The concept of giving up our lives isn’t foreign to us. It happens most often when we embark upon new relationships. When we exchange vows with our spouse, we give up our old lives for a new one. When parents welcome a child into the home, they give up their old lives for a new one. A faithful response to our call to live a life rooted in the Gospel requires us to give up our old lives to embrace a new life where we embody Christ’s love and compassion. 

 

Put It into Practice:  Giving up your life to Jesus is like surrender. Picture yourself raising a white flag to Him. What would it be for? What would you gain if you gave up that thing (or things)? What would the Kingdom gain?

 

Day 1       Ezekiel 37:1-14

Reflect: What does the valley of dry bones represent in the vision? What does this passage teach us about the potential of God’s Word to bring about transformation from a dead life to new life? 

Apply:   When have you felt spiritually “dead” or like a “dry bone?” How did the Lord breathe new life into you? How is Ezekiel’s vision message similar to and different from giving up your life for Him?

Pray: Confess to the Lord (and your discipleship band) areas of your life that you haven’t given to Him. Ask God to restore life and vitality, thanking Him for His ability to bring new beginnings.

 

Day 2      John 15:9-17 

Reflect: What is Jesus’ main point? How is remaining in His love connected to giving up our lives? Why is giving up our lives necessary to love others? In this context, what does it mean to bear fruit? 

Apply: What do you think prevents you from loving others as Jesus does? What evidence shows that you have given up your life to Him? How would a deeper surrender to Christ lead to more fruit?  

Pray:   Jesus, help me reflect Your character and to bear the fruit of Your Spirit. Empower me to lay down my life for the good of others, reflecting the love You have poured into my heart. 

 

Day 3      Mark 12:41-44

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus purposely sat near the temple treasury?  In Jesus’ eyes, why was the widow’s gift so significant? Do you think Jesus considered how others may care for her?   

Apply:   How is giving up our lives like the widow giving her coins? Would you say your giving is sacrificial, expressing love for God and others? How does trusting God impact giving up your life? 

Pray:   Father, help me be mindful of my motivations, and to prioritize giving out of devoted love, just as the widow did. Remind me that the most valuable offering is the one given freely and wholeheartedly.

 

Day 4     Romans 6:1-14 

Reflect: What does this text teach us about death? What does verse 7 mean to you? What does this look like in our lives? Consider verses 12-14 and what the Lord is saying to you through them.

Apply:   Where have you seen victory over sin? Where are you still seeing defeat? Why? What can you do to fight the lingering effects of sin in your life that prevent you from fully surrendering?

Pray:    Holy Spirit, day by day, strengthen me to obediently yield all that I am so I am no longer a slave to sin but Your servant of righteousness. 

 

Day 5      2 Corinthians 5:11-21 

Reflect: What is the key point Paul is conveying about our identity in Christ and the new life we have in Him? How does this address the contrast between our “old self” and “new self” in Christ?

Apply:   How does being reconciled to God through Christ impact your decisions, actions, and interactions with others? It is Christ’s love that motivates us to give up our lives. Is this true for you?

Pray:    God, may my words and actions reflect the new life I have in Christ, drawing others to the hope and peace found only in You.