THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST
A Foundational Teaching for New Believers
Discipleship and Christian Education Programme
Theme: Understanding What It Means to Make Jesus Lord Over Every Area of Your Life
Key Scripture: Romans 10:9 (KJV)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
1. INTRODUCTION
One of the most important truths every new believer must understand is the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Becoming a Christian is more than attending church, reading the Bible, singing Christian songs, or identifying oneself as a religious person. It means accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and submitting every area of one’s life to His authority.
Many people desire Jesus as their Saviour because they want forgiveness, protection, healing, blessings, and eternal life. However, not everyone understands that the Jesus who saves us is also the Lord who must govern our lives.
When we receive Jesus Christ, we are no longer supposed to live according to our own desires, opinions, and ambitions. We must learn to live according to His Word and instructions.
Colossians 2:6 (KJV)
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.”
This means that the Christian life begins with receiving Christ and continues through daily submission to Him.
2. WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
Before understanding His Lordship, we must understand who Jesus Christ is.
Jesus is not merely a prophet, religious teacher, miracle worker, or historical figure. He is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world, and the Lord of all creation.
Consider the following biblical truths:
A. Jesus is the Son of God
Matthew 16:16 — Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
B. Jesus is God manifested in the flesh
John 1:1, 14 teaches that the Word was God and that the Word became flesh.
C. Jesus is the Saviour of the world
John 4:42 identifies Jesus as the Saviour of the world.
D. Jesus is the Creator
Colossians 1:16 teaches that all things were created through Him and for Him.
E. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords
Revelation 19:16 declares His supreme authority.
Therefore, Jesus deserves our worship, reverence, obedience, and complete surrender.
3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO MAKE JESUS LORD?
The word “Lord” communicates authority, ownership, rulership, and supremacy.
To make Jesus Lord means recognising His rightful authority over our lives and willingly submitting ourselves to His leadership.
It means allowing Him to determine:
* How we live.
* How we speak.
* How we think.
* How we treat other people.
* How we spend our money.
* How we conduct our relationships.
* How we make decisions.
* How we use our gifts and abilities.
A believer can not genuinely claim to follow Jesus while deliberately refusing to obey His instructions.
Luke 6:46 (KJV)
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
This Scripture reveals that calling Jesus Lord must be accompanied by a willingness to obey Him.
4. JESUS MUST BE BOTH SAVIOUR AND LORD
There is an important relationship between the salvation Jesus gives and the authority He exercises.
A. Jesus as Saviour
As Saviour, Jesus delivers us from sin and its consequences.
Matthew 1:21 teaches that He shall save His people from their sins.
B. Jesus as Lord
As Lord, Jesus has authority over our lives.
Philippians 2:9–11 teaches that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
C. The two must not be separated
We must not seek forgiveness from Jesus while deliberately rejecting His authority.
Salvation is received by grace through faith, not earned through obedience. However, genuine faith produces a life that increasingly submits to Christ.
5. WHY MUST EVERY BELIEVER SUBMIT TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS?
There are several biblical reasons.
1. Because Jesus has authority over all creation
Matthew 28:18 declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus.
2. Because He purchased us through His sacrifice
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 teaches that believers are not their own because they were bought with a price.
3. Because He is the Head of the Church
Colossians 1:18 identifies Christ as the head of the body, the Church.
4. Because obedience demonstrates our love for Him
John 14:15 says:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
5. Because His leadership produces a life that honours God
John 15:5 teaches that we must abide in Christ to bear spiritual fruit.
6. AREAS OF LIFE THAT MUST COME UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS
A new believer must understand that Jesus does not want to control only the religious part of life. He must be the Lord over everything.
A. Your Thoughts
Philippians 4:8 teaches believers to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.
Allow Christ to influence your thought life.
B. Your Words
Ephesians 4:29 teaches us not to allow corrupt communication to proceed from our mouths.
Our conversations must reflect Christ.
C. Your Relationships
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns against corrupting influences.
Choose relationships that encourage godliness, love, and spiritual growth.
D. Your Money and Possessions
Matthew 6:24 teaches that we can not serve both God and money.
We must practise honesty, generosity, and responsible stewardship.
E. Your Marriage and Family
Ephesians 5:21–25 teaches principles of mutual submission and Christlike love in family relationships.
F. Your Career and Business
Colossians 3:23 teaches us to work heartily as unto the Lord.
Our professional conduct must honour Christ.
G. Your Future and Ambitions
Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust in the Lord rather than depend entirely on our own understanding.
Submit your plans and ambitions to His wisdom.
7. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO SUBMITTED TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS
A. The Apostle Peter
Scripture: Luke 5:1–11
When Jesus instructed Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets, Peter obeyed despite having worked all night without catching anything.
His obedience resulted in a miraculous catch of fish.
Lesson: Following Jesus requires trusting His instructions even when they challenge our experience.
B. Matthew
Scripture: Matthew 9:9
Jesus called Matthew while he was sitting at the tax collector’s desk.
Matthew immediately left his former occupation and followed Jesus.
Lesson: Responding to Christ may require leaving behind things that previously controlled our lives.
C. The Apostle Paul
Scripture: Acts 9:1–22
Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. His encounter transformed his direction, purpose, and commitment.
Lesson: A genuine encounter with Jesus must change the direction of our lives.
D. The Rich Young Ruler
Scripture: Mark 10:17–27
The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but struggled to surrender his possessions.
He went away sorrowful because he was unwilling to respond to Jesus’ instruction.
Lesson: Anything that takes priority over Christ can become an obstacle to wholehearted discipleship.
8. THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
Following Jesus is a wonderful privilege, but it also involves commitment and sacrifice.
Luke 9:23 (KJV)
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
This Scripture reveals three important responsibilities.
A. Deny yourself
This means refusing to allow selfish desires and sinful ambitions to control your life.
B. Take up your cross daily
This means accepting the demands and responsibilities of following Christ, even when obedience involves sacrifice.
C. Follow Jesus
This means making Him the example, authority, and direction of your life.
Christianity is not simply about receiving blessings. It is about becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
9. THE DANGERS OF REFUSING THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS
When believers refuse to submit to Christ, they expose themselves to several spiritual dangers.
* Living according to the desires of the flesh.
* Developing a lifestyle of disobedience.
* Becoming spiritually unfruitful.
* Allowing worldly values to control their decisions.
* Developing pride and self-dependence.
* Having a form of godliness without genuine transformation.
James 1:22 warns believers not to be hearers of the Word only, but doers also.
A Christian must not merely know what Jesus teaches. He or she must practise it.
10. HOW TO LIVE UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS
Every new believer should develop these practical habits.
1. Study the teachings of Jesus
Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John carefully.
2. Obey the Word of God
Do not select only the commandments that are convenient.
3. Develop a consistent prayer life
Learn to seek God’s direction in every area of life.
4. Depend on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit helps believers live in obedience to God (Galatians 5:16).
5. Surrender your personal ambitions
Allow God’s will to take priority over your own plans.
6. Practise humility
James 4:6 teaches that God gives grace to the humble.
7. Remain accountable to godly Christian leadership
Hebrews 13:17 teaches principles of spiritual leadership and accountability.
8. Examine your life regularly
Ask whether your decisions and behaviour reflect the character of Christ.
11. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Take time to examine the following areas of your life:
| Area | Personal commitment |
| ————– | ———————————————— |
| Thoughts | I will think according to God’s Word. |
| Speech | I will speak truthfully and graciously. |
| Relationships | I will practise love and forgiveness. |
| Money | I will honour God with my resources. |
| Family | I will demonstrate Christlike love. |
| Work | I will work honestly and faithfully. |
| Decisions | I will seek God’s wisdom. |
| Spiritual life | I will remain committed to prayer and Scripture. |
Personal declaration:
Jesus Christ is the Lord over my life. I surrender my thoughts, words, decisions, relationships, possessions, ambitions, and future to Him. I choose to follow His Word and obey His instructions. By the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit, I will live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
12. MEMORY VERSES
Students should memorise the following Scriptures:
* Romans 10:9 — Confessing Jesus as Lord.
* Luke 6:46 — The importance of obedience.
* Colossians 2:6 — Walking in Christ.
* Philippians 2:9–11 — The supremacy of Jesus.
* Luke 9:23 — The cost of discipleship.
* John 14:15 — Love demonstrated through obedience.
* Colossians 1:18 — Christ as Head of the Church.
13. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
* Who is Jesus Christ according to the Bible?
* What does it mean to accept Jesus as Lord?
* What is the difference between Jesus as Saviour and Jesus as Lord?
* Why must believers submit every area of their lives to Christ?
* What lessons can we learn from the rich young ruler?
* What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross?
* How can a believer demonstrate the Lordship of Jesus at work?
* What are some things that compete with Christ for control of our lives?
* How does the Holy Spirit help us obey Jesus?
* Have you surrendered every area of your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
14. CONCLUSION
The Lordship of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith.
When we become believers, we are called to surrender our lives to Jesus and allow Him to direct our thoughts, decisions, conduct, and ambitions.
We can not claim to be faithful disciples while deliberately refusing to obey the One we call Lord.
Jesus must not be Lord only when we are in church. He must be the Lord in our homes, workplaces, businesses, relationships, private lives, and public conduct.
The true evidence of our submission to Christ is not merely what we confess with our mouths but also how we live.
Remember: Jesus did not save us merely to become part of a religion. He saved us to belong to Him and to live under His loving authority.
May every area of our lives reflect His Lordship.
15. CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again.
Today, I acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life completely to Him.
Lord Jesus, take control of my thoughts, words, decisions, relationships, family, finances, ambitions, and future.
Forgive me for every area where I have lived according to my own desires instead of Your Word.
Teach me to obey You even when obedience is difficult. Deliver me from pride, selfishness, rebellion, and disobedience.
Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life that honours Jesus Christ. Help me to grow in humility, holiness, love, and faithfulness.
May Jesus Christ be glorified in everything I do.
From today, I choose to follow Him wholeheartedly and remain faithful to His Word.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
