Intentional Spiritual Formation: Choices, Disciplines, and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the importance of intentional spiritual formation. We began by acknowledging the privilege of worshiping freely and remembering those who cannot. Our worship through song reminded us of God's constant presence and our journey of discipleship. We explored Psalm 100, which calls us to worship with joy and gratitude, recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness.
The children's activity illustrated the concept of making choices that lead us closer to God. Using a river-crossing analogy, we demonstrated how making the right choices helps us move towards Jesus, while wrong choices can lead us away. This visual lesson emphasized the importance of intentionality in our spiritual walk.
We revisited the idea of unintentional spiritual formation, which happens through our habits, relationships, and environment. This unintentional formation often conforms us to the world rather than transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. To counteract this, we need a deliberate and thoughtful approach to our spiritual lives, focusing on practices that align us with Jesus' teachings.
We discussed the cyclical nature of our spiritual journey, marked by periods of progress and stagnation. Jesus' words in Luke 6:40 remind us that becoming like Him requires full training. This involves adopting spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and Sabbath-keeping, which Jesus Himself practiced.
Our habits, the stories we believe, and our relationships significantly shape us. To be transformed, we need to engage with Scripture, embrace truthful stories, and cultivate a supportive community. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, guiding and empowering us.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to be intentional about their spiritual formation, to practice the disciplines consistently, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. As we go into the week, we are reminded that Jesus is our Waymaker, and with His help, we can navigate the challenges of life and grow closer to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentional Spiritual Formation: Our spiritual growth requires intentionality. Unintentional formation often conforms us to the world, but by adopting spiritual disciplines and focusing on Jesus' teachings, we can be transformed into His likeness. This involves a conscious effort to counteract the forces that shape us negatively. [35:45]
2. The Power of Choices: The choices we make daily significantly impact our spiritual journey. Like the children crossing the river, making the right choices helps us move closer to Jesus. This requires discernment and a commitment to follow God's guidance, even when it's challenging. [29:29]
3. The Role of Spiritual Disciplines: Practices such as prayer, fasting, and Sabbath-keeping are essential for spiritual growth. These disciplines help us stay connected to God and open us to the Holy Spirit's transformative power. Jesus modeled these practices, showing us their importance. [44:10]
4. Community and Relationships: Our relationships play a crucial role in our spiritual formation. Being part of a supportive church community helps us grow, provides healing, and teaches us to love and forgive. It's essential to surround ourselves with people who encourage us in our walk with Jesus. [46:41]
5. The Holy Spirit's Guidance: The Holy Spirit is central to our transformation. Through spiritual practices, community, and embracing truth, we open ourselves to God's healing and transformative power. This process, fueled by grace, enables us to fulfill our potential and live out God's calling. [47:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:28] - Call to Worship
[07:53] - Psalm 100 Reflection
[23:55] - Children's Activity: Choices and Transformation
[27:41] - River Crossing Analogy
[34:31] - Unintentional Spiritual Formation
[39:54] - Jesus' Training Program
[42:08] - Spiritual Disciplines and Habits
[45:47] - Embracing Truth and Scripture
[46:41] - Importance of Community
[47:29] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[48:06] - Group Discussion and Reflection
[01:03:48] - Morning Rituals and Scripture Engagement
[01:07:05] - Intentional Living and Spiritual Disciplines
[01:12:33] - Encouragement and Practical Steps
[01:14:31] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 100:1-5 - "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
2. Luke 6:40 - "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher."
3. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 100 call us to do, and what reasons does it give for this call? ([07:53])
2. According to Luke 6:40, what is the goal of a student who is fully trained? ([39:54])
3. In the children's activity, what analogy was used to illustrate the importance of making the right choices? ([27:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 100 describe the attitude we should have when approaching worship, and why is this important for our spiritual formation? ([07:53])
2. What does it mean to be "fully trained" as mentioned in Luke 6:40, and how does this relate to our journey of discipleship? ([39:54])
3. Romans 12:2 talks about not conforming to the world but being transformed. What are some practical ways we can renew our minds to align with God's will? ([34:31])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 100, how can you incorporate more joy and gratitude into your daily worship practices? ([07:53])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of intentional spiritual formation. What specific spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, fasting, Sabbath-keeping) do you feel called to focus on this week, and how will you implement it? ([44:10])
3. Think about the choices you make daily. Can you identify one choice that has been leading you away from Jesus? What steps can you take to make a better choice in that area? ([29:29])
4. The sermon mentioned the role of community in our spiritual growth. How can you actively engage with your church community to support your spiritual formation? ([46:41])
5. The Holy Spirit is central to our transformation. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life this week? ([47:29])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in your spiritual journey. What helped you move forward, and how can you apply that experience to your current spiritual practices? ([37:37])
7. The sermon discussed the impact of our habits on our spiritual formation. Identify one habit you want to change and outline a plan to replace it with a habit that draws you closer to Jesus. ([43:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Formation
Our spiritual growth requires intentionality. Unintentional formation often conforms us to the world, but by adopting spiritual disciplines and focusing on Jesus' teachings, we can be transformed into His likeness. This involves a conscious effort to counteract the forces that shape us negatively. [35:45]
In our daily lives, we are constantly being shaped by our habits, relationships, and environment. Without intentionality, we may find ourselves conforming to the patterns of this world rather than being transformed by the renewing of our minds. To grow spiritually, we must deliberately engage in practices that align us with Jesus' teachings. This means setting aside time for prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in a faith community. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Intentional spiritual formation is not a one-time event but a continuous process. It requires us to be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual journey. We must regularly evaluate our habits and relationships to ensure they are leading us closer to God. By being intentional, we can resist the negative influences of the world and be shaped into the likeness of Christ.
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific habits or relationships in your life are conforming you to the world? How can you intentionally change them to align more closely with Jesus' teachings?
Day 2: The Power of Choices
The choices we make daily significantly impact our spiritual journey. Like the children crossing the river, making the right choices helps us move closer to Jesus. This requires discernment and a commitment to follow God's guidance, even when it's challenging. [29:29]
Every day, we are faced with choices that can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. These choices may seem small and insignificant, but over time, they shape the direction of our spiritual journey. Just as the children in the river-crossing analogy had to make careful decisions to reach the other side, we too must be intentional about the choices we make.
Making the right choices often requires discernment and a willingness to follow God's guidance, even when it is difficult. It means choosing to spend time in prayer and Scripture rather than being distracted by worldly pursuits. It means choosing to forgive and love others, even when it is hard. By making these intentional choices, we can move closer to Jesus and grow in our faith.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did it bring you closer to or further from God? How can you make more intentional choices that align with God's will?
Day 3: The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
Practices such as prayer, fasting, and Sabbath-keeping are essential for spiritual growth. These disciplines help us stay connected to God and open us to the Holy Spirit's transformative power. Jesus modeled these practices, showing us their importance. [44:10]
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us grow in our relationship with God. They are not ends in themselves but means to an end—drawing closer to God and being transformed by His Spirit. Jesus Himself practiced spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and Sabbath-keeping, demonstrating their importance for our spiritual growth.
Engaging in spiritual disciplines requires commitment and consistency. It means setting aside regular time for prayer, fasting periodically, and observing the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. These practices help us stay connected to God and open us to the Holy Spirit's transformative power. By following Jesus' example, we can grow in our faith and become more like Him.
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Which spiritual discipline do you find most challenging to practice consistently? How can you incorporate it more intentionally into your daily routine?
Day 4: Community and Relationships
Our relationships play a crucial role in our spiritual formation. Being part of a supportive church community helps us grow, provides healing, and teaches us to love and forgive. It's essential to surround ourselves with people who encourage us in our walk with Jesus. [46:41]
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our spiritual growth. Being part of a supportive church community provides us with encouragement, accountability, and opportunities for growth. In community, we learn to love and forgive others, just as Christ has loved and forgiven us.
Healthy relationships within the church help us to grow spiritually and provide a safe space for healing and transformation. It is essential to seek out and cultivate relationships with people who will encourage us in our walk with Jesus. By doing so, we can support one another in our spiritual journeys and grow together in faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Who in your church community encourages you in your walk with Jesus? How can you strengthen and deepen these relationships?
Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Guidance
The Holy Spirit is central to our transformation. Through spiritual practices, community, and embracing truth, we open ourselves to God's healing and transformative power. This process, fueled by grace, enables us to fulfill our potential and live out God's calling. [47:29]
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual formation. It is through the Spirit's guidance and power that we are transformed into the likeness of Christ. By engaging in spiritual practices, being part of a supportive community, and embracing the truth of Scripture, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
This process of transformation is fueled by God's grace. It is not something we can achieve on our own but requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and power. As we submit to the Spirit's leading, we are healed, transformed, and empowered to fulfill our potential and live out God's calling for our lives.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance and transformation? How can you open yourself more fully to the Spirit's work today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are called to worship God in all sorts of ways and worship is not just singing of course, it's more than that. It's why we talk about sung worship in the church. But we'll start with come now is the time. Come now is the time to worship. An invitation to come to God, to put aside all the cares of the world, all the things that have gone wrong this morning, all the things that put pressure on you during the week, school, work or whatever, and come and focus on God." [06:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Unintentional spiritual formation tends to conform us to the world because these are the pressures that are around us constantly, particularly in a country like New Zealand where so much is not of a Christian worldview, where the majority worldview is anything but Christian, or put it another way, for those of us who want to be transformed to be like Jesus, we don't start with a blank piece of paper." [35:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we practice these spiritual disciplines, we create opportunities for spiritual connection, and inner transformation. The stories we accept as truth significantly influence us. If culture or stories from entertainment and education shape our worldview more than Jesus' teachings and scriptures, we need to deliberately change the stories, the truths we listen to, and embrace new truthful stories." [45:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As we walk the way of Jesus together, the church community helps us become better people, provides a place for healing, and the opportunity to learn to love and forgive. While challenging, community life is essential if we want to really change. And at the core of this change, at the core of this journey, is the Holy Spirit, God's empowering presence within us." [47:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Imagine adopting a practice from Jesus' life that invites the peace of God into our mornings. We heard about it in our group a minute ago. This week's practice encourages us to seek support in God's presence through Scripture. Engaging with the Bible redirects our focus to God, His goodness, His beauty, and His truth. And as we concentrate on Him, we naturally grow to reflect His character. That's because we become what we focus on." [01:04:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Last week, we were introduced to the idea that we were unintentionally spiritually formed. Formed by our habits, our relationships, the stories we believe, our environment, and all this happens. Over time and with experience. During the week, we had the opportunity to undertake and do a formation order to help us understand how these forces have formed us up to this point in our lives." [34:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "By making the right choices, mostly, we saw our kids, all these volunteers, move closer to the cross rather than out the door to the world. And we can do the same. But in reality, our journey with Jesus is not always one of moving forward all the time, as we saw that, wasn't it? There was six or seven steps forward and one step backwards. And if we're honest with ourselves, there are times in our apprenticeship journey with Jesus when we have been and maybe are, even right now, just stuck." [36:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we're all honest with ourselves, that is our apprenticeship journey with Jesus. Initial bursts of enthusiasm, positive change, followed by a cycle of stalling, perhaps even going backwards, going forwards again, and making positive progress, stalling, and on and on and on and on. It's not that we don't want to be transformed, or that we're not trying to be transformed, it's just that the problem is we don't know how. So how do we break the cycle?" [39:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To change our habits, we need the practices of Jesus that redirect our hearts and open us to the Holy Spirit's transformative power. To change the stories we believe, we need Jesus' teachings to fill us with truth. To change the effects of our environment, and our culture on us, we need to live in connection with the Holy Spirit." [42:08] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As you read Scripture this week, or indeed as you read Scripture any week, any day, any time, remember that the aim of reading God's Word is not merely to gather information, but to experience God in a profound and intimate way. So don't be tempted to rush. Take your time. Spiritual growth happens bit by bit and requires patience and perseverance. It happens over time, much like how we grow naturally in our bodies and our minds. It takes a lifetime. It requires us to constantly choose to make the right choices." [01:06:30] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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