Intentional Spiritual Formation: Embracing Community in Christ

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of intentional spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of being apprentices of Jesus. This journey is not just about admiring Jesus but truly following Him, embodying His teachings, and living out His practices. We delved into the concept of spiritual formation, understanding that we are constantly being shaped by the world around us, often away from God's original design. Our task, then, is to engage in counter-formation, aligning ourselves with Jesus' way of life. This involves creating time and space for God to work within us, transforming us into His likeness.

A significant aspect of this transformation journey is community. We are not meant to walk this path alone. God, by His very nature, is relational, existing as a triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Created in His image, we too are designed for relationships. This is evident from the creation narrative, where humanity was made in two parts, male and female, to reflect God's relational nature. Our purpose is to mirror God's love and relational essence to the world, which cannot be achieved in isolation.

Jesus modeled this community-driven approach by calling His disciples as a group, forming a new family not based on genetics but on shared apprenticeship to Him. This new family transcends societal divisions, uniting us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our spiritual formation is deeply intertwined with our relationships with others, as we are called to love and be loved, to know and be known.

To truly engage in this transformative journey, we must be intentional about forming deep, transparent relationships within smaller groups. These intimate settings provide the space for real transformation, where we can support and hold each other accountable. As we continue to explore these practices, remember that they are not about earning God's love or salvation but about creating opportunities for God to transform us into the likeness of Jesus, enabling us to thrive and reflect His love to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Intentional Spiritual Formation: Our spiritual journey involves intentional practices that create space for God to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. These practices are not about earning God's love but about participating in our own transformation. [33:05]

- Community is Essential: We are designed for relationships, reflecting God's relational nature. Our spiritual growth is deeply connected to our interactions with others, emphasizing the need for community in our journey of faith. [36:23]

- Reflecting God's Image: Being created in God's image means we are inherently relational. Our purpose is to reflect God's love and relational essence to the world, which requires us to be in community with others. [42:14]

- Jesus' Model of Community: Jesus called His disciples as a group, forming a new family based on shared apprenticeship. This community transcends societal divisions, uniting us as brothers and sisters in Christ. [49:42]

- The Role of Small Groups: Real transformation often occurs in smaller, more intimate settings where we can be transparent and accountable. These relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and reflect the early church's focus on community. [01:01:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Joy in Worship
- [02:00] - Intentional Spiritual Formation
- [05:15] - Being an Apprentice of Jesus
- [10:45] - Spiritual Formation and Counter-Formation
- [15:30] - Meeting God in Pain and Suffering
- [20:00] - Drafting a Rule of Life
- [25:00] - Lifelong Journey of Following Jesus
- [30:00] - Importance of Community
- [35:00] - God's Relational Nature
- [40:00] - Created in God's Image
- [45:00] - Reflecting God's Image Together
- [50:00] - Jesus' New Family
- [55:00] - The Role of Small Groups
- [01:05:00] - Thanksgiving and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:26-27
2. 1 John 4:16
3. Mark 1:17

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, what does it mean to be created in the image of God, and how does this relate to our relational nature? [37:28]

2. In 1 John 4:16, how is God's nature described, and what implications does this have for our understanding of relationships? [36:23]

3. How did Jesus model community in Mark 1:17, and what significance does this have for our spiritual formation? [49:42]

4. What are some key aspects of intentional spiritual formation mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contribute to our transformation into the likeness of Jesus? [33:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does being created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27) influence our understanding of community and relationships? What does this mean for our daily interactions with others? [37:28]

2. In what ways does the relational nature of God (1 John 4:16) challenge or affirm your current understanding of love and community? How can this understanding impact your relationships? [36:23]

3. Reflecting on Jesus' call to community in Mark 1:17, how can we apply this model to our own lives and spiritual journeys? What challenges might we face in doing so? [49:42]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual formation. How does this perspective align with or differ from your previous experiences or beliefs about spiritual growth? [55:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Considering the idea that we are created in God's image to be relational, how can you intentionally cultivate deeper relationships within your community this week? [37:28]

2. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated in your spiritual journey. How might embracing the relational nature of God (1 John 4:16) help you seek out and build meaningful connections with others? [36:23]

3. Jesus modeled community by calling His disciples together. What steps can you take to foster a sense of community in your small group or church? How can you encourage others to join in this journey? [49:42]

4. The sermon highlights the role of small groups in spiritual transformation. Are you currently part of a small group? If not, what barriers are preventing you from joining one, and how can you overcome them? [01:01:43]

5. How can you create time and space in your daily routine for intentional spiritual practices that allow God to transform you into the likeness of Jesus? What specific changes can you make this week? [33:05]

6. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there any that need healing or strengthening? How can you take steps towards reconciliation or deeper connection in those relationships? [47:45]

7. In what ways can you contribute to building a community of love and support within your church or small group? How can you be a transformation partner for others in their spiritual journey? [55:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Practices for Spiritual Transformation
Our spiritual journey is a deliberate process that involves engaging in practices that create space for God to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. These practices are not about earning God's love or favor but about participating in our own transformation. By intentionally setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reflection, we open ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to shape our hearts and minds. This journey requires commitment and perseverance, as we seek to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. [33:05]

"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 practice can you incorporate into your daily routine this week to create space for God to work in your life?

Day 2: The Necessity of Community in Spiritual Growth
We are inherently relational beings, created in the image of a relational God. Our spiritual growth is deeply connected to our interactions with others, emphasizing the need for community in our journey of faith. In community, we find support, encouragement, and accountability, which are essential for our spiritual development. By engaging with others in meaningful relationships, we reflect God's love and relational nature to the world. This communal aspect of our faith journey reminds us that we are not meant to walk this path alone but alongside fellow believers who share our commitment to following Jesus. [36:23]

"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: Who in your community can you reach out to this week to offer encouragement or support in their spiritual journey?

Day 3: Reflecting God's Relational Image
Being created in God's image means we are designed for relationships. Our purpose is to reflect God's love and relational essence to the world, which requires us to be in community with others. This relational aspect of our identity is evident from the creation narrative, where humanity was made in two parts, male and female, to mirror God's relational nature. As we engage in relationships, we have the opportunity to demonstrate God's love, grace, and compassion to those around us, fulfilling our calling to be His representatives on earth. [42:14]

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect God's relational nature in your interactions with others this week?

Day 4: Jesus' Model of Community
Jesus exemplified a community-driven approach by calling His disciples as a group, forming a new family based on shared apprenticeship to Him. This new family transcends societal divisions, uniting us as brothers and sisters in Christ. By following Jesus' example, we are invited to participate in a community that is not defined by genetics or social status but by our shared commitment to His teachings. This model of community challenges us to break down barriers and embrace diversity, recognizing that we are all part of God's family. [49:42]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to foster a sense of unity and belonging within your faith community?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of Small Groups
Real transformation often occurs in smaller, more intimate settings where we can be transparent and accountable. These relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and reflect the early church's focus on community. In small groups, we have the opportunity to share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and support one another in our faith journeys. By committing to these intimate gatherings, we create an environment where genuine transformation can take place, allowing us to grow deeper in our relationship with God and with each other. [01:01:43]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with a small group or community to foster spiritual growth and accountability?

Quotes

"Following Jesus, being a disciple, being an apprentice to Jesus is a lifelong journey. That's a really great way to see this. This is a lifelong journey. Like all journeys, it's going to have ups, it's going to have downs, it's going to have times when it's easy, it's going to have times when it's hard. It's going to have times when it's hard. This is a journey, and they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So we have literally taken eight really great first steps. And so we're going to be picking up on this topic in the months to come and dive in a lot deeper." [00:35:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"And so to be fully transformed, we also have to meet God in our pain and in our suffering. And on this journey, one of the big roadblocks to this journey of transformation is sin. So we talk through the layers of sin and how God is faithful, not just to forgive, but to heal us from sin so that we can be fully transformed." [00:33:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God, by his nature, right, at his core, is a relational being. That's who God is. Scholars call him a triune God, right? That means he exists as three unique persons in a relationship. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. And I'll say this again. God exists as a relationship. That is his way of being." [00:37:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Because God, at his core, is relational, and because he created us in his image, and because he created us in two parts, you can't image God on your own. I can't either. We can only serve our purpose on earth together. And this is why God said in Genesis 2 .16, it's not good for man to be alone. Why? Because man can't fulfill his purpose alone." [00:44:42] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"But when we talk about church, I don't just mean this. I don't just mean this gathering on Sundays. This is amazing. I love this. This is one of the best parts of the week for me. I love it. But God works in all shapes and sizes and styles of church, right? But it's usually in the smaller, more relational spaces where real transformation happens." [00:56:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"We have to be intentional. Remember, this is all about us intentionally participating in the miracle of our transformation. This is all about us intentionally being part of the miracle. Of Jesus making us more like him. Intentional spiritual formation. We have to be intentional. And for a lot of us, that starts with finding a smaller group." [01:01:43] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?