Formation is a process of transformation that requires surrender and a willingness to acknowledge false beliefs.
Developing a hearing ear and listening to God's voice is essential in the practice of spiritual formation.
True spiritual formation involves embracing disruption and moving beyond formulaic approaches to life.
Deep dives
Importance of Formation and Transformation
Formation is a process of transformation and changing our beliefs about God, ourselves, and the world. This process requires surrender and a willingness to acknowledge false beliefs. Spiritual transformation is the key to true change, surpassing superficial resolutions. It involves engaging in spiritual formation practices such as prayer, fasting, silence, and contemplation. True transformation requires discipline and a commitment to practicing spiritual formation to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
The Power of Listening to God
Developing a hearing ear and listening to God's voice is essential in the practice of spiritual formation. This involves constant conversation with God, seeking his guidance, and discerning his voice amidst our own thoughts. The practice of listening requires discipline and practice, journaling our impressions, testing them against the fruit of the Spirit, and seeking clarity from the Lord. By practicing listening, we can distinguish between God's voice and our own, leading to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
Embracing Disruption and Engaging the Heart
True spiritual formation involves embracing disruption and moving beyond formulaic approaches to life. Disruptive moments and challenges are opportunities for growth and innovation. It is important to disengage from formulaic thinking that limits risk and complacency. Instead, we should embrace disruption, engage our hearts, and allow ourselves to be pushed beyond our comfort zones. By doing so, we open ourselves up to experiencing the joy, exhilaration, and beauty that comes from fully engaging in the transformative journey with God.
Formation for Transformation
The podcast explores the concept of formation and transformation as interconnected processes. Formation consists of disciplines powered by the Holy Spirit that shape individuals to be agents of transformation. It is a cycle where formation leads to transformation, and in turn, transformation fuels further formation. This process of formation and transformation is about multiplication and creating lasting impact.
Beliefs about God and Ourselves
The podcast emphasizes the importance of two key questions in the process of formation: what do we believe about God, and what do we believe about ourselves? These questions require honest introspection and challenge false beliefs. Understanding and aligning with the truth of who God is and who we are in Christ is crucial. It enables us to overcome fear, engage in true spiritual formation, and move forward confidently in our journey.
This week is week two of our "Formed" series. In today's conversation, Jamie Winship is back for a fresh discussion about why spiritual formation is a filter, why transformation requires our surrender, and the questions God asks us in our journeys to formation.
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