Gospel-Shaped Spiritual Formation

Gospel-Shaped Spiritual Formation

Author: Kyle Strobel May 2, 2024 Duration: 35:02

In this conversation, Kyle explores the concept of spiritual theology and its importance for guiding our understanding of spiritual formation. He emphasizes that we must be careful not to allow our spiritual formation to be replaced with secular accounts of formation, but we also have to recognize how often that happens. Kyle discusses the Protestant understanding of the gospel, which centers on Jesus as the truth of salvation. He highlights the significance of both justification and sanctification in the Christian life. Kyle then delves into the role of prayer in spiritual formation, emphasizing that prayer is a gift from God and should be shaped by the gospel. He explores the idea that prayer is not a place to be good, but a place to be honest, as God already knows our weaknesses and struggles. Kyle concludes by emphasizing the need to focus on Jesus and draw near to Him in all aspects of spiritual formation.

00:00 Introduction and the Need for Spiritual Theology

03:12 The Gospel-Centered Vision of Spiritual Formation

12:13 Test case: Gospel-Shaped Prayer

31:14 Focusing on Jesus in Spiritual Formation



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In a world filled with noise and distraction, Spiritual Formation: An Invitation to Drawing Near offers a quieter space for reflection. Hosted by author and theologian Kyle Strobel, this podcast explores the often-misunderstood journey of spiritual formation-the gradual process of being shaped into the likeness of Christ. Rather than offering quick fixes or abstract theology, these conversations delve into the practical realities of faith, examining how our daily lives, thoughts, and relationships are transformed by the Spirit's work. Each episode feels like a thoughtful dialogue, unpacking what it means to draw near to God in authenticity and trust. You'll hear discussions that bridge deep Christian tradition with the challenges of modern life, focusing on the heart posture required for genuine growth. This isn't a program for self-improvement, but an invitation to participate in a life shaped by divine grace and presence. For anyone weary of superficial spirituality, this podcast provides substantive companionship for the long road of faith, exploring how formation happens not just in monumental moments, but in the ordinary, everyday surrender to love. Tune in for honest conversations that aim to nourish the soul and reorient our lives around what is truly eternal.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 22

Spiritual Formation: An Invitation to Drawing Near
Podcast Episodes
The Renewal of the Mind in Spiritual Formation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
In this episode, Kyle discusses the pressing issue of spiritual formation and pornography, expanding the discussion from our first “From the Vault” episode, which was a lecture by Dallas Willard. He explores the role of…
Dallas Willard on Pornography and Spiritual Formation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:21
This episode is part of a special series featuring talks on spiritual formation from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology. The specific lecture is titled “Beyond Pornography” by Dallas Willa…
The Sanctification Gap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:13
In this conversation, Kyle discusses the concept of the sanctification gap and its implications for the Christian life. Looking at Richard Lovelace’s account and well as John Coe’s development, Kyle attends to how we can…
Addressing False Spirituality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
In this conversation, Kyle focuses on Colossians 2 and 3, where Paul addresses false spirituality and calls believers to set their minds on Christ. Key here is understanding what Paul is warning us against in Colossians…
Bonus Episode: The Nature of Contemplation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:56
In this bonus episode, Kyle is interviewed by Belinda Drummond about the nature of a distinctively evangelical vision of contemplation. They discuss the theology of contemplation and its practical application for pastors…
Word-Centered, Spirit-Empowered, Whole-Life Spirituality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
In this episode, Kyle introduces the concept of evangelical spirituality as a Word-centered, Spirit-empowered, whole-life spirituality. He explains how he was impacted by the spirituality of the evangelical tradition, pa…
Temptations in Spiritual Formation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:21
In this episode, Kyle reflects on the goal of this podcast and his academic work in spiritual formation. Kyle shares his academic journey from biblical studies to focusing on spiritual formation and theology. He emphasiz…
Spiritual Formation Beyond Pragmatism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In this episode, Kyle discusses the historic evangelical vision of spiritual formation, emphasizing the need for a word-centered, spirit-empowered, whole-life spirituality. Kyle explores the theoretical, practical, and e…
The Task of Spiritual Theology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
In this episode we talk about the nature of spiritual theology and why without a distinctively spiritual theology, spiritual formation will cease to be Christian. Several things were mentioned in this episode that you ca…
What is Spiritual Formation and Why Do Critics Get it Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
Welcome to Spiritual Formation: An Invitation to Drawing Near, which is a podcast aimed at recovering the Word-centered, Spirit-empowered, whole-life spirituality that was central to the original evangelical vision. The…