Am I Completely Surrendered to Christ?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1548
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@kyronnewbury]

I've found full and complete surrender takes time. Generally a lot of time. Everytime I surrender something to God He shows me the next thing to go. This takes time.

[@luckyletomgiasi7263]

Hey friend, don't worry when God shows you the next thing to surrender yourself to Him for. Jesus said Follow me. You are following Him, friend. And, know that it's not by your strength by His Spirit. That's how I did wrong, I thought it was by my strength until I realized I needed God's Spirit to fill me. I recommend read Galatians and verses where Jesus said to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. Verses about the cost of following Jesus helps. Please consider in your prayers, I'm growing to know who God is. I'll pray for you too.

[@kellymorton7620]

❤you are spot on this is same process 4 me for surrendering things . I get the one I thought I couldn't surrender done and it's on 2 the next 1😂😂

[@domcruise274]

I honestly don’t think it’s possible to “fully” surrender that would be like never sinning.

[@kyronnewbury]

@@domcruise274 that's not necessarily true. You can be fully surrendered and still sin. Surrender is based in motivation of the heart. I believe Christians can come to a place where they only want to do God's will and live for the Kingdom and still sin. Sin is of the flesh and something that is a part of us

[@torduc22]

It’s like sanctification - you are sanctified every day. You have to surrender every day. It’s not a one time deal.

[@vurra]

Who else would like to have a grandpa like Mr John 😁

[@broskichannel4163]

Alot of us need one

[@anastazjamalczyk7683]

I would! Or a spiritual mother or father. I've longed for it for many years now

[@c.g.ryderii2405]

@@taylorizahn8009 Accusations without evidence is backbiting. If I heard Piper talk and then read your comment, who seems to be producing fruit? Your comment is not edifying, not loving, flat out NOT FRUITFUL. satan was cast out for accusing. Think on it. Much love.

[@Micah020]

Amen Brother 🤣

[@medhasethi589]

Meeeeeeee 😊

[@brobien6066]

It took me nine years to have this experience. It will not happen overnight. God will test you in every aspect . But here is the good news, one He started He will finish it. Just keep you focus

[@krupavaram7833]

1. Say it aloud - I Love you Lord and I surrender myself to you, Lord please take away anything that contrasts this in my life. 2. Act in small things - in things in which if you do not, will raise a doubt and fear. 3. Pray for the gift of assurance. Mat 7:7; 1 John 5:14 May God help us to Love Him and to surrender ourselves to Him more. Amen Thank you. From India.

[@ifesjournal]

1. Pray- speak the truth of full surrender 2. Act- act on the truth of full surrender 3. Ask God to take away doubts about full surrender God bless you guys so much, to Pastor John and all of you that work on these podcasts

[@2ndPigeon]

Why is you profile picture Jesus' torture device? I don't think he wants to be reminded of that.

[@krupavaram7833]

1. Say it aloud***

[@GodlyInspiration]

"Good morning Father Good morning Jesus Good morning Holy spirit. Amen"

[@treydevercelly7518]

Crazy how God works. This is what I need today, this question exactly.

[@brucehaggerty6298]

Hallelujah!!!

[@lesliesmilez]

Amen same duse

[@Guaicoboi]

Believe it or not I'm in the very same place, asking the Lord how to completely surrender my All 05.06.24 I'm guilty of taking back control of my life, which resulted in me losing everything I've worked for my entire adult life.

[@yvettehernandez4739]

Thank YOU GOD YOU SAVED ME TODAY AND I FULLY SURRENDERED TO YOU FOR YOUR WILL AND NOT MINES LORD TODAY IS MY FIRST DAY OF SALVATION AND I AM READY GOD TO TAKE THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU LEARN YOUR WORD I WILL STUDY YOU MY SECOND DAY OF NO WEED AND IM JUST PRAYING AND PRAYING TO GOD TO TAKE EVERYTHING AWAY FROM ME THAT ISNT FOR ME IM GOING THRU IT RIGHT NOW SICK TO MY STOMACH PUKING IT ALL I WILL TRUST IN YOU LORD GIVE U ALL MY FAITH I WILL NOT GIVE UP NOW LORD.AMEN

[@blakeclarkson9954]

Understand that this first starts in the heart and in the mind. We surrender all to Christ knowing that he sees and knows all and we can hide nothing from him. If you surrendered all initially and recieved his spirit, than you must then trust in the his spirit to transform your life, knowing this is not done by our human will! This is a true miracle of God, that we get to witness take place! We surrender daily to the spirit, relying on him to transform us and teach us, helping us to surrender even more over time! This has helped me to keep things in perspective in my life and to remember whos the boss! who's in control! Its not us, it's him! It's not about our human works. Our works come only from the Holy spirit working through us to produce fruit. First surrender all, barring your soul open before God and then trust the Holy Spirit! Learning, growing and praying daily with him as your guide!

[@you401]

Jesus doesn't want you to unwillfuly surrender to him. He wants us to willfully surrender to him. That's why he gave us free will. To surrender willfully to him means to love him. So the real question is, how can I love Jesus completely? This in its self is done over an eternity, because to love him completely is to never stop loving him and to have your love never stop growing towards him. So seeing how the only time we experience is right now, a more present time question to ask your self is how can I love Jesus more today? And the answer, which might surprise some people, is to accept more of his love! The love Jesus has for us is a bottomless well that is constantly overflowing. There is no end to the love that Jesus has for us if we choose to accept it. The more we accept his love for us, the more we will love him, and the more of his love in us will overflow out of us to others around us. And thus we end up loving him by loving others but it's by his love that it is done through us. Thank you Jesus for your love! 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

[@80-HiDef]

Beautiful answer, thank you for that!

[@How.To.Get.Saved.]

I just love John Piper, and he's such a great teacher. Wow, being a Christian is SO hard. Honestly, I thought it would be easy. I'm always praying and pleading to God for so many spiritual things and no answers yet. I pray the Lord will answer all our prayers to surrender to him.

[@ethanharshbarger9740]

Piper - I’ve been looking for this message for the better part of a year without knowing it. God Bless you and Jesus be with you, I can’t tell you the wave of tears and love these things have brought me. I may never see you this side of the cross - but I pray I can give you a big ol hug one day in his kingdom

[@lindavid2813]

Please pray for me, for my love in God!

[@maryfayia7224]

Thank you pastor John Piper. I've really struggled with this, to the point of being depressed.

[@anastazjamalczyk7683]

I can totally relate. I wake every day and I wonder whether I am fully surrendered. One part of me longs for such a life of abandon but I also struggle so much to be able to say every day: "God, direct all that I do today, may I only speak your words, do what you would want me to do etc" I definitely choose sermons over non- Christian books or tv programmes, whatever I do that I enjoy I keep guard that my heart will not get entagled in it, I want my words to bring life and point others to God and just filled with His presence. I wanna spend every moment of every day in His presence. But I shrink back from surrender in the sense that I renounce my right to speak my own words or do anything on my own and allow the Holy Spirit to direct all I say a do, 24/7. I am just deeply afraid of it. So I guess I am not fully surrendered as I am not fully at God's disposal if I still want to retain my right to speak my words etc. I know Jesus gave up His life totally and He said and did nothing on His own, His life was a complete sacrifice and I am not ready to live like this but I am also so empty and unfulfilled and deeply depressed. Pastor John seems to suggest that every born again Christian gladly renounces all they are and have and gladly "loses" their life for Jesus' sake and in general terms I would also gladly become a missionary or devote all my free time to helping in a local elderly care home for the glory of Jesus but I nevertheless struggle so much to surrender my mind and speech so that I only think and express as Jesus leads. One part of me wants this life but the other one is unwilling and afraid to surrender like that :(

[@galilea8382]

@@anastazjamalczyk7683 You will be fine. Ask God for guidance and help, you will see the change. God bless you ✝️🧡🙏

[@andrewortiz5797]

@@anastazjamalczyk7683 another word for Surrender is "Acceptance".. instead of fighting life and Gods Decree and resisting it.. we stop resisting and say "YES" to life as it is and Gods Will. ive had many struggles and i resisted these struggles and wanted them to go away and i wanted all my problems to go away,, but one day,, i just put my hands up and said "God if its part of Your Plan that i struggle right now, i Accept Your Will" and The Peace Which Surpasses all understanding came upon me.. Jesus prayed that This Cup would be taken from HIm but He told God that never the less, not My Will but Yours Be Done" and then angels came and ministered to Him in The Garden of Gethsamane. so just say "Yes" to your struggles and pain and life and Gods WILL for your life and you will see that this Peace instantly comes upon you, His Peace which Surpasses all understanding!! God revealed these lessons to me when i was lost in the world and searching for God and was in The Wilderness season!!

[@dreagranig9006]

@@andrewortiz5797 wow. WOW. So you're saying that surrender is like resting? Resting and letting God transform you? Wow. This changes everything. Thank you, and bless you!

[@andrewortiz5797]

@@dreagranig9006 yes.. its like resting... read Psalm 46:10.. this verse says to Be Still and Know God!! this verse has really shaped my life and has broughjt me closer to God... everyday just find time to be Still and to know Him. When you become still every now and then you will hear Gods Still Small Voice and experience a deep "knowing" and trust and HIs Presence changes us and changes our outlook on life!

[@peterkettler2070]

God Loves YOU...

[@jean1553]

OMG !i was battling this all the time, even when i do charity it always come to my mind if i'm doing it to earn God's Love or, if i'm being fake. Even though no body sees me doing it i always have this feeing i'm being fake and i always have to convaince myself there is nothing i can do to earn anything from God, except by accepting Jesus-Christ as my personnel saviour.

[@neptunianrage7710]

Same for me, but I think this stems from our fear of judgement from the father, when you remind yourself that Jesus paid it all and that we are now no longer a slave to the consecquence of sin which is 'death' and that we are now fully redeemed and saved by our lord Jesus Christ then our faith dictates our life now and allow ourselves to embrace our human nature (which is naturally making mistakes and being sinful) yet grow according to how God wants us to be and walk with Jesus and do everything in life according to scripture and grace. It's normal to fear the lord but it should be righteous fear, the devil however is a deceiver and would always like to remind you of your past and haunt you according to your past deeds (even thoughts). Allow yourself to be taken care of the lord, it is true surrender, everything you consume and produce should only be of good nature and coming from God the father and just for confirmation it should have the proclamation of Jesus. Internet content, media, people you hangout or associate with, offers, gifts, and everything in general should be blessed by the lord himself. Be graceful to yourself just as how God the father and our saviour and lord Jesus christ is graceful to unbelievers and sinful people which is generally most humans alive. Free yourself through Jesus! 💕

[@lola2422]

You shouldn’t say omg it is bad

[@rebeccasmith7439]

@@lola2422 you are correct. Praise Jesus 🙏✝️

[@lilbenmartinez]

Yes yes that’s how I feel

[@gmac8586]

Peter's words to Jesus when he was asked if he loves him more than these three times is what I like to say to Jesus; "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." John 21:17 Then I ask God to reveal my own heart to myself - if there is anything false in me. I acknowledge who he is in all confidence, that he is more than able to this since he is the God of Truth and he will do it with love because he is Love!

[@8IggiE8]

Good talk Pastor John. You really explore the question well. Some days I am more surrendered than others.

[@BlueberryAmaryllis]

It's a continual coming back....continually reaching new levels of abiding in Him....we'll not attain perfection. If we were ever in perfect alignment we wouldn't need Jesus saving grace.

[@marnellibautista6877]

From Philippines❤️

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@docdeeone2813]

This video really blessed me. All thanks to God.

[@heathermackie7390]

Exactly what I needed today!! Thank you!! God is so very good!!

[@2ndPigeon]

Then why did Trump lose?

[@huydo1930]

I needed this praise GOD

[@rhornejr100]

I’m glad Pastor John answered the way he did. This really helps me have more confidence knowing that other believers can feel this way.

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@setionos]

How to determine if one is completely surrendered to Christ? - Surrendering to Christ involves a heart mindset, making good choices, and prioritizing God over other interests. - The New Testament depicts surrender as renouncing all possessions, loving God supremely, and valuing Christ above all. - Assurance of full surrender can be challenging due to the potential for doubt. - Suggestions for fostering assurance include declaring love and surrender to God, acting on Godly inclinations, and seeking the Spirit's assurance through prayer.

[@ariesrisin26]

I needed this today, thank you LORD..

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@benkemper1461]

Pastor John these videos are such a blessing for me. Ive been watching your podcasts a lot since ive been given new life in Christ and youve helped me so much. Thank you!

[@izabeau1953]

This to me is one of the best advice you have given concerning how to serenader. I have been seeking intimacy with God more and more. But this will defiantly put me to where my desire has been to be in. I humble myself daily to God to be pleasing in His sight. But now I have the tool to extend my walk with God . Thank you Lord for this insight ...in Jesus name amen. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@pepethunder]

This is a beautiful way of surrendering that Pastor John has shared with us. I will add to it that we keep in mind that in doing what he said, we keep in mind that we approach God as a friend we confide in, and fight the urge to follow these steps like they are some sort of guide for dealing with a machine. God is real, He is a person and more self aware than we ourselves. So approach Him with a true heart as a child approaches his Father and speak from the heart. These steps should be organic, rather than set in stone instructions. God may respond differently according to what He deems best for each of us. And keep in mind that He was willing to die for you. He truly wants to save you, so even if you feel unworthy, He doesn't consider that. He is love and WANTS to spend eternity with you. So in the end, we cannot trust even ourselves, but in Him we can trust. To submit to Him is to trust He will catch you. So trust Him alone.

[@DaughteroftheKing_1]

Please God kill my doubt in Jesus name amen 🙏🏻 thank you ❤

[@reader6690]

The word "completely" is problematic. The math just never seems to add up. One can say or resolve in one's mind that they have "completely" surrendered, but then, when they sin again (which they will), that means, they never "completely" surrundered in the first place. For example, for married couples, have you "completely" honored your spouse always, fully, every single day, without any blemish? I doubt it. Should we surrender? You bet. But, I think it is a continual surrender, not a one time, "absolute" surrender. Because if it was, we would not sin anymore.

[@Obamnaz]

Very true

[@arcoiris6377]

I think the absolute surrender is in our intentions. Even when we sin, we have thirst for him. Paul sinned...

[@vivaeuropa]

Surrenderence means giving up your old life and stop all sin you use to do willingly. So random sins that you did unexpectedly you'd still repent but it doesn't mean you lost your full surrenderence. So yeah if you are masturbating, dressing non modest, gossiping and other things you aren't fully surrendered. Whereas maybe you stubbed your toe and randomly then cussed it wouldn't mean you lost full surrenderence as it wasn't a willingful sin but just happened unintentionally. You'd still rebuke the spirit of anger and strive to do better each day as we're in a constant refinement stage until death.

[@ClarifyingChrist]

This was a great message, thank you for providing this one. It is one of those messages I could listen to multiple times to take more away. You guys are awesome.

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@isaacvannote2370]

Praise the Lord this really helped me

[@stevenmena2480]

Amen, Amen, Amen! I needed to hear this today! Our salvation and even sanctification is all by the grace of God alone.

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@brandyjanik66]

Wow! So good everything I needed to hear! This has been my question in my whole Christian walk! I need to hear this over and over again!

[@2ndPigeon]

Why isn't Jesus making KZbin video's? Now we have to rely on falible men.

[@robinielgaufobrinces9358]

Thanks for this, Pastor! God bless you! Very impactful to me! 🙏🏾

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@bereangirl7118]

If you have accepted by faith Christ Jesus for the total and complete forgiveness of your sins and trust in his guarantee of salvation that has sealed us with his restored spirit then , you are saved by his mercy and grace and not by what we need to do to prove to him how much we love him". Remember, He loved us first"!. He did this for us before we could even think about surrendering our life to him". It is not surrendering our lives that will make us content and assured in our salvation but by our complete trust in believing what he has done for us first through his son that gives us rest , peace and the assurance that he has saved us and will never leave us".

[@Richie016]

As a primary aspiration, submitting to the will of God ensures the fulfillment of prayer.

[@billyr9162]

That's right. That is exactly what The Greek word in the Bible means for prayer.

[@2ndPigeon]

@@billyr9162 Other religions pray as well though.

[@billyr9162]

@@2ndPigeon Yeah but that has nothing to do with what I said

[@lhyrcnew800]

i am blessed by this episode...thank you,Pastor John! the LORD bless you and keep you always!

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@tomference4618]

..this message as it has been presented sounds very much like the the example of Peter, who wholeheartedly thought he would not be offended of Christ,..yet ended up so as attested by his denial of Christ, and could be classified as a "fake". This teaching illustrates why many are afraid to completely commit.

[@eliemitchjoinedaccount6265]

This is very helpful 🙏🏼💖

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@brucehaggerty6298]

Wonderful question to help us on truth!!!

[@daniellelevine9638]

thank you!! 🙏

[@stephanietunc2240]

I love you Jesus. I love you more than I love anyone. I surrender all other love in subordinate to you. Andi ask if their is any self deciet in me saying this, you will take it away at any cost. So I can say this truth and authentically. I speak my full allegiance, and trust to you Jesus. And my heart is decietful by nature, Jesus would you please kill in me all that is contrary to my confession. Jesus make me pure and truthful. . Copying what he said!

[@Derek_Baumgartner]

Until we are brought fully into the kingdom of God we will struggle with sin. As long as we are on this earth, we struggle with (as Paul lamented) "this body of death" (from Romans 7). Paul then stopped lamenting and turned to rejoicing and thankfulness in Christ. Feelings can be a very good thing: don't make them a foundation. Tradition can be helpful, or harmful: don't make it a foundation. Trust in God: trust in the truth of Him and His Word. There is no other foundation than Christ, and even if you're not feeling it, or seeing it, that does not mean the truth as changed. Rely on Him and His strength, and move forward one step at a time. Stop to examine yourself now and then, but don't 'lie down dead' in despondency or insecurity afterwards: refresh yourself in Him and keep on truckin.' I've a long way to go, but Jesus is faithful, and if we trust Him - if we trust the Truth (John 14:6) - we can keep moving.

[@_N0_0ne]

Thank you ♥️

[@donnawhodat9909]

Thank you!

[@philipbenjamin4720]

Our assurance doesn't come from us - it comes from God. God is willing to do three things (if he was not he could not hold us accountable): - show us where our lives are not submitted to him - tell us what submission means right now - today. - affirm when we are responding as he expects and convict us when we are not. We can EXPERIENCE these things. This may take time to develop - we may at first need to simply respond to the obvious things God has shown us - but it grows - it becomes more detailed and more sensitive. Like a husband and wife who can read each other's thoughts. So our assurance is based on God's willingness to communicate with us, our responding to that, and then God's affirming to us that we have. God isn't wanting to catch us out - he doesn't rejoice in our confusion and doubt.

[@anauxistential8486]

This answer is so helpful Thank you for posting it here for me to find.💗🕊✝📖

[@philipbenjamin4720]

​@@anauxistential8486 You're so welcome. We are all hearing from God - if we think we are not we may be treating him like tinnitus - a noise in our ears we are seeking to ignore. When we say yes to what he is saying we will hear him say something else - if not we will continue to hear him say the same thing until will begin to pretend we hear nothing. There are two main things that prevent us from hearing from God: - refusing to respond to what he has already said - setting our lives so we continue to listen to voices other than God Don't make light of small beginnings! Don't short cut the process by relying on the ideas you read in a book - many preachers and regular believers are trading on ideas they read in a book or learned at bible college - this is knowledge not wisdom (wisdom only arises from the fear of God - Prov 9:10) - they have no experience of it being true for them. Consider yourself not to know something until God has testified it to your spirit, your mind and your heart - not just your mind. Nothing has become true until we have heard God speak to us in it and we then act on it. THEN it's knowledge of God (James 1:22, John 7:17, John 8:31). I'm not saying God won't use sermons, books, counsel - he certainly will - and his will becomes clearer through activities we think won't be much use to OUR lives - such as Bible reading in which we come to learn about what God was saying to X people at X time - but in all these things don't consider something yours until God speaks to you through what you hear and until it becomes your EXPERIENCE - until it becomes RELATIONALLY true. That will take courage - others who are not willing to do this will make quicker progress while you are seeking to limit yourself to what God has taught you Spirit to spirit. Have the humility to admit where you are on the journey. God has absolutely no interest in where we are on the journey - he's only interested in where we are going. But admitting where we are on the journey is essential to being honest with God and with ourselves. Humble yourself before God and he will lift you up (James 4:10). We are unique and each made for a purpose - God isn't calling us to become anything which won't arise from our making ordinary decisions for God within OUR life. Jesus had great authority because he was the world's greatest follower. A great leader is just a great follower of God. There is no separate model for leadership than the model we have for faith. Faith IS leadership. Jesus was God but he chose the same path of submission to his father to which he is calling each of us.

[@anauxistential8486]

@@philipbenjamin4720 Agreed. Reading this gives me hope and cause to rejoice. Powerful answer, thank you Brother.

[@--i-am-root]

I would like to add (as Piper said): He's willing to give us the ability to surrender. But like the Levites going into the Promised land, we need to step into the Jordan with faith. I have a debilitating fear that I mean to conquer with His help, pray that He gives me the courage to step in. What I want to do ultimately feels more like an impossible plunge sometimes.

[@MatheusAzevedoDrums]

#GloryGOD

[@tracywilson2538]

Amen 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@knifecollector031thenether9]

Thank you very much for this insight I am really struggling with this a lot. Problem is that now I am not sure of part two of the answer of pastor John. So the part of which pastor John speaks about acting. I am not a native English speaking person.

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@shotpusher]

Satan enjoys taunting Christians.

[@andrewortiz5797]

Scripture says that God exposes the false prophets and makes fools out of diviners... trumps prophets have led a multitude of naive christians who have no discernment, into the sin of idolatry... idolatry as in erecting shrines in their hearts towards political leaders and political agenda and mammom and abortion and pushing aside the foreigner etc..

[@mr.c2485]

You left out the word...”effectively”. You too are easily taunted.

[@g10t10]

Great damage has been done to the Body of CHRIST, FIGHT FOR LIFE ,FIGHT FOR LIGHT TO SHINE IN DARK PLACES ,PRAY FOR TRUTH TO EXPOSE all darkness ,especially in our own thinking.

[@dreagranig9006]

Hallelujah

[@judychristiansongs5423]

I am all about jesus from the time i get up till the time i go to bed every day other than my food and my phone but when i go on my phone 99 percent of the stuff i do on my phone is all about jesus no media sites no tic toc ect ect...

[@In_time]

Answer starts at 7:58 :)

[@psalms.j4025]

Ty God bless you

[@musicislife7464]

I love what past Jon says it’s so good and so wise . But I will say that there could be specific areas in our lives where we aren’t comletely surrender to God . However the Holy Spirit will convict us in those areas and it’s through prayer and seeking that he will give us the stength to :) God bless you guys 🙏

[@2ndPigeon]

So when I play a phone game on the toilet, is that and area where the Holy Spirit will convict us?

[@musicislife7464]

@@2ndPigeon I would ask the Lord that . For me personally it was a lot of social media and he lead me to go off it . At least for now .

[@2ndPigeon]

@@musicislife7464 Oh really? How do you know it was the lord? Because I also had that problem and just did it mysefl by downgrading my phone.

[@musicislife7464]

@@2ndPigeon Beceuse I felt the conviction from the holy spIrit . Meaning I was ignoring the Lord for quite some time with it . And that’s good. I’m glad you did that and found the stength to .

[@musicislife7464]

Some people can do things like that and be fine but in my personal experience if I try to do things in my own stength it won’t work . I need the Lord to help me through it .

[@paulustarsus]

Saturated by, is better than surrendered. We were never meant to be 'against' Christ.

[@AndalusianIrish]

For someone who claims to be a Calvinist Piper sure sounds like an old fashioned Keswick preacher. Full surrender will only be possible when we are glorified and sinless. This is where the imputed righteousness of Christ is so vital.

[@bloodmooncomix457]

Step # 2 is a beast! 😰😬😣✝️ 9:43

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

Is all deference churches around the world are true Christians according to the bible?

[@EngineVSEngine]

Is anyone? if they are, for how long? 30 minutes?

[@2ndPigeon]

And there isn't even any indictation, so you can't know regardless.

[@briankeatonjr.638]

How many of you are thinking about white elephants now..

[@angelmd43]

If you have to ask then you have not surrendered to Christ. When you are truly surrendered all your decisions become does this please God?

[@chenoapollard4980]

this made me feel less schizophrenic

[@grasshopper5237]

I think i sold my soul. What do i do

[@grasshopper5237]

I was never a Christian

[@sofiabravo1994]

Why do you think that

[@c.g.ryderii2405]

You can't sell what you don't own. You can take your life the devil's direction or you can turn around (repent) and keep your eyes on Jesus. "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul" -Jesus

[@sibinmathew6489]

How do i can ask my question

[@Timothy1987]

I want to know this too...

[@Timothy1987]

Ok so you go to desiring god.org/askpastorjohn then you scroll all the way down to "submit a question" click it and it will take you to the email

[@sibinmathew6489]

@@Timothy1987 thanks brother

[@Timothy1987]

@@sibinmathew6489 no problem brother

[@Timothy1987]

@The Righteousness of God In Christ Jesus how so?

[@jandrost4664]

We must be born again to be saved in this time as gentiles. We must repent and ask Jesus forgiveness for our sins. When your sins are forgiven Jesus baptizes you with the Holy Spirit without using water. Then the Holy Spirit in your heart do not let you sin anymore! Because you get His commandments in your heart and in your mind. Then you love God and your neighbors 100 %. You dont steel , lie and want to have something from others etc. Then you are really born again. Ask Jesus in your heart! 16 May 2011 , I asked Jesus in my heart. I was ill at the time. Overstrained or burne out and very restless. I then felt a vibration going through my body from my head to my toes. Immediately afterwards I became very calm. The next morning I was again very restless. This lasted about a week. I then had a dream that I lived in a prison. And a voice then said to me that the devil had to get out of me. I then prayed for the devil to leave me. Immediately afterwards I felt that same vibration from head to toe again and at the end of it a voice said: you are now free! and now start reading the bible. Suddenly I felt a lot of peace and love. I was changed from a sinful, selfish person to a born again Christian with a lot of love for the other. And experienced a lot of rest. When Jesus has made you free, you are free from sin and free from death. Afterwards my illness was the best thing that happened to me.

[@pastorjosephprince372]

Beloved, I don't know you in person but God knows you. God ministered to me in a revelation when I was on your profile to see things around you,I saw blessings but spiritual attacks holding onto them,in prayers,i saw a woman in the realm of the spirit monitoring and plotting delay in your life, with an evil mirror, and with motive to destroy. But as I speak to you now her time is up, Render hand of favour with Anything you can afford or give to these motherless foundation (Godstime MOTHERLESS FOUNDATION) in kebbi state Nigeria before 2DAYS with faith, as I Rise my hands towards heaven and pray for you they shall serve as point of contact wherever you are, you will receive double portion of grace to excel and total restoration of breakthrough in your life and in the life of your family. Ask for their acct details and help them call the MD in charge of the orphanage to get their details on (WhatsApp or call them now on ([phone]) him I sent an you. For it is not by might nor by in power but of the spirit faith the lord (zechariah 4:6). You shall testify to the Glory of God in your life. God bless you.

[@angloaust1575]

There is no complete surrender until the resurrection The corrupt nature still remains Paul knew the conflict False teachers will teach false doctrine

[@anavictoriaramalho7437]

Please, pray for me! May I repent and find God. I don't really desire God, but I know He is the only way to Heaven. I'm afraid of Hell and feeling empty, but if wasn't that, I don't know if I would "search" God.

[@johnsavage8873]

Why would you do you this? This defies human sense!

[@2ndPigeon]

That's religion for ya

[@marabierto2]

I am a Christian and I am shock with John Piper opinion about D. Trump character. Does John Piper have an opinion about Biden character? Does he favor babies killing, sex change and marxism?

[@homeschoolingsisters538]

Indeed. Would somebody who is filled with the Holy Spirit not be concerned about abortion. John piper is not perfect, yet he nit-picks flaws of Donald Trump who has been the most pro-life pro-christian president that we have had in the last century. The blood of these precious unborn babies is on John Pipers head. I don’t know how he can sleep at night.

[@2ndPigeon]

@@homeschoolingsisters538 He's only anti-abortion because a big part of his voterbase is Evangelical. He himself doesn't give two shits.

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

He really disappointed me with his comment. And made me question his discernment.

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

@@2ndPigeon Who cares why he doesn't support baby killing. The only thing that matters is HE DOESN'T SUPPORT BABY KILLING!

[@2ndPigeon]

@@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185 Abortion really isn't about baby killing. It's about maintaining bodily autonomy. Those laws are the same laws that keep the government from legally taking one of your organs without concent.

[@AnHebrewChild]

No, you're not. There that was easy.

[@mr.c2485]

Why do we need constant fixing or some new way of thinking? This is why people are leaving Christianity in droves.

[@2ndPigeon]

Pretty sure there are more reasons then that.

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

Because we are fallen sinful creatures. In need of changing and of a savior. We can not be in the presence of God in our current situation. We must be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:2

[@2ndPigeon]

@@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185 We're allready made in God's image, so I don't know what you mean.

[@rachekane]

@@2ndPigeon is our sin an expression of being an image of God?

[@rachekane]

If they went out from us, they were not of us, for if they were of us, they would be with us. Simple.

[@God_is_Great_Forever]

Oh one Jesus isn’t God. Jesus was not all knowing God was Jesus needed to be strengthened by angels. God does not need to be strengthened. Jesus was not all powerful. God is all powerful and for God to have been Jesus he would not have been the same as he is always and forever he would have two of change. Also God cannot die in any way shape or form under in the circumstance, and Jesus died also the devil would’ve known Jesus was God in human form and he would not have tented him with earthly things if he knew he was God because God can create everything. Also, his name is Yeshua not Jesus that word has been around for less than 400 years and doesn’t even come close to being a proper pronunciation of his name in English, which would be Joshua the Bible also says not to make his name meaningless what could be more meaningless than never speaking is true name and there’s your first mistake. Preaching false stuff. Jesus is not God he’s the son of God and the son of man. Also the father God is greater than I Jesus says, and God is all powerful and great. He can never be lesser than what he is and if he was Jesus, he would have part of him less than himself, and that cannot happen.

[@jimmyw3670]

I renounced Christianity after 30 years, I am baptised in water and I stillspeak in tongues. I served in full time ministry for almost two years. I also read Bible from genesis to revelation for more than 6 times n new testament for 100times. I rejoice after renounce Christianity. It's a fake religion and also con money n sex scandals. Happy to renounce Christianity!!!

[@daleenduplessis6794]

You have not met Jesus yet......

[@daleenduplessis6794]

There are many fake churches out there....seek Jesus Himself, not in a church. Then Hy wil teach you what true fellowship is.

[@kylestaack38]

(1john 2:19) 19They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. Amen 🙏

[@danthemansmith6095]

You are not completely surrendered to the Christ. If you meditate and do his commandments then yes you are.... Once you meditate and take no thought you will connect with the Christ within you! All you are a bunch of cells who have been taught everything you know by men! Time to go within and learn from the origin of all things. Once you understand you will leave religion and start to live your life the way Jesus intended! Practice the single eye and your body will be filled with light! The kingdom of God is within you! These are Jesus's words! Stop letting men tell you what Jesus meant? and find out for yourself! Wake up!!!!!!!!

[@blackout2430]

You mean the pineal gland?

[@blackout2430]

Never heard of single eye

[@danthemansmith6095]

@@blackout2430 well that's probably because you have never been shown? Matthew 6:22 therefore thine eye be single and thy body will fill with light! What that means if you go within there will be no duality only singularity! One with the source a state of being! Get it? You must read the teachings of Christ himself and not let other people tell you what it means! You alone are accountable to God! 👍

[@danthemansmith6095]

@@blackout2430 yes!👍

[@sofiabravo1994]

New age is dangerous the light is the Holy Spirit...