Listening to Jesus: Shaping Our Spiritual Journey
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound question: whose voice do we choose to listen to in our daily lives? To love someone deeply is to be attuned to their voice and thoughts, and this is especially true in our relationship with God. We often underestimate the power of our thoughts, yet they shape our reality and spiritual journey. Dallas Willard, in his book "Renovation of the Heart," emphasizes the importance of thought in spiritual formation. While some traditions may elevate thought to the level of salvation, as followers of Christ, we must recognize the power of thought without losing sight of its connection to Jesus.
The challenge is to make Jesus' voice the primary one in our minds. Historically, there has been a divide in Christianity between seeing Jesus as a divine savior and as a moral teacher. However, both aspects are crucial. We are reminded that everyone follows someone or something, consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, the question is not whether we will follow, but whom we will follow. Dallas Willard's teachings guide us to transform our minds by focusing on two practical steps: memorizing scripture and surrounding ourselves with images and sayings that direct our thoughts toward God.
Memorizing scripture embeds God's word into our daily lives, allowing it to guide us through various circumstances. Joshua 1:8 encourages us to meditate on God's word day and night, promising prosperity and success in a life surrendered to God. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with visual and auditory reminders of God's presence can continually redirect our minds toward Him. This practice, rooted in tradition, helps keep our focus on the divine amidst the distractions of life.
Ultimately, the goal is to let Jesus be our teacher, shaping our thoughts and actions. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The voice we choose to listen to shapes our spiritual journey. To love God is to be attuned to His voice, allowing His thoughts to guide us. This requires intentionality in making Jesus' voice the primary one in our minds. [01:24]
- Thoughts are powerful and can influence our reality. While some traditions may elevate thought to the level of salvation, as Christians, we must recognize its power without losing sight of its connection to Jesus. [02:14]
- Historically, there has been a divide in Christianity between seeing Jesus as a divine savior and as a moral teacher. Both aspects are crucial, and we must embrace Jesus as both our savior and teacher. [03:58]
- Memorizing scripture embeds God's word into our daily lives, allowing it to guide us through various circumstances. Joshua 1:8 encourages us to meditate on God's word day and night, promising prosperity and success in a life surrendered to God. [08:17]
- Surrounding ourselves with visual and auditory reminders of God's presence can continually redirect our minds toward Him. This practice helps keep our focus on the divine amidst the distractions of life. [09:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - The Power of Listening
[01:24] - Thoughts and Spiritual Formation
[02:59] - Making Jesus Our Teacher
[03:46] - Historical Divide in Christianity
[05:39] - Reasons for Not Following Jesus
[06:07] - Choosing Whom to Follow
[06:41] - Transforming the Mind
[07:06] - Memorizing Scripture
[08:02] - Meditating on God's Word
[09:16] - Visual and Auditory Reminders
[10:27] - Encouragement to Be Courageous
[10:50] - Final Thoughts and Farewell
[11:04] - Closing and Subscription Information
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 1:8 - "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
2. Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, emphasizing the importance of listening to and acting on Jesus' words.
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what are the two practical steps suggested by Dallas Willard to make Jesus' voice the primary one in our minds? [06:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the historical divide in Christianity regarding Jesus as a divine savior versus a moral teacher? [03:46]
3. What does Joshua 1:8 promise to those who meditate on God's word day and night? How is this related to the sermon’s message about memorizing scripture? [08:17]
4. What examples of visual and auditory reminders of God's presence were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they help redirect our minds toward God? [09:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that thoughts can influence our spiritual journey, and why is it important to connect them to Jesus? [02:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon propose that making Jesus our teacher can transform our thoughts and actions? [02:59]
3. How might the historical divide in Christianity affect a believer's understanding of Jesus' role in their life today? [03:58]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between memorizing scripture and experiencing the transformative power of Jesus' presence? [08:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the voices you listen to daily. Are there any that you need to minimize to make more room for Jesus' voice? How can you start doing this today? [01:24]
2. Memorizing scripture is emphasized in the sermon. Choose one verse to memorize this week. How will you incorporate it into your daily routine? [07:06]
3. Consider the visual and auditory reminders in your environment. What changes can you make to ensure they direct your thoughts toward God? [09:31]
4. The sermon discusses the power of thought in spiritual formation. Identify a negative thought pattern you struggle with. What steps can you take to replace it with thoughts aligned with Jesus' teachings? [02:14]
5. How can you embrace both aspects of Jesus as a divine savior and a moral teacher in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of both roles? [03:58]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How might surrounding yourself with reminders of His presence have changed that experience? What can you do differently next time? [09:31]
7. The sermon encourages us to let Jesus be our teacher. What is one area of your life where you need His guidance the most right now? How will you seek His teaching in that area this week? [02:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Attuning to the Divine Voice
In our daily lives, the voices we choose to listen to significantly shape our spiritual journey. To love God deeply is to be attuned to His voice, allowing His thoughts to guide us. This requires intentionality in making Jesus' voice the primary one in our minds. By prioritizing His voice, we align ourselves with His will and experience the transformative power of His presence. The challenge lies in discerning His voice amidst the noise of the world and choosing to follow it with dedication and love. [01:24]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to quiet the noise around you and focus on hearing God's voice more clearly?
Day 2: The Power of Thought in Spiritual Formation
Thoughts are powerful and can influence our reality. While some traditions may elevate thought to the level of salvation, as Christians, we must recognize its power without losing sight of its connection to Jesus. Our thoughts shape our spiritual journey, and by aligning them with Christ, we allow His teachings to transform us. This transformation is not just about intellectual assent but involves a deep, heart-level change that impacts our actions and decisions. [02:14]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Identify a recurring thought pattern that does not align with Christ's teachings. How can you begin to take this thought captive and align it with His truth today?
Day 3: Embracing Jesus as Savior and Teacher
Historically, there has been a divide in Christianity between seeing Jesus as a divine savior and as a moral teacher. Both aspects are crucial, and we must embrace Jesus as both our savior and teacher. This dual recognition allows us to experience the fullness of His role in our lives, guiding us not only to salvation but also in our daily moral and ethical decisions. By following His teachings, we learn to live in a way that reflects His love and grace to the world. [03:58]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace Jesus as both your savior and teacher in your daily life? How does this dual role influence your decisions and actions?
Day 4: Embedding Scripture in Daily Life
Memorizing scripture embeds God's word into our daily lives, allowing it to guide us through various circumstances. Joshua 1:8 encourages us to meditate on God's word day and night, promising prosperity and success in a life surrendered to God. By internalizing scripture, we equip ourselves with divine wisdom and guidance, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. This practice not only strengthens our relationship with God but also transforms our hearts and minds. [08:17]
Psalm 119:11 (ESV): "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Reflection: Choose one verse to memorize this week. How can you incorporate this verse into your daily routine to remind you of God's presence and guidance?
Day 5: Redirecting Focus with Divine Reminders
Surrounding ourselves with visual and auditory reminders of God's presence can continually redirect our minds toward Him. This practice helps keep our focus on the divine amidst the distractions of life. By intentionally placing reminders in our environment, we create a space where God's presence is acknowledged and celebrated, allowing us to remain connected to Him throughout our day. These reminders serve as anchors, drawing us back to His love and purpose. [09:31]
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Reflection: What visual or auditory reminders can you add to your environment today to help keep your focus on God? How might these reminders impact your daily walk with Him?
Quotes
to love god to want to follow god means that's the voice those are the thoughts that i want to have in my mind thoughts are such tremendously powerful things dallas willard in this book renovation of the heart writes about how very often we can believe that our thoughts alone can save us because they are so powerful there are certain religions that make enlightenment of thought into the power of salvation [00:01:16]
those who would understand and practice spiritual formation in the way of jesus should not deny the power of thought just because some people make a religion of it and would use it as a basis for helping and healing with no reference to christ breakfast is a good idea and i do not plan to give it up because hindus practice it [00:02:19]
how would you like to have jesus voice the primary voice in your mind have you made jesus your personal teacher in some traditions of christianity the question that often gets asked is have you made jesus your personal savior and sometimes that gets divorced from asking jesus to be my teacher [00:02:56]
the reality is is there have always been reasons to not want to follow the teachings of jesus way back to the very first century a friend of mine just sent me this online selective negative teaching evaluations of jesus christ you know when you take a class in school there'll be an evaluation process afterwards for the college level or so [00:04:21]
and this is simply true of us we will fill our minds with something we will follow somebody we will learn how to live from someone or a plethora of someone's we will do that whether on purpose or by accident for better or for worse who else would you suggest [00:06:09]
the most obvious thing we can do is to draw certain key portions of scripture into our minds and make them a part of the permanent fixtures of our thought this is the primary discipline for the thought life and i know some of you do not like that word discipline so substitute the word practice [00:06:58]
and a good way to do that is to memorize them and then constantly turn them over in our minds as we go through the events and circumstances of our life and then he cites joshua old testament book chapter 1 verse 8 where joshua says to the people keep the book this book that is god's book god's story god's instruction god's love [00:07:42]
so take a single thought from scripture today and carry it with you you might not like memorization you might think that you're bad at it it doesn't matter what matters is what happens in our minds as we seek to do this we're going to be thinking something why not think something noble and good something that moves me towards god [00:08:41]
we need to be in the presence of images both visual and auditory good sayings poetry and songs these can constantly direct and redirect our minds towards god jesus christ the spirit and the church the people of god icons have a millennial long track record with the people of god can be a powerful way of keeping entire stories and teachings effortlessly before the mind [00:09:16]
may the voice that you and i listen to today be the voice of jesus but he be our teacher [00:10:54]
dallas writes people in the united states commonly had edifying sayings on their walls i recall from my childhood one that said only one life will soon be passed only what's done for christ will last these and other good sayings were constantly before the minds of all of us who lived in the house they were powerfully effective because they came through mere habit and enduring presence in influence within the minds of those who constantly saw [00:09:55]
be strong and very courageous have i not commanded you do not be afraid do not be dismayed for the lord your god will be with you wherever you go so take a moment now or when you get the chance take a card piece of paper write the word with on it and put it someplace where you can see it [00:10:31]
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