Letting Go

Written by Ed Allen
Saturday, 20 January 2007 18:00

Running Free

Sermon Notes

Why turn over control of my life?

1. My sin is deeply ingrained and it separates us from God.
   Jeremiah 17:1-4 "Judah's sin is engraved ... on the tablets of their hearts ..."
2. Left on our own, we are cut off from the true source of life and freedom
   Jeremiah 17:5-6 "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his own strength..."
   Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed are those who trust in the Lord ..."

Why turn over control of my life to Christ?

Colossians 1:15-22 and John 14:5-10

• Jesus makes God visible (Col. 1:15)
• Jesus is the fullness of God (Col. 1:19)
• We have a full, unhindered connection with God because of what Jesus did (Col. 1:20-22)
• Jesus Cares

Why don't we do this more easily?

• Guilt (Psalm 40:12)
• Worry
• Doubt

How do I take this step?

1. I accept God's Son as my Savior
2. I accept God's Word as my standard for living
3. I accept God's Will as my strategy - it is my goal
4. I accept God's Power as my strength

The Marine's strategy in World War II

1. Soften up the island
2. Establish a beach head
3. Take the island

Small Group Questions

Hebrews 12:1-3

1. Why did you/ would you turn control of your life over to Jesus?
2. How did you/ would you turn control of you life over to Jesus?
3. Can Christians take control back from Jesus? What is the results?
4. Right now how much control have you given over to Jesus?

Jeremiah 17:1-8

5. What keeps you back from giving full control to Jesus?
• I doubt that Jesus is powerful to help me.
• I doubt that Jesus cares.
• I don?t like where Jesus will take me.
• I feel guilty/dirty because of my past.
• I worry about what will happen.
• Other

Read Colossians 1:15-22 John 14:5-10

6. Do you have a decision to make in regards to living for God?
• Accept God?s son as my Savior.
• Accept God?s word as my standard of living.
• Accept God?s will as my strategy.
• Accept God?s power as my strength.