INTRODUCTION

BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST

As disciples of Jesus, our aim is to become more like him, and to learn to do the things he did in the way he did them. As with any other apprenticeship, our Christian discipleship necessarily involves spending time with the Master, getting to know him better, observing his ways and learning from his feedback on our efforts. Within this close working relationship, our characters are formed, such that we gradually become more like him, and so find it easier to do the things he did in the way he did them. That's the plan!

The problem is that there are so many other influences on our lives. Much of the time, we're unaware of them; they just seem part of normal life. We don't stop to consider whether they're positive or negative "they're just `there'!

Within our church family, we had been feeling challenged by the resilience shown by several of our number who were going through prolonged treatment for cancer. Although they all admitted to having times when they struggled, it was obvious to the rest of us that, despite their foundations being tested by the life-quake of serious ill-health followed by unpleasant therapy, they were still standing. It seemed a particularly good time to bring teaching on spiritual formation, and these resources are my contribution to what followed. They were used over a period of four months, rather than one after the other. This allowed time for personal and group reflection and application between the segments without losing momentum. As with any growth-related project, hurrying through doesn't necessarily have the desired effect!

You will not find here all you need to know about spiritual formation " in fact, if you already know quite a bit about the topic, you may find it all rather elementary! The teaching and resources were designed for use at a particular time, in particular church community in which the term `spiritual formation' was unfamiliar. An additional consideration was that Sunday sermons are delivered to two very different congregations, which between them include adults of all ages and at all stages of faith or none. Likewise, the home groups vary tremendously, hence, the study material had to be written so that it could be enjoyable and accessible for beginners, while still including challenges for more mature believers.

For those wanting to study the subject in greater depth, I am happy to recommend the writings of philosopher and theologian Dallas Willard. Short extracts from his books Renovation of the Heart and The Great Omission, are given below. These extracts answer the question, `What is Spiritual Formation?' John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted: spiritual disciplines for ordinary people (Zondervan, 2002 edition) might be more suitable those who prefer a chattier style of book.

For those eager to work with others to explore the subject further, the Spiritual Formation Workbook: small group resources for nurturing Christian growth by James Bryan Smith with Lynda Graybeal (foreword by Richard Foster) would be one place to start (HarperCollins 1999). Without mentioning spiritual formation, the Willow Creek course An Ordinary Day With Jesus encourages participants to be more aware of the presence of God, and the other influences upon them, in their daily lives. However, the language and culture in the video clips inevitably reflect its American origins, and some users in our church community found this distracting.

Please note that there is a strong sense of progression. So, while it is entirely appropriate to select those sections which meet your own needs, or those of your church community, you will find it helpful to take a quick look at each of the items in turn, to obtain an overview.

Sermon 1 - THE OBEDIENCE OF MARY (Luke 1:26-38)
How was Mary prepared for the momentous day when she needed to be ready to respond in obedience to God? This sermon pre-dates the series relating to Spiritual Formation, but includes material of relevance to it, as does Oasis 2007 (from the Church Leadership magazine section).
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Study Notes 1 - This is my Song
Popular songs from our childhood to the present day offer a window on influences which may have been shaping us. From one of David's psalms and Mary's song, what may we learn about their views of "the way the world is"?
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Sermon 2 - BEING FORMED - Part 1 (Daniel 3:1-18)
How have we been formed as we've grown up? And how may we contribute positively to the character building of the children with whom we have contact, so that they will be able to stand up under pressure?
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Study Notes 2 - My Hero
Who have been our heroes and heroines? Gideon is listed among the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11), but he showed little promise to start with! We can learn from the way God worked with him to develop his faith and trust, and from the character of Jesus, upon whom we are urged to fix our eyes.
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Sheet for personal reflection
We are unaware of most of the influences shaping us day by day. Used prayerfully, the question, "Who or what is shaping the way I think and live?" can form part of our dialogue with God, and show us what he might be wanting to encourage - or asking us to walk away from.
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Sermon 3 - BEING FORMED - Part 2 (Colossians 3:1-17)
We don't have to take responsibility for the way we were shaped as children, but we most definitely do have to take responsibility for the choices we're making today. As followers of Jesus, we're to show the Christ-family likeness. How may we cooperate with God as he seeks to transform us?
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Study Notes 3 - Paul's letter to the Philippians (4 sessions)
Paul wasn't allowing his circumstances to blind him to the goodness and faithfulness of God. He urged the Philippians to allow Christ's character to influence them, and to encourage one another in pressing on. Love, peace and contentment come as the character of Christ is formed in us - we can't pray for them to arrive as selected options on a take-away menu! What changes does your group plan to make, in order to make it more effective in encouraging everyone to become more like Jesus?
[RTF Format] | [PDF Format]

Short extracts from other recommended resources:

Dallas Willard writes: `Spiritual formation, without regard to any specifically religious context or tradition, is the process by which the human spirit or will is given a definite "form" or character. It is a process that happens to everyone. The most despicable as well as the most admirable of persons have had a spiritual formation. Terrorists as well as saints are the outcome of spiritual formation... We each become a certain kind of person in the depths of our being, gaining a specific type of character. And that is the outcome of a process of spiritual formation as understood in general human terms that apply to everyone, whether they want it or not.' Later in the same book Willard describes Christian spiritual formation as aiming `to bring every element of our being, working from the inside out, into harmony with the will of God and the kingdom of God'. He continues: `Of course, we cannot realize this goal on our own. But there is no need for that. God has made provision for achieving this aim. To "grow in grace" means to utilize more and more grace to live by, until everything we do is assisted by grace' (Renovation of the Heart, NavPress 2002, pp. 19. 20, 93).

In another book, Willard helpfully approaches the topic from a different angle, starting from the fruit of the Spirit (noting that the word `fruit' is singular) which `is "love, joy peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22).' He goes on to say that, `"Spiritual formation" in the Christian tradition is a process of increasingly being possessed and permeated by such character traits as we walk the easy yoke of discipleship with Jesus our teacher' (The Great Omission: reclaiming Jesus's essential teachings on discipleship, Monarch 2006, p. 16).