Dr. Ben Witherington III defines and explains what spiritual formation is. He explains how the NT suggests that spiritual formation is not really a separate activity so much as something integrated into the normal Christian life on a daily basis
Step 1: Watch the Lecture
Step 2: Scripture Meditation
Take a few minutes to read and reflect on this Bible verse. Answer each of these questions with a single sentence and post your answer where you can reflect on it later in the day (eg., a sticky note on the fridge or in your Bible.)
What is a meaning the verse could have had for the original audience?
What is a specific way you intend to apply this verse to your life today? (Make it achievable so you can look forward to affirming your application at the end of the day.)
““Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold, do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but rather be transformed in the renewal of your mind, your whole self, so that you will have the discernment to know what is good, and true, and perfect, and do that.””
Step 3: Readings & Research
The Body of the Believer. In conversion, believers are said by Paul to experience not only the “saving of the soul” but the transformation of present life. They have “died to sin” and have been freed from sin’s bondage. Paul therefore called for holiness of life “in the flesh.” “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions” (Rom 6:12). Righteousness, not sin, is to govern a Christian’s physical experience. The social and personal lives of believers are to be characterized by holiness. Believers are in the world (Jn 17:11) and are to live for God in the world (i.e., in their bodily existence); they are not to be indifferent to the world.
Physical, earthly life thus takes on new significance. Paul told Christians to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1). Each individual human life is to be a “living sacrifice” to God. Far from deprecating earthly existence, Paul saw that in Christ it had new potential. The reason is that the Holy Spirit is found there. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God” (1 Cor 6:19). That affirmation is not to be read materialistically, as though the Spirit takes up residence in certain tissues; “body” means one’s whole physical, earthly existence.
Paul also anticipated an ultimate transformation of life in the body through Christ. He spoke of the “redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:23) and of the transformation of “our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:21). Thus the Bible, although it has a realistic view of human sin and physical deterioration, does not share the pessimism of world-views that seek escape from the world.
Robert W. Lyon, “Body,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 370.
Step 4: Application Questions
In every lesson of every course, Redemption Seminary uses a workbook (portfolio) for answering application questions to assess student achievement (rather than high-stakes term papers or exams). This approach helps people with busy lives chip away at amassing a wealth of their gained wisdom. See how the Lord blesses your work in answering the following questions.
In this lesson, Dr. Witherington asks, “Is your life doxological? Is what you say and do all given up to God? Is it presenting yourself, your whole self, mind and body, spirit and heart to God in all that you do?” We were created to worship so instead of answering “yes or no”, respond with a few reflective sentences on how your life is doxological and what are some achievable things you can do this week to improve this area of your life.
In this lesson, Dr. Witherington asks, “Are you in love with the Word of God? Do you admire what it tells us that we ought to do and we ought to be, whatever our shortcomings and sins may be?” List a few ways that you are habitually demonstrating how you love the Word.
In this lesson, Dr. Witherington raises the problem of occasional sacraments. How often do you worship with others at church and receive the sacraments?
Step 5: Final Scriptural Reflection
Meditate on the first words of this verse. What is a way that you have this mind in yourself and rely on the Holy Spirit to provide for you in this area?
“Have this mind in yourself that was also in Christ Jesus, who, though being in very nature of God, did not take the having of equality with God something to take advantage of; but instead, He stripped Himself, He emptied Himself and took on the form of a human being and a servant amongst human beings and was obedient even unto death on the cross. And therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow … and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.”