In our journey of spiritual formation, we are reminded that transformation happens in community, over time, and through everyday life. The message of 2 Corinthians 3:18 guides us—we are being changed from one degree of glory to another.This process is slow and steady, like a sunrise or rain filling a bucket. It shapes us into the image of Christ. We are challenged to move beyond individualism and embrace the shared nature of our faith. God uses the church, our neighbors, and even our failures to form us.As we walk this path, we are encouraged to rejoice in our struggles. They produce endurance, build character, and lead to hope. We are invited to look for God in the small, ordinary moments, trusting that He is at work even when we do not see it.This message calls us to stay rooted in a local church, to be patient with our growth, and to rely on God’s grace as He shapes us.
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How is a Person Formed?
In our spiritual journey, we are called to be formed in the image of Christ with purpose and intention. This does not happen by accident. It requires us to take part in the process.Second Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that we are being transformed into Christ’s image, one degree at a time. This change comes as we behold God’s glory through focused intention, steady attention, and a shift in direction. Like a sculptor revealing a figure hidden in stone, spiritual formation involves clearing away what does not reflect Christ.We are asked to examine what holds our attention, knowing that what we focus on shapes who we become. Are we letting constant distractions pull us away, or are we fixing our eyes on God?This message challenges us to take our growth seriously. While God’s grace leads the way, our efforts to know and obey Him matter. We are invited to go deeper into Scripture, let it shape our hearts and minds, and face the refining work of repentance with courage.
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Who is Formed?
In our journey of spiritual formation, we are called to become whole people who love God with every part of who we are. This message invites us to take an honest look at who we are now and who we are becoming.Jesus’ words in Matthew 22 remind us that loving God includes our mind, heart, strength, and soul. It is not about appearances but about deep transformation. We are made in God’s image, as Genesis 1 tells us, which gives us purpose and value.At the same time, we face the reality of sin and its impact on our lives. But through Christ, we can be renewed and changed.This journey is not about fixing one part of ourselves. It is about bringing our thoughts, emotions, actions, and inner life together to reflect the character of Christ. As we consider our spiritual path, we are encouraged to fully enter into the process of becoming more like Jesus, where we find true life and peace.116791
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What is Spiritual Formation?
In this message on spiritual formation, we are asked to think about how we are being shaped, not only by our faith but also by the world around us. The message centers on Romans 12:2, where we are told not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.This kind of transformation is not only about changing how we think. It involves a deeper change in our hearts. We are given the image of “spiritual watermelons,” people who, like fruit grown in molds, are shaped by outside forces without even noticing. Culture, habits, and expectations can press us into forms we were never meant to take. But in Christ, we have a way to grow freely into the shape God designed for us.Spiritual formation is not optional. It is always happening. We are shaped by something, whether it is the world, our own desires, or spiritual forces that do not want what is best for us. The real question is not if we are being formed, but what is doing the forming.This message challenges us to take an active role in our formation. We are invited to join in the work God is already doing, letting Him shape our minds and hearts as we follow Christ.
The Journey Church in Summerville, South Carolina exists to create disciple-makers of Jesus Christ. Messages from Lead Pastor Chris Fowler, as well as other teachers and guests, are published weekly. We also publish video versions and other resources at JourneyChurchSC.org.
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