Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV)

The desire to control our own lives is built into us from our birth: it is our human nature - as sons of Adam, we are born as children of the original sin.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. ~ Romans 5:12

But Christ has set us free.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” ~ Galatians 3:13

So when we study the Bible, go to Bible College and spend our time on Sunday mornings listening out for any revelation of Christ, what is our motive?

Are we seeking to learn the secret key to unlocking the power of prayer so that we can change our circumstances?

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ~ Mark 14:36 ESV

Jesus, the creator of all things seen and unseen (Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.~ John 1:3), sweated blood when praying this prayer. How powerful must have this prayer been?

Yet he prayed for God’s will to be done.

So should we study the Word of God?

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Yes, but what should we study? Paul was the one who told Timothy to study, so what did Paul study?

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ~ Philippians 3:8 (NIV)

And what do we learn from Christ and His crucifixion?

He lived His whole life was completely surrendered.

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ~ John 5:19 (NIV)

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”When he had said this, he breathed his last ~ Luke 23:46 (NIV)

Jesus Christ used His last breath to surrender.

Knowledge of Christ and the cross brings us to a deeper faith leading to absolute surrender to the will of God.

How sad it is when we hear that a Christian has fallen away: angry at God that he did not answer their fervent prayer. “My Father/Baby/Wife/Husband was dying and I prayed that God would heal them. What sort of cruel God would let’s someone good/innocent die like that?” they say to justify their leaving the faith.

So if Christ is our example, what was His example?

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ~ Mark 14:36 ESV

Are we ready to surrender to His will for us and our loved ones - no matter what the cost?

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~ Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

So what is His Kindom and Righteousness?

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT)

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? ~ Romans 6:16 (NIV)

It is the faith to surrender to His will - absolutely: even unto death as Christ did.

And this is what we were set free for: not to sin, but to surrender.