THE CHOSEN: A LIFE OF SURRENDER TO GOD’S WILL By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” — Matthew 15:8
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Introduction
Throughout the history of humanity, the question of who truly belongs to God has always been central to the message of the Scriptures. Many people identify themselves as religious, faithful, or spiritual. They attend places of worship, recite prayers, and participate in religious traditions. Yet the Bible repeatedly reveals a profound truth: God does not measure devotion according to outward appearances or religious rituals. Instead, He searches the depths of the human heart.
The message presented here confronts one of the greatest spiritual illusions of our time—the belief that religious identity alone is sufficient for salvation. Across the world there are millions who claim the name of Christian, Catholic, or believer. Yet God declares that many of these individuals do not truly desire Him, His Son, or His Spirit. Their lives remain centered on themselves, their ambitions, and the values of the world rather than on surrender to the will of God.
This lesson explores the profound difference between those who merely participate in religion and those who are truly chosen by God. The chosen are not selected according to worldly standards such as social status, intellectual ability, or religious performance. Rather, they are those whose hearts burn with a genuine longing for God. They are individuals who willingly surrender their own desires, ambitions, and pride in order to live according to God's purpose.
The central theme of this teaching is surrender. True believers do not attempt to control God or manipulate Him to fulfill their own desires. Instead, they surrender themselves completely to His authority. They seek to follow Jesus Christ not in words only, but in spirit, character, and daily obedience.
In an age where many teachings emphasize self-empowerment, personal success, and self-fulfillment, the message of surrender may appear unpopular. Yet the Gospel consistently teaches that life is found only through death to self. Jesus Himself declared that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake will find them.
This lesson will therefore explore several crucial spiritual realities: the danger of superficial religion, the nature of true surrender, the conflict between the carnal nature and the new life in Christ, the destructive power of pride, and the characteristics of those whom God calls His chosen.
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The Danger of Superficial Religion
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” — 2 Timothy 3:5
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One of the greatest dangers in spiritual life is the illusion of religious security without genuine transformation. Many people assume that because they belong to a church, follow certain traditions, or recite certain prayers, they have fulfilled their responsibility toward God.
However, the Scriptures repeatedly warn that outward religious practice alone does not produce salvation. The Pharisees during the time of Jesus were deeply religious. They followed strict religious laws, prayed publicly, and maintained positions of spiritual authority. Yet Jesus rebuked them sharply because their hearts were far from God.
Superficial religion focuses on appearance rather than transformation. It seeks to maintain an image of righteousness while the inner life remains unchanged. Such religion may produce impressive ceremonies, elaborate traditions, and emotional expressions, but it does not produce true repentance, humility, or surrender.
God is not impressed by religious performance. He searches the heart. The chosen are those whose inner desire is to know Him personally and to walk in obedience to His truth.
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The Chosen Are Those Who Choose God
“You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.” — John 15:16
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The concept of being chosen by God is often misunderstood. Some imagine that God's choice is arbitrary or based on favoritism. Yet Scripture reveals a deeper truth. God chooses those who choose Him.
This does not mean that human effort earns salvation. Salvation is always a gift of grace through Jesus Christ. However, God responds to the sincere longing of the heart. Those who hunger for truth, righteousness, and fellowship with Him are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him.
The chosen are those who surrender their independence and willingly submit to God's authority. They do not insist on controlling their own lives or shaping their own destiny apart from God. Instead, they acknowledge that God alone is sovereign and worthy of complete obedience.
Their desire is not merely to receive blessings from God but to belong entirely to Him.
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Surrender to God’s Sovereignty
“Not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42
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At the center of true discipleship lies surrender. Jesus demonstrated this principle perfectly during His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the agony of the cross, He surrendered His own will completely to the Father.
This act of surrender is the defining mark of the chosen. They do not live according to their own ambitions or desires. Instead, they seek to align every area of their lives with God's purpose.
When difficulties arise, they do not immediately search for worldly solutions. Rather, they turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Their confidence rests not in human strategies but in divine direction.
Daily surrender becomes their lifestyle. Each day they choose again to die to selfish desires and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
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The Conflict Between the Carnal Nature and the New Life
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” — Galatians 5:17
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One of the greatest struggles in the Christian life is the conflict between the old sinful nature and the new life given through Christ.
The carnal nature is inherently opposed to God's will. It seeks self-glory, independence, and personal control. It resists humility, submission, and obedience.
Many believers attempt to reform the carnal nature rather than crucify it. They try to combine self-centered living with spiritual devotion. However, the Bible teaches that the flesh cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
True transformation requires death to the old nature. The chosen understand this reality and willingly allow God to expose areas of pride, selfishness, and rebellion in their lives. Through repentance and surrender, they allow the Holy Spirit to purify their hearts.
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The Danger of Pride and Self-Glorification
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6
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Pride is one of the most destructive forces in the spiritual life. It leads individuals to believe that their achievements, abilities, or religious accomplishments make them worthy of recognition.
Yet pride robs God of His glory.
Even Jesus, though He was the Son of God, refused to seek personal glory. He continually directed honor toward the Father and focused entirely on fulfilling the mission He had been given.
The chosen follow this same example. They do not seek praise from others. When they recognize pride within themselves, they quickly repent and humble themselves before God.
Their greatest desire is not to be admired but to reflect the character of Christ.
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The Inner Garden of the Heart
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23
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God compares the inner life of believers to a garden. A garden must be carefully cultivated and protected from weeds that threaten its health.
In the same way, the spiritual life requires constant attention. Pride, selfishness, and worldly desires are like weeds that attempt to grow within the heart.
The chosen are sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit within them. When the Spirit reveals areas that need cleansing, they respond with humility and repentance. Their goal is to maintain a pure and healthy relationship with God.
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Summary
This teaching reveals a powerful spiritual truth: God does not choose according to outward religion, social status, or human achievement. He chooses according to the condition of the heart.
Many people participate in religious traditions without ever surrendering their lives to God. Yet the chosen are those who willingly abandon self-centered living and embrace a life of obedience, humility, and devotion.
They reject pride, crucify the carnal nature, and seek daily guidance from the Holy Spirit.
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Conclusion
The message of surrender is at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus did not come merely to establish another religious system. He came to transform lives and reconcile humanity with God.
True faith requires more than belief in doctrine or participation in rituals. It requires the complete surrender of one's life to the authority of God.
Those who are truly chosen are those who continually choose God's will above their own.
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Call to Action
Each person must examine his or her own heart honestly. Are we merely participating in religion, or have we truly surrendered our lives to God?
This is the time to move beyond superficial faith and enter into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. God is calling individuals who will abandon pride, selfishness, and worldly attachments in order to follow Him fully.
The invitation remains open today.
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Final Word of Encouragement
For those who choose the path of surrender, the journey may not always be easy, but it leads to true joy, peace, and eternal life. God never abandons those who seek Him with sincerity.
As believers continue to choose God's will each day, He continues to shape them, strengthen them, and draw them closer into His presence.
The chosen are not perfect people—they are surrendered people.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with humility and repentance. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again so that I might have eternal life.
Today I surrender my life completely to You. Forgive my sins, cleanse my heart, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to turn away from selfishness and pride and to follow Your will each day.
Lord Jesus, I invite You to be the Lord and Savior of my life. Guide me, transform me, and teach me to live according to Your truth.
From this day forward, I choose to follow You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
