Can we genuinely be transformed? Can we really become people who have the Character of Christ? Can we really be transformed into a person of love? What is spiritual formation and why does it matter? Join us as we kick off Renovation of the Heart, a series about seeking first God’s Kingdom and Character.
Spiritual Formation in the Way of Jesus
Speakers
Sarah Blount
Lead Pastor
Worship
Notes
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We are not born again to stay the same.
Willpower, good intentions, and sincere promises to “never do it again” are no match for the deeply ingrained character flaws and sin patterns that keep tripping us up.
Colossians 3:12-17
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek = aim at, strive after
Seek first God’s KINGDOM
God’s Kingdom = His dominion. The range of his effective will, where what he wants done is done.
Seek first God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS
We were justified when we confessed Christ and believed. (Rom 10:9)
We are sanctified as we grow in holiness through the work of the Spirit. (Eph 4:11-32, Gal 5:16-24)
We will someday be glorified when we are resurrected into eternal life. (Col 3:4)
Justification is a one-time event, sanctification is a process, and glorification is a future event.
Matthew 6:33 (amp)
But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
God’s Righteousness = His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God.
The goal of this series is: To help those who are ‘seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness’ to find them and to fully live in them.
Galatians 4:19
My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
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.
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
To live is to be formed.
The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it's who you become.
Willard
We are either becoming immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
C.S. Lewis
Christian Spiritual Formation = The process of being formed to the image of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and for the sake of others.
Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.
Willard
Spiritual Formation In The Way of Jesus is the process of being formed into people of love in Christ.
Comer
Spiritual Formation in the way of Jesus is THE PROCESS
The spiritual life is an all-encompassing, lifelong response to God’s gracious initiatives in the lives of those whose trust is centered in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a journey of one’s spirit that begins with the gift of forgiveness and life in Christ and progresses through faith and obedience. It is a journey with Christ rather than a journey to Christ. The journey is only completed at our resurrection when the Lord brings us into complete conformity with himself.
Kenneth Boa
Spiritual formation is not a journey to get to Jesus it is a journey WITH Jesus.
Spiritual Formation in the way of Jesus is The process OF BEING FORMED
2 Extremes of Formation:
- Overemphasizing our role and minimizing God’s role in being formed.
- Overemphasizes God’s role and minimizing our role in being formed.
Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The life of Christ can be formed in us only by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
There is no growth in the Christian life apart from discipline and self-control.
Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.
Augustine
Spiritual Formation in the way of Jesus is The process of being formed INTO PEOPLE OF LOVE
Love is the genuine inner readiness and longing to secure the good of others.
As we explore the process of spiritual formation in the way of Jesus, the single most important question we can ask is, are we becoming more loving?
Spiritual Formation in the way of Jesus is The process of being formed into people of love IN CHRIST.
John 14:18-20
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.