The Invitation
Spiritual Transformation is what we call the process that disciples/apprentices of Jesus enter into when they partner with Christ. God, in Jesus Christ has invited us into abundant life and right relationship. This invitation is given in the life, death, resurrection and indwelling presence of Jesus. Jesus invites us to follow Him (John 1), and promises to give us the power to do all that we’ve seen Him do (John 14). Our response to this loving invitation is in our choosing to follow Jesus and growing in the likeness of God’s character. The goal is that as our heart begins to change (Matthew 23:25), that our outward attitude, actions, and responses begin to more naturally, supernaturally, and transparently begin to reveal God. This is an active, ongoing choice of a person that we call an apprentice of Jesus. An apprentice has a vision of what it means to be a follower that is learning to live and love like Jesus by putting off the “old” self and putting on a “new” one (Philippians 4; Colossians 3). None of us have fully attained this life, but it is our promised reality toward which we live. It is possible because of God’s grace and His indwelling presence in our life (The Holy Spirit). Without a destination, how will we know where to go?
Now the whole offer, which Christianity makes, is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of Christ. If we do, we shall then be sharing a life, which has always existed and always will exist…if we share in this kind of life we also shall be sons of God. We shall love the father as He does and the Holy Ghost will arise in us. He (Jesus) came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has. Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.
- C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity p. 153)
We are invited to make a pilgrimage—into the heart of God. Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy p. 11)
The Reflection of a Transforming Life
Apprentices (followers of Christ) reflect a certain image a peculiar life as they are being formed into the image of Christ. The following are reflections of people who are in the process of transformation.
Identity
We are God’s beloveds, His children (Deuteronomy 33:12; 1 John 3:1). The truth of God’s love for us is our center. Outside influences of culture and the need for approval no longer control us. Our Identity is firmly grounded not in our own efforts but God’s love (John 17:20-26). You are created by God and you are called good. We are made in the likeness of God and we reflect God’s image. Although this image has been distorted through sin done by us and to us, God has not forgotten who we are and whom God made us to be. God knew us before we were born, named us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb. In love, God has chosen us, and the Holy Spirit works ceaselessly to restore the unique God-image we alone can reflect. We see not only this unique belovedness in ourselves but also recognize it in others. (Colossians 2:6-12)
Fruit of Spirit
We become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-26). Slowly, how we live and respond to others in our lives begins to change. This outward manifestation is a result of the indwelling presence of God as the Holy Spirit.
Purpose/Mission Participation in the Kingdom of God
God’s Kingdom, His rule, reign, and effective will, is advancing into the lives of people on earth. We, as citizens and co-heirs in the Kingdom, join with God as co-laborers in His redemptive process in the world (1 Peter 2:9-10; Galatians 4:4-7). We are actively pursuing his will and participating in His work by stewarding our finances, spiritual gifts, natural talents, and acquired skills He has given to us. Our whole life participates in this mission of redemption (Romans 12). We proclaim the Good News of the availability of God’s Reign and we help others to be followers/disciples (Matthew 28:16-20; Matthew 11:11-15).
Cares for the “Least of These”
We start to see others as dearly loved children of God. We see others who are neglected and marginalized by the world. We understand that true religion is worship revealed in action and we bring voice to the voiceless (Isaiah 1:11-31; Matthew 25:34-40).
Compassion
We are no longer numb to the needs of those around us (Luke 19:19-31). We feel compassion (Our inside embrace the feelings and situation of another) and we are moved to act on that compassion. Just as Jesus is aware and embodies the hurt of others we too feel and act in compassion. (Mark 6:34, 8:2; Luke 7:12-13; Matthew 9:35-36)
Hospitality
We are growing in hospitality, inviting others to be at home in our presence, because God invites us into His presence. The gift of hospitality is an expression of how we are to love our neighbors (Luke 10:30-37). We extend this free space and a listening ear with no expectation on the guest; therefore, the unwelcomed become the welcomed just at they are in the Kingdom of God (Luke 14:12-14). We share not only with the stranger but also with our fellow citizens living in God’s Kingdom, that no one would be in need (Acts 2:44-47).
Trust
We are learning to trust Christ. We are beginning to have confidence in Him in every aspect of our lives. We not only trust Him for our eternal destination but we trust Him for the things that relate to us being continually transformed into the likeness of Christ. In fact, Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10) we are not overcome by the daily trials of life because we trust that our suffering is an opportunity for God’s transformative work (Romans 8:28-29). These trials and suffering are also opportunities to experience the tenderness and comfort of God that we could not otherwise experience. We trust that God is actively pursuing us in a relationship and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39)
Obedience
Obedience to Christ is not burdensome but rather freeing (John 5:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:1-3). Obedience is a by-product of our growing knowledge of God’s love for us (1 John 4:19). As we abide in God and His love and He abides in us, we begin to experience the ‘abundant life” Jesus came to give us. We are less attracted to sin and obedience becomes our preferred way to live. Our obedience manifests itself in love for others, forgiveness, and humility.
Practical Tips and Opportunities for the Journey in Christlikeness
Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
We (Sojourners Church) realize that being an apprentice of Christ and growing into Christlikeness does not occur overnight but is a process and a journey. Sometimes we equate this spiritual growth with growing in knowledge or information about God. Knowing about God is good but it is not the same as knowing God. In fact, the Biblical definition for “knowledge” is almost always “interactive relationship.” Authentic spiritual formation/transformation is a process, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, where we are conformed into the image of Christ.
We at Sojourners believe God longs for a healthy balance and rhythm in our transformational process. The three areas we focus on in this transformational process are Restore, Love, and Serve. This rhythm is described in John 15:1-8 and we have a daily devotional you can journey through to experience and practice this rhythm: Life on the Vine. Before we can even begin to reveal God’s love, we need to spend time being Restored by God as we abide in Him. As we are filled and nourished for growth and transformation, we begin to reveal and practice God’s love in the midst of our church community by Loving others. Through loving others we begin to practice the Kingdom life Jesus describes. We also become a foretaste for those in and outside of the community of what it means to live in the midst of God’s kingdom. However, God’s plan never ends with His church, His people, He has sent us into the world to be an instrument for His in-breaking kingdom and we do this by Serving the mission of God. We Serve God and His mission with our character and actions by revealing His kingdom and participating in the ministry of reconciliation.
As we begin to talk about the curriculum and practices for Spiritual Transformation, it is very easy to settle into a sort of “legalism”. We need to realize that as Dallas Willard says, “Grace is not opposed to effort.” One needs to make an intentional decision to obey and trust that a new abundant life is possible. In combination with the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; Romans 8:10-13; Galatians 5:22-26); Ordinary events of Life (James 1:23-4; Romans 5:1-5) and Personal effort or Discipline (Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Peter 1:5-10) our lives can begin to be transformed. It’s not out of legalism that we need to put forth effort but out of a desire to know Christ more and Knowing in a biblical sense always means obedience and knowledge through experience (Philippians 2:12-13; 3:10-14). Spiritual disciplines and practices are not a prescription but they allow us to be available for more of God’s grace in our lives. God is always present we just are not always available.
We have some suggestions and opportunities for practical ways in which we at Sojourner’s Church can journey together, so that we can cultivate intimacy with God and live in a healthy rhythm of Restore, Love, Serve. These are not steps or answers, but opportunities for transformation to take place. These opportunities will constantly be added to and updated since the list of practical ways for formation to take place is inexhaustible.