Intentional Journey: Becoming Like Jesus Through Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of becoming like Jesus, a path that requires intentional spiritual formation. We began by reflecting on the brevity of life, likening it to an hourglass that cannot be turned over. This imagery serves as a reminder to focus on what truly matters, echoing the wisdom of Saint Benedict who urged us to keep our mortality in mind while holding eternity in our hearts. The essence of our journey as apprentices of Jesus is to be transformed into His likeness, a process that is both gradual and intentional.
Spiritual formation, as discussed, is not exclusive to Christians; it is a universal human experience. We are constantly being shaped by various influences, whether we realize it or not. The critical question is not whether we are being formed, but rather who or what is forming us. This formation is a lifelong process influenced by our genetics, upbringing, relationships, and choices. To be like Jesus, we must engage in spiritual formation that aligns with His teachings and character.
The journey of becoming like Jesus involves three key aspects: being formed into people of love, surrendering to God's transformative work, and actively participating in community. Love is the ultimate measure of spiritual growth, and our relationships should reflect the love of Christ. Surrender, often misunderstood as weakness, is actually a powerful act of humility that allows God to shape us. Community plays a vital role in our spiritual development, providing support and accountability as we strive to embody Christ's love.
We also examined the obstacles to becoming like Jesus, particularly the pervasive influence of sin. Sin manifests in three dimensions: sin done by us, sin done to us, and sin done around us. Recognizing these dimensions is crucial for healing and transformation. Additionally, we are shaped by the stories we believe, our habits, and our relationships. These forces can either draw us closer to Jesus or pull us away from Him.
To truly become like Jesus, we must immerse ourselves in His teachings, practice them diligently, and cultivate a life of community and surrender. This journey is not about instant transformation but about consistent, intentional growth. As we align our lives with Jesus' teachings and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit, we become more like Him, reflecting His love and grace to the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Life's Brevity and Eternal Perspective: Life is fleeting, much like an hourglass that cannot be reset. This reality calls us to focus on what truly matters, keeping eternity in our hearts while living with purpose and intentionality. [22:48]
2. Spiritual Formation as a Universal Process: Spiritual formation is a continuous process that shapes everyone, not just Christians. It involves being formed into people of love, aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings, and allowing God to transform us. [29:27]
3. The Role of Love in Spiritual Growth: Love is the ultimate measure of spiritual formation. Our journey with Jesus should lead us to become more loving, reflecting His character in our relationships and interactions with others. [33:09]
4. Understanding Sin's Dimensions: Sin affects us in three ways: through our actions, the actions of others, and the environment around us. Recognizing these dimensions is essential for healing and transformation in our spiritual journey. [40:24]
5. The Power of Community and Surrender: Community is vital for spiritual growth, providing support and accountability. Surrendering to God is an act of humility that allows Him to shape us into the likeness of Jesus, empowering us to live out His teachings. [53:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:48] - Life's Brevity and Eternal Perspective
- [24:09] - Monastic Practices and Mortality
- [27:40] - Spiritual Formation as a Universal Process
- [29:27] - Becoming Like Jesus: A Lifelong Journey
- [31:05] - The Role of Love in Spiritual Growth
- [32:17] - Surrender and Transformation
- [33:09] - Love as the Measure of Spiritual Growth
- [34:39] - Christ-Likeness and Love
- [35:19] - Agape Love and Sacrifice
- [36:08] - Christ-Likeness Through Christ
- [37:32] - Overcoming Sin and Transformation
- [38:47] - Dimensions of Sin
- [40:24] - Sin's Impact on Our Formation
- [41:03] - Recognizing and Facing Sin
- [42:28] - Healing and Salvation
- [43:32] - The Journey to Healing
- [44:16] - Stories, Habits, and Relationships
- [45:33] - The Influence of Beliefs
- [46:12] - Habits and Their Impact
- [47:16] - Relationships and Formation
- [50:30] - Learning and Practicing Jesus' Teachings
- [51:23] - The Importance of Practice
- [52:30] - Training and Spiritual Growth
- [53:38] - Community and Spiritual Formation
- [01:07:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Becoming Like Jesus
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 6:40 - "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
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Observation Questions:
1. What imagery did the pastor use to describe the brevity of life, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [22:48]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three dimensions of sin, and why is it important to recognize them? [40:24]
3. How does the pastor describe the process of spiritual formation, and what role does community play in it? [53:38]
4. What does the pastor say about the role of love in spiritual growth, and how is it measured in our lives? [33:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of life as an hourglass influence our understanding of living with purpose and intentionality? [22:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our environment and relationships shape our spiritual formation? [47:16]
3. How does the pastor explain the act of surrender in the context of spiritual growth, and why is it often misunderstood? [32:17]
4. What does it mean to be formed into people of love, and how does this align with the teachings of Jesus? [33:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the imagery of the hourglass. What are some practical steps you can take to focus on what truly matters in your life? [22:48]
2. Consider the three dimensions of sin discussed in the sermon. How can you address these dimensions in your own life to foster healing and transformation? [40:24]
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of community in spiritual growth. How can you actively participate in your community to support your spiritual journey? [53:38]
4. Love is described as the ultimate measure of spiritual growth. Identify a relationship in your life where you can intentionally reflect the love of Christ. What specific actions can you take? [33:09]
5. The sermon highlights the influence of stories, habits, and relationships on our spiritual formation. What is one habit you can change or develop to align more closely with Jesus' teachings? [46:12]
6. How can you practice surrender in your daily life, allowing God to shape you into the likeness of Jesus? What might be holding you back from fully surrendering? [32:17]
7. Reflect on Romans 12:2. What are some ways you can renew your mind to resist conforming to the patterns of this world? [47:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Life's Brevity and Eternal Focus
Life is fleeting, much like an hourglass that cannot be reset. This reality calls us to focus on what truly matters, keeping eternity in our hearts while living with purpose and intentionality. The imagery of an hourglass serves as a powerful reminder of the limited time we have on earth. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual journey and align our lives with eternal values. By keeping our mortality in mind, we are urged to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect our commitment to becoming more like Jesus. [22:48]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values today?
Day 2: Universal Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is a continuous process that shapes everyone, not just Christians. It involves being formed into people of love, aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings, and allowing God to transform us. This formation is influenced by various factors, including our genetics, upbringing, relationships, and choices. The critical question is not whether we are being formed, but rather who or what is forming us. By intentionally engaging in spiritual practices that align with Jesus' teachings, we can ensure that our formation leads us toward becoming more like Him. [29:27]
"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 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What influences in your life are currently shaping you, and how can you align them more closely with Jesus' teachings?
Day 3: Love as the Measure of Growth
Love is the ultimate measure of spiritual formation. Our journey with Jesus should lead us to become more loving, reflecting His character in our relationships and interactions with others. Love is not just an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in ways that reflect the love of Christ. As we grow spiritually, our capacity to love others should increase, demonstrating the transformative power of God's work in our lives. By prioritizing love in our spiritual journey, we can ensure that our growth is genuine and aligned with Jesus' teachings. [33:09]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally demonstrate Christ-like love to someone in your life today?
Day 4: Recognizing Sin's Dimensions
Sin affects us in three ways: through our actions, the actions of others, and the environment around us. Recognizing these dimensions is essential for healing and transformation in our spiritual journey. By understanding how sin manifests in our lives, we can address its impact and seek God's healing and forgiveness. This awareness allows us to confront the obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth and embrace the transformative power of God's grace. [40:24]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of sin in your life that you need to confront and seek healing for today?
Day 5: Community and Surrender
Community is vital for spiritual growth, providing support and accountability. Surrendering to God is an act of humility that allows Him to shape us into the likeness of Jesus, empowering us to live out His teachings. By actively participating in a community of believers, we can receive encouragement and guidance on our spiritual journey. Surrendering to God's transformative work requires humility and trust, allowing Him to mold us into people who reflect His love and grace. [53:38]
"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 community of faith to support your spiritual growth and surrender to God's work in your life?
Quotes
"In my office, I have for the last few months, I have actually two, hourglasses. And one it's white sand and one it's black sand. And looking at those last week, I start thinking like our life is just like one of those hourglasses except has a hole at the bottom. And the sand is going out, you don't have a chance to flip it over and start over. When the life goes, the life goes. And for this reason, it's so important to keep that in mind." [00:22:48] (39 seconds)
"Spiritual formation happens to everyone, whether we want or not. Spiritual formation takes place over a long period of time. Through genetic inheritance, family patterns, childhood wounds, education, habits, decisions, relationships, inner orientations, attitudes, environments, or response to environments, and more. And by the way, some of those we have control over and some of those we don't. In other words, we have control over. We have been formed, we are formed, and we will be formed. It is a process, it is training, it is apprenticeship." [00:28:20] (51 seconds)
"The spiritual transformation... Spiritual formation is the process of being formed into people of love in Christ. And I want to just cover each one of those words. Process, formation, spiritual formation into the image of Jesus is a long, slow process, not a one-time event. Salvation, it's one-time event. Becoming like Jesus. It's a process. Yes, we experience periods of dramatic change, like birth or teenage spurt, but those are exceptions, not the rule. And this is a challenge in our instant gratification culture." [00:29:27] (49 seconds)
"Love is an acid test of spiritual formation. The question is, are we becoming more loving or not? It's not are we becoming more biblical educated, or practicing more spiritual discipline, or being more involved in church. Those all are good, and we should all develop those in our lives. But the question is, are we becoming more loving or not? If you want to chart your progress on the spiritual journey, test the quality of your closest relationship, namely, by love and by the fruit of the Holy Spirit." [00:33:09] (50 seconds)
"Are you becoming more loving, joyful, at peace? Are you becoming more patient and less frustrated, kinder, gentler, softening with time, faithful, especially in hard times? Are you growing in love? If not, you are not on track. Saint Augustine said this also, God is lover, beloved, and love himself. He is the one who loves, the one who is loved, and the ultimate source of all love. This is who God is. So, if we are apprenticing under him, our goal should be to become more like him, and that is becoming more loving." [00:34:39] (52 seconds)
"There is a God who loves you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend. And by the way, for nothing in return. Think about it. Dr. Robert Mulholland defines spiritual formation as a process of being formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others. So, it's a process. We are being formed into people of love and in Christ. Because Christ-likeness is a result of Christ in us. You cannot become Christ-like without Christ. It's in the Word. It's right there." [00:36:08] (48 seconds)
"To be able to be like Jesus, first, we must look at two problems that we are facing. As human beings, two big problems that we are facing to become like Jesus. Number one problem is sin. And I know this is a word that probably creates a lot of emotional allergies in this world. Because the word sin is not a word that people love to hear, right? But many people of different backgrounds, ancient, modern, western, eastern, religious or secular, they all agree that something is deeply off in the human heart." [00:37:32] (40 seconds)
"Number one that we've been talking about, it's sin done by us, right? It's what we are doing. It's those desires, evil or bad desires that we give in. But it's not just that. That is just one dimension of the sin. The second dimension of the sin is sin done to us. Think about it. We've all been hurt, wounded, betrayed, abandoned, created unjustly, falsely accused, gossiped about, stolen from, and so on and on and on. All those are sin done to us." [00:38:47] (36 seconds)
"See, our wickedness is tied to our woundedness. And I'm not even sure if that's an English word or not. But our wickedness is tied to our woundedness. It's a saying, hurt people hurt people. And that is true. A key part of our spiritual journey to wholeness, especially for those who have been through terrible experiences, is the healing of memories in both our minds and our souls. It's about this mending of our soul that was raptured by sin done to us." [00:40:24] (43 seconds)
"Jesus mentioned it so many times about practicing and practicing and practicing his teachings. Matthew chapter seven is saying this. Therefore, everyone who hear these words of mine and put them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. It's about putting in practice what you learn. Richard Foster said this, and I love it. People think they will grow to be more like Jesus through trying hard rather than training hard when the exact opposite is true." [00:50:30] (41 seconds)
"Community is like the incubator of our spiritual formation. It's making that, it's making us, it's shaping us in becoming more like Jesus. Hebrew chapter 10 said this, Let us think of ways to motivate, motivate one another to act of love, to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together. We have to be intentional in having community and putting in practice the teachings that we learn." [00:53:38] (38 seconds)
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