7-Grace and Spiritual Formation

7-Grace and Spiritual Formation

A. Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Discussion 1

According to Colossians 1:28, what is the goal of Spiritual Formation?

Discussion 2

The development of spiritual formation, also known as Christian Spirituality, is the process of transformation into Christ-likeness, which is the ongoing work of ‘sanctification.’ Read and discuss the following verses: Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24.

Discussion 3

Renewal begins with an awareness of our brokenness: Romans 3:23; 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:1-2.

Discussion 4

God’s part in the Spiritual Formation process: Hebrews 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Discussion 5

The believer’s part in the Spiritual Formation process: Romans 6:13; 12:1; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Discussion 6

The place of community in the Spiritual Formation process: Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17.

B. Spiritual Formation and Walking in the Spirit

Romans 8:1-17a

Discussion 7

Talk about your experience with “check-list Christianity,” which is characterized by fulfilling our responsibilities with wrong motives (e.g., impressing others, easing one’s conscience), thinking such activities are an “end in themselves,” (e.g., reading the Bible as an obligation, attending church services, etc.), not placing sufficient importance upon character development and how we treat others, and basing our relationship with God upon works righteousness rather than a grace-based walk in the Spirit.

Discussion 8

All disciples are called to live a life cultivated and formed by the Spirit. Discuss the difference between “check-list Christianity” and the relationship described in John 15:1-17 and 17:20-24.

Discussion 9

In Romans 8, Paul portrays life in the Spirit as an indwelling power that manifests itself in conduct, saying that we are to “live according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4-5). The new life is a gift of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:25) and manifests itself in the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:22-23). Read Romans 8:1-17 and discuss how you should respond to the Spirit in your life.

C. Spiritual Formation and Trials and Tribulations

Romans 8:17b-39

Discussion 10

One of the greatest tools in our Spiritual Formation includes trials and tribulations (Romans 8:17b). According to Romans 8:18-39, how should we respond to trials and tribulations? (See also 2 Timothy 1:8-14).

Discussion 11

How does the Holy Spirit help us during our trials (Romans 8:26-27)?

Discussion 12

According to Romans 8:20-30, what is God’s five-fold commitment to us? What is God’s purpose in our lives?

Discussion 13

How does Romans 8:35-37 help us in our times of trial?

D. Resistance To Spiritual Formation

Discussion 14

The forces of evil do not want Christ-followers to become fully mature in Christ. Spiritual attacks are inevitable. Read Matthew 13:1-23 and discuss how this applies to us.

Discussion 15

Our response to this resistance is the key to victory. How are we told to respond in Romans 6:1-14 and 7:1-6? (See also Luke 10:17-20; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-20; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:8-11; 1 John 2:15-27).

E. Spiritual Formation and Emotional Health

Discussion 16

Emotional health has been defined as “loving others well because we know ourselves well.” It concerns itself with managing our emotions, maintaining close relationships, breaking free from self-destructive patterns, and accurately self-assessing our strengths, limits, and weaknesses. This will also impact our relationship with God, hearing His voice, and discerning His will. Take time to discuss your understanding of emotional health as it relates to our spiritual formation and relationship with God and others.

Discussion 17

Ignoring emotional health results in what has been called “the dark side of leadership.” Take time to discuss the following five types of unhealthy leadership styles.

  • The Compulsive Leader – One who has a need to maintain absolute order. They are highly controlling with a tendency toward perfection.
  • The Narcissistic Leader – They are self-absorbed. The world revolves around them. They use others to advance their goals or self-image. They feel they are indispensable.
  • The Paranoid Leader – They tend to be fearful and jealous of others. They are driven by insecurity and are therefore suspicious of others limiting their autonomy or influence.
  • The Codependent Leader – These emotionally unhealthy leaders have a history of being exposed to oppressive rules. They are unable to express their feeling well, and often react rather than initiate. They have a deep need to please others, and often repress anger and frustration.
  • The Passive-aggressive Leader – They tend to resist demand to adequately perform tasks. They are given to procrastination and dawdling, and are stubborn, forgetful, and intentionally inefficient. They display erratic emotional behavior, and are complainers given to anger and bitterness.

F. Spiritual Formation and the Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion 18

Paul says that healthy disciples serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13). The fruit of the Spirit helps define how to fulfill that command. Read over the list in Galatians 5:22-23 and discuss each fruit listed. While the list does express the development of Christ like character, take special note of how it manifests itself in our relationships with others.

G. Spiritual Formation and the Qualifications an Elder

1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

Discussion 19

Discuss the qualifications listed. Is the emphasis more on a task to perform or on the character of the leader? Is leadership related more to something we do, or something we are? How does the list given by Paul compare to spiritual leaders in the church today?

H. Spiritual Formation and the Nuclear Family

Discussion 20

According to 1 Timothy 3:4, spiritual formation involves learning to manage one’s family well, especially in leaders (1 Timothy 3:5,12). This includes mutual love, respect, and submission between spouses (Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7) and raising responsible children (Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:21). Discuss what part this plays in the church today.