Episode 249: Living With Jesus (feat. John Mark Comer)
Jan 15, 2024
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John Mark Comer, author of the book 'Practicing the Way', discusses living with Jesus and living in his ways. Topics covered include confusion about discipleship, battling distractions, and the power of community for spiritual formation.
Creating a rule of life with practices like Sabbath and prayer helps shape individuals to become more like Jesus.
Bible study, willpower, and encounters with God alone are insufficient for spiritual transformation; a holistic approach involving practices, community, and the Holy Spirit is necessary.
Living in vulnerable Christian community is crucial for spiritual growth and provides support, accountability, and authenticity.
Deep dives
The importance of a rule of life in discipleship
A rule of life is a schedule and set of practices that organize one's life around discipleship to Jesus. It includes practices like a weekly Sabbath, morning prayer, and confession of sin in community. These practices help shape a person and guide them to become more like Jesus.
The three losing strategies in spiritual formation
The three losing strategies are relying solely on Bible study, depending on willpower to change, and expecting emotional experiences to transform. While Bible study, willpower, and encounters with God are important, they are not sufficient to bridge the gap between who we want to be and who we are. Effective spiritual formation requires a holistic approach that includes practices, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Closing the gap through practices, community, truth, and experience
The process of change in spiritual formation involves practices that shape our lives, communal support and accountability, the truth of scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and learning from our experiences. These elements work together over time to transform us into the likeness of Jesus and bridge the gap between our current state and the person we desire to become.
The power of small, ordinary, table-based Christian community
Living in close-knit, vulnerable Christian community is essential for spiritual growth and formation. It provides a space where we are deeply known, loved, and challenged. Small, ordinary, table-based Christian communities offer support, accountability, and an environment for authenticity and growth.
Living a normal, humble life in discipleship
Living a normal, humble life in discipleship is grounded in being a husband, father, and participating in close Christian community. Relationships and community play a vital role in keeping disciples grounded, accountable, and aware of their brokenness. It is through these relationships that true transformation can occur.