Diving Deeper Part 2

Spiritual Formation

March 4, 2007 AM

Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church

We make time for what matters to us… 

"How can I position myself to receive all God has for me, how can I be trained to be ready in my world to live out the call to be Chrisitlike?"

"Spiritual Formation." 

Christian Spiritual Formation refers to the process by which believers become more fully conformed and united to Christ.

Gal 4:19, Philippians  3:10 & 11, 1 John 4:17

Gen 1:26 ²⁶God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature  The Message

That doesn't mean we become God - But that our character reflects His character. 

"We Teach All Who Seriously Commit Themselves To Jesus - How To Do Everything He Said To Do."

Matthew 28:20

We study the Bible for information alone.

We study the Bible to find some formula to solve the pressing need of the moment.

But both approaches to the Bible leave the soul untouched.

John 10:10. It is a life reflecting the character of Christ.

It is human nature to resist deep inner change. 

We make time for what matters to us… 

Training - Making an effort… 

Luke 13:24, John 5:44, Rom 14:19, Eph 4:3, Phil 2:12, Heb 12:14, 2 Peter 1:5,    2 Peter 3:14

1 Tim 4:7  train yourself to be godly.

Trusting in God’s Grace

Rom 9:16, Gal 3:3, Heb 4:11 

Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort.

Sins can be divided into two categories:

1.  Sins of Omission (not doing what I ought to do) Matthew 25: Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and those in prison… or unforgiveness Matt 18:21

2.  Sins of Commission (doing those things I am supposed to avoid) Lust, stealing, uncontrolled anger, Matt 18:7-9

There is training in engagement and in abstinence

Here is the connection…  I need to strengthen my not doing muscles. As well as my doing muscles. 

Do the right thing, at the right time with the right spirit!