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Honey From The Rock Psalm 81:16 |
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A COLLECTIVE ENDEAVOR This entry was posted on 07-16-2009 and is filed under SPIRITUAL FORMATION. "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you" (Gal. 4:19 NIV).
What a picture of spiritual formation Paul paints for us in this passage! Paul likens himself to a mother giving birth. My wife gave birth to our six children. It was a painful process - for her. All I did was sit in the waiting room. But Paul's birth pangs were related to his trying to get the Christians in the province of Galatia to conform to Christ in thought, word and deed. All of us who have aided in someone's spiritual birth and growth have experienced the same. The word "you" in our text is plural. Literally this verse could be translated "until Christ is formed in all of you." The letter is directed to the churches (plural) in Galatia. Here is an often forgotten fact in spiritual formation - spiritual formation is a collective endeavor! Our culture is very individualistic today. This has crept into the church as well. Look at the way we do "Communion" as one example. Spiritual formation should happen in a company of believers - the church, God's new society on earth. We can help each other to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Bible studies and small groups are just one way to do this. No man goes to Heaven alone. Let's help each other grow as we are marching to Zion! Prayer: Loving Father, show us how we may assist one another until Christ is formed in us all! Through Christ we pray. |
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