Beautiful Resistance: Cultivating Counter-Formation in Faith
Summary
In our conversation today, we delved into the profound concept of spiritual formation and counter-formation, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer's vision of a "beautiful resistance" serves as a powerful metaphor for the church's role in the world—a community that stands in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural norms. This vision challenges us to cultivate a deeper, more resilient form of discipleship that is stronger than the forces shaping the world around us.
Bonhoeffer's life exemplifies the tension between pacifism and active resistance, as he navigated the complexities of living out his faith during the rise of the Third Reich. His commitment to embodying the way of Jesus, even in the face of immense pressure, serves as a model for us today. We are reminded that spiritual formation is not merely a Christian endeavor but a human one. We are all being shaped by the world, and our task is to engage in counter-formation—resisting the deformation of the world and allowing Christ to be formed in us.
The urgency of this task is underscored by the cultural forces at play in our cities and online spaces, which act as powerful formation machines. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be intentional about our spiritual practices, ensuring they lead us toward community and self-sacrifice rather than inward-focused self-improvement. The church must be a place of radical counter-formation, where we are shaped into the likeness of Christ for the sake of others.
In this journey, we must hold in tension the brokenness and beauty of the world, cultivating a spirit of hope and joy even as we confront the darkness. Our mission is not to wage a culture war but to make Jesus beautiful in the midst of secularism, offering a compelling alternative to the failing narratives of our time.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Church as a Contrast Community: The church is called to be a community that stands in contrast to the world, embodying a vision of discipleship that is stronger than the cultural forces shaping society. This requires a commitment to spiritual practices that form us into the likeness of Christ. [06:36]
2. The Urgency of Counter-Formation: In a world that constantly shapes us, we must engage in intentional counter-formation, identifying and resisting the ways we have been deformed by cultural narratives. This involves renewing our minds and aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus. [12:54]
3. The Role of Community in Spiritual Formation: True spiritual formation drives us beyond ourselves into the heart of the church. It is in community that we learn to love and serve others, reflecting the self-giving nature of Jesus. [22:18]
4. Balancing Brokenness and Beauty: As followers of Jesus, we are called to hold in tension the brokenness and beauty of the world. This requires a posture of hope and joy, even as we confront the darkness and work for transformation. [41:10]
5. The Future of the Church: The future of the church lies in deep discipleship and formation, focusing on the person of Jesus and the kingdom of God. This involves both local and digital expressions, holding together formation and mission in a compelling way. [47:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:46] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:10] - The Concept of Beautiful Resistance
- [02:04] - Bonhoeffer's Vision and Influence
- [03:38] - Bonhoeffer's Commitment to Jesus
- [05:07] - The Urgency of Stronger Formation
- [07:00] - Spiritual Formation as a Human Thing
- [08:14] - The Illusion of Freedom in the World
- [10:04] - The Subconscious Formation of Our Lives
- [11:08] - The Challenge of Counter-Formation
- [13:08] - The Danger of Unchecked Assumptions
- [14:39] - Advice for Christians in Formation Machines
- [16:04] - The Vision of Christ Formed in Us
- [18:14] - The Role of Community in Formation
- [20:20] - The Need for a New Posture in the Church
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
2. Galatians 4:19 - "My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!"
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest is the role of the church in contrast to the world? ([01:36])
2. How does the sermon describe the process of spiritual formation and counter-formation? ([07:00])
3. What example from Bonhoeffer's life illustrates the tension between pacifism and active resistance? ([02:18])
4. According to the sermon, what are the cultural forces that act as "formation machines"? ([14:26])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "beautiful resistance" challenge the church's approach to cultural engagement? ([06:46])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual formation is a communal rather than an individual endeavor? ([22:18])
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of balancing brokenness and beauty in the world? ([41:10])
4. What does the sermon imply about the future of the church and its focus on discipleship and formation? ([47:14])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual practices. How can you ensure they lead you toward community and self-sacrifice rather than self-improvement? ([21:22])
2. Identify a cultural narrative that has influenced you. How can you engage in counter-formation to resist this influence? ([12:54])
3. Consider a time when you experienced the tension between brokenness and beauty in the world. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future? ([41:10])
4. How can you contribute to making Jesus "beautiful" in your community, offering an alternative to secular narratives? ([42:53])
5. What steps can you take to deepen your discipleship and focus on the person of Jesus in both local and digital expressions? ([47:14])
6. Think of a specific way you can embody the self-giving nature of Jesus in your interactions this week. How will you put this into practice? ([22:18])
7. How can you cultivate a spirit of hope and joy as you confront the darkness in the world around you? ([41:10])
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Contrast Community
The church is called to be a community that stands in contrast to the world, embodying a vision of discipleship that is stronger than the cultural forces shaping society. This requires a commitment to spiritual practices that form us into the likeness of Christ. The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a collective that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus. In a world where cultural norms often conflict with the teachings of Christ, the church must be a beacon of hope and truth, offering an alternative way of living that is rooted in love, justice, and peace. This vision of the church as a contrast community challenges believers to live out their faith authentically and courageously, resisting the pressures to conform to societal expectations. [06:36]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively contribute to your church being a community that stands in contrast to the world this week?
Day 2: The Urgency of Counter-Formation
In a world that constantly shapes us, we must engage in intentional counter-formation, identifying and resisting the ways we have been deformed by cultural narratives. This involves renewing our minds and aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus. The cultural forces at play in our cities and online spaces are powerful, often shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and values without us even realizing it. As followers of Jesus, it is crucial to be aware of these influences and to actively resist them by immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and community. Counter-formation is not a passive process but an active engagement in spiritual practices that transform us into the image of Christ. [12:54]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one cultural narrative that has influenced you recently. How can you counteract this influence with the teachings of Jesus today?
Day 3: The Role of Community in Spiritual Formation
True spiritual formation drives us beyond ourselves into the heart of the church. It is in community that we learn to love and serve others, reflecting the self-giving nature of Jesus. Spiritual growth is not a solitary journey but one that is deeply rooted in relationships with others. In the context of community, we are challenged, encouraged, and held accountable in our walk with Christ. The church provides a space where we can practice selflessness, humility, and love, mirroring the character of Jesus. By engaging in community, we not only grow individually but also contribute to the growth and health of the body of Christ. [22:18]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you intentionally engage with your church community this week to encourage and be encouraged in your spiritual journey?
Day 4: Balancing Brokenness and Beauty
As followers of Jesus, we are called to hold in tension the brokenness and beauty of the world. This requires a posture of hope and joy, even as we confront the darkness and work for transformation. The world is filled with both beauty and brokenness, and as Christians, we are called to acknowledge and engage with both. While it is easy to become overwhelmed by the darkness, we are reminded that our hope is in Christ, who brings light and transformation. By maintaining a posture of hope and joy, we can navigate the challenges of life with resilience and purpose, working towards the restoration and renewal of all things. [41:10]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in the world that you feel called to address? How can you approach it with hope and joy this week?
Day 5: The Future of the Church
The future of the church lies in deep discipleship and formation, focusing on the person of Jesus and the kingdom of God. This involves both local and digital expressions, holding together formation and mission in a compelling way. As the world continues to change, the church must adapt while remaining rooted in the timeless truths of the Gospel. Deep discipleship requires a commitment to knowing and following Jesus intimately, allowing His teachings to shape every aspect of our lives. By embracing both local and digital expressions of church, we can reach a wider audience and engage with people in meaningful ways, ensuring that the message of Jesus remains relevant and transformative. [47:14]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the future of the church by deepening your discipleship and engaging with both local and digital expressions of faith?
Quotes
"and you know in biblical theology a church is like a contrast community to the world you know thinking there the language of our mutual friend tim mackey from the bible project this kind of contrast between what is and what could be so talk to us about what's behind like why did you choose that title" [00:01:46]
"and he talks about the need to produce a harder stronger kind of person with a stronger formation than that of the third reich and so you've got this prophet on a hill contrasting his vision of discipleship with hitler's vision of forming people into soldiers for a great war and his basic line is this must be stronger than that we must form people more strongly than hitler is trying to form people" [00:05:45]
"spiritual formation is not a christian thing or religious thing it's a human thing we're all being formed and we're all becoming a person we're all indexing in a certain direction you know trending in a certain direction for better or for worse and two all christian spiritual formation is counter formation" [00:07:05]
"and when i realized that jesus came to set me free from the deformation of the world and changed me into the person i was like born by god to become it was a source of liberation and joy now this happened in a pentecostal environment so it was like pretty dramatic you know a lot of course a lot of wow and a lot of sizzle" [00:08:43]
"and they are forming us so if you sooner so that there's a there's formation happening on the level of narrative this formation happening in the level of personal story this formation happening the level of identity what it means to be human and then we are radically enculturated piece by piece step by step" [00:10:23]
"and if those practices are only turning you inwards in to sort of self-reflection and not outwards in self-sacrifice you're not living the way of jesus you're doing life hacks and they may be like good antidotes to some of the brokenness of modern life but that's a different thing than becoming like christ" [00:22:06]
"and true spiritual formation will always drive us beyond the self into the heart of the church otherwise it's just like renewing project self and it's not the kingdom of god now i do want to acknowledge that some people may actually need a disproportionate season of like time alone and thoughtfulness" [00:22:55]
"and i think about you know in the gospels that when peter's kind of freaked out about the rich young ruler and jesus says whoever's left home or father or mother or brothers i will give them back to him and he says and in this life a hundredfold those things will be given to you rely on the church community" [01:07:55]
"and i think the future of the church it's it's honestly it's some things i don't like there's some things that are the future of the church that i don't like um that that are absolutely culturally inevitable um there's some things for the church i'm actually very very optimistic about and it's primarily because like" [01:16:21]
"i think the future of the church is discipleship the future of the church is discipleship it is cultural christianity around here will literally melt away it'll just be it's it's gone in a lot of places it will only further disappear it'll be conscious choices to follow jesus" [01:18:54]
"and i think we're going to start seeing like two things at once discipleship will be better locally than it's been in decades and more digital than it's ever been in decades it'll be local and online it will be formation and mission it will be it will be all of these dichotomies held together in a compelling way" [01:20:55]
"and so i think recovering that that the stable gift of that is one of the great tasks of our world today so yeah it's it's it's multi-dimensional there's some profound thought in that as we and what would you say i don't know anybody that got what your son nate got with the primal path" [01:29:20]
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