THE JESUS WAY
A Masterclass in Living
Week 2 Become like Jesus
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (NASB95)
3 Goals of a Disciple
1 - Be with Jesus
2 - Become like Jesus
3 - Do as he did.
Life is too short to live on autopilot.
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."
James 4:14 (NASB 95)
Live today with eternity in mind. Every moment counts.
"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher."
Luke 6:40 (NASB 95)
To follow Jesus is to apprentice under Him. Learn from the Master.
1. THE PREMISE OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Spiritual formation is the process of being shaped into the image of Jesus.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2 (NASB 95)
Unintentional Spiritual Formation
- Stories
- Habits
- Relationships
- Environment/Culture
The stories we believe, habits we live into, relationships we're involved in, and environment we live in all conspire together to form us.
Spiritual growth is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient, stay committed.
2. THE PRACTICES OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION
We are all being formed.
You can't think your way to Christlikeness. The way of Jesus is a way of life, not just a set of ideas.
Intentional Spiritual Formation
- Teaching
- Practice
- Community
- Holy Spirit
"But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB 95)
Spiritual growth requires daily training.
Without God we can't, but without us He won't. Change is a joint effort requiring our active participation.
3. THE PRODUCT OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Becoming a Person of Love
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:34-35 (NASB 95)
Love is the hallmark of a disciple of Jesus.
The practices of Jesus get into our subconscious to re-habituate our loves and longings, changing our heart's orientation.
Becoming like Jesus is absolutely possible, but not inevitable - it takes a lifetime of intentional discipleship.
Text WAY to 770-749-7559 for helpful series resources.
