Radical Faith: The Cost of Following Christ

This morning, the focus is on what it truly means to follow Jesus in a world that is increasingly hostile to the things of God. The call of Christ is not a call to comfort or ease, but to a faith that costs—one that requires real decisions, real sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of the past, surrender the present, and even lay down our future for the sake of the gospel. Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24 challenge each of us: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” This is not a metaphorical suggestion, but a radical invitation to a life of surrender and purpose.

In a world where standing for Christ can mean losing friends, popularity, or even facing persecution, the question is not whether the cost is high, but whether Christ is worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. The path of following Jesus may be narrow, uphill, and at times lonely, but it leads to true joy, peace, and eternal reward. The things we once gloried in—our past victories, our old ways of thinking, our former pursuits—are nothing compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. We are called to let go of bitterness, pain, and the illusions of sin, and to allow God to heal and transform us from the inside out.

This journey of faith is not just about what we leave behind, but about what we gain: a new family in Christ, a new purpose, and a new set of priorities. Our lives are no longer about accumulating possessions or chasing after fleeting pleasures, but about serving God, loving others, and making an eternal impact. Every day is an opportunity to choose Jesus over comfort, to serve rather than be served, and to boldly proclaim His name even when it costs us something. The call is urgent—there are souls at stake, and the time is short. The challenge is to live with a made-up mind, to be real and authentic in our walk, and to let our faith be seen not just in church, but in every area of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith That Costs Is Faith That Transforms True faith in Christ demands more than outward appearances or Sunday rituals. It requires a deep, personal decision to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus wherever He leads. This kind of faith will change your priorities, your relationships, and your very identity, making you a new creation in Christ. [30:44]
• 2. Letting Go of the Past Is Essential for Spiritual Growth Clinging to old hurts, past victories, or former ways of thinking will only hinder your walk with God. Spiritual maturity comes when you surrender your history—both the pain and the pride—at the altar, allowing God to heal and renew your mind. Only then can you move forward in freedom and wholeness. [39:26]
• 3. Following Jesus Will Cost You Comfort and Popularity Choosing Christ often means losing the approval of the world, and sometimes even the companionship of old friends or family. But God is faithful to provide a new community, a church family, and relationships that are rooted in His love and purpose. The loss is real, but the gain is far greater. [55:41]
• 4. A Life of Faith Is a Life of Purposeful Action The Christian life is not passive or self-indulgent. It is a call to serve, to pray, to reach out, and to be about the Father’s business. God calls us to invest our time, energy, and resources in things that have eternal value, even when it means sacrificing our own comfort or plans. [49:31]
• 5. Eternal Perspective Changes Everything When Christ becomes your focus, your ambitions and dreams are transformed. The pursuit of material things fades in importance, and the desire to see others come to know Jesus takes center stage. Even if following Christ means facing hardship or persecution, the promise of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” makes every sacrifice worthwhile. [61:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [29:08] - Opening Scripture: Matthew 16:24
• [30:44] - Faith That Costs: Living Boldly for Christ
• [31:55] - Hostility Toward Faith in Today’s World
• [33:03] - The Two Paths: Choosing the Narrow Way
• [34:22] - Authentic Christianity vs. Playing Church
• [35:59] - The Cost of Faith: Letting Go of the Past
• [39:26] - Surrendering Hurts and Finding Healing
• [46:41] - The Joy of a Changed Life
• [48:59] - Surrendering Our Present to God
• [49:31] - The Call to Commitment and Service
• [55:03] - Losing Popularity for Christ’s Sake
• [56:47] - Gaining a New Family in Christ
• [58:14] - The Urgency of the Gospel
• [59:47] - Shifting Priorities: From Material to Eternal
• [61:40] - Working for a Crown, Not for Things
• [63:34] - The Ultimate Cost: Are You Ready?
• [66:05] - A Call to Choose Jesus
• [71:25] - Prayer for the Nation and Community
• [77:03] - The Power and Necessity of Prayer
• [80:03] - Standing Firm in a Hostile World
• [85:50] - Advancing God’s Work Together
• [89:26] - Personal Prayer and Closing Remarks

Bible Reading

Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV) — > Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

Observation Questions

1. According to Jesus in Matthew 16:24, what three things does He say are required for someone who wants to follow Him?
2. In the sermon, what are some specific examples given of what it might cost to follow Jesus in today’s world? ([31:55])
3. What does the pastor say about the difference between “playing church” and authentic Christianity? ([34:22])
4. How does the sermon describe the two different paths a person can choose, and what is at the end of each path? ([33:03])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus connect following Him with denying oneself and taking up a cross? What does this mean for believers today?
2. The pastor says, “Clinging to old hurts, past victories, or former ways of thinking will only hinder your walk with God.” Why is letting go of the past so important for spiritual growth? ([39:26])
3. The sermon mentions that following Jesus can cost us comfort, popularity, and even relationships. Why do you think God allows these losses, and what does He promise in return? ([55:41])
4. How does having an eternal perspective change the way a Christian views their ambitions, possessions, and daily choices? ([01:01:40])

Application Questions

1. Jesus says to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” What is one area of your life where you find it hard to deny yourself? What would it look like to surrender that area to Jesus this week? ([29:08])
2. The pastor talked about letting go of bitterness, pain, and the illusions of sin. Is there a specific hurt or regret from your past that you are still holding onto? What step could you take to begin surrendering it to God? ([39:26])
3. Have you ever lost a friendship, opportunity, or faced criticism because of your faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([55:41])
4. The sermon says, “Every day is an opportunity to choose Jesus over comfort, to serve rather than be served.” What is one practical way you can serve someone else this week, even if it costs you time or convenience? ([49:31])
5. The pastor shared that our priorities shift from material things to eternal things when we follow Jesus. Is there something you are currently pursuing that might be distracting you from God’s purpose for your life? What change could you make to refocus on what matters most? ([01:01:40])
6. The call to follow Jesus is urgent because “there are souls at stake, and the time is short.” Who is one person in your life that you feel God is calling you to reach out to or pray for? What is one step you can take this week to do that? ([58:14])
7. The pastor challenged us to be “real and authentic in our walk.” What does authenticity in your faith look like outside of church? Is there an area where you feel tempted to “play church” instead of living out your faith? ([34:22])