Faith That Truly Saves: Trusting Jesus Fully

Devotional

Day 1: True Faith Is Trusting in Jesus, Not Just Belief in Belief

Faith is not about how much you can muster or about reciting the right words; it is about trusting in the person of Jesus Christ. Many people fall into the trap of having faith in their own faith, or in religious routines, but the only faith that saves is faith placed in Jesus himself. This means believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and letting that trust shape your actions and gratitude. True faith is personal, relational, and centered on Christ, not on our own efforts or religious performance. [07:37]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
"Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on religious habits or your own efforts instead of truly trusting Jesus as a person? What would it look like to shift your trust to Him today?

Day 2: Faith Without Obedience and Gratitude Is Incomplete

Genuine faith is inseparable from obedience and gratitude; when you truly trust God, it leads to a grateful heart and a willingness to do what He says, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. Obedience may come in packaging we do not like—pain, suffering, or discipline—but it is a sign of real trust. God calls us to respond to His love with action, not just words, and to let our gratitude be expressed in how we live and obey. [12:49]

John 14:15 (ESV)
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Reflection: Is there an area where you are resisting God’s direction or correction? How can you express your gratitude to Him through obedience today?

Day 3: Jesus Is the Bread of Life—Receive Him Personally

Jesus calls us not to seek Him for what He can give us, but to receive Him as the true bread from heaven, the only source of eternal life. The work God requires is to believe in the One He has sent, and this belief is not just intellectual agreement but a personal receiving of Jesus into your life. Just as eating is a personal act, so is receiving Christ; it means letting Him come inside, nourish, and transform you from within. [21:02]

John 6:28-35 (ESV)
"Then they said to him, 'What must we do, to be doing the works of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, 'Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat."' Jesus then said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' They said to him, 'Sir, give us this bread always.' Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"

Reflection: Are you seeking Jesus for what He can do for you, or are you truly receiving Him as your life? What would it mean for you to let Him nourish and change you today?

Day 4: Knowledge, Miracles, and Temporary Faith Cannot Save—Only Knowing Jesus

It is possible to know the Bible well, witness miracles, or have bursts of enthusiasm, yet still miss out on true salvation if you do not know Jesus personally. Historical faith, temporary faith, and even miraculous experiences are not enough; even demons believe and tremble, but do not trust or obey. The only faith that saves is the one that clings to Jesus, endures through trials, and is marked by gratitude and obedience. [36:35]

James 2:19 (ESV)
"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Reflection: Have you ever relied on your knowledge, experiences, or feelings as proof of your faith? How can you move from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him and trusting Him today?

Day 5: Enduring Faith Holds Fast to Jesus Alone

When trials, disappointments, or offenses come, only those who have put their whole trust in Jesus will stand firm. Many turned away from Jesus when His words became hard, but Peter declared, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Enduring faith is not shaken by circumstances or the failures of others; it is rooted in the person of Christ, who alone gives life and is able to make you stand. [32:08]

John 6:66-69 (ESV)
"After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'"

Reflection: When you face disappointment or hurt in your faith journey, what keeps you from turning away? How can you reaffirm today that Jesus alone is your source of life and hope?

Sermon Summary

In ancient times, the watchman’s role was to stay alert, to sound the alarm when danger approached. In the same way, God calls His people to spiritual alertness—not just to be awake, but to be listening for His unmistakable call. Too often, we hit the spiritual “snooze button,” content with a faith that is passive or incomplete. But God’s call is not just to any faith, but to a living, active trust in the person of Jesus Christ. Faith is not faith in faith, nor is it simply reciting creeds or knowing facts. It is a personal, relational trust in Jesus, expressed in gratitude and obedience.

Many are content with the appearance of faith, like a bag that looks full but is empty inside. The enemy offers us empty promises, but only Jesus gives what truly satisfies. Sometimes, what God gives us comes in packaging we don’t like—pain, suffering, or discipline—but these are often the very things that shape us and draw us closer to Him. True faith is inseparable from obedience and gratitude; if we trust Him, we will do what He says, even when it’s hard.

Jesus confronted those who followed Him for what He could do for them, not for who He is. They wanted miracles, signs, and a king they could control. But Jesus offers Himself as the bread of life, calling us to receive Him personally, to internalize His life. This is not a comfortable or distant faith; it is intrusive, transformative, and sometimes offensive to our self-sufficiency. Many turned away when Jesus made this clear, unwilling to let Him come all the way in.

There are different kinds of faith that fail: historical faith (knowing the facts), temporary faith (enthusiasm that fades), and even miraculous faith (experiencing wonders but lacking true relationship). Only justifying faith—personal trust in Jesus as the Holy One of God—saves and sustains. This faith is a gift from God, not something we manufacture. It is tested in hardship, disappointment, and even betrayal, but it endures because it is rooted in Christ Himself.

When the packaging of life is not what we expected—when we face trials, persecution, or heartbreak—God calls us to keep trusting, to keep coming to Jesus. He alone has the words of eternal life. Our faith is not in our own efforts, nor in the people around us, but in the living Son of God. Rest from striving, believe in your heart, confess with your mouth, and live in the gratitude of His love.

Key Takeaways

1. True faith is personal trust in Jesus Faith is not about reciting creeds, knowing facts, or even experiencing miracles. It is a living, relational trust in the person of Jesus Christ. This trust is expressed in gratitude and obedience, and it is the only faith that endures through trials and disappointments. [07:24]
2. Obedience and gratitude are inseparable from faith Genuine faith always leads to action—obedience to God’s commands and a life marked by gratitude. When we truly trust Him, we will do what He says, even when it is uncomfortable or costly. Obedience is not legalism, but the natural outflow of a heart that loves and trusts Jesus. [12:02]
3. Beware of empty or incomplete faith Historical, temporary, or even miraculous faith can fail if it is not rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. Knowing the Bible, experiencing spiritual gifts, or having religious enthusiasm is not enough. Only faith that abides in Christ will withstand the enemy’s attacks and the disappointments of life. [34:23]
4. God’s gifts may come in unwanted packaging Sometimes, what God gives us comes through suffering, discipline, or circumstances we would not choose. Yet, these are often the very means by which He shapes us and draws us closer. Trusting God means receiving what He gives, even when we do not understand or like the packaging. [10:46]
5. Enduring faith is a gift, not self-effort Even our ability to believe is a work of God’s grace. We cannot boast in our own faithfulness or spiritual achievements. Enduring faith is sustained by God, and our role is to keep coming to Jesus, confessing our need, and resting in His finished work. [21:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:17] - The Watchman’s Alarm: Wake Up!
[02:54] - Listening for God’s Call
[03:24] - The Crisps Illustration: Faith and Risk
[04:28] - The Devil’s Empty Promises
[05:34] - The Normal Christian Birth: Four Essentials
[06:56] - The Danger of Misplaced Belief
[09:42] - Facts, Acts, and Contacts
[10:46] - God’s Gifts and Unwanted Packaging
[12:02] - Faith, Obedience, and Gratitude
[16:52] - Seeking Jesus for the Wrong Reasons
[19:24] - Wanting a Controllable King
[21:57] - Faith as God’s Work, Not Ours
[23:34] - Jesus, the True Bread of Life
[28:38] - Receiving Jesus Personally
[34:23] - Types of Faith That Fail
[38:49] - Justifying Faith and Overcoming
[42:56] - Assurance: Jesus Makes Us Stand
[43:41] - Resting in Christ’s Finished Work

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

John 6:25–29, 60–69 (ESV)

> 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”
> 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
> 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
> 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”
> 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

> 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”
> 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this?
> 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
> 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
> 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)
> 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
> 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
> 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
> 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,
> 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

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### Observation Questions

In John 6:26, why does Jesus say the crowd is seeking Him? What does this reveal about their motives? ([17:35])
According to the sermon, what are some examples of “empty bags” or empty promises that the enemy offers, and how do they differ from what Jesus gives? ([04:28])
What are the different types of faith mentioned in the sermon that can fail, and how are they described? ([34:23])
When Jesus offers Himself as the bread of life, how do the people respond, and what does this show about their understanding of faith? ([28:38])

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### Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that true faith is not just knowing facts or reciting creeds, but a personal trust in Jesus. Why is this distinction important for someone’s relationship with God? ([07:24])
The preacher mentions that sometimes God’s gifts come in “unwanted packaging” like suffering or discipline. How might these experiences actually draw someone closer to God? ([10:46])
When many disciples turn away after Jesus’ hard teaching, Peter responds, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” What does this response reveal about the nature of enduring faith? ([32:08])
The sermon warns about “faith in faith” or “miraculous faith” that is not rooted in relationship with Jesus. How can someone tell if their faith is genuine and not just based on experiences or knowledge? ([34:23])

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### Application Questions

The sermon compares spiritual alertness to a watchman staying awake. Are there areas in your life where you have been “hitting the spiritual snooze button”? What would it look like to wake up and listen for God’s call this week? ([02:17])
The preacher says that true faith always leads to obedience and gratitude. Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to obey, even if it’s uncomfortable or costly? What step could you take this week? ([12:02])
Have you ever been tempted to follow Jesus mainly for what He can do for you, rather than for who He is? How can you shift your focus to seeking Jesus Himself, not just His gifts? ([19:24])
Think about a time when God’s answer or provision came in a way you didn’t expect or even like. How did you respond? How might you learn to trust God’s “packaging” in the future? ([10:46])
The sermon warns about “empty or incomplete faith.” Are there ways you have relied on knowledge, enthusiasm, or experiences instead of a personal relationship with Jesus? What would it look like to move toward deeper trust in Him? ([34:23])
The preacher says that enduring faith is a gift from God, not something we manufacture. How does this truth affect the way you approach your struggles, doubts, or disappointments? ([21:57])
Peter’s words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” show a decision to keep coming to Jesus even when things are hard. What would it look like for you to keep coming to Jesus in your current season of life? ([32:08])

Sermon Clips

You believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth. So it's verbally expressed. And it's really important when we're praising and when Dan got us to sit there and go through another song. To express and make sure we're not just singing a song. We're expressing to Jesus gratitude for what he's done. And if we are thankful, if we mean thank you, not just rabbiting a bit of scripture off or not just rabbiting a bit of a song, but if we really mean thank you, I'll tell you what, it will find action. [00:08:29] (37 seconds) #ExpressGratitude

It's critical that faith isn't missing something. You see, you need the facts because you need to know who it is you believe in. You need to know what he's done for you. And we've been singing about that this morning. And we've just had that quick reminder from David Pawson's notes. You need the facts, but you also need the acts. Because faith without works is death. And you need the person-to-person contacts. You need the facts, the acts, and the contacts. [00:09:32] (30 seconds) #FaithNeedsFactsAndActs

Now what I want to tell you is that sometimes what God gives us and the packaging it comes in, we don't like. There's things that happen to me and I don't like them at the time, and I'm so grateful now I wouldn't turn the clock back. I can see now that God's unveiled the packaging and gone, oh, actually, you know what you're doing. But it's linked to obedience and discipline. Well, do you know what? We never like that packaging because we want to be free to do what we want to do. [00:10:46] (31 seconds) #GodsPackaging

``Jesus is king, but he's not there for us to control. He owes us nothing. Let me say that again. He owes us nothing. We owe him everything. And what must we do? We can only be thankful and live a life of thanks and gratitude. We cannot save ourselves. Verse 29. Because they said to him, what must we do to do the works of God? This was verse 28. Jesus answered them, this is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. [00:20:10] (50 seconds) #JesusOwesNothing

There's nothing you can do. There's nothing in you. As Dan rightly said, there's nothing in you but death. And if there is any life in you, the life in you is the life that God has put there. We'll read it again. And if the spirit of him who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, he will give you life. You didn't get it yourself. You didn't make it happen. I don't care whether you read the Bible back to front 20 times, whether you sang the entire hymnal, whether you preach every Saturday in the market. I don't care. [00:21:07] (32 seconds) #LifeFromGod

They wanted Jesus to be a slot machine God. A slot machine king. They wanted signs from the sky. Deliverance from the Romans. Imperial Israel in control. They wanted manna. They wanted it now. Do you know what? That sounds a bit like us in church sometimes. We come to Jesus with our shopping list even for what church should be like. I love what you shared this morning brother. Which is Jesus I'm here for you. You come and be who you want to be. I'm here for you. I'm not here for me. Love that. [00:24:52] (33 seconds) #NoSlotMachineGod

Faith might not understand but realizes we can't survive if we're left to our own devices. Jesus says you won't survive without me. You've got to receive me. We actually read to internalize him. But that's a bit offensive. That is a bit intrusive. And you know what? We don't like that. Because sometimes I think there's somebody here who you want your faith but you want it at a distance. Don't get too involved. Don't get too close. Don't get drawn in. I'm sorry but Jesus wants to come right in or he won't be right there at all. [00:28:28] (42 seconds) #FaithNeedsJesus

It's an old saying but I'll repeat it again he is Lord of all or he's not Lord at all now Jesus has said come to me and he just wants to take us at his word in the simplest case and the spirit and the bride say come in revelation and you say will I stand if you come to Jesus yes you will stand because Jesus says I am able to make you stand there is no doubt that you will stand if your faith is in Jesus. [00:42:46] (33 seconds) #WaitAndBeSilent

It's not faith in faith it's not faith in our faith it's not faith in any person that sat around here they'll let you down it's trusting a person who is the son of God rest now from your own efforts to be a good boy or a good girl believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord and confess with your mouth that God has risen him from the dead and be grateful let his love come as his Holy Spirit brings it and he will and then live in the gratitude of that love just like you would any other love. [00:43:32] (51 seconds) #HeIsLord

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