In the face of something that is going to be really difficult, Jesus reaffirms his commitment to God’s will. What struggles do we face in our lives that make faith hard and tempt us to walk away? In this final message in The Surrendered Life series, Pastor Josh encourages us to find ways where we can keep watch with those in our lives who need our encouragement, and to find ways where we can keep watch in our own lives as we push through challenges and disappointments.

We learned a new song, Another In The Fire, with lyrics that tie beautifully in with the message. Click here to watch the video for the song.

 

THE SURRENDERED LIFE

Message by Josh Mutter – April 14, 2019

STRUGGLE

Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

 

REFLECTIONS ON GOD’S PRAYER

1. Through prayer Jesus overcame temptation

2. Through prayer Jesus was equipped for what was to come

 

APPLICATION

1. Who in my life needs me to stay and “keep watch” with them?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

2. What is something I can do this week to “keep watch” for my own sake?

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