Taken from a WayForward training in 2024.
In today’s discussion among Christians, “spiritual formation” is making a resurgence to more and more prominence. It was something of a lost topic but fortunately is gaining more popularity for a variety of reasons. Although it is poorly defined in the minds of many, the term “spiritual formation” is often taken to be a synonym of, or at least somehow related to, “spiritual growth,” “sanctification,” and “ongoing discipleship.” When we stop to take this into consideration, the value for the everyday Christian is immense. How do we grow in Christ? What is God’s will for my life? Starting with passages that refer to the Holy Spirit in the context of trans-forming or con-forming one’s life toward Christ-likeness (e.g., Gal 4:19, Rom 8:29, 12:2, and 2 Cor 3:18), the main point is clear – the Holy Spirit desires to work within us, among us, and through us to be formed in Christ-likeness according the will of the Father. (Note how it consists of the Trinitarian work of God in the lives of genuine believers in Christ through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.)
The first way God does this is by the Holy Spirit actively working within the inner being of believers who follow Christ, aiming to mold them into Christ’s likeness. Second, the Holy Spirit resides within Christians both individually and collectively, acting as a holy temple to demonstrate his presence and influence. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit works through those who are in Christ to witness and reach the lost in a dying world. The Holy Spirit is concerned with our personal spiritual growth, our ability to acknowledge his presence in our individual lives and as a church community, and our role as messengers shining the light of the Gospel in a dark world. God’s intention for believers is clear – the Holy Spirit wants to work within us, among us, and through us.
D o m i n i c R o s a t o 