What Is Spiritual Formation
What is Spiritual Formation
In this essay the topic of spiritual formation will be addressed. We will attempt to define what it is and its role in our lives. How does one go about pursuing spiritual formation? Meaning, what steps are necessary for this pursuit. Is there an end point or is it a lifelong pursuit? The scriptures will provide us with Biblical examples and other sources will be used as well.
Spiritual formation defined
There are many definitions for the term spirit. The secular world has its definitions and at times it seems that it has made its way into the Christian realm. Spiritual formation is defined as the never-ending inner work of the Spirit transforming believers into the perfect image of Christ. What does the bible say concerning the spirit itself? It states that the spirit dwells within all of us. Once one becomes a believer and a follower of Christ we have an ongoing battle within us regarding the old and the new spirit. The apostle Paul illustrates this when he states in Romans 7:14-24:
14For we know that the law is spiritual;£ but I am made out of flesh,£ sold£ into sin’s power.£
15For I do not understand what I am doing,£ because I do not practice what I want to do,£ but I do what I hate. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. 18For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.£ For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. 19For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. 20Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but it is the sin that lives in me. 21So I discover this principle:£ £ when I want to do good, evil is with me. 22For in my inner self£ I joyfully agree with God’s law.£ 23But I see a different law in the parts of my body,£ £ waging war against the law of my mind and taking me
In this essay the topic of spiritual formation will be addressed. We will attempt to define what it is and its role in our lives. How does one go about pursuing spiritual formation? Meaning, what steps are necessary for this pursuit. Is there an end point or is it a lifelong pursuit? The scriptures will provide us with Biblical examples and other sources will be used as well.
Spiritual formation defined
There are many definitions for the term spirit. The secular world has its definitions and at times it seems that it has made its way into the Christian realm. Spiritual formation is defined as the never-ending inner work of the Spirit transforming believers into the perfect image of Christ. What does the bible say concerning the spirit itself? It states that the spirit dwells within all of us. Once one becomes a believer and a follower of Christ we have an ongoing battle within us regarding the old and the new spirit. The apostle Paul illustrates this when he states in Romans 7:14-24:
14For we know that the law is spiritual;£ but I am made out of flesh,£ sold£ into sin’s power.£
15For I do not understand what I am doing,£ because I do not practice what I want to do,£ but I do what I hate. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. 18For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.£ For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. 19For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. 20Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but it is the sin that lives in me. 21So I discover this principle:£ £ when I want to do good, evil is with me. 22For in my inner self£ I joyfully agree with God’s law.£ 23But I see a different law in the parts of my body,£ £ waging war against the law of my mind and taking me