Intentional Spiritual Formation: Becoming Like Christ
Summary
In our journey of life, we witness the incredible growth and transformation of children, a process that mirrors our own spiritual formation. Just as our bodies grow and change without our conscious effort, our spirits are also constantly being shaped and molded. This spiritual formation is akin to the sculpting of clay, where our souls are continuously pressed and shaped by various influences. The question is not whether we are being formed, but rather who or what is forming us.
We are all subject to spiritual formation, whether intentional or not. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, warns us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is not a mere surface-level change but a profound metamorphosis, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It is a complete overhaul of our essential nature, a call to become a new creation in Christ.
Throughout history, God's people have struggled with conforming to the world around them. The Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt, were called to be a light in the world, yet they often conformed to the cultures they encountered. Similarly, we face the challenge of resisting the world's pressures and instead embracing the transformation into the likeness of Jesus.
Spiritual formation is not exclusive to Christians; it is a human experience. We are all being formed by a complex blend of factors, including our environment, relationships, habits, and beliefs. The danger lies in unintentional formation, where we allow the world to shape us without conscious effort. To resist this, we must be intentional about our spiritual growth, identifying the forces that are forming us and choosing to align ourselves with the ways of Jesus.
As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we must ask ourselves: Who am I becoming? Am I being intentional about my formation? By taking inventory of the influences in our lives, we can begin to resist conforming to the world and embrace the transformation that God desires for us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be shaped into the likeness of Jesus, living lives that reflect His love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual formation is a continuous process, much like the physical growth we experience from childhood. Our spirits are constantly being shaped, and we must be intentional about who or what is forming us. [01:41]
- The Apostle Paul urges us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This transformation is a deep, essential change, not just a superficial adjustment. [12:10]
- Throughout history, God's people have struggled with conforming to the cultures around them. We face similar challenges today, and we must resist the pressures of the world to embrace the transformation into Christ's likeness. [16:05]
- Spiritual formation is not just a Christian concept; it is a human experience. We are all being formed by various influences, and the danger lies in unintentional formation. We must be intentional about our spiritual growth. [22:52]
- To resist conforming to the world, we must identify the forces shaping us and choose to align ourselves with Jesus. By reflecting on our spiritual journey, we can embrace the transformation God desires for us. [38:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - The Wonder of Growth
[01:41] - Internal and External Change
[02:39] - Spiritual Formation as Sculpture
[03:55] - Practicing the Way
[05:33] - Steps to Spiritual Growth
[07:04] - Intentional Spiritual Formation
[08:20] - Cultural Influence and Conformity
[10:51] - The Texas Analogy
[11:37] - Paul's Warning to the Romans
[12:52] - Metamorphosis and Transformation
[15:12] - Lessons from Israel's History
[18:20] - Present Passive Formation
[19:23] - Modern Challenges and Conformity
[24:25] - Identifying Formative Forces
[30:12] - Self-Reflection Exercise
[38:56] - Intentional Spiritual Formation
[40:33] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:2
- Leviticus 18:1-5
- Psalm 139:23-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 12:2 say about the process of transformation and how it contrasts with conformity? [12:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the spiritual formation process using the metaphor of sculpting clay? [02:39]
3. What historical example from the Old Testament is used to illustrate the danger of conforming to the world around us? [15:12]
4. According to the sermon, what are some modern challenges that can lead to unintentional spiritual formation? [19:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of metamorphosis in Romans 12:2 relate to the idea of becoming a new creation in Christ? [12:52]
2. In what ways did the Israelites' experience in Canaan serve as a warning for Christians today about cultural conformity? [16:05]
3. How does the sermon suggest that unintentional spiritual formation occurs in our daily lives? [22:52]
4. What role does intentionality play in resisting the pressures of the world and embracing transformation into Christ's likeness? [18:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific habits or influences that might be unintentionally shaping your spiritual life? How can you address these? [36:07]
2. The sermon encourages us to ask, "Who am I becoming?" What steps can you take this week to ensure you are being formed into the likeness of Jesus? [31:48]
3. Consider the cultural pressures you face. How can you actively resist conforming to these pressures and instead focus on spiritual transformation? [19:23]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of self-reflection. How can you incorporate regular self-reflection into your spiritual practice to better understand the forces shaping you? [30:12]
5. Identify one area of your life where you feel the need for transformation. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area? [40:33]
6. How can you be more intentional about your spiritual growth this week? Consider setting specific goals or practices to help guide your journey. [38:56]
7. The sermon uses the metaphor of Texas culture shaping newcomers. What positive spiritual influences can you surround yourself with to encourage growth in your faith? [10:51]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Formation
In our spiritual journey, we are constantly being shaped and molded, much like the physical growth we experience from childhood. This formation is an ongoing process, influenced by our environment, relationships, habits, and beliefs. The key is to be intentional about who or what is forming us. Without intentionality, we risk being shaped by the world in ways that may not align with our spiritual goals. By consciously choosing the influences we allow into our lives, we can ensure that our spiritual growth aligns with the teachings of Jesus. [01:41]
"For this reason, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What are the primary influences in your life today, and how can you be more intentional about choosing those that align with your spiritual goals?
Day 2: Transformation Through Renewed Minds
The Apostle Paul urges us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is not a superficial change but a profound metamorphosis, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It involves a complete overhaul of our essential nature, calling us to become a new creation in Christ. This renewal requires a conscious effort to align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Jesus, allowing His Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. [12:10]
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific thoughts or beliefs do you need to renew today to align more closely with the mind of Christ?
Day 3: Resisting Cultural Conformity
Throughout history, God's people have struggled with conforming to the cultures around them. The Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt, were called to be a light in the world, yet they often conformed to the cultures they encountered. Similarly, we face the challenge of resisting the world's pressures and instead embracing the transformation into the likeness of Jesus. This requires a conscious effort to identify and resist the cultural influences that pull us away from our spiritual path. [16:05]
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one cultural influence in your life that may be pulling you away from your spiritual path. How can you begin to resist this influence today?
Day 4: The Danger of Unintentional Formation
Spiritual formation is not just a Christian concept; it is a human experience. We are all being formed by various influences, and the danger lies in unintentional formation. Without conscious effort, we may allow the world to shape us in ways that do not align with our spiritual values. To resist this, we must be intentional about our spiritual growth, identifying the forces that are forming us and choosing to align ourselves with the ways of Jesus. [22:52]
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: What are some unintentional influences in your life that may be shaping you? How can you take steps to align more closely with Christ today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Transformation
As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we must ask ourselves: Who am I becoming? Am I being intentional about my formation? By taking inventory of the influences in our lives, we can begin to resist conforming to the world and embrace the transformation that God desires for us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be shaped into the likeness of Jesus, living lives that reflect His love and grace. [38:56]
"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: Reflect on your spiritual journey. Who are you becoming, and how can you embrace the transformation God desires for you today?
Quotes
1) "Change and growth is something that God created in you. Change and growth is something that God like programmed into your body when he created you and you didn't do anything to make that happen. It just, it just happened. You grew and you changed. And I think even more amazing than this physical growth, this external change is the internal growth and change of not a person's... Not a person's body, but of their spirit, of their soul, you know, the real you. Because growth is not just how our bodies are changing, it's who we're becoming. Because our spirits, just like our bodies, are constantly growing and they're constantly changing all the time. They're being formed." [01:41] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "I feel like we're so ready for this, this movement because we have lots of new believers. We have lots of people here who have just come to know Jesus. They've just been baptized and they're saying like, I'm in, man. I want to do it. I want to do it. Or I've been away. I've been away from church and I've come back to church and I want to raise my kids in church and I want to get to know Jesus and I want to live this Christian life. How do you do it? Like, what do you do? I need steps." [05:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "I'm just kind of done with only praying for God to do something for me. And now I'm praying that God will do something in me, that God will change me and make me more like Jesus so that I can not just live in the kingdom, but so that I can thrive in his kingdom. So that I can. Flourish in his kingdom so that I can make a difference in his kingdom. And like, I've repented. We always do it like this. I, I was going my way. I was doing my thing. I was following the world systems and all that. And I repent. I turned away from that and now I'm ready, man. I am ready to go his way. I am ready to follow Jesus. I'm ready to be a disciple. I'm ready to be an apprentice of Jesus." [06:25] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "You are being formed spiritually one way or the other. You're either being conformed to the systems and patterns and ways of this world, or you're being transformed into the likeness of Jesus and the ways of his kingdom. And just like with Israel in the old Testament. And then again, in the new Testament, God is calling us to resist conforming. He's calling us to resist. Conforming and being shaped and squished and molded and formed to the beliefs and the ways and the systems of this world. We have to resist that so that we can embrace the transformation into the likeness of Jesus." [18:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Spiritual formation, I think people get mixed up on this cause like, well, yeah, I'm not not really a church person. But spiritual formation is not a home church thing. Spiritual formation is not a Christian thing. Spiritual formation is a human thing. To be human is to change physically and spiritually. So whether you're a church person or a Jesus person or not, your spirit is being formed. John Mark makes a great point in the book. Mother Teresa was a product of spiritual formation. And so was Hitler. Both of them had their spirits formed by some crazy concoction, mixture, combination of whatever, family, culture, habits, wounds, education, experience, decisions, their environment, a whole bunch of stuff formed them spiritually." [21:15] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "All of us, just like Mother Teresa, just like Hitler, just like the Jews in the New Testament in Rome, just like the Jews in the Old Testament in Canaan, all of us have been and are being and will be formed spiritually. But the problem is most of our spiritual formation is unintentional. Most of us never sat down and said, where is God calling me to be spiritually? Right? Like, where do I want to get? And then started adding on events and habits and relationships to our lives to get us there. Instead, we just, you know, get out of bed in the morning and we go through our day and we breathe the air. We live the life of this world. And we live the life of this world. And we hang out with the people of this world. And we just, the events and the habits and the decisions and the relationships form us." [22:52] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Who's up for something weird? Okay, so I can see there's a lot of new people here. When Larry says, who's up for something weird, we raise our hands and enthusiastically say, yeah. Okay, so I'll give you another chance. Early service, some people haven't had coffee yet. Who's up for something weird? Okay, now you're fixing to regret it because, let's manipulate that whole thing. We're gonna do like a exercise of self-reflection. Okay, and this is gonna be just a little bit weird, but I'm gonna ask you to do it. And I'm just gonna tell you, if you don't do it, everybody else around you is doing it, so you will be the weird one. Okay, so just do it, okay? Are you gonna do it? Yes. Are you gonna do it or not? Yes. Okay, okay, here's what I'm gonna ask you to do. Close your eyes. So you never wanna do a drill where they start with closing your eyes. Close your eyes. Close your eyes, right?" [30:12] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Spiritual formation is not a Christian thing. It's a human thing. We're all being formed right now by a complex blend of factors that include what he said, habits and relationships, the stories we believe, our environment. That's all happening over time. And that's all happening through our experience. Here's a big one. Most of our formation, even our spiritual formation, maybe especially our spiritual formation, most of our formation is unintentional. And so a couple of questions we might want to ask ourselves is, who am I becoming? And am I being intentional about who I'm becoming? Because one day, I'm going to wake up and I'm going to be 75 or I'm going to be 85 or I'm going to be 105. And what's going to matter on that day is not really how much money I made or how successful I was or what stuff I owned or how I looked or my best golf score or whether I saw the latest TV series. What's going to really matter is the person I became." [38:56] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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