The One on whom the mind is set The One on whom the eyes are focused The Author and Perfecter of the faith Becoming a disciple of Jesus

In order to become a disciple of Jesus, one must consider the realities of spirituality

 Spirituality – human interaction with God through Jesus Christ › Study or “Read” – at the level of academic discipline › Formulation of a Teaching or “Reflect” – a way of understanding the dynamics of how relationship with God works › Live it out or “Respond” – The practices lived out in relationship with God

 Spiritual Formation – the means by which growth is fostered in the Christian life  Mysticism – the exploration and conscious experience of the divine presence  Spiritual Theology – the science of the development of Christian maturity

Is there a connection between spirituality and discipleship?

Christian Spirituality Discipleship Dallas Willard said that a follower of the Christ must be wholly devoted in his or her innermost being to discipleship

Wholeness

Spirit is the “center”–the heart or will Sign of health: unbodily personal reality and power

Feelings and thoughts come from the mind Sign of health: growing ability to manage self

The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit— individually and corporately Sign of health: proper maintenance of the functional, God-given “machine”

Individuals participate in a variety of relationships and systems Sign of health: individuals involved as healthy participants in community

Transformation of the whole person, active with Christ in the process of spiritual formation Signs of health: movement away from idolatry (using God for my purposes), toward spirituality (submitting self to God for God’s purposes).

Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in heaven is perfect...

 Grace and works – grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.  Perfectionism – disciples may fail but they move away from planning to fail.  Good news - a gospel that deals with sin and a ticket to heaven or a gospel that leads to new and abundant life now.  No quick fix - inescapability of serious process over time.

Name disciplines that may not be found in the list of classic spiritual disciplines. Name the 12 classic spiritual disciplines.

With me…