I love sequels. A sequel means that the original story was good enough to warrant a second part. With regard to spiritual formation, according to God’s word, nothing could be more true. Spiritual formation is at the heart of the Christian journey. As we follow Christ, we should be in the process of becoming more like Him.
In last weeks message we explored the basic components of spiritual formation. Our focus was primarily on the “why” and “when” involved in our spiritual maturation. We saw the dynamics of spiritual growth as being a partnership between us and God where He does His part as we do ours. We determined that sometimes it was difficult to gauge when spiritual formation would occur but that growth “spurts” were inevitable if we continued to live as we should. Our last dynamic was the absolute necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our spiritual vitality was contingent upon the Vine/branches relationship described in John 15.
This week we will continue our journey as we consider the “how” and “where” of spiritual formation. Our exploration will delve into where spiritual growth begins and how it continues.
Paul’s admonition to the church at Colosse was one which challenged them to change their focus from angelic emanations to the glorious Christ. Paul reminds them that the glorious riches of the mystery that they are to be sharing with others is, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Are you sharing the mystery still? Can others see Christ in you? He’s all the hope anyone has. May He be formed in us all!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Dynamics of Spiritual Formation #1
I like the word “dynamic.” It just sounds powerful. With its roots firmly entrenched in the same Greek word from which we get our word dynamite, the word exudes power and energy.
Something that is dynamic is also defined as vigorous and purposeful. That sounds like something God would do. We’ve talked a lot about the Spiritual Disciplines over the past weeks and I decided that one last general emphasis on spiritual transformation was a good way to provide closure before moving on to our next series.
Today (and next week) we will explore the pathway to spiritual formation (how the life of Christ is formed in His followers) and examine where we are along that pathway. As these are general truths they are applicable to everyone who would follow Jesus—from the new believer to the seasoned saint.
First, we will address the issue of personal responsibility versus the grace of God. Just who does what with regard to spiritual formation? Is it all God or all us or somewhere in between?
The second issue we will address is the growth rate of believers. How can we gauge when someone will grow and by how much? What are the indicators (if any) that spiritual formation is about to take place?
The third element we will address concerns the one vital element that is absolutely necessary for spiritual formation. Can you guess what it is?
As we move forward over the next two weeks give God your undivided attention. Focus intently on what you want to say to Him and on what He is saying to you. Allow God full and free reign in your life. I believe you’ll be blessed by the outcome.
Something that is dynamic is also defined as vigorous and purposeful. That sounds like something God would do. We’ve talked a lot about the Spiritual Disciplines over the past weeks and I decided that one last general emphasis on spiritual transformation was a good way to provide closure before moving on to our next series.
Today (and next week) we will explore the pathway to spiritual formation (how the life of Christ is formed in His followers) and examine where we are along that pathway. As these are general truths they are applicable to everyone who would follow Jesus—from the new believer to the seasoned saint.
First, we will address the issue of personal responsibility versus the grace of God. Just who does what with regard to spiritual formation? Is it all God or all us or somewhere in between?
The second issue we will address is the growth rate of believers. How can we gauge when someone will grow and by how much? What are the indicators (if any) that spiritual formation is about to take place?
The third element we will address concerns the one vital element that is absolutely necessary for spiritual formation. Can you guess what it is?
As we move forward over the next two weeks give God your undivided attention. Focus intently on what you want to say to Him and on what He is saying to you. Allow God full and free reign in your life. I believe you’ll be blessed by the outcome.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Heart of a Servant
The author of Proverb 23 states it this way, ““As he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).
The reality behind this proverbial quote is that we eventually and inevitably become what is inside us. If we are transformed by the saving power of Christ then that new creation will undoubtedly begin to work its way into our lifestyles.
Being a servant means having a servant’s heart. You can try to do a good deed every day but until your heart is in it you’ll never be able to serve effectively for the kingdom. In order to lead effectively one must learn to serve effectively. We must model a lifestyle which emulates the life Jesus lived.
Servant leadership is an ancient concept which has been recognized in the last few decades. Wikipedia shares these facts about it. “Robert Greenleaf is recognized as the father of servant leadership. Greenleaf (1977) described servant leadership in this manner: "It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead…The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: do those served grow as persons, do they grow while being served, become healthier, wider, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?"
Through extensive work with Greenleaf, Larry Spears, the director of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, identified ten characteristics, which describe the essence of a servant leader. The characteristics are listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community.
How many characteristics of a servant leader do you have? Perhaps the better question would be, “How many do you want?” If we are to represent Jesus, it is vital that we learn to serve others in His name. We serve Him by serving them.
The reality behind this proverbial quote is that we eventually and inevitably become what is inside us. If we are transformed by the saving power of Christ then that new creation will undoubtedly begin to work its way into our lifestyles.
Being a servant means having a servant’s heart. You can try to do a good deed every day but until your heart is in it you’ll never be able to serve effectively for the kingdom. In order to lead effectively one must learn to serve effectively. We must model a lifestyle which emulates the life Jesus lived.
Servant leadership is an ancient concept which has been recognized in the last few decades. Wikipedia shares these facts about it. “Robert Greenleaf is recognized as the father of servant leadership. Greenleaf (1977) described servant leadership in this manner: "It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead…The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: do those served grow as persons, do they grow while being served, become healthier, wider, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?"
Through extensive work with Greenleaf, Larry Spears, the director of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, identified ten characteristics, which describe the essence of a servant leader. The characteristics are listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community.
How many characteristics of a servant leader do you have? Perhaps the better question would be, “How many do you want?” If we are to represent Jesus, it is vital that we learn to serve others in His name. We serve Him by serving them.
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