Spiritual formation is the journey of becoming a convert to a disciple, from immaturity to maturity. The distinction between spiritual immaturity and maturity is that the immature do not realize they think, speak, and understand like a child. Brother Duane teaches that to grow in maturity, we must first recognize and overcome our child-like behaviors of immaturity and make wise decisions. Not everything that happens is an act of God.

Spiritual Formation | Part 1 | Disciples

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Duane Sheriff teaches a powerful sermon about the difference between our spirit and flesh as believers in Christ. It's essential to understand that while our flesh is still weak and incapable, Christ Himself lives in our spirit through the Holy Spirit. 
 "Christ is in my spirit. And while I have a spirit united to Christ, I have this soul, mind, will, and emotions, but I live in this body." Because of this reality, we should not be condemned or confused by the weakness we experience in our flesh. Instead, we must learn to depend on Christ's power in our spirit.  
 Duane outlined four fundamental truths we need to understand about our flesh: 
 1. Without God, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. "Without Him, I can do nothing" (John 15:5). "But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).  
 2. Without God, we have nothing good in ourselves to boast about. "Without Him, I have nothing...Everything I have is by the grace of God." We should never be arrogant because our gifts and abilities come from God's grace. 
  3. Without God's wisdom, we truly know nothing as we ought to know. "If anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Corinthians 8:2). Only God can give us true knowledge and understanding.  
 4. In our flesh, we are inherently unworthy. "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy of being called an apostle" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Yet by God's grace, Paul could say, "I labored more abundantly than they all" (v.10). Despite our fleshly weaknesses, we must believe the reality that Christ dwells in our spirit. 
 Duane uses the analogy of tea to illustrate how Christ has infused our spirit. Though remaining distinct from us, just as you call water "tea," once the tea bag has steeped in it, God calls us the "body of Christ" because Christ has infused our spirit through salvation.  
 Believers should not be arrogant or condemning but walk with humble dependence on God's grace. We should continually look to Christ's power in our spirit, not our fleshly efforts, which accomplish nothing. As Paul said, "I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Spirit vs. Flesh

God desires to revive the hearts of believers with the Truth, and we should eagerly seek after and be passionate for the Truth. Duane uses the example of Pilate, who stood before the embodiment of Truth itself but chose to reject and condemn Truth due to external pressures and personal denial. The story of Pilate is a reflection of society's struggle with Truth, where we confront it every day but often choose to deny, reject, or even condemn it for various reasons, such as seeking comfort, conforming to societal norms, or due to ignorance. This impactful teaching highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing the Truth, especially in the face of opposition, to break free from the chains of lies and experience genuine freedom. 

The Power of Truth

Duane Sheriff emphasizes that eternal life is not just about existing forever but about having an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ guided by the Holy Spirit. This relationship with God goes beyond just existing in eternity and instead embodies a deep connection and union with God. At the heart of eternal life is a relationship steeped in love, nurtured through learning of Him. 

Rhythms of Grace | Episode 15 | Eternal Life

Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Jesus's sacrifice on the cross fulfills the prophecy of the Passover Lamb in the Old Testament. The lamb's blood was used to symbolize salvation and protection for the Israelites in Egypt. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by providing salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who believes. This momentous event in history serves as the foundation for personal faith and spiritual growth, bridging the gap between humans and God.

The Cross

Duane Sheriff teaches the transformative power of grace and emphasizes the significance of developing spiritual habits that will lead to victory and peace. True humility involves denying oneself, prioritizing others, aligning with God's will, and cultivating a deep and more intimate relationship with Jesus, transforming knowledge of God into a direct experiential understanding that fosters spiritual growth, peace, and a more grace-filled life. 


Spiritual Formation | Part 1 | Disciples

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