Following Jesus requires a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort, relational convenience, and familial control, as true discipleship demands prioritizing Christ above all else. However, the power to pay these costs comes from understanding and embracing the gospel, which assures us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and steadfast love, enabling us to respond in obedience and joy.

The sermon argues that a personal relationship with God is essential and foundational to faith. Using the story of Zacchaeus, Pastor Jim illustrates that knowing God requires open-mindedness, overcoming personal and social barriers, and accepting grace as a gift before any personal transformation.

This sermon teaches that ordinary believers, like Peter and John, can be "shook" by God to boldly impact their culture by relying on three divine gifts: a new identity in Christ, a supernatural perspective on circumstances, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It challenges Christians to move beyond self-sufficiency by embracing the strength found in God and the support of the church community.