 5:36 KJV).
Even when It DOESN’T or no LONGER makes
human sense; keep trusting in his sovereignty and accept “…his ways [are
often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).
The loss of self-autonomy is very, very
frightening for many, but it does “NOT” mean the situation can’t be turned
around. “…The things
which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
God’s holy ways are often highly
incomprehensible and often beyond figuring out with human reasoning. “But as
it is written: “Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have
entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for
those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).
God tested King Hezekiah. “… God left
him, to try him that he might know all that was in his heart…” (2
Chronicles 32:31 KJV).
Why did God test his heart? Hezekiah did a
lot of good things, especially when he restored the temple and its worship
practices.
Well in spite of ALL his good deeds, his
heart was not right before God and God knew it. “In those days Hezekiah
became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a
miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the
kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s
wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).
God in his sovereignty knew Hezekiah’s
heart and his outward deeds did not fool or impress God. “…Hezekiah’s heart
was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2
Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).
God clearly saw a rebellious, selfish, and
prideful side, of his heart, that was hidden from others, but exposed to God. “…
Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles
32:25 NIV).
God, in his sovereignty, permitted a loss
of self-autonomy. Hezekiah had to look at what was truly in his own desperately
wicked heart. The heart “…is deceitful above all things
and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?” (Jeremiah 17:9
KJV).
Hezekiah saw for himself the sin of PRIDE
hidden in his own heart. God zoomed in on
the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1
Peter 3:4 KJV). “For from within, out of the heart of man,
proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… PRIDE...
All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.”
(Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
Hezekiah “loss self-autonomy” and recognized
the pride in his own heart and his blatant ingratitude. “… Hezekiah’s heart
was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2
Chronicles 32:25 NIV).
Hezekiah did not give God his glory nor
his LORDSHIP.
After a while, Hezekiah “… repented of the
pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them…
(1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).
God, in his sovereignty, permitted a
situation where Hezekiah could truly examine himself and CHOOSE to turn from
his wicked ways. Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart… (1
Chronicles 32:26 NIV).
In the stories of Lazarus and the little
girl Jesus showed up in God’ sovereign timing!!! And at God’s appointed time, “…[all could see]...the glory God, [and]…that the Son of God …[was also]…glorified thereby…”
(John 11:4 KJV).
The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s
refusal to let go of personal self-autonomy and with the right attitude. “…I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth…”
(Psalms 34:1 KJV).
When God is not LORD over your situations
and circumstances the outcome will be a lot different than Job’s, Joseph’s, or
the Hebrew boys. God is in control, but he is not controlling. “… I have set before you life and death,
blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19
KJV).
Even in a loss of self-autonomy you can voluntarily
and willfully rebel against and reject, and have a bad attitude about what has happened
or is happening. “… [YOU] … choose life…”
(Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
Self-autonomy and pride will always be in
conflict with God’s sovereign PURPOSE (will) for your life. “…My
people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted,
following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Fortunately, Hezekiah learned his lesson
and allowed the situation to intervene in a way that empowered a transformation.
Hezekiah “… repented
of the pride of his heart… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).
God rightfully
has sovereignty over your life. You agreed when God, “….made …Jesus, whom
[was] …crucified, both Lord and Christ…” and you believed “…on the Lord Jesus, and
…[was]…saved…” (Acts 16:31KJV).
If you have been through or are going through
a loss of self-autonomy surrender to God; surrender to the LORDSHIP of LOVE. “…"Father
… not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “...Casting all your care upon
him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “….all things [will] work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
To be self-autonomous is to depend on the
limitations of your own control. To live BY FAITH is to be empowered, by the
indwelling Holy Spirit, to depend on the unlimited abilities of God’s sovereign
control. “…The things
which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am
the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS
ABLE to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
No comments:
Post a Comment