Transformative Journey: Reflecting Christ Through Spiritual Formation
Summary
Spiritual formation is a transformative journey that involves the Holy Spirit working within us to shape our inner selves to reflect the character of Christ. This process requires our active participation; as we engage with the Spirit, our thoughts, feelings, and actions begin to align with the teachings and example of Jesus. The formation of our spirit, or will, is central to this journey. Our will solidifies into character, which then influences our behavior and interactions with others. This transformation is not just about adopting new habits but becoming a new person whose identity is rooted in Christ.
The power of spiritual formation lies in its ability to change us from the inside out, enabling us to live as Jesus did. This transformation is not merely about words but about experiencing the power of the Kingdom of God in our lives. As we grow in spiritual formation, we become the light of the world, reflecting truth, love, and power. This light is not just a metaphorical glow but a tangible expression of God's presence in us.
Paul's exhortation to the Philippians to "work out your salvation" emphasizes that our salvation is an ongoing process of living out our incorporation into the life of God. This involves a deep respect and awe for God, akin to the way we respect the force of gravity. Recognizing God's greatness is the beginning of wisdom, and it leads us to live without grumbling or disputing, shining as stars in a world that is often twisted and misdirected.
Ultimately, spiritual formation is about keeping company with Christ and learning from Him. It doesn't require special resources or education but a commitment to walk with Jesus and allow His Spirit to transform us. This has been the essence of Christian teaching throughout the ages, and it continues to be the path to becoming blameless and innocent children of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Active Participation in Spiritual Formation: Spiritual formation is a cooperative process where the Holy Spirit works within us as we actively engage in our transformation. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions begin to align with Christ's teachings, leading to a profound change in our character. [10:58]
2. Formation of the Will and Character: The journey of spiritual formation involves the solidification of our will into character, which then influences our behavior. This transformation is about becoming a new person whose identity is rooted in Christ, not just adopting new habits. [11:27]
3. Living as the Light of the World: As we grow in spiritual formation, we become the light of the world, reflecting truth, love, and power. This light is a tangible expression of God's presence in us, not just a metaphorical glow. [14:47]
4. Working Out Our Salvation: Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation" emphasizes that our salvation is an ongoing process of living out our incorporation into the life of God, marked by respect and awe for His greatness. [15:54]
5. Keeping Company with Christ: Spiritual formation is about keeping company with Christ and learning from Him. It requires a commitment to walk with Jesus and allow His Spirit to transform us, a path that has been the essence of Christian teaching throughout the ages. [19:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:13] - The Question of How to Live
[10:30] - Spirit-Driven Process
[10:46] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[10:58] - Active Engagement in Transformation
[11:27] - Formation of Will and Character
[12:12] - Identity in Christ
[12:41] - Power of the Kingdom
[13:22] - Light of the World
[14:47] - Truth, Love, and Power
[15:04] - Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians
[15:54] - Working Out Salvation
[16:29] - Fear and Respect for God
[18:10] - Beginning of Wisdom
[19:09] - Keeping Company with Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:12-15
2. Proverbs 9:10
3. Matthew 5:14-16
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he tells the Philippians to "work out your salvation"? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual formation? [15:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of spiritual formation? [10:46]
3. What are the characteristics of someone whose identity is rooted in Christ, according to the sermon? [12:12]
4. How does the sermon explain the metaphor of being the "light of the world"? [14:47]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12 relate to the respect and awe we should have for God, as discussed in the sermon? [16:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual formation is a cooperative process between the individual and the Holy Spirit? [10:58]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being "blameless and innocent children of God" in a "twisted and misdirected generation"? [18:40]
4. What does it mean to "keep company with Christ," and how is this essential to spiritual formation according to the sermon? [19:09]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you actively engage more with the Holy Spirit in your daily life to aid your spiritual formation? [10:58]
2. Consider your character and will. What specific areas do you feel need transformation to align more closely with the teachings of Christ? [11:27]
3. How can you be a tangible expression of God's presence in your community, reflecting truth, love, and power? [14:47]
4. In what ways can you "work out your salvation" in your everyday life, showing respect and awe for God's greatness? [15:54]
5. Identify a situation where you tend to grumble or dispute. How can you approach it differently to shine as a star in your environment? [18:27]
6. What steps can you take to "keep company with Christ" this week, and how might this influence your spiritual growth? [19:09]
7. Think of a person or group in your life who might benefit from seeing the light of Christ through you. What specific actions can you take to be that light for them? [14:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Cooperative Transformation with the Holy Spirit
Spiritual formation is a dynamic process where the Holy Spirit collaborates with us to transform our inner selves. This transformation requires our active engagement, as we align our thoughts, feelings, and actions with the teachings of Christ. As we participate in this journey, we experience a profound change in our character, becoming more like Jesus in our daily lives. This is not a passive process but an intentional pursuit of spiritual growth, where we invite the Holy Spirit to work within us and guide us towards a Christ-centered life. [10:58]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific area of your life can you actively invite the Holy Spirit to transform today, and how will you engage with Him in this process?
Day 2: Will and Character Formation
The journey of spiritual formation involves the solidification of our will into character, which then influences our behavior and interactions with others. This transformation is not merely about adopting new habits but about becoming a new person whose identity is deeply rooted in Christ. As our will aligns with God's will, our character reflects the nature of Christ, leading us to live in a way that honors Him. This process requires intentionality and a commitment to allow God's Spirit to shape our inner being. [11:27]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow your will to be shaped by Christ today, and how might this influence your interactions with others?
Day 3: Manifesting God's Light
As we grow in spiritual formation, we become the light of the world, reflecting truth, love, and power. This light is not just a metaphorical glow but a tangible expression of God's presence within us. By living as Jesus did, we illuminate the world around us, offering hope and guidance to those in darkness. Our lives become a testament to the transformative power of God's Kingdom, as we embody His truth and love in our daily actions. [14:47]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect God's light in a specific situation or relationship today?
Day 4: Ongoing Salvation Journey
Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation" emphasizes that our salvation is an ongoing process of living out our incorporation into the life of God. This journey is marked by a deep respect and awe for God's greatness, leading us to live without grumbling or disputing. As we recognize the magnitude of God's power and love, we are inspired to live as blameless and innocent children of God, shining as stars in a world that is often twisted and misdirected. [15:54]
Philippians 2:12-15 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice living out your salvation with reverence and awe today?
Day 5: Walking with Christ
Spiritual formation is about keeping company with Christ and learning from Him. It requires a commitment to walk with Jesus and allow His Spirit to transform us. This path has been the essence of Christian teaching throughout the ages, guiding believers to become blameless and innocent children of God. By staying close to Christ, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to shape our lives according to His will and purpose. [19:09]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you intentionally keep company with Christ today, and what practices can you incorporate to deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
"Spiritual formation for the Christian is basically the spirit-driven process. Spiritual formation has two main connotations. One is it is something that is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. All right, now you have to be engaged. It won't do it for you, but as you act, then the Holy Spirit acts with you and in you, and your thoughts become different, your feelings become different, your body behaves differently, your soul begins to work the way it's supposed to." [00:10:30]
"Spiritual formation is primarily the formation of the will, but you have to understand that the will solidifies into character. Characters basically what you do without thinking, that it also expresses itself in what you do after you think. So we have to keep both levels in mind, but the idea is to get you where you just do the things that Jesus would do and said because of who you now are." [00:11:27]
"Spiritual formation for the Christian refers to the spirit during the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner world of Christ himself, and that happens in the status of disciple. Spiritual formation in Christ is what comes from the process." [00:12:41]
"You are the light of the world. See, that we get to be that because that's what God appointed us for. Remember what I said about why they didn't, why Adam and Eve didn't know they were naked, right? Because they glowed, and actually, I've watched people glow in Christ." [00:13:22]
"Now I think light primarily refers to truth, love, and power. So I think that's what it isn't just our faces glow. We might go to a good cosmetician and get some help with that, but it's primarily truth, love, and power. That's the light. Now you're the light of the world." [00:14:47]
"Paul says to the Philippians, work out your salvation, not work to it. Don't work to your salvation, work it out. Now your salvation is incorporation into the life of God. That's your salvation, and you get it, and now then you work it out with fear and trembling." [00:15:54]
"Those words are actually familiar words in the Bible to characterize a quality of respect and awe. You know the Proverbs tell us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Doesn't say it's the end, but it's the beginning, the beginning of wisdom." [00:16:29]
"You fear the Lord in terms of what he is and his greatness. You respect that, and what the proverb is saying is you begin to get smart at the point where you recognize you're dealing with God. That's when you begin to get smart, and you can go on from there." [00:18:10]
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may become blameless and innocent children of God, above the reproach in the midst of a twisted and misdirected generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world. Now that's the outcome of the process that we are talking about here." [00:19:09]
"It doesn't take any special financing or education. It just keeps company with Christ and learns from him. Now, that has been the substance of Christian teaching through the ages, and you see people that we know walked into this. We have great names that stand out." [00:19:49]
"Spiritual formation is a transformative journey that involves the Holy Spirit working within us to shape our inner selves to reflect the character of Christ. This process requires our active participation; as we engage with the Spirit, our thoughts, feelings, and actions begin to align with the teachings and example of Jesus." [00:10:58]
"The power of spiritual formation lies in its ability to change us from the inside out, enabling us to live as Jesus did. This transformation is not merely about words but about experiencing the power of the Kingdom of God in our lives. As we grow in spiritual formation, we become the light of the world, reflecting truth, love, and power." [00:12:12]
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