Through Submission to God
Submission is the heart posture of a disciple: surrendering control and saying “yes” to God’s ways. It’s dying to self—not because God wants to take life from you, but because Jesus wants to give you true life that’s shaped by His love, truth, and purpose.
This is where real transformation happens. When you submit to God, you stop building life around your own will and begin living from God’s wisdom and direction. Submission forms humility, breaks the power of sin, and leads to real growth—positive change that lasts because it’s rooted in surrender to Christ.
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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
— Romans 12:1-2
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
— James 4:7-8
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
— Luke 9:23
Resources to Help You Submit to God
Surrender
This Francis Chan video message encourages trusting God’s leading even when surrender feels risky or unknown.
A Life Surrendered to God
This Francis Chan video message offers a compelling call to radical surrender and obedience as normal Christianity.
Am I Completely Surrendered to Christ?
This John Piper message helps people assess surrender without falling into despair or performance.
I’m Afraid of Surrendering to Christ — What Can I Do?
This John Piper Q&A interview provides pastoral guidance for fear, guilt, and control issues that block submission.
Abraham and the Cost of Faith: Commitment, the Way to Surrender
A Gospel in Life sermon by Timothy Keller on Abraham’s journey of faith and what true surrender to God looks...
The Starting Principle of Discipleship
This John MacArthur video message provides direct teaching on denying self and taking up your cross daily.
The Shepherd’s Sacrifice for the Sake of the Gospel
This John MacArthur video message unpacks self-denial as a core attitude for faithful gospel living.
The Cost of Discipleship
A classic book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer on costly grace and the call to follow Jesus with your whole life.
The Pursuit of Holiness
A practical book by Jerry Bridges that provides help for dying to sin and walking in obedient surrender by grace.
Frequent Questions About Submitting to God
Many of us want the life change Jesus offers but struggle to release control, comfort, or fear. These FAQs address common questions about surrender, obedience, and what submission looks like in real life—so you can take a next step with courage and trust.
Submission is surrendering your will to God’s will—trusting Him as Lord, not just Savior. It means placing your choices, relationships, ambitions, desires, and future under Jesus’ authority and letting His Word lead.
Most of our pain and stuckness comes from clinging to control. Submission frees you to live differently because it puts God back in His rightful place. As you surrender, the Spirit reshapes your desires, strengthens obedience, and forms Christlike character that shows up in everyday life.
Submission shows up in small, concrete decisions: forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge, telling the truth instead of managing your image, honoring God with your body, choosing integrity over convenience, practicing generosity, and letting Scripture correct you.
Start by naming what you’re holding onto. Pray honestly: “Jesus, I trust You—help me surrender.” Then take one clear step of obedience within 48 hours. Submission isn’t a feeling; it’s practiced in action.
Submission is hard when you fear losing control, comfort, approval, or certainty. The good news is that God is not harsh—He’s a good Father. You can trust Him even when obedience costs something.
No—submission is trusting God’s leadership so you can become who you were created to be. God’s will leads to freedom, not shrinkage.
Start with what you do know: God is good, wise, and loving. Submit the next clear step from Scripture and ask God for wisdom for the rest.
That fear is normal. Bring it to God honestly. He’s a good Father, and obedience is always for your ultimate good—even when it’s costly.
Conviction is specific and leads you back to Jesus with hope; shame is vague and drives you away. God calls you to repent and receive grace.
Surrender one area you’ve been controlling—time, relationships, money, habits, or a decision—and take one concrete step of obedience within the next 48 hours.
We're Here To Help Guide You & Answer Your Questions
If you feel stuck, you’re wrestling with surrender in a specific area, or you want prayer and guidance as you submit your life to Jesus, we’d love to help. Fill out the form below and someone from the Sonrise team will reach out to listen, encourage you, and help you take a next step toward real, lasting transformation.
We Saved A Seat For You
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)