FLUENCY AS A DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENT

docx

School

Liberty University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

500

Subject

Religion

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by BryJay0109

1 FLUENCY AS A DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENT DSMN520: Spiritual Formation (B02) March 10, 2023

2 Contents Journal 1: Meditation & Memorization ............................................................ 3 Journal 6: Church Membership and Community ........................................... 10 Journal 7: Spiritual Planning ......................................................................... 12 Journal 8: Reflections .................................................................................... 14

3 Journal 1: Meditation & Memorization 1. “No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1). no condemnation comes to those who are in Christ Jesus. Since God the Father does not condemn Jesus, neither can the Father condemn those in Jesus. For any who believe, he has taken our condemnation already. We did deserve condemnation for sinfulness and rebellion, but God made a way through his Son to forgive us and redeem us from his wrath. He loves us, but his justice is perfect, requiring a perfect sacrifice. 2. “do not live accord to the flesh” (8:1). In the flesh, we lived for ourselves, and our death would mean passing into condemnation. 3. “spirit of life” (8:2). the “law of the Spirit of Life” is like the laws of physics—if we understand this law, we an see how to walk consistently in a manifestation of God’s holy power in . “made me free from the law of sin” (8:2). The only way to escape from the law of sin and death is to access the direction of the Spirit of life through faith in Christ. Because we have faith in Christ, God has given to us His Spirit that brings life. That has set us free from the law or principle of sin and death. 5. “weak through the flesh” (8:2) We are weak because of our carnal nature. Our nature has a side to it that has no character and no self-control. 6. “condemned sin the flesh” (8:3). The flesh is anything anti-Christ down from actions, beliefs, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, sickness, death, poverty, lack, etc. Almost every problem, including pride, exhausts itself as either above god or in direct opposition to God. 7. “righteous requirement of the law” (8:4).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 This fulfillment of the law in loving others is rendered not in our own strength but by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” 8. “who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (8:4). Those that are not controlled by the flesh, which is in selfish nature that is opposed to God with a carnal mind, are guided by the Spirit of the righteous, which are the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 9. “those who live according to the flesh” (8:3). Not only are we sinful people who are bound to the actions of sinful nature in succumbing to our temptations, but we are so bound to sin that it is in our minds all the time. The more we sin, the more sin becomes part of our nature. Those things each person thinks of as to whom they are getting attention. 10 “who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (8:5) living according to the Spirit means living Christ-like. This comes from setting aside our wants and needs according to the flesh. We are guild by a Christ-like walk of life by the holy spirit. 11. “carnally minded is death” (8:6). It is more than the action that chooses sin/death or Spirit/life. What we allow to take hold of in our thoughts dictates life or death. Now our thoughts often eventually dictate what we do, but life or death comes from the thoughts we allow and, more so, those we linger on. 12. “ spiritually minded is life and peace.” (8:6). To have a spiritual mind is to have the mind set on spiritual things filled with holy desires and purposes, which bring peace of mind that you no longer have to struggle with the flesh and have control over the flesh, which God guides you. 13. “ carnal mind is enmity against God” (8:7). We choose pride, or we choose humility and submission to God. There cannot be a combination. Joshua 24:15 calls for the choice of which god to serve, the Lord as he commits to, or the other options of a man-made god born out of pride. God and pride cannot be done together, as sin is hostile to God. 14. “not subject to the law of God” (8:7).

5 Before this chapter, Paul addressed the Jews and held firm to the Jewish Law. Paul has also already pointed out how the law shows us our sins. Now he is pointing out that without controlling the Spirit, focusing only on the law, one cannot obey the rules anyway. 15. “ those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (8:8). If we allow the flesh to control us, we give in to those sinful natures that will be against God. In doing so, we cannot please God because we live in sin to please the flesh. 16. “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit” (8:9). Letting the Spirit take hold of our lives or asking the Spirit to lead us means complete surrender to the Spirit. 17. “indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you” (8:9). For those to believe in Christ, let it be known that you are not your own but belong to God. For Christ is your savior because you are a believer in the Lord. For Christ, he died for us at a price. God has given us His spirit, so we have the mind to live according to His ways. 18. “does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” (8:9). If we do not have the spirit of Christ, which is His desire for us to live according to the spirit of righteousness, but anyone that does not live this way, live according to the flesh without self-control and do what you allow the flesh to do. 19. “Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin” (8:10). It is only so far as you do not give in to your own will that sin is practically dead, and the Spirit of God acts freely. 20. “the Spirit is life because of righteousness” (8:10). Our spirit is corrupted, yet when the Holy Spirit performs his miracle of grace in bringing a dying sinner to new life in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in the believer. Righteousness is the life of God in you, and your spirit is life because of righteousness. 22. “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you” (8:11). God’s spirit was in Jesus, and his death was the price of being a man with no sin. Because He had no sin, death was a brief state of affairs. 23. “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies” (8:11).

6 Jesus rose, and his body was made new. The same would occur to those because of their faith in Christ. 24. “we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.” (8:12). 25. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die” (8:13). To those for whom continual a life dedicated to sin is not pleasing the Holy Spirit to control the flesh, since death is a spiritual death through their sinful ways. 26. “the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body; you will live” (8:13). There is a death mandatory for the nature of sin; Paul recommends it is a death of their sinful ways provides a person in linking with Christ can live. 27. “Many are led by the Spirit of God” (8:14). God is for all who submit to Christ, which makes us His children whom He would chase no matter the cost. 29. “did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear” (8:14). When coming across the word “fear,” I think of Zach Williams’s song Fear is a Liar, having used that song often with student-athletes. Fear is the thought of inadequacy. Thoughts I have more frequently myself lately. That is in contradiction to submission to Christ. The Spirit is in control, so what is there to fear? Yet, we all need this reminder that Paul places here, as, in my experience, fear is often the pathway to sin. 30. “received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[e] Father.” (8:15). Our spirit is that sinful nature spirit that isolates us from God. Through adoption, a child is welcomed into a family. The child is now a part of the family, and with that comes the values of God through His Spirit. 31. “The Spirit Himself bears witness” (8:16).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 32. “our spirit that we are children of God” (8:16). In God’s adoption, His Spirit joins our spirit, which does not mean we have never been tempted again. However, the bondage to the exact sinful nature is gone as it is no longer part of the family’s morals. 33. “ if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (8:17) In ancient times the adopted child was often moved into a higher position of the hierarchy of heirs. The adopted child was one chosen, so the worthiness was less in question then. In being to the family of God, despite our natural sinful disposition, we are made worthy of Him. This is only possible by the payment from Jesus, but when He pays our debt, we can receive the glory in God. 34. “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of being compared with the glory” (8:18). The suffering we cannot hide from and must embrace, even though it feels difficult, is short-lived compared to what follows this life. Furthermore, the negative comes nowhere near offsetting the positive of the glory with God. 35. “earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (8:19). Over and over to this point in Romans, we are reminded of our sin and then reminded of consequences and separation. God living within one, through acceptance, repentance, and submission to Him, means the penalty is paid, and in God’s eyes of justice, the ledger is balanced. 36. “the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly” (8:20). 37. “creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [f]corruption” (8:20).

8 God created people in His image. We were the crown jewel of His creation. When we rebelled and chose our way and sin above Him, it separated us and led to a world filled with evil that forces all things into the punishment of being surrounded by evil and death. 38. “bondage of [f]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (8:21). . 39. “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until no” (8:22). Mankind enters this world through the mother, and the birth pain reminds us of our sinful nature because of their disobedience. This pain will continue because of our sinful nature. 40. “have the first fruits of the Spirit” (8:23). 41. “we groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (8:23). God will provide us with new bodies to destroy man’s sinful nature when that final judgment day comes. 42. “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope” (8:24). This desire and enthusiasm come not from who we are but from whom we will become. Those that turn to Christ right before death have the hope that they will be saved. But for those who have submitted to Christ and have time in this world to do his will. 43. “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly await it with perseverance” (8:25). 44. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses” (8:26). 45. “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession” (8:26). Because we are confused during our prayer, and it seems we do not know what to pray for, the holy spirit intercedes, for the holy spirit knows our heart.

9 .46. “He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is” (8:27). We could not hide from God even if we tried; it’s impossible. He sees us in all situations. He knows our intentions even when we are trying to mislead others. 47. “He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (8:27). The connection of the Spirit to the believers is that His desire will direct and plead for us in prayer. 48. “to those who are the called according to His purpose” (8:28). Our purpose is to know the Word of God, His Scriptures, that have been outlined in Christ. All the purposes and plans of God are seen and revealed in Christ. 49. “He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (8:29). Christ proved the way to salvation for those that believe and follow Him. He also paid the price for others to could follow Him. 50. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (8:31). The power of God is more significant than any other power which could take hold in our lives. When God is for us, nothing can stand against us. Nothing in this world can not and will not bring down the one who serves Him. 51. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword?” (8:35). There is no limit to what God will take on in the pursuit and salvation of each of us. God's love allows the believer to be a victor in difficulty; God walks with us through every adversity and hardship.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

10 Journal 6: Church Membership and Community After reviewing the video and reading about Leeman, I wonder about my commitment to the church and how much I have invested in building the body of Christ. Being part of the church community was once a real struggle for me. I have always looked for faults in the church, maybe not the church itself but the people or leadership, looking to see if they are really about serving Christ or if it is just a business for them. I would instead think of the ladder, but I have had some bad experiences plus, I am not a person that would easily fit into a group, trying to associate myself with others with the same beliefs. Still, I would like to classify this as time early in walking with Christ. Leeman states, “If you are a Christian living in a Western democracy, chances are you need to change how you think about your church and how you are connected to it. Most likely, you underestimate your church. You belittle it. You misshape it in a way that misshapes your Christianity.” 1 For the past ten years, I have been a part of a Church family, doing everything I could to be a contributor, but something was still missing, and I tried explaining this to my wife, who herself has been in the Church at a very early age. I could see or fill what I felt, but my spirituality was not there, I had to try leaning on the leadership of my church, but it was not successful. I still felt empty inside, fighting the demons of my past. With some personal issues concerning my family and the Church we belong to, we had to leave because we felt it was not for us anymore. I was unsure if this was good, but it pushed me to find the Lord, or let me say he saw me because of my struggles. I was lost and frustrated until two years ago; the Lord brought 1 Jonathan Leeman, Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus, 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 22.

11 me to my knees; it was such a heart-retching feeling, and this is where I found mine spiritually in the Lord. My heart was lifted, and I could not wait to spread that joy I had finally found. Although we left the church, we had been attending for over 8 yrs. We continued to keep in touch with the ministers we were close to. One of the elders in the Church I used to attend was doing bible study via conference line. I attended every week, then he started doing a discipleship class every other Thursday, and I also started attending. Then my wife started attending the classes with me, and we were so much closer that we started doing our own study nights. we got our kids involved. I realized that the church starts with you; others will begin to see if that’s who you are as my faith grew with my wife, I succeeded in relationship, knowledge, and dependence on Christ. I could not keep this to myself, so we invited other couples struggling in their church and relationship. As I began to communicate with others, it was interesting to find that others had problems identifying their spirituality and their faith in the Lord; I had to be a witness to them by explaining the trouble I had been through and that if your heart is really looking for the Lord, he will come to them. In Foundations of Spiritual Formations, Pettit writes, “Spiritual formation involves members of the body maturing together toward Christlikeness, by the power of the Holy Spirit and according to biblical standards.” 2 I believe this to be true; a few men in my group always uses the phrase “iron sharpens iron” in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” There is a mutual benefit in rubbing two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in cutting and slicing. Likewise, the Word of God is a “double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12), and it is with this we are to 2 Paul Pettit, ed., Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ (Kegel Publishing, 2008), 269

12 sharpen one another—in times of meeting, fellowship, or any other interaction. While the Spirit and the Word are at the heart of spiritual formation, it is about coming together within the community to develop relationships, bonds, and trust, which all start with breaking the ice and meeting more parts of this body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). Journal 7: Spiritual Planning In my growth plan, I am looking to increase my role in applying more time to my prayer. I work from home, so I know this is possible. I start my day around 8 am and until 3:30 pm, so I have gotten used to taking 15 minutes before I begin to work and just praying for my time; I am not distracted with work. This also helps me throughout my day because my mind is always on Jesus, plus with my understanding, the work I do is not for me but for Him, so I can always find a way to give me glory for my success. I have also picked up the strategy in my bible. study; at least three times a day, I choose three sections of Psalms by selecting the day from which that number falls, then add 15 to the section I read in the morning, and continue to add. Fifteen two more times, one during my lunch period and the last during the evening after dinner. I have been doing this for two weeks now, plus my wife has decided to join me; we text each other about what we have read and, in some instances, what we may be going through during our day, that passage lines up, which is so unique to us because I think the Lord gives us what we Need, and this allows me to concentrate on him a little more. Another idea I picked up from my wife is to journalize my thoughts with the Lord, to remember what he has done, how, some issues I may face, and what victory I have had over

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

13 those issues. Since the start of this class in spiritual formation, I am more aware of the sins of my nature, and to combat that is to realize I am in a battle, and I must be preparing each day to fight the flesh and others that may place me in a wrong mode. The past Sunday, March 6, 2023, a minister I know asked if I could give a sermon during his zoom broadcast; of course, I had to think about it for a minute and tell him I would do it. He gave me a couple of weeks to decide what I would speak on. I felt this was a no-brainer; I spoke on wearing the armor of God because I know that each day, we are battling from within ourselves. Also, I will be starting a bible class via teleconference with my close relatives, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces. The reason I chose this group is that they are truly lost when it comes to Christ, and to strengthen my walk will be to study and research more before giving my class, one problem I have been thinking over is when to start; I am trying to pick a day when most of them are available; once I lock this down, this is something I look forward to doing, also, to advance my study and before giving my class, I will review what I will discuss with a senior elder, this way I will be able to make sure I am on the right path and add to those discuss why I chose a specific topic, and what others can get from that discussion. As my family is looking for a new church home, we have visited more than one local church in the area. We have met charming people and developed relationships, just checking up on each other. But I have not decided if this is where we would like to be, but until then, I am active in my community with neighbors joining once a week to discuss issues we have sense; I am the board president and finding out what others know about Christ because I am willing to bring prayer at our board meeting each month.

14 Journal 8: Reflections This past Sunday, March 5, 2023, I had a most excellent opportunity to share the gospel with some people I knew, and with some I did not know. The most exciting part of this was a Zoom meeting. My most trusted person who has been training me during bible study and discipleship class, well, he was on the call, which I did not know at first. Still, toward the end of my sermon, I noticed he was on the conference call, but I did not let that extract from delivering the word. At first, I was nervous because I had never talked to a large audience before, but about 15 min into it, I began to find my groove. Before that day, I wrote out my plan for the week, placing each topic in the order I would discuss. After my hour-long talk about the gospel, specifically the armor of God, a few ministers in the meeting called me right after to let me know how well I did, knowing this was my first time giving the gospel to several people. I was informed that I stayed on point, I did not ramble off, and that it was interesting to hear my thoughts on what and how to protect our spirituality and that we must discipline ourselves and such a matter to grow and mature in our walk with Christ. I thought I did well, but not like they explained how I delivered my message.

FLUENCY AS A DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENT

Related Documents