Wk 18 - Formed by The Spirit (Pt. 1)

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: Formed by The Spirit

Spiritual Disciplines are ways we yield each day to the Holy Spirit

“disciplines” are a way of life

Living the Spirit Formed Life The Central Point

A spiritual life without discipline is impossible. Discipline is the other side of discipleship. The practice of a spiritual discipline makes us more sensitive to the small, gentle voice of God.

HENRY J. M. NOUWEN

Opening Scripture:

Four Spiritual Disciplines to be Formed By the Spirit in 2025

1) Hear God’s Word

Not solely for information (nor analysis or education) but for transformation

Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Ephesians 1:16–17 “16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,”

What is the Holy Spirit breathing into you as you read?

We are not after intellectual knowledge but experiential knowledge brought by God himself as we read and listen to his living and active words.

PRACTICE: THREE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN (see QR)

2) Abide in The Fullness of The Spirit

John 7:37–39 “37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Abide through unity in praise to God…Acts 2:11 “11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.””

Abide through surrender to God’s power…Mark 16:17–18 “17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.””

Abide through serving and giving…Matthew 20:28 “28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

PRACTICE: To abide in the fullness of the Spirit, actively seek God each time you step into a social situation. Pray for discernment and the ability to represent Christ well. Attend to His prompting by engaging deeply with others, showing kindness, and standing firm in your values without compromising love.

3) Practice Solitude

Mark 1:35 (NASB95)

35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35 (ESV) “35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Jesus was sleeping on the boat in the middle of a storm (Luke 8:22-25).

PRACTICE: Many of you may find yourself overwhelmed by the noise of everyday life at home, whether it’s family responsibilities, work-from-home distractions, or constant digital notifications. To combat this, set aside at least 15 minutes each day for solitude. During this time, turn off your phone and find a quiet spot to sit comfortably. Use this time to reflect on your day, pray, or read Scripture. This practice will bring clarity, help you manage stress, and refocus your priorities, allowing you to approach family life with a renewed spirit.

4) Practice Examine

Matthew 5:8 “8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

1 Corinthians 11:28 “28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”

Lamentations 3:40 “40 Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”

2 Corinthians 13:5–6 “5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.”

PRACTICE: To Do List & To Don’t List

Conclusion/Reflection:

During the Protestant Reformation, many leaders like Martin Luther emphasized the importance of solitude and examination. He would often devote hours in prayer and study, seeking to align his heart with God’s will. His commitment to these practices not only transformed his life but sparked a movement that changed the course of Christianity. Let us take inspiration from such examples and cultivate our own moments of solitude for spiritual growth.

How are you going to yield each day of 2025 to the Holy Spirit?

Talk It Over

What does it mean to practice solitude, and how can it deepen your spiritual life?

How can you apply the concept of self-examination from Matthew 5:8 in your own life?

What specific spiritual discipline do you feel God is calling you to focus on in this coming year?