Quiet Time Coaching Episode 511 | New Creation Series — Part 3 | “What is a Spiritual Life” | Malcolm Cox
Introduction
A new creation! I’m Malcolm Cox. Welcome to this series on the topic of ‘A new creation’.
QUESTION: What is a ‘spiritual life’?
A ‘with-God’ life that effects an on-going transformation towards Christ-likeness through the power of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3.18
“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
How do we live this? God’s vision – Jesus’ example and inspiration – the Spirit’s strength.
God’s vision
Genesis 3.8-9
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?””
Revelation 21.2-3
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
God chose a people – father and son
Deuteronomy 1.31
“and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.””
Glimpses – David, “The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.” (Psalm 23:1 HCSB)
What kind of life did (does) Jesus offer his followers?
Fitting yoke
Matthew 11.28-30
““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””
Full life
John 10.10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Friendship
John 15.13-17
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
Relationship with abba father
Mark 14.36
““Abba , Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.””
See Galatians 4.6
“And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!””
Overall – blessed
Matthew 5.3-10
““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“These ‘blessings’, the ‘wonderful news’ that he’s announcing, are not saying ‘try hard to live like this.’ They are saying that people who already are like that are in good shape. They should be happy and celebrate.” – Wright, N. T. Matthew for Everyone Part 1 Chapters 1–15.
This is the good life. Do we believe this?
How can we find a way to believe this when life is so hard?
Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality? Look no further than the AIM Spiritual Life Course, an in-person and online course designed to enhance and guide your spiritual journey. The course covers character, sexual issues, financial responsibility, spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, meditation, scripture, devotional reading, and so much more—the secret of mirroring Christ’s character: the inner spiritual life.
Teachers include Douglas Jacoby, Andy Boakye and Malcolm Cox. At the live session on 23 March we will cover the crucial topics of growing through suffering (Andy Boakye), discipleship as the door to life to the full (Malcolm Cox) and the joys of personal spiritual growth (Douglas Jacoby). Additionally, you will have access to specialised teaching from many others on-line after the event.
Join our worldwide community of learners and experience the transformative power of Christian spirituality.
More Information
AIM UK & Ireland site: https://aimukandireland.com/
Spiritual Life Module description: https://aimukandireland.com/enrol/index.php?id=13
Details
Location: West Watford Free church, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 6NU
Date & Time: Saturday 23rd March 2024, 9:30AM – 2.45PM
Registration & Payment: https://tvcoc.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/usz20xvr
Cost: £20 for the day; £75 for the entire module
Refreshments: Light lunch, hot and cold drinks
Transport: Nearest stations — Watford Junction (35 mins walk), Watford High Street (30 mins walk), Watford Metropolitan Line (20 mins walk).
Parking: Free parking onsite and adjoining roads
If you have any questions please drop me a line.
God bless, Malcolm
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
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“Carpe Diem” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
