Getting Serious About Spiritual Formation

Scripture: Galatians 4:19 - "My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!"

Introduction

• Growth often requires patience, care, and persistence. Example: a garden, a dream, or a relationship. Growth requires attention and time…

• Highlight Paul’s loving and urgent tone in Galatians 4:19, likening it to a parent’s labor of love. Paul yearns for Christ to be fully formed in the Galatian believers, revealing the depth of his spiritual concern.

• The “Parables of Jesus” were largely about “Spiritual Formation” (Foundational Discipleship.)

• Pose the reflective question to the congregation: How serious are we about allowing Christ to be formed within us?

• Today we will explore the heart of spiritual formation, the obstacles that impede it, and the steps we can take toward growth.

I. The Heart of Spiritual Formation

A. Spiritual formation is about Christ being formed in us.

1. Paul’s words in Galatians 4:19 reveal that spiritual formation is primarily about becoming more like Christ—not simply adopting Christian practices.

2. This is an inward transformation of the heart. Colossians 1:27 emphasizes that it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory."

3. As Christians, may we “surrender” to the idea that God is shaping us from within. Ask yourself, “Is my life reflecting His character more each day—His love, humility, and compassion?”

B. It is a labor of love.

1. Paul vividly describes his spiritual work as helping a child grow, underscoring both the struggle and the love involved in guiding others into maturity.

a. Spiritual Formation (Foundational Discipleship) mirrors God’s heart—His relentless and patient love for His children, as seen in Hosea 11:8-9, where God declares His compassion will not fail.

2. Trust that God’s love underpins every step of your spiritual growth. He is committed to you, even in moments of struggle or resistance.

C. Spiritual growth is ongoing.

1. Transformation is not an event, but a process.

a. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." This should encourage us in our struggles—we are a work in progress!

2. Celebrate progress, even if it feels slow. Recognize that every season has a purpose in developing Christ-likeness in you.

a. God is fully and tenderly invested in your transformation. Take heart in the promise of Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”

II. The Hindrances to Spiritual Formation

A. Worldly distractions.

1. The noise of the world can often drown out the voice of the Spirit.

a. Jesus warns about the “cares of the world” choking the Word in Mark 4:19, making us unfruitful.

2. Identify and lay aside distractions that pull you away from God’s presence and that are not going to aid in the progress of your “spiritual formation.”

B. Comfortable stagnation.

1. Growth requires stepping out of our comfort zones.

a. Hebrews 12:11 states, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness."

b. Pruning and refining are essential to vitality, just as a branch bears fruit only when pruned (John 15:2).

2. Ask God for courage to face areas of your life that need pruning.

a. Perhaps He’s calling you to forgive, to commit more fully, or to confront unhealthy habits.

C. Forgetting our purpose.

1. Spiritual drift and/or sifting occurs when we fail to anchor ourselves.

a. Revelation 2:4 warns about forsaking our “first love.” When we lose sight of Christ, we cease striving toward spiritual maturity.

2. Daily remind yourself of your calling as a child of God (1 Peter 2:9). Write down and pray over the purpose God has for your life.

a. Reflect on what might be holding you back from growing spiritually. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these hindrances and help you surrender them to God.

III. Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Formation

A. Daily surrender to the Holy Spirit.

1. True transformation comes through the Spirit’s work, as seen in Romans 8:13—"by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body."

a. This daily act of surrender aligns us with God’s will and allows His Spirit to shape us.

b. Galatians 5:16 further urges us to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

2. Begin each day with a prayer of surrender. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, trusting Him to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

B. Intentional engagement with spiritual disciplines.

1. Practices such as prayer, meditating on scripture, and worship are tools that position us to grow in God’s grace.

a. Joshua 1:8 calls us to meditate on the Word day and night.

2. Commit to one discipline you can grow in this week. For example, carve out 10 extra minutes for prayer or choose a specific scripture to memorize.