What In The World Is Spiritual Formation?

In this message, Michael Treat introduces spiritual formation as the ongoing, practical process of being changed to become more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. Using 2 Corinthians 3:17–18, he explains that spiritual formation begins with salvation and continues as believers intentionally seek God and are transformed into Christ’s image. He emphasizes that Christians often focus on what they should do without considering how to grow, and previews a year of studying practical, God given habits of grace that help believers know Christ more intimately and serve Him more effectively. Through an illustration about learning to appreciate a painting, Michael encourages students to turn their attention toward Jesus and prepare to explore practical ways to focus their lives on Him.