Formation by Jesus gives us a new identity, not defined by our past, our labels, or the categories the world uses, but by our life being hidden with Christ in God. In Christ, we are no longer primarily known by our backgrounds, our failures, or our achievements; instead, we are invited to live out of the reality that Christ is all and is in all. This new identity is both the starting point and the goal of our journey with Jesus, calling us to let go of the old ways of defining ourselves and to embrace the unity and wholeness that comes from belonging to Him. As we put off the old self and put on the new, we discover a freedom and unity that transcends every boundary and division. [39:39]
Colossians 3:1-4, 11 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ... Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Reflection: What is one old label or identity you tend to cling to that Jesus is inviting you to let go of today, so you can live more fully out of your new identity in Him?
Being formed by Jesus is not just about believing new things, but about daily practices of putting off the old self—habits, attitudes, and patterns that resist God’s best—and putting on the new self, shaped by Christ’s character. This is a process that requires intention and repetition, much like changing out of one set of clothes and into another, or developing new habits that shape us over time. Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love are not always natural, but as we practice them, we are shaped more and more into the likeness of Jesus. The Spirit of God empowers us in this process, prompting us to notice what needs to be put off and what needs to be put on, leading us into a life that reflects Christ to the world. [41:39]
Colossians 3:5-14 (ESV)
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 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. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Reflection: What is one specific “old self” habit or attitude you sense the Spirit prompting you to put off today, and what is one “new self” virtue you can intentionally put on in its place?
Formation by Jesus means having our minds renewed—not just by gaining new information, but by allowing Jesus to reframe the entire storyline of our lives. The world tells us our worth is in our performance, possessions, or control, but Jesus invites us into a new narrative where our value is rooted in God’s love and our purpose is shaped by His kingdom. As our minds are renewed, we begin to discern God’s will and see the world, ourselves, and others through the lens of Christ’s redemption and peace. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continual process of surrender, where we allow God to rewrite our story and lead us into His vision of shalom—flourishing peace under Christ’s leadership. [50:25]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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: What is one old storyline or belief about yourself or your life that Jesus is inviting you to see differently in light of His love and kingdom today?
A life formed by Jesus is not just about hearing His words, but about putting them into practice—building habits and routines that shape us to stand firm even in the midst of life’s storms. Jesus promises that those who practice His teachings are like wise builders whose lives are anchored on the rock, able to withstand whatever comes. This resilience is not achieved by our own strength, but by daily surrender and trust in Christ, allowing His Spirit to shape our priorities, relationships, and responses to challenges. In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, practicing the way of Jesus gives us hope, security, and the ability to endure with peace and joy. [56:07]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Reflection: What is one teaching of Jesus you can intentionally put into practice today, especially in an area of your life that feels uncertain or stormy?
Being formed by Jesus is not a solo journey; it happens in the context of community, where we are known, supported, and challenged by others who are also following Christ. We are not the ones who make transformation happen—God is—but we place ourselves in environments where His Spirit can work, and a big part of that is being together with other believers. In community, we share joys and struggles, encourage one another, and help each other see our stories in light of God’s greater story of peace, justice, and beauty. This shift from isolation to relationship is essential for lasting formation, as we learn to put off the old and put on the new, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others and the world God loves. [57:57]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: Who is one person in your faith community you can reach out to this week to encourage, support, or share honestly with as you both seek to be formed by Jesus together?
Today, we explored what it means to be “formed by Jesus” as a faith community. God’s welcome is wide—people from all backgrounds are invited into this journey, whether you’re a skeptic, a survivor, a sinner, or a saint. But this welcome is not an end in itself; it’s an invitation to transformation. Jesus doesn’t just save us and leave us as we are—he continually shapes us, forming us into his likeness. This process of formation is not about adopting a new set of religious rules or simply rebranding ourselves. Instead, it’s about receiving a new identity, a renewed mind, and a resilient faith.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds us that our new life in Christ is both the starting point and the goal. We are no longer defined by our old identities or the labels that once divided us. In Christ, those labels may describe us, but they no longer define us. Our unity is found in Christ being all and in all, which radically changes how we see ourselves and others.
Formation by Jesus is like putting off old clothes and putting on new ones. It’s a daily practice of surrender—letting go of old habits, desires, and ways of thinking, and embracing compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. This isn’t always natural or easy, which is why we need to practice it, and why we need each other on this journey.
Renewal of the mind is not just about gaining new information or self-improvement. It’s about having our entire story reframed by the reality of God’s kingdom breaking into our lives. Like a plot twist in a movie, Jesus reveals a new storyline that changes how we interpret everything—our worth, our purpose, our relationships, and our hope.
This transformation is not something we achieve by our own effort. It is God’s work in us, and our role is to place ourselves in environments—like community—where we can pay attention to what God is doing. Our effort is to practice, to notice, to surrender, and to receive. The Spirit of God brings conviction, leads us to repentance, and invites us into a better way of living—a way of joy, peace, and resilience, even in the midst of life’s storms.
Colossians 3:1-17 (ESV) — 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) — 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 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.
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) — 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
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