The following series is based on a book written by Dr. Jeremy Ballard, “The Lordship of Jesus Christ.” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook) and Google Play (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work they are doing.
To live for Jesus is to embrace a life of surrender—a journey marked by daily decisions to follow in His footsteps, carry our cross, and reflect His character. Jesus Himself set the example when He willingly bore His cross to glorify the Father. He calls us to do the same: to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf.
Seek First the Kingdom
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” This verse is more than a comforting promise—it’s a call to order our lives with God at the center. Living for Jesus means pursuing His righteousness and trusting Him to meet our needs as we surrender to His will. It’s a life of alignment, where our desires and direction are shaped by His lordship.
Take Up Your Cross
Jesus plainly declared in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” This is the essence of Christian discipleship—dying to self, letting go of personal ambitions, and choosing the path of sacrificial love. Our allegiance to Christ must even surpass our closest earthly relationships (Matthew 10:37-39). By carrying our cross, we identify with Christ’s sufferings and demonstrate our wholehearted devotion to His calling.
Walk Worthy of the Calling
Living for Jesus means walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. The New Testament echoes this charge repeatedly:
- Ephesians 4:1-3 urges humility, gentleness, patience, and love as signs of our spiritual maturity.
- Philippians 1:27 calls us to conduct ourselves in a way that honors Christ’s message.
- Colossians 1:10 reminds us to bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12 challenges us to live in a way that honors the One who calls us to His kingdom and glory.
This “worthy walk” is not about perfection but transformation. It means embodying Christ’s virtues daily, making our faith visible through our actions, and becoming living testimonies of His grace.
Be a Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-2 presents a powerful picture of surrender, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Worship is not just what we do on Sunday—it’s how we live every day. Being a living sacrifice means allowing God to renew our minds, reshape our priorities, and direct our steps. Romans 14:7-9 reinforces this total surrender, “whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
To call ourselves “Christians”—literally, “little Christs”—is to reflect Jesus in our character and choices. That means moving beyond consumer-driven worship to God-centered devotion.
Fulfill the Great Commission
The lordship of Jesus calls us not only to personal transformation but also to public proclamation. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave us our mission, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.” Evangelism and discipleship aren’t optional—they’re central to living for Jesus.
Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 2:2: “Entrust [the gospel] to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” This is the ripple effect of discipleship—believers raising up other believers, multiplying the reach of the gospel across generations.
When we share Christ with others, we’re not just delivering a message—we’re inviting them into a life-changing relationship with the Savior. Evangelism flows naturally when we recognize Jesus’ worthiness and reflect His love. Discipleship, then, becomes the ongoing journey of helping others surrender to His lordship and grow in His likeness.
Finish Strong
Paul encourages us to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), and later declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). The Christian life is a race, and we are called to run with perseverance and purpose.
Other scriptures like Philippians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and Acts 20:24 further inspire us to press on with determination. Romans 8:5 reminds us that those who live by the Spirit set their minds on what is spiritual. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 challenges us to be wholly sanctified in spirit, soul, and body—ready for the return of our Lord.
Application
Taking Up Your Cross: This means choosing Jesus over comfort, reputation, or even relationships. It’s about surrender and obedience, no matter the cost.
Walking in a Worthy Manner: Live with integrity, humility, and love. Let your life echo the character of Christ in both big decisions and small moments.
Becoming a Living Sacrifice: Lay down your own desires and embrace God’s will. Offer your life as an act of daily worship, reflecting Jesus in all you do.
Living for Jesus is not a one-time event—it’s a continual process of surrender, transformation, and mission. It means recognizing His lordship and living in a way that honors Him in every aspect of life.
Let us be people who take up our cross, walk in a worthy manner, live sacrificially, and boldly fulfill the Great Commission. Let us persevere, fight the good fight, and finish strong.
Because when we live for Jesus, we find the life we were always meant to live—purposeful, powerful, and eternally significant.
Join us next time as we discuss the transformative power of Jesus’ lordship.
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