Saying Yes to Jesus: Living Out Our Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Let Every Aspect of Life Be Shaped by Jesus

A life surrendered to Jesus means allowing Him to transform every part of who we are—our thoughts, habits, work, and relationships—so that the old ways of survival and self-reliance are replaced by the new way of the Spirit. When we encounter Jesus, the patterns and narratives that once defined us are no longer our guide; instead, we are called to let the Holy Spirit shape our actions, attitudes, and responses, even when it challenges what feels comfortable or familiar. [33:54]

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NLT)
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.' Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still relying on old habits or self-made solutions instead of letting Jesus reshape your approach? How can you invite Him to transform that area today?

Day 2: Gratitude Is a Way of Life, Not Just a Feeling

Gratitude in the life of a believer is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a daily posture that recognizes and proclaims the work of God in every circumstance, choosing to see His hand at work and to give Him glory regardless of what we face. This kind of gratitude shapes our actions and our community, making us people who look for God’s movement and join in, confessing with our mouths, “Look what the Lord has done.” [38:32]

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: In what specific situation today can you pause and intentionally thank God, even if it feels ordinary or difficult? How might this shift your perspective?

Day 3: United by Commitment to Jesus Above All Else

The church is called to be a community where our primary bond is our shared commitment to Jesus, not our backgrounds, preferences, or achievements; this unity means we stand together in need of grace, living out the “platinum rule” of doing for others what Jesus has done for us. When we are united in Christ, we become more interested in God’s work through us than in our own reactions or divisions, and we reflect His love and generosity to the world. [41:17]

Galatians 3:26-28 (ESV)
"For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family or community with whom you feel divided or distant? What is one step you can take this week to reach out in the unity of Christ’s love?

Day 4: Move from Idleness and Entitlement to Surrender

God calls us away from both spiritual idleness—waiting for someone else to act or for God to do everything—and from entitlement—believing we deserve special treatment or recognition; instead, we are invited to surrender everything to Jesus, allowing Him to use us for His glory and to keep our hands open for His purposes. True surrender means letting go of our need to control, our pride, and our comfort, and stepping out in faith to join God’s redeeming work in the world. [45:48]

Romans 12:1-2 (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."

Reflection: Where do you sense God inviting you to move out of your comfort zone—either from waiting too long or from holding onto your own way? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?

Day 5: Notice and Join in God’s Work Around You

God is always at work in and around us, inviting us to notice His movement and to participate in His mission of love, generosity, and compassion; when we pay attention and say “yes” to Jesus, we become part of something greater than ourselves and experience the joy of joining in His redeeming work. Even when it feels safer to stay where we are, God calls us to trust Him, step out, and be attentive to the opportunities He places before us each day. [49:32]

John 5:17 (ESV)
"But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working until now, and I am working.'"

Reflection: As you go about your day, ask God to open your eyes to one way He is at work around you. How can you join Him in that work, even in a small way, today?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered as a church family to celebrate God’s goodness and to lift up those among us who are struggling—whether with illness, travel, or other life challenges. We prayed together, not only for healing and provision, but also for unity and compassion, recognizing that God’s presence is what truly connects us, even when we are apart. Our acts of service, like providing meals, housing, and hope for those in need, are tangible expressions of God’s love working through us. These moments remind us that when we say “yes” to Jesus, we become instruments of His grace and generosity.

Reflecting on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, we explored what it means to live a life shaped by Jesus rather than by the patterns of the world. Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church challenge us to move beyond idleness and entitlement, to avoid simply waiting for God to act or expecting others to serve us. Instead, we are called to be actively engaged, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform every aspect of our lives—including our work, our relationships, and our responses to need. The old narratives of survival, manipulation, or self-sufficiency are replaced by a new story: one of surrender, obedience, and gratitude.

Gratitude, as Paul teaches, is not just a fleeting feeling but a way of life. It is the lens through which we see God’s hand at work in our community and in our own lives. It unites us across all differences—race, background, status—because we all stand equally in need of God’s grace. Living in gratitude means we are attentive to God’s movement, quick to join in His work, and eager to proclaim, “Look what the Lord has done!” It also means we resist the temptation to fall back into old habits when life gets hard, choosing instead to bow before Jesus and seek His direction before we act.

Ultimately, we are invited to surrender our hurts, habits, hopes, and plans to Jesus, trusting that He will align us with His purposes. Whether we are tempted to sit idle or to act out of entitlement, the call is the same: to say “yes” to Jesus and “no” to everything else. In doing so, we become a people marked by generosity, compassion, and a deep, abiding gratitude for all that God is doing in and through us.

Key Takeaways

1. Surrender Old Patterns to Jesus The ways we learned to survive before knowing Christ—whether manipulation, self-reliance, or entitlement—must be surrendered. Jesus calls us to let the Holy Spirit reshape every part of our lives, so that our actions, decisions, and relationships reflect His character, not our past. This surrender is ongoing and requires humility, but it is the only path to true transformation. [33:54]
2. Gratitude as a Way of Life Gratitude is not just a feeling but a daily practice of recognizing and proclaiming God’s work around us. It shapes our perspective, unites us as a community, and fuels our willingness to serve. When we live in gratitude, we become more attentive to God’s movement and more willing to join in, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zones. [38:32]
3. Avoid Idleness and Entitlement Both idleness—waiting for others or for God to act without our participation—and entitlement—believing we are owed something—are misalignments with the way of Jesus. Instead, we are called to active engagement, using the gifts God has given us for His glory and the good of others. This requires both initiative and humility, as we recognize our dependence on God and our responsibility to one another. [44:18]
4. Say “Yes” to Jesus, “No” to Everything Else The guiding principle for our lives is simple but profound: say “yes” to whatever Jesus asks, and “no” to anything that distracts or misaligns us from His will. This posture of surrender opens us to God’s surprising work and keeps us from falling back into old habits or self-centeredness. It is the foundation of a life marked by peace, purpose, and joy.

** [36:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Opening Prayer and Church Family Needs
[01:15] - Organizing Rides and Community Support
[02:07] - Prayers for the Sick and Absent
[03:49] - Prayer for Healing and Provision
[05:48] - Call to Worship Scripture
[06:42] - Blessing the Good Samaritan Shoeboxes
[08:34] - Joy in Worship and God’s Faithfulness
[17:43] - “He Won’t Fail” Song Reflection
[21:26] - Celebrating Generosity and Church Impact
[23:19] - The Pickup Truck Analogy
[25:54] - Spiritual Readiness and Misalignment
[28:26] - Reading 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
[29:51] - Context: Patronage and Manipulation
[33:54] - Transformation by the Holy Spirit
[38:32] - Gratitude as a Way of Life
[41:17] - Unity in Christ and the Platinum Rule
[44:18] - Idleness, Entitlement, and the Way of Jesus
[49:32] - Prayer of Surrender and Listening
[53:23] - “To God Be the Glory” Song
[61:27] - Announcements and Closing Blessing
[65:49] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (ESV) —
> 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
> 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
> 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
> 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
> 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
> 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
> 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
> 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, what specific behaviors was he warning the church against?
What example did Paul and his companions set for the Thessalonian church regarding work and community? ([28:26])
In the sermon, what were some practical ways the church family served those in need recently? ([22:22])
What does the pastor say is the “guiding principle” for our lives as followers of Jesus? ([36:29])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect idleness and entitlement with being “misaligned” from the way of Jesus? ([44:18])
How does the sermon explain the difference between waiting on God and being idle? ([43:24])
The pastor mentions that old patterns of survival, like manipulation or self-sufficiency, need to be surrendered to Jesus. Why is this surrender necessary for transformation? ([33:54])
What does it mean, according to the sermon, for gratitude to be more than just a feeling? How does it shape the way we live and serve? ([38:32])

Application Questions

The sermon describes how the church provided meals, housing, and hope for families in need. Is there a specific need in your community or church family that you feel prompted to respond to? What is one step you could take this week? ([22:22])
Think about a time when you were tempted to “sit idle” and wait for someone else (or God) to act. What held you back from engaging? How could you respond differently next time? ([25:54])
Are there any old habits or ways of thinking (like self-reliance, manipulation, or entitlement) that you still fall back on when life gets hard? What would it look like to surrender these to Jesus? ([33:54])
The pastor encourages us to make gratitude a daily practice, not just a feeling. What is one practical way you can recognize and proclaim God’s work in your life or community this week? ([38:32])
When have you found yourself feeling entitled—expecting something from others or from God? How can you shift your mindset to one of humility and service? ([44:18])
The sermon says, “Say yes to Jesus and no to everything else.” Is there something in your life right now that you sense Jesus is asking you to say “yes” to? What might you need to say “no” to in order to follow Him? ([36:29])
The pastor talks about unity in Christ that goes beyond race, background, or status. How can you help foster this kind of unity in your small group or church? ([41:17])

Sermon Clips

I have no hidden agendas here. I guess I do. I have a very public agenda. Say yes to Jesus and say no to everything else. There's Pastor Donna's agenda in all of life. Say yes to Jesus and no to anything that Jesus says to say no to. There's the song. Don't you wish I always had the sermon that tight? Say yes to Jesus, say no to everything else. [00:36:20] (23 seconds) #JesusFirstAgenda

Sometimes, specifically in this passage, the people of God in 2 Thessalonians, you remember from last year, they were so busy expecting Jesus to come tomorrow that they forgot to live life today. They were so busy looking for Jesus that they missed living with Jesus. Sometimes we're so busy looking for the next miracle, we forget that God is at work right here. [00:38:00] (29 seconds) #LiveWithJesusNow

Glory to God, because as much as I love you, that is the work of God through us. That is because we said yes to Jesus. And confession, I don't think we're done yet. I think God's still up to doing more than we could ask or imagine. The question is, are we ready to surrender everything else to Jesus? [00:40:11] (25 seconds) #PlatinumRuleLiving

Here's the idea of what a life and a church living in gratitude looks like. It looks like we are united by our commitment to Jesus more than any other connection in our lives. That means it doesn't matter our skin color. It doesn't matter our language of origin. It doesn't matter our education level. It doesn't matter how much we make or don't make. It means that we are a people who equally stand before God, needing his grace and transformation in our lives. And Jesus is the only one that can save us from ourselves. That's the truth. And that he did and he will. [00:40:55] (51 seconds) #SurrenderToPurpose

And as we live by the grace of Jesus, it means that we become a people who live, remember this from last week, not by iron, not by the iron rule of I'll do to you what you did to me. Not even by the golden rule of I'll do to you as I wish you'd done to me. But by the platinum rule, I'm going to do to you what Jesus has done for me. [00:41:46] (24 seconds) #WayOfJesus

But God doesn't always just call us. Now, there's a difference in waiting, and we have prayerfully waited. But God doesn't call us to sit idle. He's filled our tank. He's given the keys. He started the engine. Maybe it's time that we begin moving out of our own driveway and following Jesus into the community around us. He's given the roadmap. GPS is set. This is where the Thessalonian church was. [00:43:22] (34 seconds) #SpiritLedJourney

Now notice the way of Jesus when my hands are holding. I don't have any bows and arrows in them. I'm not ready to shoot somebody with a bow and arrow or a rock or anything else who’s still figuring out how to get to be a part. I don't become hateful with somebody who's been hurt. Remember the nuns and the duns from a couple weeks back? We are called in the way of Jesus to keep our eyes focused on him. [00:46:10] (36 seconds) #PeaceAndGrace

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does living in gratitude reveal about God's work?

How does spiritual readiness relate to active faith?

What is the true meaning of serving others in Jesus?