Choosing Jesus First: Transformative Decisions for Life
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! What a powerful day in the house of the Lord. As we gather today, I want to remind you of the importance of making Jesus-first decisions in our lives. These decisions are not about convenience or what we can gain, but about revealing Jesus through our actions. We often get caught up in the routine of religion—going to church, reading the Bible, saying prayers—but miss the power of a genuine relationship with Christ. This relationship is what brings true freedom and transformation.
We began our service with a heartfelt welcome, celebrating the presence of God among us. We high-fived our neighbors, thanked them for being here, and felt the joy of community. We also took a moment to honor those who have been instrumental in our church's ministries, like the volunteers at our thrift store, who tirelessly sort through donations to support our school, Living Hope Montessori. This school is not just an educational institution; it's a ministry changing lives and expanding God's kingdom.
As we continued, I shared a personal story about my dad, who taught me the value of humility and service. He once scraped gum off a church carpet, a simple act that profoundly impacted a youth pastor, leading him to a life of dedicated ministry. This story illustrates the power of a Jesus-first decision, even in the smallest acts of service.
We then turned our focus to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The disciples saw a problem and wanted to send the crowd away, but Jesus had a plan. He took the little they had—five loaves and two fish—and multiplied it to meet the needs of the multitude. This miracle teaches us that Jesus-first decisions often involve bringing our "not enough" to Him and trusting Him to make it more than enough.
I also shared a poignant skit from our youth ministry called "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" It depicts the eternal consequences of not sharing the gospel with those we love. This skit serves as a powerful reminder that putting people first may seem kind, but putting Jesus first is what truly sets people free.
We discussed the importance of breaking free from excuses and justifications that keep us from fully surrendering to Christ. Whether it's addiction, fear, or past hurts, Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. I shared my own struggle with internet addiction and how surrendering it to Jesus brought me freedom. This act of obedience, though difficult, opened the door for God's promises to manifest in my life.
As we wrapped up, I encouraged everyone to reflect on what will matter most in the next 20, 30, or 40 years. Will it be how often we put people first, or how often we put Jesus first? Our decisions today will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. Let's choose to make Jesus-first decisions, trusting that His plans are always for our good and His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of a Jesus-First Decision: Making Jesus-first decisions means prioritizing our relationship with Him over convenience and personal gain. This involves small acts of service and humility, like my dad scraping gum off the church carpet, which can have a profound impact on others. These decisions reveal Jesus through our actions and set the stage for His blessings. [50:23]
2. Trusting Jesus with Our "Not Enough": The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 teaches us to bring our limited resources to Him. When we offer what little we have, Jesus multiplies it to meet the needs of many. This act of faith demonstrates that our "not enough" becomes more than enough in His hands. [56:34]
3. Breaking Free from Excuses: We often hold onto excuses and justifications that prevent us from fully surrendering to Christ. Whether it's addiction, fear, or past hurts, Jesus invites us to bring these burdens to Him. True freedom comes when we stop making excuses and trust Him completely. [59:47]
4. The Eternal Impact of Sharing the Gospel: The skit "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" highlights the eternal consequences of not sharing the gospel. Putting people first may seem kind, but putting Jesus first is what truly sets people free. Our decisions to share Jesus with others can change their eternal destiny. [37:29]
5. Legacy of Jesus-First Decisions: Reflecting on what will matter in the next 20, 30, or 40 years, we realize that putting Jesus first will have a lasting impact on future generations. Our children and grandchildren will benefit more from seeing us prioritize Jesus over everything else. This legacy of faith will guide them through life's challenges. [35:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:29] - Opening Worship and Community Celebration
[19:04] - Jesus First in Small Things
[20:24] - Honoring Volunteers and Ministry Impact
[24:13] - God is in a Good Mood
[25:28] - Because of Jesus
[29:20] - The Righteousness of God
[30:24] - Seeking After God
[32:19] - Living and Moving in Him
[33:34] - Gratitude and Existence
[35:05] - Legacy of Jesus-First Decisions
[37:29] - The Eternal Impact of Sharing the Gospel
[39:10] - Personal Stories and Examples
[42:00] - Radical Acts of Faith
[46:05] - Jesus First Decisions in Action
[50:23] - The Power of a Jesus-First Decision
[56:34] - Trusting Jesus with Our "Not Enough"
[59:47] - Breaking Free from Excuses
[01:02:22] - Obedience and God's Promises
[01:04:01] - Testimonies of Transformation
[01:07:27] - Invitation to Surrender to Christ
[01:09:35] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 3:18 - "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
3. Matthew 14:13-21 - The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:18 say about the judgment for those who believe in Jesus versus those who do not?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, what did Jesus become for us, and what do we become through Him?
3. In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21), what did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish that the disciples brought to Him?
4. What personal story did the pastor share about his dad that illustrated a Jesus-first decision? ([50:23])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the absence of judgment for believers in John 3:18 impact our daily lives and decisions?
2. What does it mean to become the righteousness of God through Jesus, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21? How does this change our identity and actions?
3. In Matthew 14:13-21, why do you think Jesus chose to feed the 5,000 instead of sending them away as the disciples suggested? What does this teach us about Jesus-first decisions?
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story about his dad scraping gum off the church carpet, how can small acts of service demonstrate a Jesus-first attitude? ([50:23])
### Application Questions
1. Prioritizing Jesus: Think about a recent decision you made. Did you prioritize Jesus in that decision? How might the outcome have been different if you had? ([19:04])
2. Trusting with "Not Enough": Is there an area in your life where you feel you have "not enough"? How can you bring this to Jesus and trust Him to make it more than enough? ([56:34])
3. Breaking Free from Excuses: Identify an excuse or justification you have been holding onto that prevents you from fully surrendering to Christ. What steps can you take this week to let go of that excuse? ([59:47])
4. Sharing the Gospel: Reflect on the skit "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel? How can you share Jesus with them this week? ([37:29])
5. Legacy of Faith: Consider the legacy you are leaving for future generations. What Jesus-first decisions can you make today that will positively impact your children or those you influence? ([35:05])
6. Acts of Service: Think of a small act of service you can do this week that reflects a Jesus-first attitude. How can this act impact those around you? ([50:23])
7. Overcoming Addictions: If you struggle with an addiction or a recurring sin, what practical steps can you take to surrender this to Jesus and seek freedom? ([01:00:19])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of a Jesus-First Decision
When we prioritize Jesus in our decisions, we reveal Him through our actions. This means choosing humility and service over convenience and personal gain. A simple act, like scraping gum off a church carpet, can have a profound impact on others. These Jesus-first decisions set the stage for His blessings and demonstrate His love to those around us. By putting Jesus first, we allow His light to shine through us, making a difference in the lives of others. [50:23]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a small act of service you can do today that puts Jesus first. How can this act reveal Jesus to someone in your life?
Day 2: Trusting Jesus with Our "Not Enough"
The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 teaches us to bring our limited resources to Him. When we offer what little we have, Jesus multiplies it to meet the needs of many. This act of faith demonstrates that our "not enough" becomes more than enough in His hands. Trusting Jesus with our insufficiencies allows Him to work miracles in our lives and the lives of others. By surrendering our limitations to Him, we witness His power and provision. [56:34]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you have "not enough"? How can you trust Jesus to multiply your efforts and provide for your needs?
Day 3: Breaking Free from Excuses
We often hold onto excuses and justifications that prevent us from fully surrendering to Christ. Whether it's addiction, fear, or past hurts, Jesus invites us to bring these burdens to Him. True freedom comes when we stop making excuses and trust Him completely. By surrendering our struggles to Jesus, we open the door for His healing and transformation in our lives. This act of obedience, though difficult, leads to the fulfillment of God's promises. [59:47]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Identify one excuse or justification that is holding you back from fully surrendering to Christ. What steps can you take today to lay this burden at His feet?
Day 4: The Eternal Impact of Sharing the Gospel
The skit "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" highlights the eternal consequences of not sharing the gospel. Putting people first may seem kind, but putting Jesus first is what truly sets people free. Our decisions to share Jesus with others can change their eternal destiny. By prioritizing the gospel, we fulfill our calling to make disciples and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This act of obedience has a lasting impact on the lives of those we reach. [37:29]
Romans 10:14 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share the love of Jesus with them today in a meaningful way?
Day 5: Legacy of Jesus-First Decisions
Reflecting on what will matter in the next 20, 30, or 40 years, we realize that putting Jesus first will have a lasting impact on future generations. Our children and grandchildren will benefit more from seeing us prioritize Jesus over everything else. This legacy of faith will guide them through life's challenges. By making Jesus-first decisions, we leave a spiritual inheritance that shapes the lives of those who come after us. [35:05]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Consider the legacy you are leaving for future generations. What Jesus-first decision can you make today that will positively impact your children or grandchildren?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to tell you today, hear the voice of the Lord in the midst of all that garbage. Bring it to Him. Let's drop excuses today." [01:00:19]
2. "Because of Jesus, we can make Jesus first decisions. And see what only he can do be the outcome. When I say Jesus first, you know what? It's easy to think about big things of morality. And, you know, things that the media and the news likes to make big." [53:28]
3. "If you believe upon Jesus Christ, there is no judgment. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. And for every single person who believes in him, well, only God can judge me now, but I got good news. If you believe in Jesus, there is no judgment. The judgment has been removed." [26:49]
4. "I don't know if you know this or not, but Jesus is amazing. If you don't know him, today is a real good day to know him. He is amazing." [25:28]
5. "You know what? His purpose was for the nations to seek after God. I got good news for you. If you've ever been at the bottom, you were in a place where God wanted to be found." [29:56]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What is a Jesus first decision? It begins with compassion, not convenience. It's not measured for the potential outcome. It's initiated because we see an opportunity to reveal Jesus. It's not what am I going to get out of this, but it's I see a place where I get to give into this." [58:33]
2. "What has lived in your actions and your mind for far too long now? It's something that you would say, I wish I was done with this. When will I get to the end of it? When is the breakthrough, the answer going to come? It's something that, it stays with you like a plague. It's like being on this hamster wheel with it, you know, just running, running, running, running and nothing happening." [59:20]
3. "Why is it oftentimes not the normal, the normal thing to actually make every decision in life by putting Jesus first? Then my English is bad. I didn't really pass. My mom did for me, but you know, I'm here. I'm here today and I get to talk a lot and sometimes I'll still mess it up. Why is it that oftentimes it's not normal to actually make every decision in life by putting Jesus first?" [34:18]
4. "Jesus first decisions are really things that reveal our character. It reveals where our true dependence is. Is my action, is my talk today, is it going to make any difference in my home? Is it going to make difference in the lives of others in the years to come? It's reflecting my character." [54:10]
5. "And what we'll find out over and over and over is many of the promises of God begin to take action in our life where obedience begins. It's Jesus first. And why do they have peace and I don't? Because there's some Jesus first. There was some obedience that didn't make sense. Why did they get out of poverty and I didn't? Because they took some obedience that did not make sense." [01:02:22]
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