God Is the Deliverer, You Are the Decider | Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

God Is the Deliverer, You Are the Decider

Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr

The House of Hope Atlanta • Apr 29, 2026 • 86 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr. teaches that while God is our ultimate deliverer, believers must actively decide to step into their freedom and healing. True deliverance requires active participation, letting go of toxic baggage, and moving forward in concrete faith rather than hiding behind excuses or spiritualized clichés. By taking personal responsibility, seeking practical help like therapy or medical care, and setting firm boundaries against old environments, believers can walk in sustained transformation and lasting freedom.

Themes

Deliverance and FreedomPersonal ResponsibilityFaith in ActionMental Health and HealingBoundaries and DisciplineSpiritual Growth

Pastor's Points

1.

Resolve to have the right motivation.

2.

Recognize that deliverance requires participation.

3.

Rid yourself of what's causing stagnation.

4.

Remember to move toward your destination.

5.

Realize you must commit to what brings transformation.

6.

Resist anything that takes you to an old habitation.

Key Points

1.
Resolve to have the right motivation by choosing life, healing, and growth rather than remaining comfortably stuck in pain or excuses.
2.
Recognize that deliverance requires active participation; spoken declarations must be paired with concrete foundation and work.
3.
Rid yourself of what causes stagnation by casting off toxic habits, paralyzed thinking, and destructive baggage.
4.
Remember to move toward your destination, stepping forward intentionally because you cannot remain where you are and arrive somewhere new.
5.
Realize you must commit to what brings transformation, understanding that freedom is sustained through daily commitment rather than a one-time emotional event.
6.
Resist anything that takes you back to an old habitation, establishing firm boundaries to protect your new freedom from old environments and triggers.
7.
God acts as our deliverer, but believers must be the deciders who step out of victimhood and take personal responsibility for getting well.
8.

Sermon Moments

“God is our deliverer, but we are the decider.”

“At what point do we grow up and say, 'I've got to make a decision—I want to be better'?”

“Faith isn't just speaking it; faith requires hupostasis, a tangible foundation underneath what you believe.”

“Every now and then, a tow truck needs a tow truck.”

“You cannot stay seated and arrive somewhere new.”

“You can have Jesus and a therapist; seeking professional help is not a lack of faith.”

“Deliverance is not an event alone—it is an ongoing commitment.”

“Don't return to what made you sick; guard your freedom against old environments and toxic bondages.”

This Week

Stop using past hurts or absent relationships as excuses for current irresponsibility, and choose today to take personal ownership of your growth.

Put tangible action under what you say you believe by taking concrete, practical steps toward your goals this week.

Schedule necessary medical checkups or therapy sessions without feeling that seeking professional help compromises your faith.

Identify and discard specific toxic habits, paralyzed thinking, or baggage that is creating spiritual or emotional stagnation.

Remove photos, messages, or physical reminders of past unhealthy relationships that distract you from moving forward.

Establish strict boundaries against triggers, old environments, and toxic influences that threaten your spiritual freedom.

Commit to daily spiritual disciplines and fresh habits that support long-term transformation rather than temporary emotional relief.

Remember This

God is our deliverer, but we must be the deciders who actively choose healing, take personal responsibility, and walk out our faith.

A Challenge for You

What is the next level of elevation that you want to be delivered to? Ask God to deliver you from your past and deliver you into the next level of purpose He has for your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.