Transformative Spiritual Formation: Beyond Justification to Discipleship

 

Summary

In this message, I explored the profound and often misunderstood concept of spiritual formation within the Christian faith. The central theme revolves around the idea that spiritual formation is not merely about behavior modification or adherence to religious traditions, but rather a deep, transformative process that aligns one's inner self with the character of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not an optional aspect of Christianity but is integral to the very essence of salvation.

I began by addressing the common misconception that being saved is solely about having one's sins forgiven and securing a place in heaven. This narrow view, often prevalent in Western Christianity, overlooks the transformative power of regeneration—a new life from above that begins at the moment of salvation. This new life is characterized by the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ, which naturally leads to spiritual formation and discipleship.

Spiritual formation, as I explained, is not about conforming to outward religious forms or cultural expressions of Christianity. Instead, it is about the reshaping of the inner self, the heart, and the mind to reflect the character of Christ. This process is facilitated by the Holy Spirit and involves an active, participatory relationship with God. It is about becoming the kind of person who naturally and routinely obeys Christ's commandments out of love and devotion, rather than obligation.

I also highlighted the importance of understanding grace not as a passive, unmerited favor but as an active force in our lives that empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. Grace is intertwined with discipline, and through spiritual disciplines, we engage with God's transformative power, allowing us to grow in Christlikeness.

Finally, I emphasized the need for a reformation in how we understand and teach salvation and spiritual formation within the church. This involves moving beyond a justification-only view of salvation to one that includes regeneration and discipleship as natural and essential components. By doing so, we can foster a vibrant Christian life that is marked by genuine transformation and a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Formation as Transformation: Spiritual formation is not about behavior modification or religious conformity but a deep transformation of the inner self to reflect Christ's character. This transformation is integral to salvation and involves the active participation of the Holy Spirit. [06:34]

2. Regeneration and New Life: Salvation is not just about forgiveness of sins but involves regeneration—a new life from above. This new life is characterized by the indwelling presence of Christ, leading to spiritual formation and discipleship. [22:50]

3. Grace as Active Empowerment: Grace is not passive but an active force that empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. It is intertwined with discipline, enabling us to grow in Christlikeness through spiritual disciplines. [50:16]

4. Discipleship as Natural Progression: Discipleship is a natural part of having confidence in Jesus as Lord. It involves staying close to Jesus, learning from Him, and living our lives in the kingdom of God as He would live them. [46:19]

5. Reforming Understanding of Salvation: There is a need to reform our understanding of salvation to include regeneration and discipleship as essential components. This involves moving beyond a justification-only view to foster genuine transformation and a vibrant Christian life. [11:12]

YouTube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Introduction and Context
- [01:17] - Spiritual Formation and Theology
- [02:39] - Barriers to Transformation
- [03:24] - Transformation in the New Testament
- [05:01] - Clarifying Spiritual Formation
- [06:34] - Inner Dimension of Spiritual Formation
- [08:04] - The Greatest Commandment
- [09:06] - Love and Obedience
- [11:12] - Salvation and Transformation
- [13:36] - Justification and Salvation
- [17:00] - Understanding Grace
- [22:50] - Regeneration and New Life
- [29:10] - Life and Spiritual Formation
- [46:19] - Discipleship and Obedience
- [50:16] - Grace and Discipline

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?"
2. Romans 5:1-5 - "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
3. Colossians 3:4-17 - "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, what are believers encouraged to do to ensure they are in the faith? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual formation discussed in the sermon? [01:34]
2. In Romans 5:1-5, what is the progression that leads to hope, and how does this passage describe the role of the Holy Spirit in this process? [03:36]
3. Colossians 3:4-17 outlines behaviors to put aside and virtues to adopt. What are some of the specific virtues mentioned, and how do they reflect the character of Christ? [03:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of testing oneself in 2 Corinthians 13:5 connect with the sermon’s emphasis on spiritual formation as a transformation of the inner self? [01:52]
2. Romans 5:1-5 speaks of tribulations leading to perseverance and hope. How might this process be seen as part of spiritual formation and growth in Christlikeness? [03:36]
3. In Colossians 3:4-17, the passage speaks of putting on a new self. How does this concept relate to the sermon’s discussion on regeneration and new life in Christ? [03:54]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on 2 Corinthians 13:5. How can you regularly examine your faith to ensure that you are growing in Christlikeness? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:52]
2. Romans 5:1-5 describes a process of growth through tribulations. Can you identify a recent challenge in your life that God might be using to develop perseverance and character in you? How can you respond to this challenge in a way that aligns with spiritual formation? [03:36]
3. Colossians 3:4-17 encourages believers to put on virtues like compassion and kindness. Choose one virtue to focus on this week. What specific actions can you take to cultivate this virtue in your daily interactions? [03:54]
4. The sermon emphasized grace as an active force in our lives. How can you actively rely on God’s grace to empower you in areas where you feel weak or inadequate? [50:16]
5. Discipleship was described as a natural progression of faith. How can you stay close to Jesus and learn from Him in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to deepen your discipleship journey? [46:19]
6. The sermon called for a reformation in understanding salvation. How does your current understanding of salvation include or exclude the concepts of regeneration and discipleship? What changes might you need to make in your understanding or practice? [11:12]
7. Consider the role of spiritual disciplines in your life. What discipline could you begin or strengthen to engage more fully with God’s transformative power? How will you incorporate this into your routine? [50:16]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

Day 1: Transformation Beyond Conformity
Spiritual formation is a profound transformation of the inner self, aligning one's heart and mind with the character of Christ. This transformation is not about conforming to religious norms or external behaviors but involves a deep, inner change facilitated by the Holy Spirit. It is an essential aspect of salvation, where believers actively participate in becoming more like Christ. This process is not optional but integral to living a life that reflects Jesus' teachings and love. [06:34]

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: In what areas of your life are you still conforming to external expectations rather than seeking inner transformation? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in these areas today?


Day 2: Regeneration as New Life
Salvation is not merely about the forgiveness of sins but involves a regeneration—a new life that begins at the moment of salvation. This new life is marked by the indwelling presence of Christ, which naturally leads to spiritual formation and discipleship. It is a dynamic process where believers experience a profound change in their identity and purpose, moving beyond a narrow view of salvation to embrace a life of growth and transformation in Christ. [22:50]

Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: How does understanding salvation as regeneration change your perspective on your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to embrace this new life more fully today?


Day 3: Grace as Empowerment
Grace is not a passive, unmerited favor but an active force that empowers believers to do what they cannot do on their own. It is intertwined with discipline, enabling growth in Christlikeness through spiritual disciplines. This understanding of grace challenges believers to engage actively with God's transformative power, allowing them to overcome personal limitations and live a life that reflects Jesus' teachings and love. [50:16]

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 feel powerless? How can you rely on God's grace to empower you in these areas today?


Day 4: Discipleship as a Natural Progression
Discipleship is a natural progression of having confidence in Jesus as Lord. It involves staying close to Jesus, learning from Him, and living life in the kingdom of God as He would. This journey of discipleship is not about obligation but about a loving relationship with Christ, where believers naturally obey His commandments out of devotion and love. [46:19]

Matthew 11:29 (ESV): "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today to make discipleship a natural part of your life? What practical steps can you take to learn from Him and live as He would?


Day 5: Reforming Our Understanding of Salvation
There is a need to reform our understanding of salvation to include regeneration and discipleship as essential components. Moving beyond a justification-only view fosters genuine transformation and a vibrant Christian life. This reformation involves embracing a holistic view of salvation that includes growth, transformation, and a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. [11:12]

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: How does your current understanding of salvation align with the idea of regeneration and discipleship? What changes can you make in your spiritual practices to embrace this holistic view of salvation?

Quotes



Spiritual formation, as portrayed in the Bible and the great ones, is not primarily behavior modification, though modification of behavior certainly is an outcome of it. Especially it is not being trained into one or another outward cultural form of the Christian religion—Lutheran, Benedictine, Quaker, Baptist, whatever. [00:05:01]

It is not entirely misleading to regard this inner dimension of the self as the spiritual side of the human being and then to think of spiritual formation as the process of reshaping or redeveloping that inner side until it has, to a substantial degree, the character of the inner dimensions of Jesus himself. [00:06:34]

The announced name of this conference is life in the spirit, spiritual formation in theological perspective. Earlier indications from some of the organizers of the conference said that we would be concerned with, quote, the deeply spiritual and practical aspects of following Jesus. [00:02:39]

The practical aim of the one who takes obedience seriously is not to obey but to become the kind of person who is, who easily and routinely does obey as a result of devotion to Jesus and consequently of taking him as Lord, teacher, and friend. [00:10:19]

Salvation is by grace through faith; that is a foundational truth, but it is usually understood to mean that nothing you do contributes to salvation. And with this as understood, a pervasive passivity enters the scene. [00:17:00]

Grace is not opposed to action; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude, and God won't have anything to do with it because that's all shot, and that's what we have to give up on to come in faith to Jesus Christ. [00:50:16]

The first clear manifestation of heavenly life in the individual is recognition, hearty confidence that Jesus really is the one. He is the anointed one; he is the Christ; he is Lord; he is not only master; he is maestro; he is the governor of the universe. [00:29:10]

Discipleship may be loosely described as staying close to Jesus Christ as possible. It is a life with him, which from the reverse side is his life with us. As his disciples, we are learning from Jesus how to live our life here and now in the kingdom of the heavens. [00:46:19]

Grace is God acting in us to accomplish what we can't act on our own, what we can do on our own. A new non-human activity becomes a part of our life. That's what happens at regeneration; our life is now interwoven with his, and his amazing grace indeed is interwoven with ours. [00:28:50]

The greatest field opened for discipleship evangelism today is the North American and European churches and seminaries or divinity schools. They are full of people hungering for real life, which surely we all know is offered in companionship with Christ in his kingdom. [01:12:00]

The key to it all from the point of view of action is indirection. We want to obey Jesus, and we know that we cannot do this just by trying to do what he said. We understand that we are broken; we are not only wrong; we are wrong twisted with parts that do not connect upright. [00:57:32]

The future of vital Christian life lies in the hands of the pastors and others who teach for Christ, especially those who teach pastors. What will they do? The greatest field opened for discipleship evangelism today is the North American and European churches and seminaries or divinity schools. [01:12:00]

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Transcript
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