Abiding in Christ: Transformative Communion and Contemplation

 

Summary

In our journey of spiritual formation, the essence of being with Jesus is foundational. This is not a linear process but a dynamic relationship that begins with communion with Christ. Jesus' invitation to "come and be with me" is as relevant today as it was to the disciples. While we cannot physically walk with Jesus as Peter did, we are invited to experience His presence through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. This indwelling transforms us into living temples, where heaven and earth meet.

The concept of abiding in Jesus, as illustrated in John 15 with the vine and branches, is central to our spiritual life. Abiding is about where we direct our consciousness and attention. Our minds are constantly abiding in something, whether it be fear, anger, or materialism. The challenge is to redirect our consciousness towards Jesus, allowing His words and presence to shape us. This is where the science of neuroplasticity aligns with spiritual formation, as our repeated thoughts and focus create pathways in our minds, shaping our character and spiritual trajectory.

Prayer, particularly contemplative prayer, plays a crucial role in this process. It is not merely about asking for things but about being present with God, experiencing His love and presence. This practice of silent love, as described by St. John of the Cross, is about looking at God and allowing Him to look at us in love. It is a practice that transcends words and feelings, tapping into a deeper relational communion with God.

Developing habits around our attention and affection, especially in the first and last moments of our day, can significantly impact our spiritual life. These habits help us to curate our consciousness, focusing on God rather than the chaos of the world. Gratitude is a simple yet profound entry point into this contemplative life, leading us from thanksgiving to communion with God.

Ultimately, this journey is about integrating these practices into our daily lives, allowing them to transform us into people who reflect the love, joy, and peace of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Communion with Jesus as the Foundation: The spiritual journey begins with being with Jesus, not as a formulaic process but as a dynamic relationship. This communion is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, transforming us into living temples where heaven and earth meet. [01:25]

2. The Practice of Abiding: Abiding in Jesus involves directing our consciousness and attention towards Him. Our minds naturally abide in various thoughts and emotions, but by focusing on Jesus, we allow His presence to shape our character and spiritual trajectory. [07:59]

3. The Role of Contemplative Prayer: Contemplative prayer is about being present with God, experiencing His love beyond words and feelings. It is a practice of silent love, where we look at God and allow Him to look at us in love, fostering a deeper relational communion. [23:54]

4. The Power of Habits: Developing habits around our attention and affection, especially in the first and last moments of our day, can significantly impact our spiritual life. These habits help us to curate our consciousness, focusing on God rather than the chaos of the world. [16:36]

5. Gratitude as an Entry Point: Gratitude is a simple yet profound entry point into the contemplative life. By beginning our day with thanksgiving, we move from gratitude for the gifts to communion with the Giver, fostering a deeper connection with God. [35:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Defining Apprenticeship to Jesus
- [01:25] - The Foundation of Being with Jesus
- [02:23] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [03:32] - The Temple of the Holy Spirit
- [04:22] - Awakening to God's Presence
- [05:26] - The Vine and the Branches
- [06:58] - Practical Steps to Be with Jesus
- [09:42] - Aiming Our Consciousness at Jesus
- [12:02] - The Reward of Prayer
- [15:02] - The Slow Process of Abiding
- [17:11] - Turning God into a Habit
- [20:00] - Curating Our Consciousness
- [23:02] - The Practice of Contemplative Prayer
- [28:32] - How to Practice Contemplative Prayer
- [35:06] - Gratitude and Daily Habits

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 15:1-8 (The Vine and the Branches)
2. Acts 2:1-4 (The Coming of the Holy Spirit)
3. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit)

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 15, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches"? How does this imagery help us understand our relationship with Him?

2. According to Acts 2, what significant event marked the coming of the Holy Spirit, and how did it transform the disciples' experience of Jesus' presence?

3. How does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 describe the believer's body, and what implications does this have for how we live our daily lives?

4. The sermon mentioned that our minds naturally abide in various thoughts and emotions. What are some examples given in the sermon of where our consciousness might naturally dwell? [08:34]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of abiding in Jesus, as described in John 15, relate to the idea of directing our consciousness and attention towards Him? What might this look like in practical terms? [07:59]

2. The sermon discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming us into living temples. How does this transformation impact our understanding of God's presence in our lives? [02:41]

3. Contemplative prayer is described as a practice of silent love. How does this form of prayer differ from other types of prayer, and what unique benefits might it offer to our spiritual journey? [23:54]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of developing habits around our attention and affection. How do these habits help us curate our consciousness and focus on God rather than the chaos of the world? [16:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more contemplative prayer into your routine to deepen your relational communion with God? [23:54]

2. Identify one area of your life where your consciousness tends to dwell on negative thoughts or emotions. What practical steps can you take to redirect your focus towards Jesus this week? [09:42]

3. Consider the first and last moments of your day. What new habit can you develop to ensure these moments are centered on God rather than distractions? [16:36]

4. Gratitude is mentioned as a simple entry point into the contemplative life. What are three things you can express gratitude for each morning to help foster a deeper connection with God? [35:06]

5. The sermon discusses the concept of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. How does this understanding influence the way you treat your body and make daily choices? [03:32]

6. Think about a time when you felt particularly aware of God's presence in your life. What practices or circumstances helped you become more attuned to His presence, and how can you recreate those conditions regularly? [04:22]

7. The sermon mentions the science of neuroplasticity in relation to spiritual formation. How can you use this understanding to intentionally shape your thoughts and character in alignment with Christ? [10:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion with Jesus as a Living Temple
In the journey of spiritual formation, the foundation is a dynamic relationship with Jesus, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This relationship transforms believers into living temples where heaven and earth meet. The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence allows individuals to experience communion with Christ, even though they cannot physically walk with Him as the disciples did. This communion is not a formulaic process but a transformative experience that shapes one's spiritual life. The invitation to "come and be with me" is as relevant today as it was to the disciples, calling believers to embrace the presence of Jesus in their daily lives. [01:25]

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence within you, transforming you into a living temple?


Day 2: Abiding in Jesus to Shape Our Consciousness
Abiding in Jesus involves directing one's consciousness and attention towards Him, allowing His presence to shape character and spiritual trajectory. The mind naturally abides in various thoughts and emotions, such as fear, anger, or materialism. The challenge is to redirect this consciousness towards Jesus, focusing on His words and presence. This practice aligns with the science of neuroplasticity, where repeated thoughts and focus create pathways in the mind, shaping one's character. By abiding in Jesus, believers can transform their spiritual lives and align their consciousness with His teachings. [07:59]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thought or emotion that often captures your attention? How can you intentionally redirect your focus towards Jesus today?


Day 3: Contemplative Prayer as Silent Love
Contemplative prayer is a practice of being present with God, experiencing His love beyond words and feelings. It involves looking at God and allowing Him to look at us in love, fostering a deeper relational communion. This practice transcends verbal communication, tapping into a deeper connection with God. Contemplative prayer is about silent love, where believers can experience God's presence in a profound way. It is a crucial aspect of spiritual formation, allowing individuals to deepen their relationship with God and experience His love in a transformative manner. [23:54]

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of silent love and contemplative prayer into your daily routine to deepen your communion with God?


Day 4: The Power of Habits in Spiritual Life
Developing habits around attention and affection, especially in the first and last moments of the day, can significantly impact one's spiritual life. These habits help curate consciousness, focusing on God rather than the chaos of the world. By establishing routines that prioritize spiritual practices, believers can create a foundation for spiritual growth. These habits serve as anchors, guiding individuals towards a deeper relationship with God and helping them navigate the challenges of daily life. The power of habits lies in their ability to shape one's spiritual journey and align it with God's presence. [16:36]

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one habit you can establish in the morning or evening to help focus your attention on God and cultivate a deeper spiritual life?


Day 5: Gratitude as an Entry Point to Communion
Gratitude is a simple yet profound entry point into the contemplative life, leading from thanksgiving to communion with God. By beginning the day with gratitude, believers can shift their focus from the gifts to the Giver, fostering a deeper connection with God. Gratitude helps individuals recognize God's presence in their lives and appreciate His blessings. This practice can transform one's spiritual life, opening the door to a deeper relationship with God and aligning one's heart with His love and grace. [35:06]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today, and how can expressing gratitude help you move from focusing on the gifts to communion with the Giver?

Quotes

The spiritual journey begins with being with Jesus, not as a formulaic process but as a dynamic relationship. This communion is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, transforming us into living temples where heaven and earth meet. [00:01:25]

The spirit of Jesus comes not just to be with the disciples but ultimately to be inside to be in depth. Yes, you have this whole New Testament theology, the temple that I know is a large part of your theological rubric, how you think about church, how you think about life. [00:02:52]

Jesus is saying make your home in me and I'm going to make my home in you. It's this promise, and then he goes on to expound on that promise to say and the spirit is I'm going to do this. [00:05:49]

All of us are abiding right now. All of us are making a mental home somewhere. The question is, is it in Jesus and the words of Jesus? For most of us, it's in fear, anger, materialism, greed, lust. This is what we're abiding in. [00:08:18]

Much of abiding, much of being with Jesus is about learning to aim our Consciousness or in more just, you know, Common Parlin our attention in a more Christian language, our affection at Jesus himself all through the day. [00:09:44]

The modern science of neuroplasticity and Paul's whole theology in the New Testament of the renewal of the mind. I mean, Paul's like one sentence summary of spiritual formation is do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed how by the renewing of your mind. [00:10:46]

I think much of the beginning is what we do with our Consciousness. There's so much you just said that I want to talk more about, but maybe we can start here. Something I'm discovering as a Praying person is I think we often think about the reward of a life of prayer as being answered prayers. [00:11:33]

The reward of prayer is meno. Yeah, it's abiding. It is as I've gone about this relationship to God, it is becoming my way of being and my life source so I don't need to distract myself away from negative thoughts. [00:15:26]

I've created habits around the direction of my attention and affection first thing and last thing in the day, and that's producing change in me over time. [00:16:36]

Contemplative prayer is looking at God looking at you in love. So there's a type of prayer that is very word-based, that is petition based, that's good. Like Jesus called it asking and it's Central to Jesus teaching. [00:23:02]

The line between gratitude, praise, worship, and communion with God, like it's just like almost Dominos. You begin to thank for the gift, but you're aiming that gratitude at the giver, and then you're making contact with the giver, and you're having a connection with the giver. [00:35:06]

I think gratitude and just pausing throughout the day can be incredibly helpful ways to begin. [00:36:39]

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Transcript
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