Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (2)

You may recall last week that we launched this topic of “spiritual formation” off of an article that James W. Thompson (who teaches at Abilene Christian University) wrote entitled “Paul and Spiritual Formation.”

          Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

          Last week we mentioned that  in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

          In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges the audience to ask, seek, and knock. This will be rewarded with answer given, search rewarded and the door opened. Though Jesus does not elaborate on this, it appears to describe a spiritual movement of one’s heart, mind and soul in pursuing God. As a result of the pursuit, God blesses with divine growth and spiritual formation.

         

          I suppose for each of us, the daily challenge is to keep asking, seeking and knocking. That process alone is formative and molds us more and more into the image of Christ. As God’s children we ask from the One who loves and responds. As God’s lost and confused children we seek His direction. As God’s children who seek refuge and safety, we knock at the door of His very Presence. Let us persevere in this process of spiritual formation!

To God be the glory!

           

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament

            In a recent journal article James W. Thompson (who teaches at ACU) wrote an article on “Paul and Spiritual Formation” [(2010). Christian Studies. 24: 7-19.] I want to take some of the broad ideas he presented and apply them to the larger context of the New Testament.

            Why has the phrase “spiritual formation” become a fad? My first acquaintance with this terminology was in the late 1980’s. I was sort of officially introduced to this by reading Richard Foster’s book, The Celebration of Discipline. From that point forward, an entirely new world of the Christian faith opened up to me, both its history and its practice of spiritual formation.

            From July 2000 to April 2002, I attended and participated in The Academy for Spiritual Formation, Academy #14. From that 2-year formative experience my Christian life was forever changed. My breadth and exposure to the history of Christian thought and the practice of the spiritual disciplines enriched and deepened my own Christian walk far beyond what I even dreamed was possible. God  has used that experience to keep me growing in my faith.

            Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

            For example, in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

            In the gospel of Matthew God’s living words sustain us. Just as bread is eaten everyday to sustain our bodies, God’s “bread” is taken daily in order for us to grow and be formed into the image of Christ. Next week will continue this thought.

In Christian love, Curtis

THEY ARE JUST LIKE US!

            On Sunday morning in room 10 we are beginning a new study of the book of Hebrews. One thing that is rather enlightening is to become aware of the situation of the original hearers/readers, and get an insight into the pastoral care of the writer.

            It seems right at the start that the intended audience of this “word of exhortation” (the book of Hebrews) have a wrong or incorrect view of Jesus. More than ever, in my own life and Christian journey, I have come to the realization that my view and perspective of Jesus drives my attitudes, actions and behavior.

            Apparently, these original readers were worshiping and venerating angels above Jesus. We find out that our forefathers, prophets and angels all had a part in disseminating the will of God to his people. “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2).

            This “speaking” by the Son is in two simultaneous ways: first, by his very life speaking the will of God, and, his teachings offered during his earthly ministry. The direction of his life and his self-understanding of his mission spoke volumes about God’s will to the human race. And, his verbal teachings encapsulated God’s desire for human beings, reconciliation and renewal.

            They are just like us! The original hearers of this exhortation began to neglect and replace the central figure of the risen Christ in their life. We are just like them! We, too, can begin to neglect the central figure of the risen Christ in our own lives and forget that God continues to speak to us through His Son.

            The message of God is incarnational. The message of God came through a person. The message of God came through a person identified as God’s Son.

            In the opening Prologue to the book of Hebrews (1:1-4) the writer goes into a little detail as to the character of this Son. That is for another time for us to explore. Here and now I want to point out the dynamic of God speaking through his Son.

            Every generation of Christians has struggled with discerning the voice of God. Probably the best place to begin is to hear what God is saying to us through the life and words of Jesus, the Son.

            Prophets, forefathers and angels cannot take his place, nor supersede his role of speaking on behalf of God. He has spoken to us.

            It is in the gospels that we hear God speaking to us through His Son, Jesus. We are privileged to have all 4 gospels. Each one tells the story of Jesus, speaking on behalf of God, from a little different perspective.

            Matthew in 1:21 lays out the terrain of Jesus’ life journey—from son (of Mary & Joseph) to Savior and back to Son again! This incarnational journey speaks volumes. God identifies with us through Jesus. Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and speaks on behalf of God regarding that kind of empathy and care. Praise God that he has spoken to us by His Son!

In Christian love, Curtis