Transforming Into Christ: The Journey of Spiritual Formation

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound journey of spiritual formation, emphasizing that our walk with Christ is not merely about external appearances or religious activities but about a deep, internal transformation into His likeness. As we approach Easter, it's crucial to understand that spiritual formation is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our faith journey. Romans 8:29 reminds us that God's intention is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son, a process that involves ongoing transformation rather than mere behavior modification.

We explored the idea that many believers may attend church regularly, engage in religious activities, and yet not experience true transformation. The essence of discipleship is not just knowing about Christ but becoming like Him. This transformation is akin to metal being melted and reshaped or clay being molded by the potter's hand. It requires us to examine our lives and ask whether our reactions, thoughts, and actions align with Christ's teachings.

The journey of formation is not without challenges. It involves surrender, humility, and sometimes pain. We must be willing to apologize and seek forgiveness when our actions do not reflect Christ's image. Our love should become less conditional, our patience longer, and our peace deeper. This transformation is not about polishing our old selves but allowing the Holy Spirit to create something entirely new within us.

We also discussed the dangers of confusing church attendance with true discipleship and spiritual activity with maturity. The Pharisees, despite their knowledge and religious practices, were rebuked by Jesus for their lack of true transformation. Similarly, we must ensure that our faith is not just about external appearances but about a genuine relationship with Christ.

Formation often happens in obscurity, in the quiet moments when no one is watching. It is through daily routines, testing, and repetition that we grow in our faith. We must prioritize our relationship with God, even amidst the busyness of life, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Ultimately, we become what we behold. If we focus on Christ, we will be transformed into His likeness.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual formation is essential and not optional. It involves a deep, internal transformation into the likeness of Christ, as emphasized in Romans 8:29. This process requires us to move beyond mere religious activities and truly reflect Christ in our lives. [39:23]

- True discipleship is about becoming like Christ, not just knowing about Him. Our reactions, thoughts, and actions should align with His teachings, and we must be willing to apologize and seek forgiveness when we fall short. [42:36]

- Transformation is not about behavior modification or polishing our old selves. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to create something entirely new within us, as illustrated by the example of Peter. [46:50]

- Formation often occurs in obscurity and through daily routines. It is in the quiet moments, when no one is watching, that we grow in our faith and relationship with God. [58:45]

- We become what we behold. If we focus on Christ, we will be transformed into His likeness. Our priorities should reflect our commitment to God, even amidst the busyness of life. [01:08:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:36] - Gratitude and Prayer Requests
- [36:19] - Opening Prayer
- [37:00] - Introduction to Spiritual Formation
- [37:43] - Romans 8:29 and God's Intention
- [38:33] - The True Measure of Discipleship
- [39:23] - Conformed to Christ's Image
- [40:16] - The Process of Formation
- [41:10] - The Problem of Optional Formation
- [41:54] - Internal Transformation
- [42:36] - Aligning Reactions and Thoughts
- [43:58] - Love, Patience, and Peace
- [45:21] - Beyond Behavior Modification
- [46:50] - New Creation in Christ
- [47:37] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [48:09] - Challenges in Spiritual Growth
- [49:30] - The Pharisees' Example
- [51:01] - Leading by Example
- [53:10] - True Worship and Service
- [54:34] - The Greatest Among Us
- [55:16] - Knowledge Without Transformation
- [56:34] - Becoming Through Surrender
- [57:18] - Formation in Obscurity
- [58:45] - Daily Routines and Testing
- [01:00:05] - Pressing Through Challenges
- [01:01:40] - The Importance of Repetition
- [01:03:46] - Prioritizing God Amidst Busyness
- [01:05:59] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [01:08:05] - Becoming What We Behold

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:29
- Matthew 23:1-12

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:29, what is God's intention for believers, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual formation? [39:23]

2. In Matthew 23, how does Jesus describe the behavior of the Pharisees, and what does this reveal about their spiritual condition? [49:30]

3. The sermon mentioned that spiritual formation is not about behavior modification. What examples were given to illustrate this point? [46:02]

4. How does the sermon describe the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, and what metaphors are used to explain this transformation? [42:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to be "conformed to the image of His Son" in practical terms, and how does this differ from simply attending church or engaging in religious activities? [38:33]

2. How can the example of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 serve as a warning for modern believers about the dangers of external religiosity without internal transformation? [49:30]

3. The sermon emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit in creating something new within us. How does this process of transformation challenge our understanding of personal growth and change? [46:50]

4. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that believers might face during their journey of spiritual formation, and how can these challenges be overcome? [48:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas in your life where you have focused more on external appearances rather than internal transformation? How can you shift your focus? [41:10]

2. The sermon mentioned the importance of aligning our reactions, thoughts, and actions with Christ's teachings. Can you identify a recent situation where your response did not reflect Christ's image? How can you address this moving forward? [42:36]

3. Consider the role of humility and surrender in spiritual formation. How can you practice these virtues in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or conflicts? [43:16]

4. The sermon highlighted the importance of formation in obscurity and daily routines. What specific daily practices can you incorporate to prioritize your relationship with God amidst the busyness of life? [58:45]

5. How can you ensure that your faith is not just about external appearances but about a genuine relationship with Christ? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [49:30]

6. The sermon mentioned that "we become what we behold." What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Christ, and how can you minimize these distractions this week? [01:08:05]

7. Reflect on the idea that true discipleship involves becoming like Christ, not just knowing about Him. How can you actively pursue this transformation in your personal and spiritual life? [41:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Formation as Essential Transformation
Spiritual formation is not an optional part of the Christian journey; it is essential for becoming more like Christ. Romans 8:29 emphasizes that God's intention is for believers to be conformed to the image of His Son. This transformation is not about engaging in religious activities or maintaining external appearances but involves a deep, internal change. It requires moving beyond mere behavior modification to truly reflect Christ in our lives. This process is ongoing and involves surrender, humility, and sometimes pain, as we allow the Holy Spirit to create something entirely new within us. [39:23]

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you resist transformation? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area today?


Day 2: True Discipleship: Becoming Like Christ
True discipleship is about becoming like Christ, not just knowing about Him. Many believers may attend church regularly and engage in religious activities, yet not experience true transformation. The essence of discipleship is aligning our reactions, thoughts, and actions with Christ's teachings. This requires us to examine our lives and be willing to apologize and seek forgiveness when we fall short. It is a journey of ongoing transformation, akin to metal being melted and reshaped or clay being molded by the potter's hand. [42:36]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your actions did not align with Christ's teachings. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends today?


Day 3: Transformation Beyond Behavior Modification
Transformation in Christ is not about behavior modification or polishing our old selves. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to create something entirely new within us. This transformation is illustrated by the example of Peter, who was transformed from a fisherman into a foundational leader of the early church. It involves surrendering our old ways and embracing the new creation that God intends for us to be. This process is not easy and requires us to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and work in our lives. [46:50]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What old habits or mindsets are you holding onto that hinder your transformation? How can you surrender them to God today?


Day 4: Formation in Obscurity and Daily Routines
Formation often occurs in obscurity and through daily routines. It is in the quiet moments, when no one is watching, that we grow in our faith and relationship with God. This growth happens through daily practices, testing, and repetition. We must prioritize our relationship with God, even amidst the busyness of life, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. It is through these daily routines that we are transformed into the likeness of Christ. [58:45]

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: What daily routine can you establish to prioritize your relationship with God? How can you create space for quiet moments with Him today?


Day 5: Becoming What We Behold
We become what we behold. If we focus on Christ, we will be transformed into His likeness. Our priorities should reflect our commitment to God, even amidst the busyness of life. This transformation is not about external appearances but about a genuine relationship with Christ. As we focus on Him, our love becomes less conditional, our patience longer, and our peace deeper. It is through this focus that we are conformed to the image of Christ. [01:08:05]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from focusing on Christ? How can you shift your focus to behold Him more fully today?

Quotes



Here's the truth that we don't always say aloud in church: many people can attend worship week after week, serve in the church, lift their hands during praise, and still not be formed into the likeness of Christ. You and I can attend church every single week and still be formed into his image. The discipleship process is us being transformed and changed so that we are reflective of him, not just that we know about him. The real issue isn't if we're growing in church activity; it's whether we're growing in Christ-likeness. It's not enough to ask, "Do I believe in Jesus?" We need to ask, "Are we becoming like him?" [00:38:02]

Romans 8:29 tells us God's intention has always been formation. We can't stop with just simply saying, "I confess Jesus." There has to be a change. Amen. There has to be a change in us. It has always been his intention that we would be formed, not just to save us but to shape us. This is God's long-game strategy: to conform us into the image of his son. And the word "conform" is not passive, but it is something that continues. It implies pressure, molding, surrender, and yes, sometimes pain. Formation is not a painless process. [00:40:31]

Here's the problem, and I want you to hear this clear: in our Christian culture today, we have made formation optional. You can know Jesus, but becoming like him is optional. It has never been optional that we should be formed into his image. You and I need to examine our lives today. Are we looking and acting like Christ? We think we can believe without becoming, follow without changing, worship without surrendering. And what's resulted is a church filled with people who know the name of Jesus but who look more like the world than like him. [00:40:49]

The Greek word Paul uses for "conformed" here is "simorphus," and it isn't about external imitation; it's about internal transformation. Imagine metal being melted and poured into a mold or clay being pressed and reshaped by the potter's hand. This is what Paul is describing. So what does it really mean to be formed in his image? It means your reactions start to look like his responses. So if you reacted to something this week in a manner that which your conscience began to say, "I probably shouldn't have done that," that is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. [00:42:08]

Our thoughts start aligning with his truth. Hey, over the years, my thoughts have changed on a lot of things because I have learned the grace of God. I've learned his mercy. I've learned his love. I've learned to not just ignore some things but to understand. One of the greatest things I'd learned years ago was that hurting people hurt people. If you look at somebody who's recently hurt you, why don't you examine their life and just see what's hurting in their lives? It wasn't them that was trying to hurt you and destroy you; it was the pain that was coming through in their own lives. [00:44:38]

But let's be clear, this is not behavior modification. It's not you trying to act more holy. Are you hearing me? This is not behavior modification. It's not you trying to act more holy. You can put on a suit, you can fix your hair, you can give big offerings, you can do all the things that look like Christ, but if you haven't taken on his image, then all those things are meaningless and worthless. They are just an act that has no depth and no meaning. It's not behavior modification. It's not you trying to act more holy. This is the Holy Spirit working. [00:45:46]

God is not polishing your old self. God isn't looking at you and saying, "I'm going to clean him up." No, he's saying, "I need him to die so that I can create something new and something fresh." So everything you used to like, everything you used to say, the way in which you used to act, it doesn't exist anymore because that old man isn't being cleaned up to look better. He gave me a new man. I'm a new creation in Christ. God is not polishing your old self; he's crucifying it and raising something entirely new. [00:46:40]

Why are not many being formed if this is God's purpose? Why do so many believers plateau in their spiritual life? You see, what happens is we have these moments of crisis. So the crisis happens in our life, we give our heart to Jesus Christ, and then we feel good. We'll walk into church on one Sunday, and we'll get that conviction off of us so we don't have to come back for a while. Did I say that out loud? I think I did. I did my duty this morning. The conviction's gone, so I feel better about myself. [00:48:57]

The altar was created so that you could lay yourself on it and sacrifice yourself daily so that you could be more like him. This altar ain't just about salvation; this altar is about formation and a relationship with Jesus Christ. So if it's God's purpose, why do so many plateau in their spiritual life? Because we've settled for a faith that informs but doesn't transform. We've confused church attendance with discipleship and spiritual activity with spiritual maturity. [00:49:49]

In the world, we look to achieve greater success and climb the mountain so that we can lead and so that we can be great. But in the kingdom of God, the ladder goes the other way so that the greatest among us are those who serve among us. The greatest in this church should be the ones who are willing to give their time, give their service to his church and to his body so that we can serve one another. Those are the greatest in the church, not the guy standing back here. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. [00:54:22]

Formation often happens when no one's watching. It's what you do when you're not holding a mic and when there is no applause, when it's just you and God in the quiet. How many of you read your Bible in secret this week? How many of you spent time with the Lord in private this week that ain't nobody knows anything about? How many of you made that time to do those things? We'll pick up the phone, we'll call friends, we'll call family, we'll call anybody, we'll talk, we'll do, we'll text, we'll get on Facebook and all those things to be relational in people's lives. [00:58:32]

It happens in testing. Deuteronomy 8:2 tells us that God led Israel into the wilderness to humble you, to test you, and to know what was in your heart. Hey, sometimes God leads you into a wilderness so that he can test you, so that he can humble you, and so that he can know your heart. Are you really in love with the Lord? Because when the hard times come, our humanistic side of ourselves says, "Well, he didn't do nothing for me, so I'm just gonna stay home. It's pointless to go to church, it's pointless to worship, it's pointless to pray." [01:00:56]

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Transcript
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