Sermon Recap: The Call to Resistance

Becoming a Redemptive Resistance – Week 1

We are living in the age of the outrage economy. Social media algorithms, cable news, and online influencers have learned that outrage keeps us hooked. The more angry, shocked, or indignant we feel, the longer we stay online, the more ads we see, and the more money they make.

But it’s not just content — it’s formation. This outrage economy is shaping us into reactive, anxious, exhausted people.

A recent New York Times article highlighted the growing trend of adult children going “no contact” with parents — often encouraged by viral social media therapy advice. While there are cases where healthy boundaries are absolutely necessary, much of what is being promoted online is algorithm-driven advice that encourages cutting people off whenever conflict or disagreement arises.

Combine that with online “rage-baiting” — content designed to provoke anger — and you have a society where we are discipled daily into suspicion, hostility, and division.

So what does it look like to follow Jesus in this moment?

Remembering Who We Are

Peter opens his first letter this way:

“To those chosen, living as exiles… chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” – 1 Peter 1:1–2

Peter begins with identity.
We are chosen — loved, seen, called by God.
And we are exiles — not at home in this world’s value system.

This is where redemptive resistance begins. Not with activism, but with identity.

As Tim Keller said:

“Religion says, ‘I obey, therefore I am accepted.’
The gospel says, ‘I am accepted, therefore I obey.’”

Our holiness, our obedience, and our presence in the world flow out of the security of knowing who we are in Christ.

A Call to Action

Peter builds on our identity by clarifying our calling:

“With your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace… As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But… be holy in all your conduct.” – 1 Peter 1:13–16

Holiness is not about withdrawing from the world. It’s about living distinctively in it.

As John Mark Comer puts it:

“Holiness isn’t just about avoiding bad things. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can participate fully in God’s good world.”

We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers — not simply reflecting the temperature of our culture, but setting it.

Becoming a Redemptive Wall

This is what we mean by redemptive resistance.
Not passive withdrawal.
Not aggressive domination.
But a faithful, steadfast presence that stands firm and bears witness to King Jesus.

Think of a wall — not one that excludes or divides — but one that protects, shields, and resists what would harm. A wall absorbs pressure without collapsing, creating a space where life can flourish.

As G.K. Chesterton once wrote:

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting.
It has been found difficult; and left untried.”

The call of 1 Peter is an invitation to live faithfully in Babylon without becoming Babylon.

Reflection

Take a moment this week and ask:

“Where am I tempted to either withdraw from the world or bulldoze over it — and what would it look like to stand firm as a redemptive wall instead?” This is where redemptive resistance begins. Not with outrage, but with rootedness. Not with hostility, but with holiness.