The Freedom of Saying No - by Guy Hammond

Saying “yes” often comes naturally—but without boundaries, it can lead us into places we never intended to go. Following Jesus Christ calls for something deeper: the courage to say “no” to what falls outside of God’s will.

True freedom isn’t found in doing whatever we feel like; it’s found in surrender. As Luke 9:23 reminds us, denying ourselves is neither easy nor popular—but it is essential to discipleship. Faith doesn’t remove life’s storms; it sustains us through them. This journey isn’t a cruise ship—it’s a battleship, requiring discipline, training, and daily choices.

Scripture is clear: we become slaves to what we obey (Romans 6:16). But every “no” to sin is a “yes” to freedom. Holiness—being set apart for God—is not optional (1 Peter 3:13–21). Through intentional discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27), time in the Word, prayer, and honesty about our struggles, we grow stronger. Each act of resistance becomes training, shaping us for a life that honours God.

Yet this call is not about perfection. God’s grace teaches and sustains us (Titus 2:11). When we stumble, we don’t stay down—we rise again, knowing that failure does not erase faithfulness. Jesus Christ values mercy and compassion over empty sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).

Practical Response:
Recognise sin quickly and bring it to God in prayer. Seek support. Be faithful, not flawless. Extend grace to yourself as God does, and keep moving forward with courage.

Reflection:
What have you been saying “yes” to that leads you away from God’s best? Identify it. Choose to say “no.” Each small act of obedience is a step toward lasting freedom.

If you missed the sermon, you can watch it on our YouTube channel (the lesson starts at 52 mins.)