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Spiritual Formation and Devotional Intimacy - Lesson 1

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True Transformation (Part 1)

This lesson focuses on the concept of spiritual formation, which is the process of growing in one's relationship with God and becoming more like Christ. You'll learn about the role of historical figures such as Perpetua and Francis of Assisi in spiritual formation, the importance of more than just belief in doctrine, the need to cooperate with God and surrender to his will, and the challenges and opportunities of spiritual formation.
Gary Thomas
Gary Thomas
Spiritual Formation and Devotional Intimacy
Lesson 1
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True Transformation (Part 1)

I. Concept of spiritual formation

A. Explanation of the process of growing in one's relationship with God and becoming more like Christ

B. Importance of spiritual formation in becoming all that God intends us to be

II. Role of Historical figures in spiritual formation

A. Discussion of Perpetua and Francis of Assisi as examples of individuals whose lives were transformed by God

B. How their transformation had an impact on the church and culture

III. Necessity of more than just belief in doctrine

A. The idea that spiritual transformation requires more than just belief in doctrine but also living out our faith in a way that transforms us and impacts the world around us

IV. Importance of cooperating with God and surrendering to his will

A. How cooperating with God and surrendering to his will is essential for true transformation in our lives

V. Challenges and opportunities of spiritual formation

A. The idea that spiritual formation is not only challenging but also freeing and fulfilling as it's about God's faithful pursuit of men and women

VI. The call to spiritual formation

A. Encouragement to pursue spiritual growth and development in order to become all that we can be in Christ.


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  • 1. True Transformation (Part 1)
    This lesson focuses on the concept of spiritual formation, which is the process of growing in one's relationship with God and becoming more like Christ. You'll learn about the role of historical figures such as Perpetua and Francis of Assisi in spiritual formation, the importance of more than just belief in doctrine, the need to cooperate with God and surrender to his will, and the challenges and opportunities of spiritual formation.
  • 2. True Transformation (Part 2)
    This lesson discusses the distinction between static and dynamic holiness. You will learn about the importance of being available to God and the potential for transformation in one's relationship with him.
  • 3. Full-Bodied Faith (Part 1)
    In this lesson, Gary Thomas discusses the societal pressure to conform to a certain physical standard and how this can lead to insecurity and self-doubt. He contrasts this societal view with the Christian view of the body, which holds a respect for the aging process, and acknowledges that our bodies have a purpose because they were created by God and that God incarnated himself in human form in Jesus Christ and how our bodies will also be raised on the last day.
  • 4. Full-Bodied Faith (Part 2)
    This lesson focuses on the transformation of our physical bodies to become spiritually alive, and the idea that worship is not limited to singing and music, but encompasses all aspects of our lives. An example of Madame Galen Jean, a historical figure who lost her physical beauty but found spiritual depth and wrote books that inspired others, is used to illustrate the idea that surrendering oneself to God can lead to spiritual growth. The class also suggests that individuals can bring Jesus to others by approaching them with love and understanding, and by focusing on bringing Jesus to others rather than personal ambition and people pleasing.
  • 5. Sacred Pathways

    The lesson highlights that God desires a personal and intimate relationship with each individual and that different people will have different ways of relating to him. It is emphasized that there is no one right way to connect with God, and that we should be open to exploring different ways that resonate with us personally. Throughout scripture, various forms of worship are celebrated and it's encouraged to find the way that works best for us.

     
  • 6. Spiritual Formation: Three Paths to Grow (Part 1)
    The lesson discusses the idea that spiritual growth does not happen by accident and that it requires purposeful and intentional effort. The main focus is on humility and gentleness as two important qualities necessary for spiritual growth. The lesson cites Proverbs 3:34 and James 4:6 as biblical references to the idea that God opposes those who let pride reign in their lives, and that humility is not thinking less of oneself but thinking less about oneself and putting others first, and gentleness is the way of being like a mother caring for her children.
  • 7. Spiritual Formation: Three Paths to Grow (Part 2)
    This lesson delves into the idea of spiritual formation, discussing three paths through which one can grow: practicing virtues, experiencing difficulty and suffering, and practicing spiritual disciplines. One of the virtues discussed is thankfulness, which is counterintuitive to the way the world thinks, and that maturity in faith is marked by being malleable in God's hands and surrendering our own desires. It is emphasized that when difficult times come in our lives, it is a opportunity to grow spiritually, but it can also be used as an opportunity by Satan to create bitterness and resentment in our souls. The lecture also provides several suggestions for books that can help deepen the understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines in one's life.
  • 8. Family Spirituality (Part 1)
    Marriage can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and holiness as it can help reveal and work through one's sin and selfishness. However, we need to understand and accept that all people stumble in many ways, and that it's important to adopt God's agenda for our marriages rather than trying to impose our own expectations and desires on it. This way we can have a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
  • 9. Family Spirituality (Part 2)
    In this lesson, it is discussed how marriage and parenting can be used by God as tools for spiritual growth and personal development. It is shown that by putting the needs of others first, as in caring for a spouse when they are sick or teaching and guiding children, individuals can learn to become more like Jesus Christ and grow in their faith. The speaker emphasizes that despite the challenges and mistakes that may come with these roles, they present opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
  • 10. Historical Overview of Christian Spirituality (Part 1)
    This lesson covers the historical development of Christian spirituality including the Desert Experience, various forms of prayer, Eastern Orthodox approach and challenges for Western-minded Christians.
  • 11. Historical Overview of Christian Spirituality (Part 2)
    The lesson covers historical movements in Christianity, including monasticism, Puritanism, and Pentecostal/Charismatic, and their emphasis on asceticism, scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

With Gary Thomas, M.A., D.D. This seminar was presented at the Lord’s Grace Church in Vancouver, British Columbia. In this class, originally titled "Christian Spirituality 101," Dr. Thomas provides an introduction to the biblical and historical roots of Christian spirituality, the spiritual disciplines, spiritual direction, and the pursuit of personal and corporate holiness.

Lecture 6, Sacred Pathways (Part 2), is not available.

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