10 weeks exploring Christlikeness

 

This past summer has been one in which I have taken time to drill down to study the original meaning of the nine traits known as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22,23). Rather than get bogged down purely in Greek word definitions, I have endeavoured to rediscover and apply their meaning through seven key areas:

 

1.   A title synopsis (Truth Title)

2.   A concentration of bible texts (Truth Verses)

3.   An anecdotal story (Truth Story)

4.   An unpacking of the biblical context (Truth Unpacked)

5.   A thematic quotation (Quote)

6.   A faith-filled prayer (Praying the Word)

7.   Praying that the Holy Spirit would illuminate our reading of the scriptures and lead our time of

      contemplation and discussion together (Lectio Divina*)

 

This course therefore aims to highlight one of the primary reasons why the Spirit of Jesus has in fact been

poured out on mankind (Acts 2:17,18).  After being birthed into the Kingdom of God (John 3:3,5), the Spirit

indwells our lives (1 Corinthians 3:16) to help empower us become more and more like Jesus

(2 Corinthians 3:18).

 

Therefore, this course is not just to feed the need for biblical head knowledge. Rather, it aims to help shape our everyday ordinary lives (Rom 12:1-2 MSG), in order that we can be transformed to lead extraordinary lives everyday (Acts 1:8). This goal can only be achieved by becoming fully reliant on the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20).

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*A Lectio Divina is the practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's Word. It does not treat Scripture solely as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word (Ephesians 6:19). It has four separate steps: read, meditate, pray and contemplate. First a passage of Scripture is read, and then it’s meaning is reflected upon. Prayer and contemplation then follow.