Searching for Truth

Spiritual formation is not simply for the spiritual elite. Actually, preachers, teachers, elders, and others who are sometimes viewed as such are normal people, like everyone else. Some have ventured farther on their spiritual journey than others, but growing into Christlikeness is for all Christians. God predetermined and foreordained that we would all become like Jesus (Romans 8:29). Paul strove mightily among the Galatian churches to encourage and assit their becoming like Christ (Galatians 4:19). The journey to become like Jesus takes patience, determination, and most of all grace. God brings us along teaching and changing us as we go. Spiritual formation is not going to happen the same way or in the same time for everyone. It is not a cookie cutter approach that God takes, but He hand-crafts each one of us, carefully using His Spirit, His word, other Christians, and life's experiences to bring us to be like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are important to the process, but they ar...

Spiritual formation involves learning to live and grow in the abundant life that Jesus came to give (John 10:10). John says, “In Him was life” (John 1:4). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This abundant or eternal life comes through knowing Jesus (John 17:3; 3:16). Once our sins are forgiven in Jesus’ blood, we have new life in Jesus (Romans 6:5). We are placed in a new relationship with Christ, and we must learn to live our life in His kingdom. Much changes regarding the state of our spirits in relation to God, and we sometimes struggle in learning, developing, and maturing in this new relationship. The journey or process of growing in this relationship with Jesus is what is often referred to as spiritual formation. Coming from the world and having lived according to the world, we now learn how to live life to the fullest in Jesus Christ. Life in God’s kingdom means living constantly in the presence and power of God. It means living a life of love. It m...

Spiritual formation is the process or journey through which our human spirits are developed. Just as our physical bodies change over time, our spirit is constantly being formed. Our desire as Christians is that our spirit will be shaped by the character and teachings of Jesus- that we will actually become like Him. True life comes from God and is found only through Jesus. He has life in Himself, and only He can infuse our lives with spiritual power: God the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of those in the church at Corinth who are “spiritual,” and conversely, those who are “carnal” (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Those who are referred to as “carnal” are also called “mere men.” It is implied then, that those who are called “spiritual” are not “mere men.” What is the difference in Christians who are “spiritual” or “carnal?” A spiritual Christian is one whose life is integrated into and dominated by the Spirit of God. The “carnal” Christian’s life is not yet under the complete direction of God, nor is hi...

By God’s amazing grace and infinite love, we can be disciples of Jesus. Following Jesus means we are with Him. Walking with Jesus, we are constantly learning how to live our lives in God’s kingdom: the Jesus way of life. The whole idea is that His life flows through our life. We learn to live as if Jesus were living our life. Through His Spirit we can become the kind of person that He is and be capable of doing the things that He did. What kind of things did Jesus do? How might we become better adept at doing the things He did?