Living Sacrificially: Embracing Boldness and Surrender

Living a sacrificial life is not just a lofty ideal, but the very foundation of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul’s words in Romans 12 call us to offer our whole selves—our bodies, our ambitions, our comfort—as a living and holy sacrifice to God. This is not about giving up things for the sake of loss, but about surrendering everything so that Christ can be glorified through us. The world around us values comfort, safety, and self-preservation, but the call of Christ is to lay down our lives, daily, for His purposes.

Looking at the story of Stephen in Acts, we see that effectiveness in God’s kingdom does not come from position or title, but from surrender to the Holy Spirit. Stephen was not an apostle, but an ordinary man, a deacon, who was full of the Spirit and wisdom. His life was marked by boldness, truth, and love—even in the face of suffering and death. He stood for truth, refusing to compromise or water down the gospel, and his unwavering faith became a megaphone for God’s glory.

In a culture that pressures us to compromise, to be politically correct, or to hide our faith, we are called to stand firm, rooted in God’s Word and Spirit. Boldness is not about being harsh, but about being faithful and unmovable, like a lighthouse in a storm. Our lives should shine so brightly that others are drawn to the hope within us, even if it means facing opposition or persecution.

True sacrifice is not just about dying for Christ one day, but about dying to ourselves every day—laying down our pride, our preferences, and our comfort for the sake of others. Like a candle that burns itself away to give light, we are called to reflect Christ’s love, especially when it is costly. This is where the gospel becomes real and powerful: when we love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, and respond with grace when bitterness feels justified.

God did not save us just for our own sake, but to be dangerous for His kingdom—to be ambassadors, disciple-makers, and nation-shakers. Every place we find ourselves is an opportunity to be missional, to bring Christ’s presence and love into our workplaces, schools, and communities. When we live sacrificially, surrendered to the Spirit, God opens doors and uses us in ways we could never imagine.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Surrender to the Spirit is the foundation of a sacrificial life. True effectiveness in God’s kingdom does not come from our position or qualifications, but from our willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, ordinary people become extraordinary when they are filled and led by God’s Spirit, allowing Him to guide their words, actions, and daily encounters. [13:45]
• 2. Boldness for truth requires deep conviction, not just knowledge. Standing for the gospel in a world that values compromise means knowing what you believe at the core of your being. When God’s Word is not just in your head but rooted in your heart, you become unmovable, able to withstand cultural pressure and speak truth with love, even when it is unpopular or costly. [27:34]
• 3. A sacrificial life reflects Christ’s love, especially in suffering. The true test of our faith is not how we live in times of blessing, but how we respond in times of hardship, persecution, or injustice. Like Stephen, who forgave his killers as he was being stoned, we are called to mirror Christ’s love and forgiveness, even when it is most difficult. [31:55]
• 4. Dying to self is a daily practice, not a one-time event. Living sacrificially means continually laying down our pride, preferences, and comfort for the sake of Christ and others. This daily “dying” is what enables us to shine as lights in the world, drawing others to Jesus through our humility, peace, and selfless love. [36:56]
• 5. Every believer is called to be missional and purposeful. God has placed each of us in specific places and relationships for a reason—not just to survive, but to advance His kingdom. When we invite Christ into every area of our lives and live with a missional focus, God uses us to impact others, open doors, and fulfill His greater purposes. [41:05]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:30] - Introductions and Family Updates
• [03:45] - Opening Jokes and Prayer
• [05:10] - Series Recap: Journey Through Acts
• [06:30] - The Call to a Sacrificial Life (Romans 12)
• [08:45] - The Story of Charlie Kirk and Modern Martyrdom
• [11:20] - Stephen: An Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Surrender
• [13:45] - Surrendering to the Spirit’s Leading
• [17:30] - The Power of Spirit-Filled Living
• [20:10] - Standing Boldly for Truth in a Compromised World
• [24:48] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Uncompromising Faith
• [28:16] - The Lighthouse: Unmovable and Shining
• [29:10] - Reflecting Christ’s Love in Suffering
• [31:55] - Stephen’s Martyrdom and Christlike Forgiveness
• [36:56] - Dying to Self Daily
• [38:01] - Living Missionally: Each One Reach One
• [41:05] - Purpose in Every Place
• [43:04] - Closing Prayer and Ministry Time
• [46:15] - Prophetic Encouragement and Final Blessing
• [47:33] - Announcements and Farewell

Bible Reading

Romans 12:1 (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.

Acts 6:8-10 (ESV) — > And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

Matthew 5:44 (ESV) — > But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how does he describe this act?
2. In Acts 6, what qualities set Stephen apart from others, and how did people respond to him?
3. What was Stephen’s response to those who were persecuting him, as seen in Acts 7? [[31:09]]
4. In Matthew 5:44, what does Jesus command us to do towards our enemies?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Surrender makes us powerful in God’s hands just like Stephen.” What does it mean to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit, and how does that make someone effective for God’s kingdom? [[13:45]]
2. The world values comfort and self-preservation, but Paul calls us to be “living sacrifices.” Why do you think true worship involves sacrifice, and not just singing or giving money? [[06:30]]
3. The sermon describes boldness as “being faithful and unmovable, like a lighthouse in a storm.” What is the difference between being bold for truth and being harsh or argumentative? [[28:16]]
4. Stephen forgave those who were killing him. What does this teach us about the kind of love and forgiveness Jesus calls us to show, especially when it’s costly? [[31:55]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “start your day by asking, ‘Holy Spirit, help me today. Lead me today.’” What would it look like for you to practically surrender your plans and ambitions to God each morning? Is there something specific you need to surrender right now? [[13:45]]
2. Stephen was an ordinary person, not an apostle, but God used him powerfully because he was full of the Spirit. Do you ever feel like you’re “not qualified” to be used by God? What is one area where you can step out in faith this week, trusting the Spirit to lead you? [[13:45]]
3. The sermon says, “Boldness doesn’t mean being harsh. It means being faithful.” Is there a situation in your life where you are tempted to compromise your faith or hide what you believe? What would it look like to stand firm with love and grace? [[27:34]]
4. Think of a time when you found it hard to forgive someone who wronged you. What helped you (or what could help you) to respond with grace instead of bitterness? [[31:55]]
5. The pastor said, “Dying to self is a daily practice, not a one-time event.” What is one area of pride, comfort, or preference you sense God asking you to lay down for the sake of others this week? [[36:56]]
6. The sermon says, “Every place we find ourselves is an opportunity to be missional.” Where has God placed you right now (work, school, family, neighborhood), and how can you intentionally bring Christ’s presence and love into that space this week? [[41:05]]
7. The story of Stephen shows that effectiveness in God’s kingdom comes from surrender, not position or title. How can you encourage someone else in your group or community who feels “ordinary” to step into God’s purposes for them? [[13:45]]