Spiritual Formation
The transformation of the biblical focus, in the New Testament: away from the physical Temple, towards the spiritual temple of ‘living stones’ represented by the Messianic Community and the importance of ‘building according to God’s pattern.’ The significance of immersion and its symbolism, throughout Scripture. The aim, processes and practical pathways towards spiritual development and formation of the whole body of God’s people, as spiritual maturity takes place contextually.
Contents
Study 1 | Temple
Following the Messiah's rejection, death and resurrection, God no longer dwells in a temple built by human hands. In the new covenant era, God dwells amongst a living body of people being formed into a temple of the Spirit.
Topics
God's dwelling place
Yeshua and the Jerusalem Temple
Temple redefined
Building to God's pattern
Study 2 | Immersion
The new covenant reveals three forms of immersion: water, spirit and fire.Each immersion symbolises a uniting of human life with the divine life of God, through his Son.
Topics
Significance
Immersion in water
Immersion in the Spirit
Immersion in fire
Study 3 | Spiritual Development
The goal of messianic discipleship is spiritual maturity, which requires a process of spiritual development. The apostle, John, describes a pattern of spiritual development that echoes the natural stages of human development.
Topics
John's model
Spiritual infancy
Spiritual adolescence
Spiritual maturity
Study 4 | Spiritual Service
The Messianic Community is a body of people being prepared to do God's work. The goal of the new covenant is that the whole body of God's people are equipped do God's work, in God's ways, in-dwelt and empowered by His Spirit.
Topics
Paul's model
Variation in Paul's model
Whole body maturity
Spiritual generativity
