I’m Afraid of Surrendering to Christ - What Can I Do?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1459
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@riazozobrado6292]

I am also a newly converted Christian and this was my dilemma at the beginning. But God showed me what my real problem is. It's because I don't know Him that much. Even before I was a Christian I knew there was God. But I didn't know Him. Spending time with Him in prayer and the word, I found out that I serve a good God and that He would never intend to lead us to failure or danger. So now my prayers are changed. Now I always tell Him what He wants for me is what I want. His desires and His will for my life is what I desire. Take time to get to know our God and see that He is good. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future.

[@jslumor]

Wow.. when God literally answers your deepest prayers.. this has been my deepest fear for forever

[@mr.c2485]

Justina Adeti See: Mr. C. In the comments

[@ChangingTides777]

Literally answers?

[@gabrielg3617]

Today i struggled HEAVYYYY with the ´total surrender to Christ´ and i prayed and begged god for an Answer and hope AND 2 HOURS LATER THIS CAME HALLELUJA PRAISE THE MOST HIGHHHHHHHHHHHh

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

Yeeeee booooooyyyyy

[@thanamesny7807]

That's awesome praise God!

[@mocoloco7578]

That has to mean this video is good bc God sent it to you maybe it will help me too

[@thisisachannel5761]

Same

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

This exactly me. I want to, but the action is so hard. Help me Lord

[@mr.c2485]

Arthur Wolfgramm Forget the action. What you need is the same thing that we all need....soundness of mind and a life void of accusation and condemnation. You must first believe that both are realities and that they are achievable. Then, you must tire of fighting to achieve these through emotional and physical means. I promise you...that is going to happen and when it does, the rules will mean nothing to you. It’s impossible to comply with scripture anyway. Even if you miraculously were able to, how would you know it?

[@keitos18]

Praying for you

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

@@mr.c2485 We need to pray, and obey Christ

[@mr.c2485]

Desire Of All Nations Are you claiming compliance to the law? Scripture itself says that anyone who attempts to be found righteous for observing the law is under a curse. Perhaps your one of those who bails out by saying, “ we do our best, Jesus does the rest”. Make no mistake, compliance to scripture is impossible and unnecessary. Even if you did, you wouldn’t know it. Jesus instructed us to love God and our neighbor as self. What does compliance to rules and regulations have to do with that?

[@mr.c2485]

B ndfglvlld Djdkfkfkf Praying that Jesus help you to comply with scripture is a worthless endeavor. That’s not the plan. That’s referred to in scripture as “praying amiss”.

[@maxaplin4204]

I think it is extremely common for Christians to be deceived in the way Billy has been. I know I have myself many times. We fear that if we give up everything, life will become a misery, but this isn't true. What is more, even the sufferings we do experience in life will be vastly outweighed by the "eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:17) after death.

[@TheACEaka1]

Jesus is a SUN GOD MOTIF.

[@azureart5180]

This certainly describes me lately. I feel so scared to let go and surrender. I pray and try and say “I surrender” with earnest and meaning, but my heart is still afraid. I know I’m being deceived. Thanks Piper, for your good words.

[@anastazjamalczyk7683]

I understand your struggle. I also pray every day and try so hard to surrender but even if I make this decision in my head, in my heart I remain so scared and closed..

[@dylan6996]

​@@anastazjamalczyk7683I'm struggling with the same thing not gonna lie Thats the thing and this verse terrifies me I know I'm being like that but don't want to be ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ [8] ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. I say all the "right" things with my lips but not with my heart and actions I know the spirit in me wants me to let go and fully surrender and honor Jesus with not only the lips but with my heart and with sincere full surrender and I know that would probably be the best decision ever for me to surrender to God yet I keep getting deceived by fear

[@dalt992]

@@dylan6996 I am right where you are. I wonder sometimes though is it really fear? Yes, I am afraid of hell, afraid of not being saved but are we really afraid of following Jesus with all our heart? I think it's lack of faith. Personally, I believe 100% what Jesus says but for some reason, I don't have the faith in myself that I can give my whole heart to Him. That lack of faith brings fear but it's not the fear that keeps me from serving him 100%

[@truecounterphobia2418]

This is excellent! I used to be right there with some of you. I feared persecution so I didn't even call myself a Christian it was so bad. But because of people's prayers Jesus made me a seeker and I found the answers I was looking for in Jesus. It was as Jesus asked me specifically, "If you call yourself a Christian, you could be persecuted for your faith. Is it worth it?" And when the question was raised, I could not help myself from saying, "Yes, it is worth it." Suddenly, all my fears were gone. Completely and utterly gone in an instant. I pray Jesus can be made real to all of you who struggle surrendering to Jesus like I have. And know on the other side, there is nothing like the joy and peace God grants as a reward for serving Him, amen.

[@sasa1076tube]

I needed to hear these words. Everyday or almost everyday is a battle to me these days, me versus me. Kinda like Billy. Thank you, Billy, for asking this, and thank you all that work on this channel, for sharing this. I'm happy that there's a way out for this horrible moment

[@mr.c2485]

Samara R. See: Mr C.

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

I once saw a guy, getting.fucked in the ass by a midget, suspended in chains, because he could not reach the mans.butthole

[@ondreatorrence4322]

heirs !

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

@@ondreatorrence4322 *HEY ONDREA*

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

@@ondreatorrence4322 *ONDREA*

[@TmanBlades]

I needed to hear this, please pray that I will let go of the deceitful, material and worldly desires I crave and will fully surrender myself to God’s will for me.

[@mr.c2485]

Tim See: Mr. C. In the comments

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

In the same boat

[@TmanBlades]

@@arthurwolfgramm4823 Praying for you too brother.

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

@@TmanBlades Thank you Tim, I will pray for you too brother

[@gabK008]

I pray that your cravings (as well as mine) will be for the Lord, our full joy will be in the Lord and we won't be deceived anymore.. nothing from this world will satisfy us. We know that. It's time to stop listening to Satan's lies! Albeit you posted this 8 months ago, I hope you are well!

[@kimocea1]

This hit me so real and literal that I cannot deny this is my thought and reason that has been holdi me back!! Finally someone saidnit for me. Who is here in the last of 2022 going into 2023?

[@savedbygrace3325]

I've struggled with this myself thank you pastor John

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

Same

[@marciauanderson3424]

Same here

[@mr.c2485]

Arthur Wolfgramm See: Mr.C

[@mr.c2485]

Marcia U Anderson See: Mr. C. In the comments

[@atombomb3936]

Billy, you just asked a question about a spiritual sickness that has burdened me for the past 3 years. Thanks for having the courage to do it. And thanks Pastor John for the insight. I've never thought of it that way. My desires are deceitful and Jesus is a treasure that I have not yet fully embraced/perceived.

[@mr.c2485]

Tom Krohl The treasure of Jesus is found in soundness of mind and a life free from condemnation/accusation...two things that every person on this planet regardless of geography, status, age, etc. desires above all things. Everything that a human being does, thinks, perceives etc. revolves around those two desires. Sin is believing that those are achievable with human effort.

[@flaviogarza2376]

Can someone pray for me so God draws me near to him. I found myself stagnant with no direction. I need answers. Please, thank you and God bless you.

[@talithasuya8908]

I'm stopping to pray for you right now.

[@flaviogarza2376]

@@talithasuya8908 thank you.

[@flaviogarza2376]

@@talithasuya8908 May you pray for me again. I still need help. Thank you.

[@talithasuya8908]

@@flaviogarza2376 Sure. I was coming here to watch another video, but I will pray for you instead.

[@flaviogarza2376]

@@talithasuya8908 thank you.

[@markjarvis148]

I'm sitting here now wanting to move help me lord help others too Christ has carried me from Scotland to Crete with no money with nothing no food my weakness is the food amen I pray help us move father Jesus said man must not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of god Why work for the food that perishes work for the food that leads to everlasting life

[@mr.c2485]

Mark Jarvis And yet you have electronics? Lots of holes in your story.

[@marciauanderson3424]

Mark Jarvis When Jesus sent his disciples into the world 2 by 2 he told them don’t take anything with you no extra coat no money no food nothing he provided for them. He will do the same for you. God bless you Mark that you have obeyed him.

[@marciauanderson3424]

Mr. C Were you there when God told him to move. Be careful you try not to take the stick out of his eye while there’s a log in your own

[@Gainz38]

@@mr.c2485 it best to be righteous than to be right

[@mr.c2485]

Marcia U Anderson I’m a troll. Just looking for more info.

[@theophilustrevor7590]

Wow. Personally I used to be afraid to surrender to the Lord because there was this torment in my mind telling me "your family will die immediately" so that God will work in you as a requirement.

[@user-nl3uv6yz9c]

This is me. This is all I am going through right . Thanks you for addressing it as lies and deception.

[@Jenny_justJenny]

We are deceived by our present desires...never thought of it that way. Thank you Pastor John for this episode, I needed this word 🤗

[@carolinegramith3411]

I was scrolling through my subscription videos on KZbin 2 days ago and accidentally clicked this video. I went to close it and was surprised to realize it was EXACTLY what I have been struggling with. Thank you, God for how you move to help us out!

[@girlofJesus-333]

God is so good!!♥️♥️

[@FreeTheCreativity]

I felt like I needed to see this video, and that was indeed true. :)

[@marshhawk1718]

Thank you for sharing.....Iam currently unemployed and I've been very depressed.This video is really me....I put down the phone and prayed....I believe the change in me is working now...not next week...When I go to the unemployment office in the morning(If it is open) No matter what comes god is in control.I believe...Iam in the palm of his hand....The depression is not welcome In my life.Please remember me In your prayers.

[@bernieli4620]

Let me encourage you. I struggled to let go and trust God with my wishes to pursue a specific opportunity. His will is for me to not pursue. I feared that I would never get another chance, that I would regret letting this opportunity go, that yielding was a mistake. But I’ve let go, I see and understand that I’m not yet ready, that God is protecting me from rushing into something, that his will is good and perfect and trustworthy! Come let us surrender to and worship the Lord of lords, the King of kings. He is good, righteous, holy, sovereign and trustworthy.

[@henryodera5726]

Thank you to the person who asked this question, and thank you Pastor John for the accurate and thoughtful response. Questions like these are usually not addressed, simply because they usually aren't asked. People are afraid to ask them because of what that may say about them, and also because of expectation that Christians are supposed to automatically have heart issues figured out. So, thank you to the questioner's honesty, openness and sincere self-evaluation, and thank you to Pastor John for the deeper insight at verses we may at times read over with a superficial understanding of their significance to our own Christian lives.

[@PortCanon]

A great place to start: “Yes, Lord.” 🤟🏼

[@mr.c2485]

PortCanon The “lords army”?

[@PortCanon]

Mr. C, are you referring to the hand sign for ‘I love you’?

[@mr.c2485]

PortCanon No. “A great place to start” Is a military slogan.

[@PortCanon]

💪🏼

[@Tina-zo3wf]

It is surprising as well as comforting to know that the same way I was being decieved,my fellow Christians are being decieved too.it expose the very nature of one of the devil's scheme..I said comforting because there's a way out in Jesus name and experience the fullness of Joy in Him alone

[@carolinegramith3411]

Tina yes! Same! Somehow I thought I was the only one.

[@greeksalad4783]

Pastor John Piper, thank you for this sermon! Everything you've said is exactly what I'm feeling and experiencing. Every time I tell God to help me surrender to him, I find myself actually holding my breath because I don't want to and I'm afraid. Afraid that God will make me do things that I don't want to. How stupid am I? Very! I'm going to listen to this video again and again, regardless of how long it takes for me to surrender to God! Thank you Pastor John Piper! I just wanted to add that surrendering to Jesus (in my opinion) probably feels like overwhelming and indescribable joy in one's heart! I would finally love to feel that way towards the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Pastor John Piper did an excellent job at explaining what surrendering to Christ is and what it isn't!

[@dalt992]

How are you doing in your walk now? This is exactly where I am at this season!

[@keitos18]

So powerful and needed. I will confess my brothers and sisters that I feel this is something I struggle with and need prayers to FULLY surrender myself.

[@shaneeraparker5866]

This is big Factz 💯 I’ve experienced this and foolishly have found myself here again not wanting to Repent because of fear but I remember how beautifully humbling it was to surrender and I’m now trying to Hold on to the truth and cast all of my fears onto the lord and repent. Im ready to turn back to my father, I’m so sad and ashamed that I’m even in this place.

[@mitchellm2208]

Literally just asked Him in prayer what it might mean to fully surrender to Him. Whoa.

[@mitchellm2208]

Christ Jesus Loves Carlie Trogicj And Every Trogicj To use more explicitly Scriptural language, to renounce all that I have to follow Him.

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

Thank you for this wonderful teaching John, I want to run and not grow weary, but I'm also deceived in this way.

[@mr.c2485]

Arthur Wolfgramm Soundness of mind and freedom from condemnation/accusation cannot be achieved through human means. If your working yourself to the point of spiritual exhaustion then you’re looking in all the wrong places.

[@remotebeef8734]

How are you now?

[@tys8965]

This has been my struggle for the past three years. I've struggled with somatic symptom disorder ( a form of health anxiety) for the past 4 years. For some reason, I felt like I could trust God with my health because he lets Christian people die all the time and I wanted to live! I've also felt that if I surrender my life and will completely to Him, that he would cause me to fall seriously ill in order to mature me or use me to show others how to (and expect me to) suffer well. It's been a back and forth for a long time. It's tiring and I just want to be able to trust him completely. So this podcast episode was helpful. I'm finding more and more that Christianity is not at all what the world perceives it to be. God doesn't promise that pleasant things will happen, in fact, he promises suffering. He says its a hard path to follow and many choose not too. It's not easy being a Christian.

[@brooke4608]

That is 100% a lie God is not out to get you he is for you. He works everything for the good of those who believe in him. “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to prosper you not harm you” know that whatever Gods plans are for your life, the are good and will bring you pure peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. God has the ability to wash away anxiety and fear and replace it with peace faith. For perfect love casts out fear. Yes there are trials and tribulation but God always delivers and brings peace. Yes he said you will suffer in the way of persecution, rejection from others for being a Christian etc. but in the Bible Jesus healed all who came to him sick. All who were labored he he gave rest. When we surrender to God, our circumstances no longer matter to us because God gives us the peace and joy and love. Seek first the kingdom of righteousness and these things will be added. There was a girl and she had bad depression, health issues like ibs and stuff, and she was so sad she just decided “god take my life I surrender” and God started to change her, heal her soul and relationship with him. He gave her joy and peace, her health and circumstances just didn’t matter to her as much anymore, and then he healed her physically. She is still healthy today with no health problems and living for God. No matter what Gods plan is, it’s good. And we can rest in that.

[@sweetvictory3100]

Are you still struggling with health anxiety, I did do a surrender prayer at one point and my whole life came crashing down and now I'm fighting for my life and so traumatized, reading thru the comments and found yours, it won't let me tag you in it though or idk how to

[@tys8965]

@@sweetvictory3100 no actually, I’m not. Praise God. He’s delivered me from it along the with anxiety in general. I don’t have panic attacks anymore really and I have much more control over my thoughts. Still working through the complete surrender part but I don’t have those same fears anymore. I’m much closer to it now than I was three years ago and God has actually put a lot of people in my life who are fully surrendered to God to help me get there. It’s still verrryyy hard to let go of my will though. It’s actually what I’ve decided to focus my prayer life on today so it’s Gods providence that you commented on this video today. I guess God wanted to show me how far he’s brought me in just three years and where he’s going to take me which is even further! Praise God. To him be all the glory. Reject and renounce fear. God is working in you and God is too faithful to fail you. Keep your focus on Jesus and he will bring you through with healing and deliverance and he will continue the work that he’s doing in you. He will bring it to perfect completion in Jesus name. Amen!🙏🏾

[@priscillahndz7485]

Pray for me please. Ive been stuck here for a long time Sadly today i say this as stuck in this battle of 5 years I go from doing his will to do my own 😰 Thank you for this topic This is it.... Taking back my power 🙌🙏

[@mr.c2485]

Priscilla Hndz See: Mr. C. In the comments

[@remotebeef8734]

How are you doing now??

[@JacobAlexander-dv3em]

Yea I’m curious how u doin now?

[@HearGodsWord]

The main thing seems to be that the person asking the question is a relatively new Christian so their heart of stone may not have been sufficiently softened yet. Praying that in time they will surrender themselves to Christ.

[@mr.c2485]

Hear God's Word You’re probably right. Billy isn’t sufficiently “tired” yet. He isn’t “weary and heavily laden” as the scripture states. Eventually, he will tire and rest be all that he desires. When he gets there, the “rules” will become meaningless.

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

Is he afraid of what? Being jumpscared by christ?

[@rachelhayhurst-mason7846]

Being a girl, I was never allowed to do so many things, even the thing I felt God was calling me to do. My life is and has been a mess for decades and I carry so much guilt because I chose to obey my parents instead of God (which seemed like the Biblical thing to do anyway). Result: disaster, shame, hopelessness, stagnant relationship with God. I subscribed today. I'm comforted by your gentleness and truth because it magnifies God's Word. Bless you heaps!

[@shawnfenton9718]

This same question and feeling Billy had was the same one I had as a new believer, and I am certain, affecting hundreds more. Even as a more mature believer, there is a degree of continual surrender that needs to happen on a daily basis. The truth that John Piper explained needs to be a reminder for all believers: that Christ is worth any and every other option that is available.

[@themorningping9075]

What stuck out to me is that the stone heart can't comprehend the value of Christ. Like I have taken note of it but never bothered to fully comprehending. My problem with submission personally lies in me wondering how I can possibly endure till the end of my life. I personally don't have large amounts of mental endurance and I break easily. This was nonetheless very helpful

[@Izthefaithful]

my desire is that all of you asking for prayer might find joy and peace and rest in the Lord Jesus himself and I will be praying for all of you! “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭ESV‬‬ If you seek Him with all your heart and ask Him He will give you rest, He promised and God is not a man that He should lie! Bless you my brothers and sisters!

[@Derek_Baumgartner]

Quite often something will feel like it'd be bad to let go of. You'll want to rationalize keeping it, but you know deep down you shouldn't keep it. "What if" or "Yeah but" or "If I'm careful"... etc. And "it" need not be a physical possession: a relationship, a habit, or something else. Such a 'loop of self-deception' is a miserable chain to bind yourself to. It will sap your strength if you abstain from the thing while trying to 'reason it to be okay', and if you are not careful it will scar you. You will know these things quite easily, because they will *weigh heavily* on you. Perhaps not at first, but you will feel their weight over time. Instead trust God, and leave all the consequences to Him (to quote one Dr. Charles Stanley). I am far from perfect. And even for those of us more tempered (though none of us are perfect this side of glory), the devil will want more to strike. But know this: God does not disappoint. Remind yourself: "If you've trusted Him with your salvation, why are you not trusting Him with your life?" "Do whatever it takes, Lord" is sometimes harder to say than others. 'But He is faithful and just and always worthy of our trust.' "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) === Thanks pastor John for this vid!

[@juliecousin2695]

Took a lot of courage for Billy to ask that question. A question that many including myself have struggled with. I thank the Lord that he provided Pastor John with the revelation to answer with power and love.

[@timsharpe6652]

I'm not I'm quite there yet too .. Very timely and need this personally too 🙂🙏

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

Yeah this came in the right time, at the current time im praying god to increase the lenght of my micropenis, but he doesent seem to answer, my faith is being tested to the extreme

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

How can he be a good god, if he doesent give me at least more 3 inches

[@timsharpe6652]

Enjoy trolling dude

[@mr.c2485]

Tim Sharpe Do you know this guy or is he just targeting you for fun?

[@bndfglvllddjdkfkfkf6097]

@@mr.c2485 Yeah I know him, he is my brother in christ

[@truefollower8640]

You have to understand Prov.3:5-7 You'll have to lose your life in order to find it and that's not physical that's spiritual. God bless the holy ones who pay close attention to his words. God be the glory.

[@ImmyT89]

Wow... This basically describes me. Thank you God for this channel

[@ravenbarker00]

If you see me, pray for me: I am scared to fully surrender.

[@tessalogan586]

I have surrenfed to Jesus Christ 🙌☝, but I'm unfortunately snared by 2 small sins, and i hate it! I hate not being worthy . Keep maturing in your faith & fight daily🙌🔥❤👌🌹💋🙏

[@norazigic441]

Thank you so much for making thisvideo. I have a serious problem with surrendering to Christ for a while now. I had done so before in my life, and, just how pastor John said, I have been so much full of joy. Then, because of my spiritual growth, the devil attacked me, and I tried to get rid of him on my own. I found myself trying to control every little thing in my life, being afraid to surrender everything to Him, and I still am. Thankfully God showed this video to me and I have realized that I have been deceived this whole time, in fact I still am. I hope to break free from this deception as soon as possible, please pray for me🙏 Thank you once again pastor John, may God bless whoever is reading this!❤

[@dylan6996]

Have you made it out this deception I'm tryna make it out myself its so scary I'm scared of losing everything but I don't wanna care about losing everything if its for him the flesh is wrestling the spirit and I'm giving too much power to the flesh and preventing the spirit to do a work in me all I need to do is just trust him that hes my father in heaven and knows and wants whats best for me and not some sort of deitu waiting for me to surrender to him so he can leave me in the lions den to be eaten alive no hes a loving heavenly Father and this I know in my mind but I wanna believe it in my heart and soul

[@annachok89]

Bless and praise God for the exhortation He has provided through this episode. Jesus is indeed our most valuable treasure. He will grant us the joy and desire to love, trust and obey Him.

[@mackymusic673]

That makes sense. It's a lot of battle. I'm in it right now. I gotta get this back. Stand grounded in the word of God.

[@BroDeontaeJ]

Glory to God for The Holy Spirit's teaching inspiration in Him. I thought this would be A hard answer but wow....

[@JoyCrossbridge]

This profound question voices a vitally important issue and fear that I believe the vast majority of Christians (including me) struggle with and the proof of that is in the fruit (or lack thereof) in our lives. Thank you and God bless you, PastorJohn, for your edifying response! 🙏🏼✝️

[@mr.c2485]

I AM THIRD Are you sure? Perhaps our perception of sin is errant and we feel the need to walk on eggshells for Jesus continually. We live in a constant state of disappointment, both for ourselves and God. That’s a terrible place to be! Good news! There is practical relief from condemnation/accusation.

[@JoyCrossbridge]

Mr. C Thank you for that insightful comment. I hope I didn't imply it, but I did not mean to suggest a struggle with achieving either perfection or with willful sinning, but rather that it is or can be (at least for me) a daily struggle to let go of control of various aspects of my life or to let go of the sometimes mindless pursuits of earthly (fleshly) desires and goals...not just things like entertainment, but even the ones that we, as society, consider to be "normal" or valuable, e.g., health/fitness, finances, parenthood, retirement, education, and career. Some can seem like good and even noble goals, but I am ashamed to admit that I am often guilty of pursuing them with greater resolve and dedication than to learning the will of God through His word and then listening intently to it in order to respond in obedience. I realize that there are seasons in life where sometimes these other things must be made a priority, but we can forget to to keep God as our navigator in those endeavors. It concerns me that I'm too physically comfortable and have not really experienced persecution for my faith...and so the fear is that all that may one day change if I completely surrender my life to Christ, even though it is not a way I want to feel or think. Hope some of this babbling made sense!

[@mr.c2485]

I AM THIRD Yes it does.... That fact that you’re aware of the temptation of conformity and physical/emotional comfort makes everything permissible for you. You’re obviously well aware of the fact that those things you mentioned are not your true identity. Kudos to you! Here are two irrefutable facts that may be of help as you continue you journey toward the wisdom that is in Christ. #1. We all want the same thing... soundness of mind. One that is not moved by the whims of men or the eventualities of life. #2. Our minds and bodies are not designed to absorb the effects of condemnation/accusation in any form. The only thing that nullifies the power and wisdom of those two realizations is malice. Where malice exists there can be no soundness of mind and condemnation is inevitable. I’ve spent 40plus years trying to find a third absolute that applies to everyone on the planet but haven’t. Scripture confirms that Christ lived and died for these two absolutes. If you discover a third please share it with me! My hope is that you will commit these to memory and glean the wisdom that is hidden in them. I believe it will revolutionize your life as it has mine. Godspeed!

[@JoyCrossbridge]

Mr. C Thank you again for your wisdom and encouragement! I will spend a little time mulling over your words carefully so I can set them into my heart with a proper understanding. Thank you for saving me 40 years! ☺️ May the grace of God, the peace of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit bless and be ever with you! 🙏🏼

[@mr.c2485]

I AM THIRD 👍

[@germaan1]

Hey everybody. To everyone reading this, PLEASE say YES to Jesus. Have faith in your surrender. You have no idea what's waiting for you. Not only eternal life in heaven, but a deep peace and joy with God already now on earth. He loves you! I wish I could scream it from the rooftop of my flat. Jesus Christ, what a wonderful God you are! Halleluya!

[@anastazjamalczyk7683]

I am so afraid..i am so afraid of dying to myself fully and letting God direct all my thoughts and words all day. I have so many fears I feel like I am losing my mind. I almost lost all hope and feel like I am destined to hell like Judas :(

[@cayleenoriega5769]

@@anastazjamalczyk7683 i know how you feel, but God is so merciful and he hears your prayers. He says “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests made know to God.” (Phil. 4:6) Ask him to give you faith to pray knowing that all you worry about will be taken care of by Him.

[@NewLifeMinistry]

I would love everyone’s support in my Ministry.

[@milkaren8193]

Wow! God is awesome, the question Billy is making is trully God doing something beautiful ... God is awesome! ❤

[@kathleenwharton2139]

Surrendering to Christ and Jesus..Alone..is the Only Way He can Save you from the doctrines of men. As long as you are listening to men..you will get their doctrines and you will never know Jesus Truth for YourSelf. Jesus is the Best Teacher!

[@sweetvictory3100]

How does he teach you, why are their pastors to teach and gifts of teaching then

[@kathleenwharton2139]

@@sweetvictory3100 Jesus has Spoken to me since I was six years old and still Does! There are pastors and churches because PAUL reinstituted the Pharisee church with their heirarchy of men.

[@yamanosu9463]

Giving your heart to God, not to your families religion and self-righteousness. ❤️

[@arthurwolfgramm4823]

Cant wait for the next episode

[@aaronh5792]

This is *exactly* what I've been going through the past few weeks. Hallelujah for videos like this.

[@bellasam795]

THIS HAS BLESSED ME.

[@ruzinninarciso4901]

This is so true to me right now.

[@laurieweathersbee926]

AMEN!!!! THANK YOU BILLY FOR YOUR HONESTY!!!! GOD WILL BLESS YOU AND FREE YOU!!!! FOR THIS MESSAGE HAS HELPED FREE ME!!! THANK YOU PASTOR FOR KNOWING JESUS SO WELL AND KNOWING FROM HIM THE ANSWER!!!

[@pinkforeverlove1]

Lord in the heaviness and deceit of my heart, I NEEDED this. Thank you!

[@jokerbeatzholyjesusinspira7581]

The truth just set me free🔥may Jesus keep tranforming you

[@brendenruiz9643]

This is exactly me. Thank you for your helpful and hopeful response, Pastor John!

[@MannawithMalissa]

This was awesome! Thank you Pastor John for great teaching.

[@tfm_patrick]

Looking forwards to Wednesday’s episode, Lord willing it will be a great one!

[@pamslove]

AMEN 🙏🙌 God wants for us to have life & abundance🕊🕊🕊

[@innocentchirwa6596]

Helpful and on point with the word.

[@danielroach3904]

I needed to hear this. This podcast is one outrageous blessing. So glad John answered this one.

[@akeemclarke2245]

For if the son set you free you are free indeed😩🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@andreay9935]

Wow! This was so helpful to me, thank you, so good to learn truth.

[@arifjagannathwilliams8116]

I thank You Billy.i thank you Pastor John.

[@ed0078]

I live in Tucson also and fear the suffering. You are not alone in this my brother

[@chinu9925]

Such a brilliant answer, well explained. Glory to God

[@jeffreywalters2331]

Thank you Pastor John and Tony, needed to hear this one today. God bless.

[@lisakearse777]

Thanks for this teaching! It was very helpful 🙂

[@hopewood2349]

This is the best message I have heard from John Piper, hands down!

[@clementeastwood]

Thank you Pastor John ❤️

[@yourwordistruth1076]

Pastor John, what a great explanation of the human condition. Thank you

[@ravenarellano8415]

This was right on time for me and just what I needed to hear thank you pastor John

[@ShotbyTp]

Wow thank you JESUS

[@Spark2_97_97]

I surrender 🙌

[@danielle1095]

This was really good !! I’ve been deceived this whole time !

[@ifesjournal]

Thanks so much for this video, I really struggle with this💓

[@mr.c2485]

marcyy See: Mr. C. in the comments

[@dereall4919]

This was a hard one to hear at first for some reason I felt scared 😅… This was a awesome episode never the less.

[@thebesthoneyb]

Thank you very much pastor John 😊

[@abcparty7965]

Thank you so much for this 🙏❤️

[@humblednature9593]

This just answered the struggle Í had recently. God revealed to me I was refusing to do cover my hair when praying (as a sign of showing God is above me) because I was afraid if I start dong small things like that He is going to ask me to do even more difficult things that I don''t want to do. And I was also deceived thinking its religious. He also showed me that He really doesn't care about the act, what He really wants is the submission, it could be a different act He asks me to do but point is no matter what He asks it's submission He wants. Pastor John God bless you abundantly with more wisdom and understanding.

[@mpumi6830]

I know this deception all too well and praise God for the truth. ❤️May you be free from this deception through the Grace of God.

[@TheComicReliefCrusader]

Thank you

[@love-faith-hope8111]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@AV__joint-heir_Timotheus]

This has help alot

[@mwlammbi2650]

Thank You

[@mermer2654]

this is just what I needed, thank you pastor John and Billy for this message. This is something that has been on my heart for months now and I didn't know how to put it into words. I almost considered the possibility for a moment that I sent in this question with a fake name, hahaha. But anyway Praise be to the Father and I would like to ask for those of you really reading- please pray for me. surrender is difficult and foreign to me and I need help. Help me to see the joy in Christ and to be able to gladly surrender. God bless you and keep you safe during this time!!

[@alohawhy]

*My mom is scared of throwing and destroying all the idols in her house because it's "expensive" and thinks God will punish her though she also want to be a Christ follower, I reminded her of 2nd commandment and told her to ask help and pray for courage from God, i told her that God listens and only if she seek God first, all her hearts will be given, pray for my mom, she's having a hard time forgetting traditions of Roman Catholic* 💕🙏

[@JacobAlexander-dv3em]

Did your mom ever throw away the idols?

[@alohawhy]

@@JacobAlexander-dv3em she actually did throw some. Others she hid away.

[@aaronchua5085]

Majority of Christian Refusing to Surrendering to Christ , i am also one of them , i fell and fall 7 times worse than my previous state after knowing Christ prayed and confess my sins Last Year Dec , Struggling with all 7 deadly sins , cursing , The Lack of Compassion , Love , Charity , Making Lost strangers to Godly friends , to preach the good news of the gospel to my whole family and strangers but i have only preach to my mother only , It is only Surrendering in Full to Christ to gain back what i desperate need and gain back , what i once have Compassion , Love , kindness to one and another. Help me LORD and others not my will , but THY WILL BE DONE .

[@mr.c2485]

Aaron Chua Gods strength is made perfect in your weakness. How are you ever going to love God and your neighbor as yourself if you don’t know how much you love yourself? “Falling” is wisdom in the right hands. Are those hands yours? Or will you allow yourself to be lied to and condemned by the enemy? Note: sin isn’t something you do....it’s what you believe. It takes literally weeks, months, or years to sin. You can’t just stub your toe, drop an “f” bomb or check out a female for more than five seconds to sin. It would serve you well to check out James1: 13-16. Three things... temptation... conception... maturation. Without all three , there is no sin. And, since God always makes a way of escape from temptation, there is no reason to allow it to conceive in the mind and mature into a belief. Godspeed!

[@aaronchua5085]

@@mr.c2485 sorry brother in christ and thx for the direction to the bible and God bless you. AMEN

[@jailahbryel305]

We all have sinned and fell short of the glory to God. The problem is, that God is holy and doesn’t live with sin. So we all deserve to go to hell, but Jesus paid the price so you don’t have to. All you have to do is confess Jesus as your savior and repent (turn from all sin) and you’ll be forgiven and on the way to heaven

[@markpettit4945]

Amen

[@MsImblack]

This is exactly me too

[@clifflimpot6980]

Im an 18 year old Filipino Christian. I was enlightened with this. I know God is speaking to me through this video. Thanks to God and for his servants who created this.

[@jeannemartin4056]

Snd since bring with christ i jave mot really known of his love, or his peace, or his grace, but now the Lord shows me im my utter despair, im wondering if this total pain grief id going to destroy me. I was do afraid of my Eddie dying on me, now he's gone slmost 7 months, the Lord Jesus is walking me through the Worst pain of my entire life. NOW I'm being given the grace to Know and see God love for me

[@lester--glz6636]

its like i asked the exact same question to Pastor John

[@ipodrogify]

Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, "A hand upon the throne of the Lord ! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." Exodus 17:8‭-‬16 ESV bible.com/bible/59/exo.17.8-16.ESV

[@herrtomkat92]

Man, this hit the nail on the head. I grew up “Christian” and know objectively about the goodness of God yet I don’t feel it. Not always at least. I always argued that if I surrender and do what I don’t desire, it’ll go against my nature and I’ll basically be faking it and not be true to my identity. But this? This answers it. I guess the issue now is coming to terms with the fact that I can’t trust myself or any of my own current convictions. I’m my own impostor lol