Jesus Lord of my Life

Lord of My Life

Section Overview

Discipleship is as a response of love and faith that begins when a Christian, having accepted Jesus as Savior, realizes that the same grace that rescued them from the penalty of sin now invites them into a new life under His leadership. It is the intentional process of choosing to live for Jesus as Lord of my life—the sovereign, loving Ruler of our daily existence (Colossians 3:17).

True discipleship is fueled by a total surrender to God’s mercy. When we reflect on the depth of His grace, the disciple is naturally motivated to serve and please Jesus, recognizing that life under His Lordship is infinitely more fulfilling than the empty, meaningless life they were previously imprisoned in. To acknowledge Jesus as Lord is to trade the chains of self-will for the purposeful, authentic life we were designed to live (Acts 2:36).

Key Teachings & References

1. The Motivation: Responding to Mercy

True discipleship is not fueled by the "have to" of religious duty, but by the "get to" of a heart overwhelmed by God’s kindness. When we recognize that Jesus gave His life to rescue us, our natural response is to offer our lives back to Him as an act of gratitude rather than an attempt to earn His favor.

  • The Internal Shift: We stop asking "What do I want?" and start asking "What does He desire?" because His love now acts as the guiding force of our priorities (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

  • The Source of Power: We don't manufacture love for God through willpower; we reflect the love He first poured into us. This removes the pressure of performing for His approval and allows service to flow naturally (1 John 4:19).

  • The Living Sacrifice: Lordship is not a one-time ritual but a daily decision to place our bodies, talents, and time on His altar. This is the only "logical" way to worship a God of such immense mercy (Romans 12:1).

2. The Transition: From Empty Bondage to Eternal Purpose

Before Christ, we are often "lords" of our own lives, which leads to spiritual exhaustion and a sense of aimlessness. Discipleship is a legal and spiritual transfer. We are moved from a kingdom where we are slaves to our own desires into a Kingdom where we are sons and daughters of the King living with intentionality and hope.

  • The Great Rescue: Jesus doesn't just improve our old life; He pulls us out of the "darkness" of self-obsession and brings us into His light. We finally belong to a Kingdom that has a future (Colossians 1:13).

  • Strategic Rest: Many people are tired because they are trying to carry the weight of their own destiny. By taking on Jesus’ "yoke," we share the load with Him. His leadership provides a rest that the world’s "freedom" never could (Matthew 11:28–30).

  • The Masterpiece Mindset: We are not accidents; we are God’s "workmanship." Under His Lordship, we discover that He has already prepared meaningful "good works" for us to do. Our daily tasks become part of His divine mission (Ephesians 2:8–10).

3. The Authority: Following the Risen Master

Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means giving Him the "right of way" in every area—relationships, career, finances, and private thoughts. Because He rose from the dead and holds all authority, He is the only leader who is truly qualified to direct our steps and secure our future.

  • The Foundation of Security: We don't have to fear the future because our Leader has authority over everything in heaven and on earth. We are following a King who has already conquered the greatest enemy: death (Matthew 28:18).

  • The Test of Integrity: Lordship is not a title we give Jesus; it is a reality we submit to. A disciple is someone whose "walk" matches their "talk." If we call Him Master but ignore His instructions, we are still living for ourselves (Luke 6:46).

  • The Divine Mandate: God did not make Jesus "Lord" based on a popular vote; He established Him as Ruler by divine decree. Recognizing His Lordship is simply aligning ourselves with the ultimate truth of the universe (Acts 2:36).

Bible References

  • 📜 Colossians 3:17

    17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    📜 Acts 2:36

    36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

    14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

    📜 1 John 4:19

    19 We love because he first loved us.

    📜 Romans 12:1

    1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

    📜 Colossians 1:13

    13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

    📜 Matthew 11:28–30

    28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

    📜 Ephesians 2:8–10

    8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

    📜 Matthew 28:18

    18 And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'

    📜 Luke 6:46

    46 Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

    📜 Colossians 1:18

    18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

  • 📜 Colossians 3:17

    17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

    📜 Acts 2:36

    36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

    14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

    📜 1 John 4:19

    19 We love him, because he first loved us.

    📜 Romans 12:1

    1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

    📜 Colossians 1:13

    13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

    📜 Matthew 11:28–30

    28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

    📜 Ephesians 2:8–10

    8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    📜 Matthew 28:18

    18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

    📜 Luke 6:46

    46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

    📜 Colossians 1:18

    18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

  • 📜 Colossians 3:17

    17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    📜 Acts 2:36

    36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

    14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

    📜 1 John 4:19

    19 We love because he first loved us.

    📜 Romans 12:1

    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.

    📜 Colossians 1:13

    13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

    📜 Matthew 11:28–30

    28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

    📜 Ephesians 2:8–10

    8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

    📜 Matthew 28:18

    18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

    📜 Luke 6:46

    46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

    📜 Colossians 1:18

    18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

  • 📜 Colossians 3:17

    17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

    📜 Acts 2:36

    36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

    14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

    📜 1 John 4:19

    19 We love Him because He first loved us.

    📜 Romans 12:1

    1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

    📜 Colossians 1:13

    13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

    📜 Matthew 11:28–30

    28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

    📜 Ephesians 2:8–10

    8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    📜 Matthew 28:18

    18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

    📜 Luke 6:46

    46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

    📜 Colossians 1:18

    18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

  • 📜 Colossians 3:17

    17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

    📜 Acts 2:36

    36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

    14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

    📜 1 John 4:19

    19 We love each other because he loved us first.

    📜 Romans 12:1

    1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

    📜 Colossians 1:13

    13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

    📜 Matthew 11:28–30

    28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

    📜 Ephesians 2:8–10

    8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

    📜 Matthew 28:18

    18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

    📜 Luke 6:46

    46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

    📜 Colossians 1:18

    18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

  • 📜 Colossenses 3:17

    17 Tudo o que fizerem, seja em palavra ou em ação, façam-no em nome do Senhor Jesus, dando por meio dele graças a Deus Pai.

    📜 Atos 2:36

    36 "Portanto, que todo o Israel fique certo disto: Este Jesus, a quem vocês crucificaram, Deus o fez Senhor e Cristo".

    📜 2 Coríntios 5:14–15

    14 Pois o amor de Cristo nos constrange, porque estamos convencidos de que um morreu por todos; logo, todos morreram. 15 E ele morreu por todos para que os que vivem não vivam mais para si mesmos, mas para aquele que por eles morreu e ressuscitou.

    📜 1 João 4:19

    19 Nós amamos porque ele nos amou primeiro.

    📜 Romanos 12:1

    1 Portanto, rogo-lhes, irmãos, pelas misericórdias de Deus, que se ofereçam em sacrifício vivo, santo e agradável a Deus; este é o culto racional de vocês.

    📜 Colossenses 1:13

    13 Pois ele nos resgatou do domínio das trevas e nos transportou para o Reino do seu Filho amado,

    📜 Mateus 11:28–30

    28 "Venham a mim, todos os que estão cansados e sobrecarregados, e eu lhes darei descanso. 29 Tomem sobre vocês o meu jugo e aprendam de mim, pois sou manso e humilde de coração, e vocês encontrarão descanso para as suas almas. 30 Pois o meu jugo é suave e o meu fardo é leve".

    📜 Efésios 2:8–10

    8 Pois vocês são salvos pela graça, por meio da fé, e isto não vem de vocês, é dom de Deus; 9 não por obras, para que ninguém se glorie. 10 Porque somos criação de Deus realizada em Cristo Jesus para fazermos boas obras, as quais Deus preparou antes para nós as praticarmos.

    📜 Mateus 28:18

    18 Então, Jesus aproximou-se deles e disse: "Foi-me dada toda a autoridade nos céus e na terra."

    📜 Lucas 6:46

    46 "Por que vocês me chamam ‘Senhor, Senhor’ e não fazem o que eu digo?"

    📜 Colossenses 1:18

    18 Ele é a cabeça do corpo, que é a igreja; é o princípio e o primogênito dentre os mortos, para que em tudo tenha a supremacia.

  • 📜 Colosenses 3:17

    17 Y todo lo que hagan, de palabra o de obra, háganlo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias a Dios el Padre por medio de él.

    📜 Hechos 2:36

    36 »Por tanto, sépalo bien todo Israel que a este Jesús, a quien ustedes crucificaron, Dios lo ha hecho Señor y Mesías».

    📜 2 Corintios 5:14–15

    14 El amor de Cristo nos obliga, porque estamos convencidos de que uno murió por todos y, por consiguiente, todos murieron. 15 Y él murió por todos para que los que viven ya no vivan para sí, sino para aquel que murió fuera resucitado por ellos.

    📜 1 Juan 4:19

    19 Nosotros amamos porque él nos amó primero.

    📜 Romanos 12:1

    1 Por lo tanto, hermanos, tomando en cuenta la misericordia de Dios, les ruego que cada uno de ustedes, en adoración espiritual, ofrezca su cuerpo como sacrificio vivo, santo y agradable a Dios.

    📜 Colosenses 1:13

    13 Él nos libró del dominio de la oscuridad y nos trasladó al reino de su amado Hijo,

    📜 Mateo 11:28–30

    28 »Vengan a mí todos ustedes que están cansados y agobiados, y yo les daré descanso. 29 Carguen con mi yugo y aprendan de mí, pues soy apacible y humilde de corazón, y encontrarán descanso para su alma. 30 Porque mi yugo es suave y mi carga es liviana».

    📜 Efesios 2:8–10

    8 Porque por gracia ustedes han sido salvados mediante la fe; esto no procede de ustedes, sino que es el regalo de Dios, 9 no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe. 10 Porque somos hechura de Dios, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras, las cuales Dios dispuso de antemano a fin de que las pongamos en práctica.

    📜 Mateo 28:18

    18 Jesús se acercó entonces a ellos y les dijo: —Se me ha dado toda autoridad en el cielo y en la tierra.

    📜 Lucas 6:46

    46 »¿Por qué me llaman ustedes “Señor, Señor”, y no hacen lo que les digo?

    📜 Colosenses 1:18

    18 Él es la cabeza del cuerpo, que es la iglesia. Él es el principio, el primogénito de la resurrección, para ser en todo el primero.

Key Aspects

  • Love as the Engine: Discipleship is not a legalistic struggle but a love-driven response to the Savior’s grace. We do not serve to get God's love; we serve because we are already captivated by His mercy, making obedience a joy rather than a chore (2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:19).

  • Freedom from the "Aimless" Life: Surrendering to Christ breaks the cycle of chasing things that don’t satisfy. The disciple finds that life is only "full" when Christ is at the center (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:10).

  • Daily, Intentional Submission: Lordship is a decision renewed every morning. It is the practice of yielding our schedules, our finances, and our tempers to the One who knows what is best for us (Romans 12:1; Colossians 3:17).

  • Grace-Rooted Growth: We don't become like Jesus by trying harder in our own strength. We grow by "abiding" in Him, trusting that the same grace that saved us will also transform us (Ephesians 2:8–9; Matthew 11:29).

Section Summary Statement

Discipleship is the life-giving journey of living for Jesus as Lord, motivated by a deep surrender to His overwhelming love (2 Corinthians 5:14). It is the intentional decision to leave behind the empty imprisonment of self-will (Colossians 1:13) and submit every facet of existence to His loving authority (Matthew 28:18). In this surrender, the disciple finds true purpose, discovering that living to please the Master is the most authentic and fulfilling way to live for Jesus is far more than just the Lord of our lives; He is the supreme Love of our lives (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 2:10).

Section Questions

  1. Comparing Lives: How would you describe the "emptiness" of living for yourself (Colossians 1:13) versus the "fullness" of living for Jesus as Lord (Matthew 11:28–30)?

  2. The Power of Mercy: Romans 12:1 says we offer ourselves because of God's "mercies." What specific act of God's mercy in your life makes you most want to serve Him today?

  3. Surrendering the Burden: Jesus promises "rest" when we take on His yoke (Matthew 11:29). What personal "burden" or "empty priority" are you ready to trade for His leadership?

  4. Love as Control: In what way has Christ’s love recently prompted you to do something you wouldn't have done on your own (2 Corinthians 5:14)?

  5. Identifying Preeminence: Where in your daily routine is it most obvious that Jesus is "first" (Colossians 1:18)? Where is it currently most difficult to give Him that place?

  6. The Joy of Service: How does knowing you are God's "workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10) change your perspective on the tasks you have to do this week?