Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul: "Let Us Keep to the Point: A Call to Absolute Surrender"

Scripture Reference: Philippians 1:20-21

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Introduction: The Call to Surrender

The Christian life is one of surrender—complete and wholehearted devotion to Christ. In Philippians 1:20, the Apostle Paul expresses a bold and fearless determination to honor Christ, whether in life or death. He keeps to the point: that his life’s purpose is to glorify God through absolute surrender and unwavering faith.

But surrender is easier said than done. It challenges our pride, our fears, and even our sense of control. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes that the key to such a life is not reasoning or debate but the surrender of our will. He warns us against overthinking or justifying our resistance to God’s call and instead urges us to yield fully to Him, trusting that God knows exactly what He is asking of us.

Today, we’ll reflect on Paul’s words and consider what it means to give our utmost for His highest.

1. Absolute Surrender: The Heart of the Matter

Paul’s declaration in Philippians 1:20-21 is a testament to his complete submission to God’s will. His ultimate desire is to exalt Christ, no matter the cost. This kind of surrender demands a decisive action—a willingness to lay aside our own desires, fears, and self-centered concerns in favor of God’s plan.

Chambers challenges us to identify the specific “point” where God is calling us to surrender. This could be a sinful habit, a personal ambition, a relationship, or even an area of ministry we are reluctant to embrace. Surrender is not partial; it is absolute and irrevocable.

Scripture for Reflection

Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Reflective Question: What is the “point” God is asking you to surrender completely to Him?

2. Fearless Courage: Honoring Christ in All Things

Paul’s surrender is fueled by fearless courage. He writes, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body” (Philippians 1:20). This courage comes from knowing that his life is no longer his own—it belongs fully to Christ.

Fear often holds us back from full surrender. We worry about what others will think, how our decisions will impact those around us, or what sacrifices we’ll be required to make. But as Chambers reminds us, these considerations often mask an over-concern for ourselves. True courage comes when we trust God’s wisdom over our own reasoning, knowing that He is sovereign and good.

Scripture for Reflection

Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

Reflective Question: What fears are holding you back from fully trusting God? How can you embrace courage through faith in His promises?

3. God’s Timing and the Crisis of Surrender

Chambers points out that God often brings us to a providential crisis when we resist His gentler invitations to surrender. These crises force us to decide—to fully yield to Him or to resist and walk away. The crisis becomes a “Great Divide,” marking a turning point in our spiritual journey.

Consider the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. Jesus asked him to surrender his wealth and follow Him, but the man walked away sorrowfully because he was unwilling to make the sacrifice. How often do we face similar moments of decision, clinging to what we value most instead of laying it at Jesus’ feet?

Scripture for Reflection

Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
John 12:24: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Reflective Question: Are you facing a “crisis of surrender” in your life? What decision is God asking you to make?

4. Living a Life of Undeterred Faith

Paul’s determination to live for Christ is unwavering. He writes, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). This declaration reflects a profound truth: when we fully surrender to Christ, our lives become about Him, not us.

This undeterred faith requires daily commitment. It’s not a one-time decision but a continuous choice to live for Christ in every situation. Whether we face trials, persecution, or the mundane challenges of daily life, our focus must remain on honoring God.

Scripture for Reflection

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Hebrews 12:1-2: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Reflective Question: How can you live with undeterred faith, keeping Christ at the center of your life?

5. Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Obedience

One of the most difficult aspects of surrender is trusting that God knows what He’s doing. Chambers writes, “We tell God He does not know what our obedience will mean.” How often do we try to negotiate with God, as though He doesn’t fully understand the implications of His call?

True surrender means trusting God’s sovereignty and wisdom, even when we don’t see the full picture. It means saying, “Yes, Lord,” with confidence that His plans are for our good and His glory.

Scripture for Reflection

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Reflective Question: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God’s sovereignty?

6. The Joy of Surrender

While surrender may feel like a loss, it ultimately leads to the greatest gain. When we yield to Christ, we experience the joy of walking in His will, the peace of knowing we’re aligned with His purpose, and the strength that comes from His presence.

Paul’s life is a testament to the joy found in surrender. Despite facing imprisonment, persecution, and hardship, he rejoiced in Christ. He understood that surrender wasn’t about loss but about living fully for the glory of God.

Scripture for Reflection

Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
John 15:10-11: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Reflective Question: How has surrendering to Christ brought joy and peace into your life?

Conclusion: Let Us Keep to the Point

Paul’s example and Chambers’ challenge remind us to “keep to the point.” The Christian life is not about convenience, comfort, or compromise—it’s about giving our utmost for His highest. This requires absolute surrender, fearless courage, and undeterred faith, trusting that God’s plans are good and His grace is sufficient.

If God is calling you to surrender something today, don’t delay. Don’t debate or rationalize. Trust Him fully, knowing that He is faithful and that the joy of walking in His will far outweighs any sacrifice.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling us to a life of surrender. Help us to lay aside our fears, pride, and self-centeredness so that we can honor You in all things. Give us the courage to trust Your plans and the faith to follow wherever You lead. May we live with undeterred devotion, offering our utmost for Your highest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflective Questions for the Journey

What is God asking you to surrender in this season of your life?
How can you cultivate fearless courage to follow Christ, even when it’s hard?
Are there areas where you struggle to trust God’s sovereignty? How can you surrender those to Him today?
How has surrendering to Christ brought transformation, peace, or joy into your life?