Counter-Formation: Growing in Community and Identity
Summary
In today's message, we explored the concept of spiritual formation and how it is influenced by both our culture and our community. Using the metaphor of a whirlpool, we discussed how culture can pull us in, often without us realizing it, and how the church is called to be a counter-formational force. The church is not just a place we go to on Sundays; it is a community of believers who support and challenge each other to grow into the people God created us to be. This involves asking God who He has created us to be and living out that identity in our daily lives.
We also delved into the importance of discipleship and how it is essentially about becoming more of the person Jesus created us to be, rather than trying to become Jesus Himself. This involves recognizing our unique gifts and passions and asking God where He is calling us to use them. The church plays a crucial role in this process by providing a space for us to practice serving, glorifying God, and trusting Him with our resources.
Furthermore, we discussed the significance of being connected to a Christian community, not just for social reasons but for spiritual growth. Whether it's through life groups, serving opportunities, or events, these connections help us bring the teachings of Jesus into our everyday lives. We also touched on the importance of prayer, especially for those who may challenge us, as a way to soften our hearts and align our actions with God's will.
Finally, we highlighted the role of the NextGen ministry in nurturing the spiritual formation of children and students. By tailoring our approach to different age groups and encouraging them to serve and lead, we aim to equip them to own their faith beyond high school. This is part of our broader mission to be a light in our communities and to support the next generation in their journey with Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. Cultural Whirlpool and Counter-Formation: Our culture often pulls us in like a whirlpool, subtly shaping our values and actions. The church is called to be a counter-formational force, helping us resist cultural currents and align our lives with God's purposes. This requires intentional community and spiritual practices that ground us in our faith. [13:50]
2. Unique Identity in Christ: Discipleship is about becoming more of the person Jesus created us to be, not replicating Jesus Himself. Each of us has unique gifts and passions, and our spiritual journey involves discovering and living out this God-given identity. This process is deeply personal and requires ongoing dialogue with God. [22:00]
3. The Role of Community: Being part of a Christian community is essential for spiritual growth. It's not just about attending services but actively engaging in relationships and serving others. These connections help us apply the teachings of Jesus to our daily lives and support each other in our spiritual journeys. [32:35]
4. Power of Prayer: Prayer is a transformative practice, especially when it comes to difficult relationships. Praying for those who challenge us can soften our hearts and align our actions with God's will. It's a reminder that changing hearts is God's work, and our role is to remain faithful and loving. [22:00]
5. NextGen Ministry and Spiritual Formation: Our NextGen ministry focuses on nurturing the spiritual formation of children and students. By tailoring our approach to different age groups and encouraging them to serve and lead, we aim to equip them to own their faith beyond high school. This is part of our broader mission to be a light in our communities and support the next generation in their journey with Jesus. [32:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
- [02:15] - Role of NextGen Ministry
- [04:00] - The Whirlpool of Culture
- [06:45] - Church as Counter-Formation
- [09:30] - Discipleship and Unique Identity
- [12:00] - Importance of Christian Community
- [14:30] - Spiritual Practices in Daily Life
- [17:00] - Power of Prayer in Relationships
- [19:45] - Personal Story of Spiritual Growth
- [22:00] - Role of Volunteers and Serving
- [24:30] - NextGen Ministry and Spiritual Formation
- [27:00] - Engaging with Different Age Groups
- [30:00] - Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- [32:35] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a whirlpool illustrate the influence of culture on our spiritual formation? [06:45]
2. What role does the church play in countering cultural influences according to the sermon? [13:50]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of discovering and living out our unique identity in Christ? [22:00]
4. What examples were given in the sermon about how prayer can transform difficult relationships? [22:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Romans 12:2 challenge believers to resist cultural pressures and seek transformation through God? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the cultural whirlpool? [06:45]
2. How does 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 help us understand the importance of recognizing and using our unique gifts within the church community? [22:00]
3. What does Hebrews 10:24-25 suggest about the importance of community in spiritual growth, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on Christian community? [32:35]
4. How can the practice of prayer, as discussed in the sermon, help align our actions with God’s will, especially in challenging relationships? [22:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pulled by cultural influences like a whirlpool. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to align more closely with God’s purposes? [06:45]
2. Identify one unique gift or passion you have. How can you use this gift to serve within your church community or in your daily life? [22:00]
3. Consider your current involvement in a Christian community. What steps can you take to deepen your engagement and support others in their spiritual journeys? [32:35]
4. Think of a challenging relationship in your life. How can you incorporate prayer into your interactions with this person to soften your heart and seek God’s guidance? [22:00]
5. How can you support the NextGen ministry or similar initiatives in your church to help nurture the spiritual formation of children and students? [32:35]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to practice serving and glorifying God in your everyday life, as discussed in the sermon? [13:50]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to trust God with your resources. How can you practice trusting Him more fully in similar situations in the future? [13:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Resisting Cultural Currents through Community
Our culture often acts like a whirlpool, subtly influencing our values and actions without us even realizing it. This is where the church steps in as a counter-formational force, helping us resist these cultural currents and align our lives with God's purposes. The church is not just a place to attend on Sundays; it is a community of believers who support and challenge each other to grow into the people God created us to be. This requires intentional community and spiritual practices that ground us in our faith. By engaging in these practices, we can become more aware of the cultural influences around us and choose to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom. [13:50]
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What cultural influences are you currently facing that may be pulling you away from God's purposes? How can you engage with your church community to counteract these influences today?
Day 2: Embracing Your Unique Identity in Christ
Discipleship is about becoming more of the person Jesus created us to be, rather than trying to replicate Jesus Himself. Each of us has unique gifts and passions, and our spiritual journey involves discovering and living out this God-given identity. This process is deeply personal and requires ongoing dialogue with God. By asking God who He has created us to be and where He is calling us to use our gifts, we can live out our identity in our daily lives. This journey is not about perfection but about growth and transformation as we align ourselves with God's will. [22:00]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts and passions has God given you? How can you use them today to serve others and glorify God?
Day 3: The Essential Role of Christian Community
Being part of a Christian community is essential for spiritual growth. It's not just about attending services but actively engaging in relationships and serving others. These connections help us apply the teachings of Jesus to our daily lives and support each other in our spiritual journeys. Whether it's through life groups, serving opportunities, or events, these connections are vital for bringing the teachings of Jesus into our everyday lives. By being part of a community, we can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and grow together in our faith. [32:35]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your Christian community this week to support your spiritual growth and the growth of others?
Day 4: Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a transformative practice, especially when it comes to difficult relationships. Praying for those who challenge us can soften our hearts and align our actions with God's will. It's a reminder that changing hearts is God's work, and our role is to remain faithful and loving. By praying for those who may be difficult to love, we open ourselves to God's transformative power and allow Him to work in our hearts and relationships. This practice not only changes us but also has the potential to impact those around us in profound ways. [22:00]
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who challenges you. Can you commit to praying for them daily this week and ask God to soften your heart towards them?
Day 5: Equipping the Next Generation in Faith
Our NextGen ministry focuses on nurturing the spiritual formation of children and students. By tailoring our approach to different age groups and encouraging them to serve and lead, we aim to equip them to own their faith beyond high school. This is part of our broader mission to be a light in our communities and support the next generation in their journey with Jesus. By investing in the spiritual growth of the next generation, we are helping to build a strong foundation for their faith and empowering them to be leaders in their communities. [32:35]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support the spiritual growth of the next generation in your community? Consider volunteering in a ministry or mentoring a young person this week.
Quotes
"Yes. So yeah, no, this whole series has been talking about how we are constantly being formed by our culture. And so I use the illustration of a whirlpool, how I imagine most of us did this as a kid or something, where you get in a pool and all your friends, you're just making this big circle. And then all of a sudden the water starts pulling you. And that maybe I think in culture, we might think, hey, this whirlpool is fun at first. And then you just keep going and you get sucked in." [00:09:12] (27 seconds)
"job or our journey of discipleship is asking God, who is it that you have created me to be? And how do I become more of who you created me to be, the full me as your spirit begins to work in my life? And so, meaning like you have gifts, I have gifts, I have passions, you have passions, and God has given those to us for a reason. And we get to actually then ask God, where is it that you are calling me to be today?" [00:11:59] (28 seconds)
"For an hour, you get your donuts, you get your coffee, then peace out. It's hard to be formed by something when you just kind of view it as I'm going to go watch it and then I'm going to go back to my everyday life. But when the church becomes the church, the counter-formational thing, it's like when you're actually investing in relationships and when you're practicing serving. And I mentioned in the talk of how the different aspects of, or the different parts of a worship service, like when we sing songs to God, it's about glorifying God." [00:13:50] (31 seconds)
"I know some parents who kind of have like a pray and play group at a school. And so all their kids go to the same school. And so they will meet together and they will pray for their school and pray for each other. And it's just like this cool way of the church taking, like what's happening on Sunday and bringing it into their everyday life. But thinking about what can they do during the week?" [00:16:35] (22 seconds)
"And so every single night they had me pray about it. And I will tell you, it worked. I still will get angry. I get really riled up when it happens. It takes an extreme thing to do it. But I saw or experienced God taking that away from me. But it was just like this long process of recognizing where are those gaps in your life that you really need God's Spirit to help you through it and bring that to Him constantly." [00:27:53] (28 seconds)
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