Trusting God: The Path to True Freedom

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith Alone

God’s plan for salvation is not based on our works or religious rituals, but solely on His grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. When we try to add our own efforts or requirements to the gospel, we lose the peace and assurance that God intends for us. Instead, we are called to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our hearts are purified by faith, not by anything we can do to earn His favor. This truth brings comfort and freedom, reminding us that we are accepted and loved because of what Jesus has done, not because of our own striving. [33:35]

Acts 15:7-9 (ESV)
"And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, 'Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.'"

Reflection: Are there ways you’ve been trying to earn God’s approval or add to what Jesus has already done for you? What would it look like to surrender those efforts and simply trust in His grace today?

Day 2: Self-Reliance Hinders Spiritual Growth

Relying on our own strength and efforts to grow spiritually actually prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace. When we try to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps” or measure our worth by our good deeds, we end up frustrated and distant from God. True growth comes from trusting that God is the one who works in us, and our part is to obey and rest in His power, not to strive in our own. God invites us to let go of self-reliance and allow Him to do the transforming work in our hearts. [39:40]

Romans 3:20-22 (ESV)
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to “work harder” instead of trusting God to work in you? How can you practice surrendering that area to Him today?

Day 3: Faith Trusts God’s Sovereignty in Every Circumstance

Walking by faith means trusting that God is absolutely in control, even when circumstances seem confusing or discouraging. When we face trials or setbacks, our natural response may be to think “all things are against me,” but faith reminds us that God is working all things together for our good. This perspective allows us to rest, wait on the Lord, and obey Him even when we don’t see immediate results, knowing that He is refining our character and building our faith through every situation. [50:43]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or disappointment you’re facing. How might your perspective change if you truly believed God is using it for your good and His purpose?

Day 4: Spiritual Growth Comes from Hearing and Obeying God’s Word

Our faith grows as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and respond to what He shows us. The more we listen to His voice and remove distractions or hindrances from our lives, the more clearly we see Jesus and the more freely we walk in victory. God uses His Word to refine our character, build perseverance, and deepen our love for Him and others. As we obey what He reveals, we experience greater freedom and spiritual strength, becoming people He can use for His glory. [54:59]

Romans 10:17 (ESV)
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to spend more time in God’s Word or remove a distraction that’s hindering your spiritual growth?

Day 5: Surrender Your Will and Walk by Faith

God calls us to get out of His way by surrendering our own plans and trusting Him to lead. When we let go of trying to control outcomes and instead say, “Your will be done,” we open ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and experience true spiritual transformation. This surrender is not passive, but an active choice to trust, obey, and wait on God, believing that He is faithful to complete the good work He began in us. As we walk by faith and not by sight, we discover the freedom and joy that comes from living in God’s strength rather than our own. [54:22]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: Where do you sense God asking you to surrender control and trust Him more deeply? What would it look like to pray, “Your will be done,” in that area today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the freedom and power that come from truly trusting God and getting out of His way. We often find ourselves wrestling with the desire to grow spiritually, yet we get stuck in cycles of self-effort, frustration, and even discouragement. The heart of the matter is that God calls us to walk by faith, not by our own strength or self-reliance. Just as the early church in Acts 15 faced the temptation to add requirements to the simple gospel of grace, we too can fall into the trap of thinking we must “do more” to earn God’s favor or to see spiritual progress.

The story of the Jerusalem council reminds us that salvation and spiritual growth are by faith alone. Peter’s words—God “purified their hearts by faith”—are a powerful reminder that it is not our works, rituals, or striving that make us right with God, but simple trust in what Jesus has done. When we try to add to the finished work of Christ, we end up burdened, anxious, and lacking peace. Like the illustration of Lucy on the chocolate conveyor belt, we can exhaust ourselves trying to keep up, only to find ourselves faking it or feeling empty inside.

God’s invitation is to surrender our self-effort and rest in His sovereignty. Faith is not passive; it is an active trust that God is working, even when we don’t see immediate results. The Christian life is not about pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, but about waiting on the Lord, obeying as He leads, and believing that He is in control of every detail. When trials come, we can either see them as evidence that “all things are against me” (like Jacob), or we can trust that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). The difference is faith—faith that God is for us, that He loves us, and that He is using every circumstance to refine and grow us.

As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through communion, we are reminded that our righteousness is a gift, not a wage. The more we let go of the things that hinder our faith—whether habits, distractions, or self-reliance—the more we will experience the freedom, joy, and victory that God intends. Let’s choose to walk by faith, surrendering our will to His, and watch as He does what only He can do in and through our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith, Not Self-Effort, Is the Key to Growth Spiritual maturity and victory come not from striving in our own strength, but from trusting in God’s ability to work in us. When we rely on self-effort, we end up exhausted and discouraged, but when we rest in faith, God purifies and transforms us from the inside out. True growth begins when we surrender our will and let God lead. [34:00]
2. The Gospel Is Simple—Don’t Add to It Just as the early church was tempted to add requirements to the gospel, we too can fall into the trap of thinking we must do more to earn God’s favor. Salvation and sanctification are by grace through faith alone; adding anything to that only burdens us and robs us of peace. The finished work of Christ is sufficient—our role is to believe and receive. [26:43]
3. Trials Are Opportunities for Faith, Not Despair When challenges arise, we can either see them as evidence that everything is against us, or as opportunities to trust that God is working all things for our good. Faith looks beyond what is seen and trusts in God’s unseen hand, knowing that He uses both correction and perfection to shape us. Our perspective in trials reveals whether we are walking by faith or by sight. [49:18]
4. Obedience Flows from Trust, Not Obligation Obeying God is not about checking boxes or earning approval, but about expressing our love and trust in Him. When we know God’s character and believe in His goodness, obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a burdensome duty. The more we know Him, the more naturally we will trust and follow His lead. [44:33]
5. Let Go of Hindrances to Walk Freely by Faith Anything that distracts or weighs us down—habits, relationships, media, or even religious striving—can hinder our walk of faith. As we intentionally remove these obstacles and focus on Jesus, we will see Him more clearly, hear His voice more distinctly, and experience greater freedom and victory. The journey of faith is one of continual surrender and renewed perspective. [79:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:29] - Announcements & Opportunities to Serve
[21:17] - Introduction to Communion Sunday
[21:39] - Turning to Acts 15: Get Out of God’s Way
[22:38] - God’s Plan and Our Resistance
[25:26] - Anchored in Faith Amid Change
[26:43] - The Danger of Adding to the Gospel
[30:33] - The Jerusalem Council: Seeking Unity
[32:40] - God Makes No Distinction: Purified by Faith
[34:00] - The Struggle with Self-Effort
[39:40] - Righteousness Apart from the Law
[43:02] - Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Trials
[49:18] - Two Perspectives: Against Me or For Me
[53:57] - Correction, Perfection, and Surrender
[55:47] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[79:22] - Removing Hindrances to Faith
[80:42] - Closing & Final Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 15:1-11 (ESV) —
1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.
5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,
9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

- Romans 8:28 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Observation Questions

In Acts 15, what was the main issue that caused disagreement among the early Christians?
According to Peter in Acts 15:9, how are people’s hearts purified?
What does Romans 8:28 promise to those who love God?
In the sermon, what illustration did the pastor use to describe the feeling of trying to keep up with religious requirements? ([27:56])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think some believers in Acts 15 wanted to add requirements to the gospel message? What might have motivated them?
The pastor said, “When we try to add to the finished work of Christ, we end up burdened, anxious, and lacking peace.” Why does adding requirements to faith in Jesus lead to these feelings? ([28:20])
How does trusting God’s sovereignty change the way we view trials and setbacks in our lives? ([43:02])
The sermon compared two perspectives: “all things are against me” (Jacob) and “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). What does it look like to live out each perspective in daily life? ([49:18])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about the temptation to “do more” to earn God’s favor. Are there specific ways you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval instead of resting in what Jesus has done? What would it look like to surrender those efforts? ([26:43])
Think about a recent trial or challenge you’ve faced. Did you respond more like Jacob (“all things are against me”) or with faith that God is working for your good? What would it look like to respond differently next time? ([49:18])
The pastor mentioned “boomerang sins” that keep coming back. Is there a struggle in your life where you feel stuck in self-effort? How could you invite God to work in that area by faith instead of just trying harder? ([34:52])
Are there habits, distractions, or relationships in your life that are hindering your walk of faith? What is one thing you could let go of this week to walk more freely with Jesus? ([01:19:22])
The sermon said, “Obedience flows from trust, not obligation.” Can you think of a time when you obeyed God out of love and trust rather than duty? How did that feel different? ([44:33])
During communion, we remember that our righteousness is a gift, not a wage. How does this truth affect the way you approach God in prayer or worship? ([01:16:01])
The pastor encouraged us to “wait on the Lord” and trust His timing. Is there an area of your life where you need to stop striving and start waiting on God? What would it look like to do that this week? ([40:43])

Sermon Clips

It's been said that God has an amazing plan for our lives and he wants to fulfill it in and through our lives if we will let Him. But what we've discovered, if you're gonna... If you're going through the men's study with us, is there are three things that we find the Christian will continually wrestle against that can prevent God from doing that work that he wants to do in our lives. And it's the world, the flesh, and the devil. What we find is our flesh gets in the way a lot. We are resistant to the change that many times God wants to do in our lives. [00:23:05]

And the same is true for us today, when God is trying to bring changes in our lives, to reveal our own resistance to... To change, to show our hearts to us in those areas he's trying to address. Sometimes we don't like it. And we'll soon discover by our response if we're securely anchored in him or not. [00:25:09]

Because when you have to believe in Jesus and do something in order to be saved, that's the qualifier to be saved. Then how do you know when you've done enough in order to earn that salvation? It no longer becomes good news. [00:27:16]

I'm, you know, stuffing the chocolate in my shirt. I'm putting it in my mouth, I'm... I'm making it look like I'm doing everything right. But inside it's tearing me apart because now I have no peace with God, which is the opposite of what the gospel is supposed to be. [00:28:34]

So that means anytime somebody preaches something besides the gospel, it's not good news, it's a curse to us. [00:29:04]

Peter's essentially saying, listen, God saved them just by believing in Jesus Christ as he did save us. The difference between Jew and Gentile is one and the same. We all go through the door of faith, no matter who we are. [00:32:54]

To me, that personally is such a beautiful phrase, because before I was a believer in Jesus Christ, my heart wasn't purified. I did wicked, sinful things. And still, you know, I'm still a sinner, but I'm saved now by the grace of God. And that's an incredible thing to me. [00:33:24]

The Key to you and I growing spiritually in our relationship with God through Jesus is found right here. It's walking by faith. [00:34:21]

God reminds me of this over and over again, Brent. Your self reliance, your own effort is not what's going to cause you to grow as a believer in Jesus Christ. But God. I'm supposed to do something. The Bible says faith without works is dead, right? Yes, but it's faith, Faith, not self. That's the big key here. [00:35:58]

Faith is at the heart of victorious Christian living. And sometimes we hear messages and we're like, yes, the pastor says we gotta do this, we gotta do that, we gotta do the other thing. And that's true. But it comes from the position of first trusting and believing that God is completely in control. Of everything. Faith is at that heart. [00:36:33]

Did you realize that doing your best trying to make your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds counts against you? So why is that? The question is, well, because God says, I've already shown you the perfect way of salvation, righteousness, which means doing the right thing or being perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect, we can't do that because we are already inherently self sinful people. [00:38:27]

The right way to relate to God is through receiving what Jesus Christ has done on the cross into our lives by faith. And so we trust him, we thank him for it. And then the Bible tells us in Hebrews 11, 6, you can just write that down and take a look at it later that without faith it's impossible to please God. [00:39:41]

See, is it faith that says, God does his part, but he expects me to do my part? If your part is to obey, if your part is to trust, then yes. But we don't work on ourselves. God works on us. And when we begin to think that we need to work on ourselves is then when we turn to the opposite. Because that's where we prevent God's grace from working in our lives. [00:40:49]

That's what faith looks to, a sovereign God to work in our lives. It's the faith that trusts and rests in the reality of God's absolute and unrivaled rule over everything that happens in our lives. That's how we grow. Because when the challenges come our way, when we feel like we go three steps forward and two steps back and we're saying it's not working yet, God says, wait on me because I'm doing something in your life. [00:43:02]

Do you understand the importance of obedience to the Lord? The Bible tells you and I, if we love him, we will obey his commandments. And that's how we show that we trust Him. [00:44:48]

Somebody who doesn't trust the Lord is somebody who doesn't really know the Lord. So if you find that you're struggling in trusting that God is working things out in your life, it just shows that you don't know him well enough as he wants you to. And I'm not here to condemn you for that. There's a lot of things about God I don't know. As a matter of fact, I'll tell you, the more I read the Bible, the more I realize how little I know. [00:45:09]

See, he's in control when you don't think that he is. [00:47:08]

That's the perspective that doesn't lay hold of God working on our behalf. That's the one perspective. All things are against me. But then you fast forward to the New Testament in Romans 8:28, where the Bible says, and we know that all things, there's that phrase work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. That phrase work together is where we get the words synergy from today. Synergy is a word that means every single thing in the creation is working for our benefit. God is the one who's causing that to take place. We can only do that by faith. That's a faith that's stronger than your circumstances. That's a faith that trusts that God loves you. [00:49:49]

Because reality is not just what you see, reality is also what you can't see. It's the unseen world that is behind the physical world that we see today. The Bible tells you and I In Hebrews 11, by faith we know that the things which we do not see make the things which we do see. [00:51:25]

Because when we go through trials, we go through them. Some trials are for correction and some trials are for perfection of our faith. Is God allowing you to go through a trial this morning because he's trying to correct your faith or discipline you? Maybe a little bit of hey, hey, hey, hey, come on. [00:52:43]

This morning, get out of God's way. Don't say, my will be done, say your will be done and walk by faith. And you will watch and see how you will grow spiritually. Because now you're walking through the by by not trusting in your own strength, not your own resources. But now you're waiting on God. [00:54:19]

And as you do that, the Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Your faith is gonna grow the more you get into God's Word and understand his love and his plan for you, because he is in complete control of everything that's going on in your life. [00:54:41]

Your faith is gonna grow the more you get into God's Word and understand his love and his plan for you, because he is in complete control of everything that's going on in your life. And you'll have a renewed perspective instead of being freaked out by those trials. You'll say, ah, this is something that God wants to use to refine my character, to build my faith, to cause me to have more perseverance, to trust in Him. [00:54:48]

The more you press in, the more you remove those things that, that try to take away your ability to work. Walk by faith in Jesus Christ in your life, the more free you will become. Get rid of those, as the Bible tells us in Hebrews, the weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, it catches us in walking by faith. Get rid of those things. Get rid of the social media, get rid of the friends, get rid of the movies, the TV shows, the music, the posters. Get rid of those things. Because they're only going to bring you and I down instead of help edify or spiritually build us up in this precious faith that we have in Jesus. And the more you do that, the more you'll see Jesus clearly, the more we'll hear him clearly and the more we'll walk and not be hindered, will run and will not faint. And we will watch and see God do more and more, bringing us into victory in those things that try to pull us down. And we will say great things God has done. [01:19:22]

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