Radical Surrender: The True Cost of Discipleship
Evangelism For Everyone: Being A Christian
Welcome to the Evangelism For Everyone series!
Over the next six weeks at Henley and Enfield, we'll be unpacking the HABITS of evangelism that every one of us has the opportunity, call and privilege to live out.
GK Chesterton: 'Evangelism has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.'
How can we make this imperative, Great Commandment-driven part of our faith accessible to people who aren’t extreme extroverts and ADHD enthusiasts?
By building simple evangelism HABITS.
Hospitality
Asking Great Questions
Being a Christian
Invitation
Testimony
Spiritual Hunger
THIS WEEK: Being A Christian
Summary
Our life experiences often shatter the illusion that following Jesus guarantees a life of constant upward progress and blessing. Many of us, whether we admit it or not, expect that our faith should lead to a life that is “up and to the right”—always improving, always blessed. Yet, Jesus calls us to something radically different: to disown ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even if it leads to suffering or loss.
Jesus’ words are not softened by the original Greek—He calls us to “disown” ourselves, to abandon our own way, and to embrace the cross, a symbol of shame, weakness, and death. This is not a call to mere belief or to tack Jesus onto our existing lives as an accessory. Instead, it is a call to lay down our lives entirely, to let go of our dreams, comforts, and preferences, and to follow Him wherever He leads. The Western church has often tried to find a third way—believing in Jesus for salvation but living life on our own terms. This has led to a faith that is indistinguishable from the world, resulting in decline, hypocrisy, and a lack of true transformation.
The story of Jackie Pullinger, who gave up everything to serve the poor and addicted in Hong Kong, illustrates the cost and the joy of this kind of surrender. Her life, marked by sacrifice and radical obedience, has borne immense fruit—not just in numbers, but in the depth of transformation and love. Her example challenges us to ask: What has it really cost us to follow Jesus? And what might we gain if we truly laid down our lives?
This kind of surrendered life is not just for the “super spiritual.” It is the very heart of evangelism. When we live as living sacrifices—willing to give up our way, embrace suffering, and trust God with everything—we become signposts to the world that the gospel is true. Our willingness to pay the cost, to love sacrificially, and to persevere through hardship provokes questions that only the gospel can answer. Ultimately, it is only the love of Jesus—His costly, self-giving love for us—that can empower us to live this way. When we know how deeply we are loved, we are freed to love others and to pay whatever cost is required to see them come home to God.
Key Takeaways
- The Illusion of “Up and to the Right”
Life with Jesus is not a guarantee of constant improvement or worldly success. The expectation that faith should always lead to blessing is a subtle form of self-centeredness that must be surrendered. True discipleship often involves loss, suffering, and letting go of our own plans, but it is in this surrender that we find real life. [01:47]
- Disowning Ourselves
Jesus’ call to “disown” ourselves is radical and uncomfortable. It means refusing to let our desires, dreams, and preferences drive our lives, and instead, embracing the way of the cross—even when it leads to weakness, shame, or death. This is not a one-time decision but a daily act of surrender, choosing God’s will over our own. [04:36]
- The Failure of “Third Way” Christianity
The Western church has often settled for a version of faith that believes in Jesus for salvation but resists true surrender. This “third way” produces a faith that is indistinguishable from the world, marked by passivity and decline. Only by embracing the costly call of Jesus can we experience genuine transformation and become a compelling witness to the world. [07:42]
- Sacrifice as Evangelism
A life laid down for Jesus is itself a powerful form of evangelism. When people see us willingly give up comfort, wealth, or status for the sake of Christ, it provokes questions that only the gospel can answer. Our suffering, weakness, and sacrificial love become signposts that point to the reality and beauty of Jesus. [14:34]
- Love as the Only Sufficient Motivation
The only thing that can sustain a life of costly discipleship is the love of Jesus. Guilt, obligation, or duty will never be enough. When we truly grasp how deeply and sacrificially we have been loved by God, we are empowered to lay down our lives for others, no matter the cost, and to persevere in sharing the gospel with those who are far from Him. [24:48]
Youtube Chapters
[00:49] - The Illusion of Up and to the Right
[01:47] - Life’s Messy Reality
[02:51] - Habits of Evangelism Series Overview
[03:49] - Jesus’ Radical Call: Disown Yourself
[04:36] - Embracing the Cross
[05:24] - The Two Options Jesus Gives
[06:23] - Our Attachment to Our Own Way
[06:54] - The Failure of “Third Way” Christianity
[08:21] - Jackie Pullinger’s Story of Sacrifice
[10:44] - The Joy and Fruit of Surrender
[13:06] - Living Sacrifice as Evangelism
[14:34] - The Power of a Laid Down Life
[16:34] - The Witness of Martyrdom
[18:02] - How Jesus Models Surrender
[19:38] - Practicing Surrender Daily
[23:36] - Only Love Makes Sacrifice Possible
[25:26] - Love as the Motivation for Evangelism
[27:20] - Living Lives that Provoke Gospel Questions
Study Guide
RDG Bible Study Guide: Being A Christian as Evangelism
TEACHING TEXTS
Luke 9:23-25 (CSB)
> Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?”
SUPPORT TEXTS
Romans 12:1 (CSB)
> Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 (CSB)
> ...make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders...
Philippians 4:8-9 (CSB)
> 8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
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Observation Questions
1. In Luke 9:23, what three things does Jesus say are required to follow Him?
2. According to Ps Tim, what does the word “disown” mean in the context of Jesus’ call to discipleship? [03:49]
3. What is the difference between “saving your life” and “losing your life” as described by Jesus? [05:24]
4. How does Paul describe the Christian life in Romans 12:1, and what image does he use to help us understand it? [20:56]
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Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language—like “disown yourself” and “take up your cross”—when talking about following Him? What is He trying to communicate about the cost of discipleship? [04:36]
2. Ps Tim mentions the “illusion of up and to the right”—the idea that following Jesus should always lead to blessing and success. Why is this expectation so common, and how does it affect our faith when life gets hard? [01:47]
3. The story of Jackie Pullinger was shared as an example of someone who gave up everything to follow Jesus. What does her story reveal about the relationship between sacrifice and joy in the Christian life? [10:44]
4. According to Ps Tim, how does living a life of surrender and sacrifice serve as a form of evangelism to those around us? [14:34]
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Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to consider what it has really cost us to follow Jesus. What is one area of your life where you find it hardest to “disown yourself” or let go of your own way? What would it look like to surrender that area to God this week? [06:23]
2. Have you ever found yourself expecting that your faith should lead to a life that is always “up and to the right”? How has this expectation shaped your response to suffering or disappointment? [01:47]
3. The idea of being a “living sacrifice” means continually offering ourselves to God, not just once but daily. What practical steps could you take to remind yourself to surrender your plans, dreams, or desires to God each day? [20:56]
4. Jackie Pullinger’s story involved giving up comfort, family, and even her own dreams. Is there something you sense God might be asking you to lay down for the sake of following Him more fully? What fears or hesitations do you have about this? [09:32]
5. Ps Tim suggests that only the love of Jesus can truly motivate us to live a life of costly discipleship. How can you grow in your understanding and experience of Jesus’ love for you this month? Are there specific practices or prayers that help you remember His love? [24:48]
6. When people look at your life, do you think they see anything that would provoke questions about your faith? What is one way you could live more “out loud” for Jesus this week, even if it means embracing discomfort or risk? [14:34]
7. The Western church is described as often settling for a “third way”—believing in Jesus but living on our own terms. In what ways do you see this tendency in your own life or in the Encounter church community? What would it look like to move toward deeper surrender together? [07:42]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person consider how they can live a life fully integrated with Jesus this week. Pray for each other's +1's.
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Devotional
Day 1: Disown Yourself and Take Up Your Cross
To truly follow Jesus means to disown yourself—to let go of your own plans, desires, and ambitions, and to embrace the suffering and weakness that may come with obedience to Him. This is not a call to self-hatred, but a radical invitation to abandon the illusion of control and to trust Jesus with your whole life, even when it leads to places of discomfort or loss. The way of Jesus is not about upward mobility or constant success, but about surrendering your life so that you might truly find it in Him. [04:36]
Bible passage: Matthew 16:24-25 (CSB)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own way instead of surrendering it to Jesus? What would it look like to lay it down today?
Day 2: The Power of a Laid-Down Life in Evangelism
A life that is truly surrendered to Jesus—one that is willing to embrace weakness, suffering, and even loss for His sake—becomes a powerful signpost to the world that the gospel is true. When others see you choosing Jesus over comfort, success, or personal gain, it provokes questions that only the gospel can answer. Your willingness to lay down your life for Christ is not just about personal holiness; it is one of the most compelling forms of evangelism, showing others that you have found something in Jesus that the world cannot offer. [14:57]
Bible passage: Romans 12:1 (CSB)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
Reflection: How might your willingness to embrace discomfort or sacrifice for Jesus provoke curiosity or questions in those around you this week?
Day 3: Jesus Models Surrender and Trust
Jesus does not ask us to go anywhere He has not already gone. In the garden before His crucifixion, Jesus honestly brought His desires and fears to the Father, yet ultimately surrendered, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” He embraced the suffering of the cross and entrusted His spirit to God, showing us how to surrender our wants, embrace what is required of us, and trust God with our whole lives—even when it is costly or frightening. [19:12]
Bible passage: Luke 22:41-42, 46 (CSB)
Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” … “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.”
Reflection: What is one desire, fear, or dream you need to honestly bring before God and surrender to His will today, following Jesus’ example?
Day 4: Only Love Makes Sacrifice Possible
It is only the deep, costly, and complete love of Jesus that makes it possible—and even desirable—to lay down your life, your wants, and your dreams for Him and for others. When you truly know how much you have been loved and what Jesus has done for you, you are empowered to pay whatever cost is required to see others come home to God. Love, not guilt or obligation, is the only force strong enough to move you to radical surrender and sacrificial living for the sake of the gospel. [24:48]
Bible passage: 1 John 4:9-11 (CSB)
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.
Reflection: In what ways can you let the love of Jesus move you to a costly act of love or service for someone else this week?
Day 5: Living a Life That Provokes Gospel Questions
When you live a life fully surrendered to God—giving up your way, embracing suffering, and following Jesus wherever He leads—your life will provoke questions in others for which only the gospel is the answer. People are watching to see if your faith is real, if you will stay and love even when it is hard, and if you have truly found something worth giving up everything for. By going all in for Jesus, you become a living testimony that the story of Jesus is true and worth everything. [27:20]
Bible passage: Philippians 2:5-8 (CSB)
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
Reflection: Who in your life is “watching” your faith, and what is one way you can live more authentically and sacrificially for Jesus in front of them this week?
Quotes
Because it's this kind of life, this kind of Christian, one who has willingly disowned themselves in their ways, willingly embraced weakness and suffering, willingly followed whatever the cost. This kind of Christian is a signpost to the world, friends, that the gospel is true.
[00:13:10]
(17 seconds)
#TrueChristianityIsSacrifice
But if I believe even though I'm poor, I'm suffering, I'm sick, if I believe even though it may cost me my life, if I believe and I give away my wealth, if I believe behind success, Thank you, sir. if I leave behind friends and family, my preferences, my comforts, if even my life is not off the table, then they'll say, why would they do this? Why would this person do this? How can they believe despite everything they've been through? How could they make these decisions to do these things? How could they give up that promotion? How could they give away so much of their money? How could they leave this behind? How could they be so happy despite not having everything that we think we need to be happy?
[00:14:03]
(55 seconds)
#FaithThatProvokesQuestions
``See, we get sucked into thinking that being a Christian should take our life up into the right. But it's actually our weakness. It's our failure. It's our sickness. It's our suffering. It's actually that our life does not go to plan. It's our willingness to disown ourselves, to embrace the cost and to follow Jesus in the midst of that all. That it's a signpost to the world that Jesus lives. That's all true. Why else would you be willing to give up everything the world is looking for unless you've found something in Jesus that the world cannot offer you? something better?
[00:14:57]
(41 seconds)
#FollowingJesusWay
I give up my way because Jesus gave up his way and he chose the Father's way. I embrace my suffering and weakness because Jesus embraced his. I follow Jesus wherever it takes me and whatever it costs me because he loved me so much he gave up even his life for me.
[00:16:16]
(18 seconds)
#LivingSacrificeDaily
If Christianity was just a man-made fairy tale, it would have died off by now. If all Christianity was was a public, a personal value or an opinion to keep to yourself, we wouldn't be here in this church today. But Christianity is the true story of the universe. And when we live into this story by being this kind of Christian, we show it to be true to everyone we know and everyone we meet.
[00:17:20]
(29 seconds)
#SacrificeFromLove
Jesus doesn't tell us to go somewhere and to do things that he has not already done. He shows us how to do it. Jesus shows us how to give up his own way. In the garden, before he's arrested and before he is crucified, he surrenders to the will of God. He says, my father, if it is possible, let this cup of suffering, his crucifixion, be taken away from me. But then he says this, yet not my, I want your will to be done, not mine. He makes his request known to God, I do not want to be crucified, God. I do not want to be crucified, God. but then chooses God's way anyway. He shows us how to surrender.
[00:18:02]
(46 seconds)
#LovePaysTheUltimateCost
Take your wants to God. Take your dreams. Take your desires. Take the things that you want from this life. But always choose His way. Regardless of the cross. Embrace whatever it is that's required of you. And entrust the Father with your whole life.
[00:19:38]
(19 seconds)
#FaithInActionIsVisible
We won't do this hard, costly, sacrificial work of disowning ourselves, picking up our cross and following Jesus because we should or out of some kind of guilt or obligation because it's the right thing to do. Because if the right thing to do never works or diets wouldn't be a thing, let's be honest. It doesn't work. It's only when we know that Jesus has, it's only when we know what Jesus has done for us deeply in our heart of hearts. Does this not just become something that is possible for us to hand over our lives to God, but something we actually want to do?
[00:23:06]
(38 seconds)
Friends, Jesus calls us to first and foremost disown ourselves because by faith we are no longer our own. We no longer live. Christ lives in us. We belong to him. It's only because of God's sheer love for us that he has done this. And it's only love for us. And it's only love that will make it. someone disown themselves in their way, embrace suffering, and follow whatever the cost. Only love will make someone lay down their life, their wants, their desires for another.
[00:24:15]
(33 seconds)
Because once you know that God has paid the ultimate price for you to be brought home to Him, you will be willing to pay whatever cost to see others come home to Him too. You'll give up your career, if that's what it takes. You give up your wealth. You give up your dreams. You give dignity to the poor, the outcasts. You'll speak up about what God's done in your life. You'll have those critical conversations you've been putting off. You'll choose to live a holy life with your body. You'll move house if that's what it takes. You'll associate with people who are different to you. You'll inconvenience yourself. You'll take someone into your home. You'll invite people to come around for dinner even though you have not cleaned up. You'll weep and you'll labour in intercessory prayer. You'll get in the prayer room. You'll strike up conversations with people that you don't know. You'll be willing to be disliked for your faith. You'll get on a boat with 10 pounds and a prayer. Whatever it costs, whatever it takes, you'll pay it to see those come to faith in him.
[00:25:32]
(67 seconds)
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