Pursuing Spiritual Transformation in 2020
Why Pursue Transformation
Every year we have a fresh opportunity to examine our lives, assess our spiritual strengths and weaknesses, and develop a spiritual growth plan for the next 12 months. Why do this? While there are a thousand subsequent reasons for this, the primary reason is this: the chief purpose of the Christian life is to know God. In order to know God we must experience spiritual transformation that results in Christian maturity. This transformation is not about being “the best version of yourself” or even “becoming a better person”. Spiritual transformation in Christ is all about being molded and conformed (or morphed) into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29, Colossians 1:28).
Why do we need transformation? Simple: whoever you are and whatever season of life you’re in right now there are areas of your life not in submission to Christ. This is true of me and true of every follower of Christ. The process of being conformed into the likeness of Christ is a life-long process where the Holy Spirit transforms every nook and cranny of our heart, mind, and soul to be more in conformity to the likeness of Christ. The biblical word for this process is sanctification.
Sanctification has nothing to do with our salvation or even our justification; that’s already been accomplished and is perfectly maintained by the work of Christ. Therefore, with these truths in mind, we can approach our sanctification with liberty, freedom, joy, and grace-based effort. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to make “every effort” to grow in our faith on a regular, consistent, and diligent manner (2 Peter 1:1-15).
Every letter in the New Testament was written by disciples for disciples. The reality of the presence of these letters in the Bible indicate very clearly that no one drifts into maturity. It’s a process; an intentional process.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
How to Pursue Transformation
One of the most common barriers to believers growing and maturing seems to be a lack of effort. Personally, I can relate to this battle in many areas of my life. Additionally, some believers simply aren’t aware of the many biblical and gospel-centered resources that are supplemental aids to their spiritual transformation.
So, while many things could be recommended for your spiritual journey in 2020, here are 5 tips that will aid your process of becoming more like Jesus in 2020:
Daily intake of God’s Word - there is no substitute for your own personal study of God’s Word.
Engage God’s Word by hearing it, reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating on it.
Get a Bible Reading Plan (Here’s my favorite plan and here’s a bunch more)
Get good Bible study tools (Step by Step Guide to Studying the Bible, how to pick a good study Bible)
Check out the Bible Project for overview videos for every book of the Bible, word study videos, and more.
Daily prayer
Make time to pray (pick a time, pick a place, be consistent - pray in the car, shower, bedtime, etc.)
Turn your problems into prayers
Pray with confidence according to God’s will by praying Scripture (Pray through a Psalm a day or check out this recommended book)
Preach the Gospel to yourself daily
Supplement your Bible reading with gospel-centered devotional reading (Gospel Primer, New Morning Mercies)
Read/study good theological books (recommendations by topic)
Sing good theological music (Here’s my favorite playlist of good theological music)
Practice theological reflection (What is God doing in this situation? What is He trying to teach me? What do I need to learn/apply/change? Where is the gospel? What does the Bible say about this?)
Be committed to a local church
Be an active, serving, and giving member. Attend weekly services and prayer meetings. Be active in a small group or community group for accountability, life on life, communal Bible study, etc. You’ll be amazed about how often the Lord works in you through other people’s influence. Remember, the same Spirit that is in you is in them too. Put yourself in proximity to others who are following Jesus, being transformed by Jesus, and joining Jesus in His mission. Serve together, live on mission together, worship together, struggle together, etc.
Be committed to personal disciple-making - Every disciple is a disciple-maker (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:2)
Meet one on one (or in groups of 3-4) for discipleship. Not only will discipling others grow and transform you in the process but you’ll also be obeying Jesus’ command (not optional) and helping someone else take their next step with Jesus. Every disciple should be following Jesus, being transformed by Jesus, and joining Jesus in His mission.
How do I know where they are in terms of spiritual maturity? What are their next steps?