Main Thought
Disciples are people who follow God, fish for people (by sharing their faith in Jesus), and fellowship with other believers. There are great things that we need to do. But are they enough to secure a long-lasting relationship with God, healthy relationships with others, or a life of service in His Kingdom? No. We need spiritual formation! Spiritual formation is the process by which God transforms us internally. The goal of spiritual formation is to help us love Jesus with all we have, and to look like Him in all areas of our “inner being.” Our inner being includes our emotional health, mental health, our family history and hurts, our sin, and our character development. It’s every part of us that we can’t see - and God wants to use every situation as a tool for spiritual formation. Formation begins when we ask, “Who am I becoming?” Good actions flow from us naturally when good change is happening inside us.
Main Passages
19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
- Matthew 4:19
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
- Mark 12:30
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
- Romans 8:28-29
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or Passages above?
What part of your “inner being” needs the most growth, or spiritual formation, right now?
In this season of your life, how is God calling you to become more like Jesus? Who are you becoming?