What is KINGDOM Living (Part 4)

In "What is KINGDOM Living (Part 4)," we explore the deeper levels of KINGDOM LIVING, emphasizing "Spiritual Formation" as a divine gift of grace from God Himself. We underscore SPIRITUAL FORMATION involves spiritual growth and transformation from the inside out, all facilitated by a loving Father. We draw heavily on THE WORD OF GOD to emphasize that spiritual growth is distinct from MERE HUMAN WISDOM and that it can only be realized through a deep connection with God IN CHRIST. 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" Ephesians 2:8

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We present the idea that SPIRITUAL FORMATION is a gift of salvation, received through faith and grace, leading to righteousness, purpose, and a transformed life.

"even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)," Ephesians 2:5

Our central message is that this transformation is not something one can earn but results from God's unmerited favor and love.

"not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:9-10

One small suggestion before you continue reading. This article represents one post in a series of articles attempting to answer “What is KINGDOM Living?” For a deeper understanding of this article, consider visiting “What is KINGDOM Living Part 1,” “Part 2,” and “Part 3.”

Kingdom Living is “Spiritual Formation!” SPIRITUAL FORMATION is an outcome and result of Grace, a gift from God HIMSELF.

"who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity," 2 Timothy 1:9

Spiritual Formation is simple: spiritual growth, transformation from the inside out from a LOVING FATHER.

"After you have suffered for a little while, the GOD OF ALL GRACE, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, WILL HIMSELF perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

We CAN NOT, apart from God, GROW IN SPIRIT.

"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING." John 15:5

In CHRIST, with CHRIST, we can do all things through Him who loves us.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:3

Everyone, through life’s experiences, can grow in HUMAN WISDOM, but is that GOOD?

"which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." 1 Corinthians 2:13

Is HUMAN Wisdom the same thing as SPIRITUAL FORMATION?

"and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

No, NOT AT ALL. They are not even close to being the same.

“for it is GOD WHO IS AT WORK IN YOU, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom YOU APPEAR AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD," Philippians 2:13-15

Spiritual Formation is ONLY FROM GOD, our Father, as we live and move and have our being IN CHRIST.

"The Child (Jesus) continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40

But only God can cause us to grow Spiritually. “Spiritual Growth” is SPIRITUAL FORMATION, and Spiritual Formation can only come from God Himself.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD of ALL COMFORT, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are COMFORTED BY GOD." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Is Spiritual Formation the Same as Personal Growth?

“Psychological Formation,” or “personal growth,” happens to everyone, BUT IT IS NOT SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

"And JESUS KEPT INCREASING in wisdom and stature, and in favor (Grace) with God and men." Luke 2:52

Everyone is “formed” psychologically, and as we age, our personality, uniqueness, and character grow as we experience life. But psychological growth, which is an increase in HUMAN wisdom, IS NOT SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

"And DO NOT BE conformed to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind, so that you MAY PROVE what the WILL of GOD is, that which IS GOOD and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

We are influenced and “formed” by many, including parents, siblings, friends, teachers, coaches, youth pastors, etc. Some good, mostly bad. Everything APART FROM CHRIST was “bad forming,” and it was all psychological.

"For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, GOD DID: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:3-4

Everyone is “psychologically formed” by something, but primarily, most people are formed and shaped by their LIFE EXPERIENCES, both good and bad. Human wisdom from “life experiences” provides ZERO Spiritual Formation. Spiritual Formation is a gift of GRACE.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

No one gets to escape “being formed” as we all navigate from birth to adulthood and beyond.

"Thus says the Lord , your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone,." Isaiah 44:24

Especially in our early childhood developmental years, we are all formed by life, people, events, and circumstances. Personal Growth is NOT Spiritual Growth. Personal Growth is EARNED, whereas Spiritual Growth is a free gift of Grace and CANNOT BE EARNED.

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb." Psalms 139:13

“Spiritual Formation,” or “Spiritual Growth,” results from being BORN AGAIN, born of THE divine SPIRIT from above–Holy Spirit!

"seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3

Spiritual Formation happens to those Born spiritually, born from above, from God who is Spirit.

"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:5-6

Spiritual Formation happens when we are Born Again, born from above, born not from the will of man but of God.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3

And,

"for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23

Unless one is BORN AGAIN, they are dead spiritually, not alive.

"Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Only those who are BORN AGAIN, born from the will of God will experience Spiritual Formation.

"For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." 2 Peter 1:4

Until ONE IS BORN AGAIN, he/she is dead. Spiritual Formation is not something you do, it is something that happens to you.

"who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13

Spiritual Formation is a GIFT of SALVATION

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" Ephesians 2:8

Spiritual Formation is the fullness of SALVATION, and we receive SALVATION by Grace.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men," Titus 2:11

GOD DID IT. God’s Grace is His absolute goodness empowered, made available to accomplish what we could never accomplish on our own.

"After you have suffered for a little while, the GOD OF ALL GRACE, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, WILL HIMSELF perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

HE DID EVERYTHING ALREADY. God is the Potter; we are the Clay.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

He is the Artist, and we are His Masterpiece.

"For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, GOD DID: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh" Romans 8:3

What does “HE DID IT” ALREADY mean? It means we can TRUST GOD COMPLETELY.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

It means, by God’s Grace, we have received SALVATION as a GIFT. HE DID THAT.

“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9-10

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