The Jaded, the Mislead, & the Apathetic | Culture Shock

Anchor Verses: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11, Matthew 13:1-23

Recap/Intro

• What are we really after: The truly “good life” is one full of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and authenticity in faith, cultivated through repentance, prayer, and charity. Transformation requires tending to the soil of our soul, not just putting fruit on the branches for show.
• Application and Spiritual Formation: True transformation requires consistent spiritual disciplines—prayer, studying God’s Word, and service. Spiritual growth is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of refining the quality of our work for God (Matthew 16:24-26).
• False Foundations and Misunderstandings: Misunderstandings about suffering, sanctification, and spiritual work often derail spiritual growth. Real sanctification is uncomfortable but necessary, preparing us for eternity. Faith is not based on works or merit but on God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Jaded, the Mislead, & the Apathetic

• The Jaded: Disillusioned by unmet expectations and past hurts.
  • Jadedness: The gap between what you hoped for and what you got.
    • Leads to a hardened heart
  • 1st year teacher – excited and bold
• Solution: Ownership
  • Definition: Taking personal responsibility for your spiritual growth and recognizing that it is your own journey, not someone else’s responsibility.
  • Why: The jaded often blame external circumstances or others for their disillusionment. Ownership shifts the focus inward, helping individuals recognize that their faith is their responsibility, despite disappointments.
  • Practical Example: Instead of withdrawing from God or the church due to hurt, the jaded person acknowledges their responsibility to seek healing through prayer, forgiveness, and recommitment.
  • Key Aspects:
    • Internal Motivation: Ownership comes from within. You acknowledge that your relationship with God is your responsibility and not dependent on others (e.g., pastors, small group leaders).
    • Commitment: There is a sense of accountability to yourself and to God to actively pursue spiritual maturity.
    • Examples:
      • Prioritizing prayer and Bible study because you value your relationship with God.
      • Seeking out resources or opportunities to grow (books, mentors, classes) without being prompted.
  • In Practice: Ownership answers the question, “Do I recognize that this is my responsibility?”
• The Misled: Following a distorted view of God or church.
  • Misled: The detour between trust and truth.
    • Leads to disillusionment
  • Catholic girls are school doing la limpia con huevo
• Solution: Intentionality
  • Definition: Purposefully engaging in specific actions, practices, or rhythms that lead to spiritual growth.
  • Why: Intentionality helps correct a skewed understanding by focusing on purposeful practices and clear steps to seek truth. It equips individuals to discern and avoid false teachings or misaligned priorities.
  • Practical Example: Someone who feels misled might intentionally study Scripture with a trusted guide, ensuring their beliefs align with biblical truth.
  • Key Aspects:
    • Planned Effort: Intentionality involves a proactive approach to spiritual practices rather than waiting for growth to happen passively.
    • Clarity of Purpose: It includes clear goals or disciplines to deepen faith (e.g., fasting, Scripture memorization, serving others).
    • Examples:
      • Scheduling a daily devotional time to ensure you meet with God regularly.
      • Attending a Bible study to deepen your understanding of Scripture.
  • In Practice: Intentionality answers the question, “What specific steps am I taking to grow?”
• The Apathetic: Spiritual fatigue or stagnation.
  • Apathy: The silence between care and action.
    • Leads to extinguished passion and indifference
  • Colonel Bracewell
• Solutions: Community
  • Definition: Engaging with others in shared spiritual practices, accountability, and encouragement to foster mutual growth in faith.
  • Why: Apathy thrives in isolation. Community provides encouragement, accountability, and inspiration to reignite passion and prevent spiritual stagnation.
  • Practical Example: Joining a small group or serving in ministry connects the apathetic person with others who can walk alongside them, fostering renewed enthusiasm for faith.
  • Key Aspects:
    • Shared Journey: Community emphasizes that spiritual formation is not a solo endeavor. Growth happens best in the context of relationships where believers can learn from and support one another.
    • Accountability and Encouragement: Others can challenge you to remain faithful, provide wisdom, and encourage you in times of struggle.
    • Diversity of Perspectives: Being in a community exposes you to different spiritual practices, insights, and testimonies that can deepen your understanding of God.
  • Examples:
    • Participating in a small group where members discuss Scripture, pray for one another, and share life experiences.
    • Serving alongside others in ministry, where shared goals and teamwork build both relationships and faith.
    • Allowing trusted friends or mentors to speak into your life and help you navigate spiritual challenges.
  • In Practice: Community answers the question, “Who is walking alongside me in this journey?”

The Solution – Ownership, Intentionality, and Community

• • For spiritual formation to thrive, ownership, intentionality, and community must work together as equal components of a holistic approach:

• Ownership provides the “why.”

• • • • Philippians 2:12-13
      • 2 Corinthians 13:5
      • Spiritual growth begins with recognizing that it is your personal responsibility. Ownership involves taking initiative, acknowledging the need for growth, and embracing accountability to God for your journey. Without ownership, growth can feel directionless or overly dependent on others.

• Intentionality provides the “how.”

• • • • 1 Timothy 4:7–8
      • Joshua 1:8
      • Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires deliberate, purposeful action. Intentionality is the practice of creating specific habits and disciplines that align with your faith goals. Without intentionality, even the best intentions of ownership can lead to passivity or stagnation.

• Community provides the “support.”

• • • Hebrews 10:24–25
    • Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
    • Acts 2:42
    • Faith was never meant to be a solo journey. Community offers accountability, encouragement, and the shared wisdom of others pursuing Christ. It ensures that ownership doesn’t become isolating and that intentionality remains vibrant and relational. Without community, growth risks becoming isolated, unsustainable, or overly individualistic.
  • When ownership, intentionality, and community function together, they create a dynamic environment for spiritual growth that is both deeply personal and richly communal. Each element strengthens the others, forming a resilient and sustainable faith journey.

Application

• Integrating Ownership, Intentionality, and Community
  • Ownership ensures that you take personal responsibility for your faith journey.
  • Intentionality ensures that your growth is purposeful and disciplined.
  • Community ensures that you are supported, challenged, and enriched by others who are also pursuing Christ.
• How They Work Together in Spiritual Formation
  • Ownership: Acknowledge that spiritual growth is your responsibility and no one else can do it for you.
    • Example: You realize you’ve been neglecting spiritual practices and decide to reengage with your faith.
  • Intentionality: Develop specific habits and disciplines to pursue your growth.
    • Example: You commit to studying a book of the Bible, waking up early to pray, or journaling your reflections weekly.
  • Community: Surround yourself with others who encourage, challenge, and walk with you in your spiritual journey.
    • Example: You join a small group, invite others to pray with you, or seek mentorship to remain accountable.
• Why Community Matters in Relation to Ownership and Intentionality
  • Without ownership, you might overly rely on the community to “carry” your faith.
  • Without intentionality, you may show up to community but fail to engage or apply what you learn.
  • Without community, your ownership and intentionality risk becoming isolated, leading to stagnation or burnout.
    • When all three elements work together, spiritual formation becomes deeply rooted and sustainable. Community enhances ownership by offering accountability and intentionality by providing shared practices and encouragement.
• Final word: KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
  • Not any particular person
  • Not any particular group
  • Not any particular system, method, diet, or perspective