The Lordship of Jesus: Surrender and Salvation

Pastor Darren Gerald

October 19, 2025

Day 1: The Lordship of Christ

Reading: Romans 10:9-10, Philippians 2:9-11

Devotional: Today we reflect on what it truly means for Jesus to be Lord of our lives. As we read in Romans, confessing Jesus as Lord is central to our salvation. But this isn't just about words—it's about surrendering our entire will to Christ. Consider areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully submitting to Jesus' authority. Are there decisions, habits, or attitudes that you're clinging to control over? Remember, Jesus can't truly be our Savior if He isn't our Lord. Take time to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of resistance and to give you the strength to fully surrender to Christ's lordship.

Day 2: Born Again by the Spirit

Reading: John 3:1-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Devotional: Nicodemus, despite his religious knowledge and status, recognized he was missing something crucial in his spiritual life. Jesus' response—"You must be born again"—applies to us all. Being born again isn't about our own efforts or religious activities; it's a supernatural work of God's Spirit. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced this radical new birth? If so, how has it transformed your desires and priorities? If not, pray for God to work in your heart, giving you new life in Christ. Remember, this new birth is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing process of allowing God's Spirit to renew us daily.

Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Love

Reading: 1 John 4:7-21, Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: God's love has the power to radically change our lives, causing us to "hate what we used to love and love what we used to hate." As you read today's passages, meditate on the depth and breadth of God's love for you. How has experiencing this love changed your desires and behaviors? Are there areas where you're still clinging to old loves that don't align with God's will? Ask God to pour His love into your heart afresh, transforming your affections and empowering you to love others as He loves you. Consider practical ways you can demonstrate God's transformative love to someone in your life today.

Day 4: Living Out Our Faith

Reading: James 2:14-26, Matthew 7:21-23

Devotional: Today's readings challenge us to examine the authenticity of our faith. Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. This doesn't mean we're saved by our works, but rather that true, saving faith will inevitably produce good works. Reflect on your own life—does your faith manifest itself in obedience and service to God and others? Are there areas where you're merely professing faith without living it out? Ask God to strengthen your faith and guide you in putting it into action in tangible ways.

Day 5: Surrendering Our Will

Reading: Luke 22:39-46, Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: Our final day focuses on the ultimate example of surrendering to God's will—Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite the immense suffering ahead, Jesus submitted to the Father's plan. This surrender is at the heart of what it means for Jesus to be Lord of our lives. As you read, consider areas in your life where God might be calling you to surrender your will to His. Are there dreams, plans, or comforts you're holding onto too tightly? Remember, true freedom and fulfillment come when we align our will with God's. Pray for the courage to say, like Jesus, "Not my will, but yours be done," trusting that God's plans for you are good, even when they're challenging.