Big Idea: What yielding to God looks like as we apply the Bible to our lives.
The Yield
A traffic yield sign means to look carefully both ways to let oncoming cars past first. Though it seems a polite suggestion, an accident because of failure to yield would result in a traffic ticket and may cause serious harm.
Curiously, most occurrences of the word “yield” in the English Bible are about the amount of produce from a crop. Farmers today discuss the yield of a crop. Bankers talk about the yield of a particular fund.
The word "yield" is rarely use in the Bible regarding yielding to God, but various words describe submitting to Him. We talk about it as surrender and making Him Lord of our life, and giving our cares over to God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke: 6:46 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4: 7 NIV
An Etymology of "Yield"
The background to the old English word for yield comes from the word gold, and the implication was to pay over or give over what you have, or show an attitude of servitude, sacrifice or worship. The Greek word the Apostle Paul used (paristemi) in Romans 6:13 (yield) and 12:1 (present, offer) was rarely used in the New Testament but was commonly used in the ancient Greek world. It was used to mean to “give over” or “bring over” for the emperor or person of power to show worship or homage. This makes perfect sense in Romans 12:1 when he states to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”
As we study God’s Word learning more about God Himself, we must apply it to our lives. We do that by yielding, presenting ourselves completely to Him. He is mighty and majestic and yet loving with a longing for a personal living relationship with each of us.
Yield to God as you discover more about Him and His desire for you from your careful study in the Bible. Apply what you learn daily. He is worthy of all our trust and everything we have to offer.
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As we study God’s Word learning more about God Himself, we must apply it to our lives. We do that by yielding, presenting ourselves completely to Him. He is mighty and majestic and yet loving with a longing for a personal living relationship with each of us.
Yield to God as you discover more about Him and His desire for you from your careful study in the Bible. Apply what you learn daily. He is worthy of all our trust and everything we have to offer.
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This post is fifty-fifth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.
Up next: Conclusion
Previous post: Find the Application: God Matters
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Reflect:
1. What is an example of yielding of something or to someone. What might it look like in your life to yield to God?
2. Reflect and pray about an area in your life that you need to give over to God.
Up next: Conclusion
Previous post: Find the Application: God Matters
______________________
Reflect:
1. What is an example of yielding of something or to someone. What might it look like in your life to yield to God?
2. Reflect and pray about an area in your life that you need to give over to God.
