Journey of Continuous Spiritual Transformation and Love

Devotional

Day 1: Grace and Continuous Transformation

Our spiritual journey is a continuous process of transformation and sanctification, deeply rooted in God's grace. This journey involves revisiting various stages such as ignorance, confession, and brokenness, ultimately leading to a renewed mind and heart. God's grace is sufficient for all our needs, and it is through His grace that we are able to grow and transform. This transformation is not about reaching a final destination but about ongoing growth and renewal. As we navigate through different stages of our spiritual journey, we are constantly being shaped and molded by God's grace.

The cyclical nature of spiritual growth means that we may find ourselves revisiting certain stages multiple times. Each time we do, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of God's grace. This process of continuous transformation helps us to develop a deeper love for God and for others, aligning our hearts and minds with His will. By embracing this journey and relying on God's grace, we can experience profound spiritual growth and transformation. [25:30]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace for transformation? How can you invite His grace into these areas today?

Day 2: The Cyclical Nature of Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is not a straightforward, linear process but rather a cyclical one. Throughout our lives, we revisit various stages such as religious activity, discontent, and surrender. These stages are not sequential steps but rather phases that we encounter repeatedly. The goal of this cyclical journey is not to reach a final destination but to undergo a complete transformation that results in a profound love for God and people.

Understanding the cyclical nature of spiritual growth helps us to be more patient and compassionate with ourselves and others. It reminds us that growth is an ongoing process and that setbacks and revisits to earlier stages are a natural part of the journey. By embracing this cyclical process, we can remain open to continuous learning and transformation, allowing God to work in and through us in deeper ways. [34:19]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you revisited a stage in your spiritual journey. How did this experience contribute to your overall growth and transformation?

Day 3: Trust and Vulnerability in the Journey

Trust and vulnerability are crucial elements in our spiritual journey. Many people have experienced broken trust within the church, but it is important to remember that God is always trustworthy. When we are broken and vulnerable, we must trust God to catch us and guide us through our transformation. Trusting in God's faithfulness allows us to be open and vulnerable, which is essential for true spiritual growth.

Being vulnerable before God means acknowledging our weaknesses and brokenness, and allowing Him to work in those areas. It requires us to let go of our defenses and trust that God will provide the healing and transformation we need. By embracing trust and vulnerability, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a more profound transformation in our spiritual journey. [01:01:21]

Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV): "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with trust and vulnerability? How can you take a step towards trusting God more fully in these areas today?

Day 4: The Power of Prayer and Meditation

Prayer and meditation are key practices that help us unlock the final stages of our spiritual journey. Through these practices, we can develop a deeper connection with God, which transforms our minds and helps us move from mere religious activity to a profound love for God and people. Prayer and meditation allow us to quiet our minds, listen to God's voice, and align our hearts with His will.

By dedicating time to prayer and meditation, we create space for God to work in our lives. These practices help us to become more attuned to His presence and guidance, leading to a deeper and more transformative relationship with Him. As we grow in our prayer and meditation practices, we can experience a greater sense of peace, clarity, and purpose in our spiritual journey. [01:04:04]

Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer and meditation into your daily routine? What changes do you hope to see in your spiritual life as a result?

Day 5: Renewed Mind and Spirit

The kingdom of God is already within us, and our prayer is for God to unlock this potential. A renewed mind and spirit lead to a deeper, more transformative love that defies logic and reason, enabling us to love others selflessly and profoundly. This renewal involves moving beyond dualistic, black-and-white thinking to a more open, nuanced understanding of God's love and our purpose.

By seeking a renewed mind and spirit, we allow God to transform our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This transformation helps us to see the world and others through God's eyes, leading to a more compassionate and loving approach to life. As we embrace this renewal, we can experience the fullness of God's kingdom within us and live out His love in tangible ways. [01:06:31]

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: In what ways do you need to renew your mind and spirit? How can you invite God to transform your thoughts and attitudes today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the profound journey of spiritual transformation. We began by acknowledging our brokenness and seeking God's grace, recognizing that His grace is sufficient for all our needs. This journey is not about reaching a final destination but about continuous transformation and sanctification. Our mission at St. John's Church is to love God and love people, and these are the outcomes of a transformed heart and mind.

We explored the concept that spiritual growth is not linear but cyclical, often involving stops like ignorance, indifference, concern, confession, religious activity, discontent, brokenness, surrender, profound love of God, and love of people. These stops are not sequential steps but stages we revisit throughout our lives. The ultimate goal is a renewed mind and heart, leading to a deeper love for God and others.

I shared a personal story about a challenging hike to illustrate that while the journey is important, the destination gives us purpose. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, the destination is not just loving God and people but undergoing a complete transformation. This transformation involves moving beyond dualistic, black-and-white thinking to a more open, nuanced understanding of God's love and our purpose.

We also discussed the importance of trust and vulnerability in this journey. Many have experienced broken trust within the church, but God is always trustworthy. The key to unlocking the final stages of our spiritual journey is through prayer and meditation, seeking a deeper connection with God. This connection transforms our minds and helps us move from religious activity to a profound love for God and people.

In closing, we reflected on the words of Jesus and Paul, emphasizing the need for a renewed mind and spirit. The kingdom of God is already within us, and our prayer is for God to unlock this potential, leading us to a deeper, more transformative love.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Linear Spiritual Growth**: Spiritual growth is not a linear process but a cyclical one. We often revisit stages like religious activity, discontent, and surrender. The goal is not to reach a final destination but to undergo a complete transformation that results in a profound love for God and people. [34:19]
3. Trust and Vulnerability: Trust and vulnerability are crucial in our spiritual journey. Many have experienced broken trust within the church, but God is always trustworthy. When we are broken and vulnerable, we must trust God to catch us and guide us through our transformation.

4. Prayer and Meditation: The key to unlocking the final stages of our spiritual journey is through prayer and meditation. This deeper connection with God transforms our minds and helps us move from religious activity to a profound love for God and people.

5. Renewed Mind and Spirit: The kingdom of God is already within us, and our prayer is for God to unlock this potential. A renewed mind and spirit lead to a deeper, more transformative love that defies logic and reason, enabling us to love others selflessly and profoundly.

### [34:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:30] - Acknowledging Our Brokenness
[29:30] - Community Announcements
[34:19] - The Journey of Spiritual Transformation
[35:16] - Personal Story: The Challenging Hike
[36:56] - Loving God and Loving People
[37:51] - Review of Spiritual Stops
[39:36] - The Importance of Surrender
[44:33] - Dualistic Thinking and Its Limitations
[46:18] - The Need for a Renewed Mind
[49:46] - Ephesians 4: The New Self
[51:49] - Personal Reflections on Grace
[55:30] - The Open-Minded Christian
[58:05] - Embracing Change
[60:44] - Trust and Vulnerability Exercise
[64:04] - The Power of Prayer and Meditation
[66:31] - The Kingdom of God Within Us
[72:23] - Communion and Closing Prayer
[78:56] - Final Worship and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the characteristics of the "old self" that Paul describes in Ephesians 4:17-19?
According to Ephesians 4:23-24, what does it mean to be "renewed in the spirit of your minds"?
In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of the journey and the destination? ([35:16])
What are the final two stops in the spiritual journey as described in the sermon? ([36:56])

Interpretation Questions

How does Paul contrast the "old self" with the "new self" in Ephesians 4:17-24? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life?
The pastor mentioned that spiritual growth is cyclical rather than linear. How does this concept challenge traditional views of spiritual maturity? ([34:19])
What role do trust and vulnerability play in the process of spiritual transformation, according to the sermon? ([01:01:21])
How does the practice of prayer and meditation help in moving from religious activity to a profound love for God and people? ([01:04:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Which "stop" do you find yourself revisiting most often, and why? ([37:51])
The sermon emphasized the importance of a renewed mind and spirit. What specific steps can you take this week to renew your mind in the spirit of God? ([49:46])
Trust and vulnerability are crucial in our spiritual journey. Have you experienced broken trust within the church? How can you begin to rebuild that trust in God and others? ([01:01:21])
The pastor shared a story about a challenging hike to illustrate the importance of the journey and the destination. How can you apply this perspective to your own spiritual life? ([35:16])
Prayer and meditation were highlighted as keys to unlocking the final stages of spiritual transformation. What changes can you make in your daily routine to incorporate more intentional prayer and meditation? ([01:04:04])
The sermon discussed moving beyond dualistic thinking to a more nuanced understanding of God's love. Can you identify an area in your life where you tend to think in black-and-white terms? How can you approach it with a more open mind? ([44:33])
The ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is a complete transformation. What specific actions can you take to love God and people more profoundly this week? ([36:56])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Christian love is a radical love in which we love not because of what they might be able to contribute back. But we love because we have to. There's something deep within us that propels us to love others and to show love to others no matter the outcome." [42:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our mission at St. John's Church is to love God and love people. Stops 9 is to love God profoundly. Stop 10 is to love people. That's not the destination. That's not what we're after. The destination, the goal in this spiritual journey is a transformation. The goal is a sanctification." [36:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed. Nor will they say, look, here it is, or there. For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. Think of it this way, the kingdom of God is already within you. It's in your heart already. It's in your mind." [01:06:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Loving people without expecting anything in return, that is the kind of love in this stop 10, these final stops, that the Christian life, that the Holy Spirit that Jesus models for us and that is there for us." [43:33] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The goal, the destination is not merely stop nine or ten. The goal is a sanctification. It's a complete new heart, a changed mind, a new outlook at life. That becomes the ultimate goal. That becomes what we are striving for." [36:56] (140 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The key to unlocking these last few steps. These stops, these stops 9 and 10, is through prayer and meditation. But it's not through prayer and meditation as we understood them in stop 5." [01:03:29] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The problem in arriving at this or that prevents us from arriving at this stop is our mind. We live in a very dualistic, a very black and white culture and society. I think just the way that our thinking is, it's very black and white, left or right. It's very dualistic, very binary thinking." [44:33] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The new mind. There's a transformation. There's a shift that happens that Paul is trying to tell us. Ephesians chapter 4. Beginning in verse 17. Now this I say and testify in the Lord that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do in the futility of their minds." [48:33] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we are broken, when we are falling, there's a vulnerability that takes place. When we begin to float, that surrender, this is what I've seen that breaks my heart, is the church is full of people who have broken trust." [01:01:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The ignorance that that comes from. And it came from somebody's anger. And I get it. I understand it to say, hey, when we love somebody. If I give you $20, I expect you to use that wisely. I expect you to, you know, give back to society. If I help you, I expect you to then give back into society." [42:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?