JAMES: YOUR NEXT YES

Pastor Hope Flask
September 20, 2026
James 2:14–26

BIG IDEA: Real faith doesn’t just respond to Jesus—it surrenders to Jesus. Faith is revealed by what we do with what we say we believe.

SHUDDERING KNOWS

We can know the right answers, feel conviction, worship deeply, and still refuse to surrender. Demons believe that God is real and even shudder—but they don’t surrender. Shuddering responds to God. Faith surrenders to God.

Ask: Am I more comfortable being moved by Jesus than being changed by Jesus?

LIVING FAITH SURRENDERS

James points us to Abraham and Rahab. Their faith became visible because they acted on what they believed.

Faith is revealed when obedience costs you.

Faith doesn’t need to know everything on the other side of obedience. Faith knows Who is on the other side.

MOVE FROM “ALMOST” TO YES

Almost obedience can sound spiritual: “I was going to…” “I’ve been praying about it…” “One day I’ll…” but conviction without obedience is not transformation. Your next yes doesn’t have to be spectacular. It just has to be surrendered.

FAITH HAS EVIDENCE

A living body moves because it is alive. In the same way, living faith produces movement.

We don’t obey to earn salvation. We obey because we have been saved by grace. Works aren’t the root of salvation—they’re the fruit of salvation.

THIS WEEK

Ask Jesus: “What is my next yes?” When He shows you, don’t settle for almost obedience. Don’t just shudder; surrender.

Your yes may cost you something, but Jesus is worth your yes.