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Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation. “…until Christ is formed in you,” Galatians 4:19. A Definition. “… spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.”

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Spiritual Formation

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  1. Spiritual Formation “…until Christ is formed in you,” Galatians 4:19

  2. A Definition “…spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.” (Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, pg. 22).

  3. Furthermore… “Christian spiritual formation is focused entirely on Jesus. Its goal is an obedience or conformity to Christ that arises out of an inner transformation accomplished through purposive interaction with the grace of God in Christ. Obedience is an essential outcome of Christian spiritual formation.” (Willard, pgs. 22-23)

  4. Three Words to Remember • Vision – Seeing that we are destined to become like Jesus “some day and this day.” • Intention – Becoming an active participant in the process. Intentional, conscious involvement. “On purpose living.” • Means – Having a plan that includes certain activities and excludes other activities. Taking steps or developing habits to achieve a goal.

  5. Vision • “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.“ Rom 8.29 • Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” • 1 Jn 3:2-3

  6. Here & Now • “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.” Colossians 3:9-10

  7. Putting Off & Putting On • Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

  8. Where to Start • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

  9. Vision • Rest/Relief for the Weary – Soul Rest • “I will give you REST.” • “You will find REST for your souls.”

  10. Intention • What is required? • Admitting your weariness from trying so hard & the need for relief from rule keeping. • Wanting what Jesus has to offer – gentleness & humility • Believing that what Christ offers is for my ultimate good – an easy yoke and a light burden. • Accepting the invitation – “Yes, I’ll come!”

  11. Means • Take MY yoke upon you • LEARN from ME • If Jesus Christ is not your favorite Bible teacher, theologian or Teacher on how to live the Christian life, then you are settling for learning from someone that is far less personal and close and intimate and knowledgeable and smart and wise and helpful and trustworthy.

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