Embracing a Barbaric Faith: Boldly Living for Christ
Summary
In my sermon, I explored the concept of a "barbaric faith," a term inspired by Erwin McManus's book "The Barbarian Way." This idea challenges us to embrace a raw, fearless pursuit of Christ, moving beyond the comfort and routine often found in our faith lives. I began by discussing the importance of the men's ministry in our church, emphasizing that the actions and attitudes of the men here have the potential to influence generations. This ministry is not just about individual growth but about shaping the future of families and the broader community.
I shared a personal anecdote about my experience with obstacle racing, which served as a metaphor for the Christian life. Just as obstacle races require physical preparation and courage, our spiritual journey demands a similar boldness. However, I noted that while we often focus on developing skills like Bible study and prayer, we sometimes hesitate to apply these in real-world situations where we can actively live out our faith.
The sermon highlighted the contrast between new believers' fervent faith and the complacency that can develop over time among seasoned Christians. New believers often have a bold, unapologetic approach to sharing their faith, which we sometimes lose as we become more 'civilized' or comfortable in our spiritual routines. I challenged the congregation to rekindle this initial fervor and to approach our faith with the same intensity and fearlessness.
I also touched on the biblical example of John the Baptist, who epitomized the barbaric faith by preparing the way for Jesus with great personal risk and sacrifice. His life was a testament to living out one's calling regardless of the challenges faced.
Finally, I encouraged everyone to consider their own lives and how they might be more 'barbaric' in their faith. This means not settling for a safe and sanitized version of Christianity but engaging in the messier, more challenging aspects of living out our beliefs. It's about stepping into the roles God has called us to, even if they lead us into difficult or uncomfortable places.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace the Influence of Your Faith - The energy and commitment you bring to your faith can set a precedent for generations. Just as in the men's ministry, where the actions of a few can lead to significant cultural shifts, each individual has the power to enact change through a vibrant, lived faith. This is not just about personal salvation but about transforming our communities and influencing those around us. [03:19]
2. Rekindle the Passion of New Believers - Remember the zeal of new believers and strive to maintain that intensity in your own faith journey. It's crucial not to become complacent or to dampen the spirited enthusiasm that characterizes new Christians. Instead, use their fervor as a model to reignite your own passion for Christ. [10:01]
3. Live Out Your Faith Courageously - John the Baptist's example teaches us that living out our calling often requires stepping into challenging and uncomfortable situations. Embrace these as necessary parts of your spiritual journey, knowing that true faith sometimes calls us to be pioneers, making way for others even when it hurts. [17:57]
4. Pursue Significance through God's Calling - Align your quest for significance with God's purpose for your life. This alignment frees you to live out a faith that is not only fulfilling but also impactful. When you find your calling, like John the Baptist, you pave the way for others to encounter Christ. [16:28]
5. Adopt a Barbaric Approach to Faith - Approach your faith with the boldness and fearlessness of a barbarian. This doesn't mean being reckless but rather embracing the challenges and adventures that come with a deep commitment to Christ. Let your life be a testament to the power and transformation that faith in God can bring. [21:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing a Barbaric Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1-2 - "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. 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. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
3. John 1:22-23 - "So they said to him, 'Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?' He said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 suggest about the nature of our worship and how we should live our lives?
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us, and how should this influence our actions?
3. How did John the Baptist describe his role in John 1:22-23, and what does this tell us about his understanding of his calling?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor did the pastor use to describe the Christian life, and what was its significance? [04:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) relate to the concept of a "barbaric faith" as described in the sermon? [13:26]
2. What does it mean to have a spirit of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) in the context of living out a fearless and bold faith? [19:28]
3. How can John the Baptist's willingness to prepare the way for Jesus, despite the challenges, serve as a model for our own faith journeys? [17:27]
4. The pastor mentioned the fervor of new believers and how it often diminishes over time. Why do you think this happens, and how can we prevent it? [11:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there areas where you have become too comfortable or routine? How can you rekindle the passion of a new believer in your own life? [11:23]
2. Think about a recent situation where you hesitated to live out your faith boldly. What held you back, and how can you overcome this hesitation in the future? [05:57]
3. John the Baptist faced significant risks to fulfill his calling. What are some risks you might need to take to live out your faith more fully? How can you prepare yourself to take these risks? [17:57]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of influencing others through our faith. Identify one person or group in your life that you can impact positively through your actions and attitudes. What specific steps can you take to influence them this week? [03:19]
5. The pastor spoke about aligning our quest for significance with God's purpose. What are some areas in your life where you seek significance outside of God's calling? How can you realign these pursuits with His will? [14:26]
6. Consider the idea of a "barbaric faith" that embraces challenges and adventures. What is one specific challenge or adventure you feel God is calling you to undertake? How will you respond to this call? [21:02]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of community in supporting our faith journey. How can you engage more deeply with your faith community to support and be supported in living out a bold and fearless faith? [05:57]
This guide is designed to help you delve deeper into the concept of a "barbaric faith" and to challenge you to live out your faith with boldness and fearlessness. Use these questions to reflect on your own spiritual journey and to encourage meaningful discussions within your small group.
Devotional
Day 1: Influence Through Vibrant Faith
Embrace the influence your faith can exert on your community and future generations. Just as the actions of a few can lead to significant cultural shifts within the men's ministry, each individual within the congregation holds the power to enact change through a vibrant, lived faith. This is not merely about personal salvation but about transforming our communities and influencing those around us. By living a faith that is active and visible, you set a precedent that can inspire and guide others in their spiritual journeys. [03:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYpUs1M1GJY&t=184s)
Hebrews 10:24-25: "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 actively demonstrate your faith in a way that positively influences those around you this week?
Day 2: Rekindling Early Faith Enthusiasm
Remember the zeal of new believers and strive to maintain that intensity in your own faith journey. It's crucial not to become complacent or to dampen the spirited enthusiasm that characterizes new Christians. Instead, use their fervor as a model to reignite your own passion for Christ. Reflect on the freshness and boldness of your early days in faith, and seek ways to incorporate that vigor back into your current spiritual practices. [10:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYpUs1M1GJY&t=586s)
Acts 18:24-26: "Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John."
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to revive the fervor you once had for your faith?
Day 3: Courage in Living Out Faith
John the Baptist's example teaches us that living out our calling often requires stepping into challenging and uncomfortable situations. Embrace these as necessary parts of your spiritual journey, knowing that true faith sometimes calls us to be pioneers, making way for others even when it hurts. This courageous living is not just about facing physical hardships but also about confronting spiritual and emotional battles with boldness. [17:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYpUs1M1GJY&t=1062s)
1 Chronicles 28:20: "Then David said to Solomon his son, 'Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel called to be more courageous in your faith?
Day 4: Pursuing God's Purpose for Significance
Align your quest for significance with God's purpose for your life. This alignment frees you to live out a faith that is not only fulfilling but also impactful. When you find your calling, like John the Baptist, you pave the way for others to encounter Christ. This pursuit is about more than personal achievement; it's about fulfilling the roles God has designed for you. [16:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYpUs1M1GJY&t=973s)
Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: How can you align your daily activities more closely with God’s purpose for your life?
Day 5: Embracing a Barbaric Faith Approach
Approach your faith with the boldness and fearlessness of a barbarian. This doesn't mean being reckless but rather embracing the challenges and adventures that come with a deep commitment to Christ. Let your life be a testament to the power and transformation that faith in God can bring. This approach involves stepping out in faith, even when the path may not be clear or easy. [21:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYpUs1M1GJY&t=1247s)
Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What 'comfortable' aspect of your faith might God be calling you to leave behind in pursuit of a more dynamic and impactful faith experience?
Quotes
1. "Think about the number of people that you can impact. Think about just the men of this church. Not just the men in this room or our community or the whole world, we can get there, but let's just think about the couple hundred men who come into this building every Sunday. What if each one of them just accepted a barbaric life for Christ?" [24:31]
2. "The faith of a new believer is insatiable. They're on fire to a point where there's even kind of a slur that gets developed about them where it's like, oh, you got to tame the energy of a new believer so they'll get burned out. They're fearless to share their faith." [10:01]
3. "Finally, a barbaric faith is one built on courage, not fear. Courage and not fear. 2 Timothy 1, verse 7. For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. This is my favorite Erwin McManus quote out of any book he's ever written." [19:28]
4. "Living a life that is in pursuit of God will put you in alignment with your calling. It will put you in alignment where significance meets. And it's an incredible thing that occurs. There's an example in the Bible of a man who knew his calling. He knew his significance. And he knew it well. John the Baptist." [16:28]
5. "He'll fill you. His Holy Spirit will move. Move in the courage and the fact that the creator of the universe wants you to do it and quit living a life of fear because you can't fathom you yourself accomplishing it. You're not by yourself in this endeavor. He is with you. He is moving." [21:02]
6. "We need to move from manufacturing adventure to living the adventure that God's already played out for us. To step up and to accept it. Raising your family is an adventure. That has trying times, y'all. Every day when you wake up, it's like, I'm not sure what's about to come, but here we go." [22:01]
7. "This is the most important room in the whole church where the men, the families go, the families follow. This is a ministry that has an opportunity to influence generations that other ministries just don't get the chance to do. The things you do, the way you carry yourself, the way you act, that has a profound impact not just today but for the lives of those that you come in contact with." [03:19]
8. "Our life as a believer follows a very similar path a lot of times. We spend a lot of time developing the skills, but we don't spend a ton of time putting them into play a lot. We spend a lot of time developing the discipline of Bible study. We spend a lot of time developing a prayer life." [07:17]
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