Jack Hibbs Podcast - “Give Your Life Away”

Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Jack Hibbs
Source: jackhibbs.com
Episode Theme:
In this episode, Pastor Jack Hibbs challenges listeners to move beyond passive Christianity by living a life of bold faith marked by encouragement, humility, virtue, and self-sacrifice. Drawing from scripture, real-life application, and the example of biblical characters, Jack urges believers to actively give their lives away in service, encouragement, and peacemaking.

Main Theme Overview

Jack Hibbs centers this episode on what it truly means to “give your life away” as a follower of Christ. He explores the biblical imperative of encouragement, living virtuously, and being a peacemaker—not out of passive complaisance but from active, humble strength. Through vibrant storytelling, exegesis of scripture, and practical encouragements, Jack calls Christians to purposeful living, deeper relationships, and impactful faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Living Before God, Not the World

• Jack emphasizes the importance of living one’s life with integrity before God, rather than being preoccupied with public opinion or social pressures.
• Quote:

  “I don't care what anybody says on Facebook. I don't care what anybody says on the news about me. I've lived my life before the Lord.”
  — Jack Hibbs [01:18]

2. The Example of Barnabas — The Encourager

• Four outstanding qualities of Barnabas highlighted:
  • Generous Giver (Acts 4:36-37)
  • Faithful Friend (Acts 9)
  • Committed Encourager (“He verbalized encouragement to people.”)
  • Forgiving Brother (Acts 15)
• Jack shares a personal story about mowing his lawn, humorously illustrating how encouragement is always valuable—even for things that may seem routine or expected.
• The critical importance of encouragement within families and the church:
  • Encouragement leads to boldness and confidence.
  • Lack of affirmation causes people to shrink back or feel defeated.
• Quote:

  “Encourage one another. What of you? Romans, chapter 1, verse 12. The Bible says that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith, both of you and me.”
  — Jack Hibbs [04:58]

3. Living Out Your Salvation — Living a Life that Matters

• Christians are called not only to believe but to act, to allow their works and virtues to testify outwardly (“live out your life in the sight of all men”).
• Jack contrasts two kinds of believers:
  • Those whose faith makes a difference in the world.
  • Those who enter eternity “as though by fire,” with little impact (“their Levi's are smoldering because they just made it in”).
• Good works are described not as a path to salvation, but as evidence of it.
• Quote:

  “Now remember, works don't get you into heaven, Jesus does.”
  — Jack Hibbs [07:14]

4. The Power and Practice of Encouragement

• Practical encouragement is vital in church and family life.
• Jack cites:
  • Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceable with all men.”
  • Hebrews 12:12: The strengthening and “healing power” of encouragement.

5. Meditate on What Is Noble and Virtuous

• Explores Philippians 4:8 — meditating on what is true, noble, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy as an antidote to negative influences and temptations.
• Discourages focus on ungodly or “unloving” thoughts and actions.

6. Virtue: Ancient and Christian Masculinity

• Jack references Greco-Roman concepts of virtus (masculinity, valor, courage), highlighting that even pagan philosophers valued what scripture commends (virtue and nobility).
• He contrasts this with a biblical call to humility—being willing not to “be the winner,” but to be a peacemaker.
• Strong warning against pacifism as self-delusion, clarifying that peacemaking in humility is not the same as passive avoidance.
• Quote:

  “I would argue that a pacifist is a self-deluded, theoretical coward... But to be a virtuous believer and to... humble themselves and heal the situation makes them a peacemaker. And that's completely in line with scripture.”
  — Jack Hibbs [15:22]

7. The Challenge of Internal Virtue—The Story of David

• Powerful reflection on King David:
  • Easier to slay giants than to master one’s emotions.
  • David’s failure (the Bathsheba incident) stemmed not from external pressures but internal weaknesses—pride, passivity, unwillingness to surrender.
  • Personal and communal disaster resulted from “having to be the winner” rather than giving his life away.
• Jack applies this as a parable for modern Christian living:
  • It is less about external accomplishments and more about Christlike surrender.
  • True victory comes from giving control to Jesus, repenting, and living selflessly.
• Quote:

  “I'm not so concerned about the external world around us as I am concerned about the internal world within me. Because out of my mouth can fly blessings and praise or... cursings and hate.”
  — Jack Hibbs [17:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:18] “I've lived my life before the Lord. He's been my judge moment by moment, day by day, my whole life.”
• [04:58] “Encourage one another ... That I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith.”
• [07:14] “Works don't get you into heaven, Jesus does.”
• [12:52] “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report... meditate on these things.”
• [15:22] “A pacifist is a self-deluded, theoretical coward... but to be a virtuous believer... makes them a peacemaker.”
• [17:30] “I am concerned about the internal world within me. Because out of my mouth can fly blessings and praise or... cursings and hate.”
• [19:38] “I'm asking you today to give your life away. Just give it up. Stop it. Take the wheel. Hand it to Jesus.”

Important Timestamps

• [01:18] — On living before God and not social media or public opinion
• [02:13] — The life and example of Barnabas, and importance of verbal encouragement
• [04:58] — The necessity of encouragement in family and church
• [07:14] — Difference between works and faith in Christian living
• [12:52] — Applying Philippians 4:8 — meditating on what is excellent and praiseworthy
• [15:22] — Discussion about virtue, Greco-Roman concept of masculinity, and biblical peacemaking
• [17:30] — David’s failure: internal struggles over external enemies
• [19:38] — The challenge to “give your life away” — surrender control to Christ

Episode Flow & Tone

Pastor Jack’s style is passionate, direct, and rich with both scripture and contemporary application. He interweaves humor (the lawn-mowing anecdote), personal vulnerability, and biblical authority, creating an environment that is both challenging and encouraging. The episode closes with a pointed call to surrender, humility, and repentance.

Summary Takeaways

• Encouragement is a defining Christian trait—practice it in your home and church.
• Don’t settle for passive or fearful faith—live out your salvation with courage and good works.
• Meditate on what is noble, true, and praiseworthy to resist worldly pressures and temptations.
• Biblical virtue requires humility, willingness to let others “win,” and active peacemaking, not pacifism.
• The greatest challenge is internal: surrendering pride, mastering emotion, handing your life over to Jesus.

For more insights, notes, and resources, visit jackhibbs.com/podcast.