Teaching summary
In this message, Pastor Leonard Rola builds on the theme of surrendering to God’s extravagant love. He teaches that faith is not something we manufacture by effort, but something that arises when we hear the voice of Christ and understand His love. Using passages from Ephesians, Galatians, Romans, Luke, and John, he shows that faith is energized by love and comes alive when we hear the word of Jesus. Believers are encouraged to act without hesitation when faith rises, free from guilt, shame, or condemnation. The call is to fix our eyes on Jesus, grow in revelation of His love, and walk in faith that flows naturally from surrender.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 5:2- "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Romans 10:17- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Luke 6:6-10- "And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, Rise, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other."
John 10:27- "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Personal Update
- Foundation of Surrender: Ephesians 5:2
- Faith Energized by Love: Galatians 5:6
- Faith Comes by Hearing: Romans 10:17
- The Example in Luke 6: The Withered Hand Healed
- Acting Without Hesitation
- Overcoming Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
- Recognizing the Voice of Jesus: John 10:27
- Avoiding Reasoning Away Faith
- Encouragement to Keep Listening and Growing
- Closing Message and Ministry Support
Introduction and Personal Update
Pastor Leonard opens by acknowledging the absence of Pastor Lori, who is supporting her mother following the loss of her father. He requests continued prayers for their family, emphasizing that Lori’s father is now with Jesus. He explains that this teaching builds upon Sunday’s message, “Surrendered to His Extravagant Love,” and Monday’s “Surrendered Part One.” Today’s message continues as “Be Surrendered 2.”
Foundation of Surrender: Ephesians 5:2
The message begins with Ephesians 5:2 – "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."
Pastor Leonard explains that surrendering ourselves to the extravagant love of Christ is foundational. The word “Christ” means “the anointed one and His anointing.” To surrender to Christ is to yield to both His love and His anointing.
Faith Energized by Love: Galatians 5:6
He then references Galatians 5:6 – "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Leonard stresses that faith within us is energized by love. Faith is not built through personal effort, commands, or striving but emerges as we experience and grow in the revelation of Christ’s love.
Faith Comes by Hearing: Romans 10:17
Paul’s teaching in Romans 10:17 – "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." is highlighted. Leonard explains that faith springs forth as we hear the words of Christ and the message of His extravagant love. When God speaks, when love speaks, believers are to listen and immediately use the faith that arises.
The Example in Luke 6: The Withered Hand Healed
Leonard turns to Luke 6:6-10- where Jesus heals the man with the withered hand. He notes that Jesus’ words carried authority and life. The man responded without hesitation when Jesus commanded, “Stretch forth thy hand,” and his hand was restored whole. Leonard explains that true faith emerges when the Savior speaks—not by our effort, but by His word and compassion.
Acting Without Hesitation
Leonard emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience when faith rises. He explains that in the original Greek, Jesus’ commands such as “stand forth” and “stretch out your hand” were given in the imperative tense—calling for immediate action without delay. The healed man responded instantly, and his faith was effective.
Overcoming Guilt, Shame, and Condemnation
Many believers feel unworthy to exercise faith because they think they haven’t prayed enough, read enough, or believed strongly enough. Leonard urges listeners to release guilt, shame, and condemnation. Faith does not depend on human effort but on hearing and responding to Christ’s word.
Recognizing the Voice of Jesus: John 10:27
Leonard references John 10:27- "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
He assures listeners that Jesus is always speaking to His sheep through the Holy Spirit. The challenge is not that He is silent, but that believers sometimes delay, reason themselves out of acting in faith, or allow religious thinking to block obedience.
Avoiding Reasoning Away Faith
Leonard confesses that at times he himself has reasoned away faith that rose within him because he felt unworthy. He reminds the congregation that the Holy Spirit continually speaks and reassures us: there is no condemnation in Christ. Faith will continue to rise as long as we keep hearing about Christ and His love.
Encouragement to Keep Listening and Growing
The message concludes with encouragement to keep listening about Christ, keep fixing our eyes on His love, and grow in revelation. Each time faith rises, believers should act immediately without hesitation. God will never say “enough” or withhold faith opportunities.
Closing Message and Ministry Support
Pastor Leonard thanks listeners for their prayers, support, and love. He acknowledges the ministry’s financial needs and provides ways to give. He expresses deep appreciation and affirms that he and Pastor Lori are grateful for every supporter. The message closes with a blessing and an encouragement to “walk in your blessings.”
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so that they, too, may learn to surrender to the extravagant love of Christ, listen for His voice, and act in faith without hesitation.