Spiritual Formation: An Invitation to Drawing Near

In this final episode of the mini-series on forgotten doctrines of spiritual formation, Kyle explores the doctrine of sanctification. He highlights that while sanctification is not forgotten in the same way as the previous “forgotten doctrines,” it is often misunderstood and not properly grounded in scripture. Kyle emphasizes that sanctification is not a self-help project, but a work of God in us. He discusses the distinction between definitive sanctification and progressive sanctification, and the importance of ordering our understanding of salvation around Christ. Kyle also addresses the misconception that sanctification is solely about growth and emphasizes the need for a proper theology of holiness.Books Mentioned: Don Payne, Already SanctifiedKyle Strobel, Jonathan Edwards's Theology: A ReinterpretationKyle Strobel, Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan EdwardsChapters00:00 Introduction to the Doctrine of Sanctification06:23 Taking Sanctification for Granted08:22 Reducing the Gospel to Justification13:16 Definitive Sanctification vs. Progressive Sanctification18:02 Sanctification as a Degreed Property20:38 The Importance of a Theology of Holiness22:36 Ordering Sanctification Around Christ26:28 Walking by Faith, Not by Sight29:16 Next Season: Spiritual Formation and the Church Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Kyle discusses the doctrine of infusion as a forgotten doctrine of spiritual formation. He highlights the tendency in the spiritual formation discussion to be a-theological, and emphasizes the importance of theology being accountable to the lived experience of Christians. Infusion is the idea that true virtue in the Christian life comes from God and is infused into believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Kyle explains that infusion protects Christian formation from Pelagianism and distinguishes between acquired virtue and supernatural virtue. He also addresses misunderstandings and misconceptions about infusion.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Forgotten Doctrines of Spiritual Formation02:56 The Importance of Theology in Spiritual Formation08:12 Understanding Infusion and Distinguishing Virtue14:30 Addressing Misunderstandings of Infusion in Christian Formation Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Kyle explores the forgotten doctrine of the beatific vision and its role in spiritual formation. He emphasizes that the beatific vision is not just a Roman Catholic doctrine, but a biblical one that is often neglected (even though it was standard in the history of Protestant theology). The beatific vision refers to the idea that in eternity, we will see God face-to-face as we will share in his glory. Kyle discusses how this vision is linked to intimacy, knowledge, and love, and how it shapes our understanding of spiritual practices. He highlights the importance of contemplation as a practice that allows us to set our gaze on God and be transformed by his presence.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Series Overview02:58 The Beatific Vision as a Biblical Doctrine09:17 The Perfection of Humanity in the Beatific Vision15:24 Drawing Near to God in the Beatific Vision19:23 The Beatific Vision as an Act of Love in God24:10 The Role of Contemplation in Spiritual Formation27:58 The Neglect of the Beatific Vision in Biblical InterpretationIn the episode I mentioned a free article I've written on the beatific vision. You can find that here. I also mentioned the book Embracing Contemplation, edited by John Coe and myself. You can find that here.Finally, I mentioned my work on Jonathan Edwards's understanding of spiritual formation that includes a discussion of the beatific vision and contemplation. You can find that here. Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Kyle discusses the forgotten doctrines of spiritual formation and the importance of integrating theology into the conversation. He emphasizes that our beliefs are systematically integrated and cannot be isolated from one another. Kyle explores the doctrine of theosis, which is about sharing in the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4), and how it relates to spiritual formation. He argues that spiritual formation should be centered around God and His action, rather than focusing solely on our own efforts. Kyle also highlights the need to ground the gospel in relational and familial language, such as adoption and marriage.The two articles I have written on this can be found here and here, and I talk about Edwards's overarching view of salvation here. The article I mentioned where my friend Joanna Leidenhag criticizes me can be found here.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview02:28 The Systematic Integration of Beliefs08:10 The Bloated Doctrine of Justification13:19 Exploring the Doctrine of Theosis19:05 Centering Spiritual Formation Around God21:59 Grounding the Gospel in Relational Language25:29 The Temptation to Reduce the Gospel Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Kyle discusses the different waves that have occurred in evangelicalism over the past 50 years through Trevin Wax's recent article. He explores the history and development of this movement and its potential impact on the church. Kyle emphasizes the need for a theologically rich understanding of spiritual formation that begins with the Gospel and centers around Christ and the church. He encourages listeners to consider their own participation in the church, their home life, and their individual spiritual formation.Trevin Wax's Article can be found here.My own response to Trevin's article can be found here.Steve Porter's article about what is next in the spiritual formation conversation can be found here. If you are interested in the early evangelical account of these things as I have explained them, you can see my book Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates06:25 The Three Waves of the Spiritual Formation Movement13:20 The Fourth Wave: Emerging Spiritual Formation18:24 The Need for Theological Spiritual Theology24:30 The Need for Theological Ecclesiology31:07 The Church as a Formative Community35:00 Opening Our Hearts to God and His People Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Kyle continues his discussion of the importance discontinuity in articulating continuity in spiritual formation. He emphasizes the need to start with discontinuity, recognizing the radical transformation that occurs in spiritual formation, only then making the move to continuity. We should, in other words, articulate natural formation within a framework of the supernatural, to avoid the errors of demonizing nature or alienating grace. Kyle uses the tension between the goodness of creation and the completeness of the Fall to explore the errors that can be made when folks over-emphasize or reduce one side of this tension. This leads him into a discussion of spiritual formation and psychological approaches, to advance a distinctively Christian integration. Kyle mentioned “The Way of the Lamb” podcast, which can be found here. Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Need for Proper Language in Spiritual Formation06:18 The Theological Importance of the Fall09:41 Avoiding Errors in Discussing the Fall and Creation14:25 The Need for Integration of Psychology and Theology29:31 The Role of God's Work and Human Agency in Formation38:35 The Dangers of Worldliness and Reductionism in Formation41:03 Invitation to Draw Near and Reflect on Personal Calling Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Kyle discusses the difference between natural and supernatural forms of formation. He introduces the concept of continuity versus discontinuity in spiritual formation and emphasizes the need to start with discontinuity. Kyle explains that starting with continuity often leads to a generic account of personhood, maturation, and the God-world relationship, which can result in a reductionist and Pelagian view of formation. On the other hand, starting with discontinuity allows for a distinctively Christian understanding of formation that is grounded in divine revelation and the unique work of the Spirit. Kyle highlights the importance of union with Christ and the doctrine of infusion in spiritual formation.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Natural vs Supernatural Formation05:50 The Infiltration of Naturalism in the Church13:31 The Dangers of a Generic Account of Formation27:18 Jesus' Focus on Reconciliation, not Formation35:34 Becoming Fully Ourselves by Imaging God Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

Kyle delves into the nature and task of spiritual formation, with a focus on the dangers of Pelagianism. It explores the distinction between grace and moralism, emphasizing the importance of faith and the work of the Spirit in Christian formation. Several books mentioned in this episode were: The Grace of Christ - AugustineLiving in Union with Christ - Grant MacaskillThe Life of God in the Soul of Man - Scougal Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

Kyle reflects on a special episode featuring Dallas Willard's lecture on spiritual formation and the VIM formula. He compares his approach to Willard's and discusses the dangers of self-help and Pelagianism. Kyle emphasizes the need for a theological grounding in Christ and the Spirit's work in transformation.In this episode, Kyle mentioned a book by Michael Stewart Robb called The Kingdom Among Us: The Gospel According to Dallas Willard. Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 desire, rationality, and the impact of pornography on the human person. Kyle delves into the theological psychology of desire, the nature of sin, and the renewal of the mind in the context of spiritual formation.The article that Kyle mentioned on Jonathan Edwards's theological psychology can be found here. Chapters00:00 Exploring Spiritual Formation and Pornography05:17 The Role of Desire in Theological Psychology29:00 The Renewal of the Mind Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 Willard. Willard uses pornography as a test case to explore the nature of spiritual formation and being formed into the likeness of Jesus. Willard also considers the role of desire and how it can bind the will and obsess the mind. He then goes on to emphasize the importance of having the right vision, intention, and means to bring about personal change and transformation (Willard's VIM paradigm). In this talk, Willard discusses the vision and intention behind pornographic use and how it can be transformed. Willard also explores the role of desire and willpower in overcoming addiction, highlighting the need for a right view of God and His world. He suggests practical means to break free from pornography, such as openness to others, resolute avoidance of tempting situations, and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Willard concludes by emphasizing the process of spiritual transformation and the role of grace and effort in the journey.There was a handout that went along with this talk that I have reproduced here: Beyond Pornography:Spiritual Formation Studied in a Particular CaseI decided to discuss the use of pornography [(porne = prostitute) + graphy = drawing)] because (1) it presents us with a peculiarly vivid case of spiritual formation and possible spiritual transformation, and (2) it is such a widespread problem for people today, and also among Christians and those in ministry – and a problem which generates a lot of hopelessness in those involved.What is pornography? It consists of writings, drawings, images and pictures for use in arousing sexual desire, and frequently in stimulating the body to achieve sexual discharge or release. It is on a continuum with viewing actual people around you in order to stimulate, foster and cultivate lust, which Jesus warned against in Matt. 5:28. The production of pornography and its use involves the degradation of human beings and cannot be an act of love, which wills the good of all involved.The use of pornography is rooted in the fundamental role of desire in human life. Desire, on the biblical understanding, is not in itself bad, but it is dangerous because it has the tendency to take over one's life. Desire must be subordinated to what is good, and it is the role of the will to see to it that it is subordinated to what is good. But the will can do this only if it understands what is good and is strongly oriented toward it. This is definitely not the case with those unaligned with God. In them the will falls captive to desire: they live to do what they want. Their condition is repeatedly addressed in the scriptures.The general condition of fallen humanity is carefully laid out by Paul in Ephesians 4:17-19 and Romans 7:15-23. The will is, in the fallen personality, enslaved by desire, and so “I am doing the very thing I hate” (vs. 15). This is the precise picture of the person in some degree of bondage to pornography.We really must pay attention to desire (“lust,” “longing,” epithumia) if we are to understand spiritual formation. The primary role of desire in human life is to impel us to action. If action were solely under the direction of thought, we would never survive infancy, and life would be an intolerable burden in which much that is good would not be realized. Lusting itself gives pleasure, because it thrusts us in a direction and makes us feel alive. We are “moved,” hence we speak of “passion.” Thus we get pleasure from desiring itself, and desire to desire. The gratification of desire gives us a sense of completeness and power – for a moment or so. A depressed person is typically one who has little or no desire and “doesn't want any thing.”Thus we do many things just to excite desire. Flirting (of various kinds) and titillation are major parts of life in fallen humanity. Temptation to sin is exciting because it plays with desire. Sports provide interesting cases where one chooses to desire things of no significance whatsoever: crossing a line with a funny shaped “ball” in your hand, or seeing someone else do it, for example. Drugs, food, work, and violence also brings feelings that give a sense of being alive. Pornography is only one of many ways in which the will can be enslaved. It can be enslaved to getting what one wants, looking good, or dominating others. Many are enslaved to simple rebelliousness: the will enslaved by the will. Thus John says that there are three things that are in the world: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.” (1 John 2:16)Now you may know of my “VIM” formula for personal and spiritual growth. (See chapter 5 of Renovation of the Heart.) That is, spiritual transformation into Christlikeness results from getting the right Vision of reality and goodness, the right Intention and decision (to actually become like Christ), and adequate Means to carry out the intention. In fact, however, everyone has had a spiritual formation – including those involved with pornography, or gluttony, or… – and it incorporates a VIM. “VIM” is the key to understanding whatever condition one is in. What is the “VIM” of the person engaging with pornography?Involvement with pornography is not an ultimate, undefinable fact that simply falls upon a person and there it is. It is rooted in a VIM. If you want to get out of such involvement, you work on replacing the VIM that put you there and holds you there with a godly VIM oriented to what is good to desire. That is something you can do. God will help you, but he will not to it for you.So what is the “V” of pornography use? It is a vision of women (for simplicity sake) as something to be used to stimulate and/or gratify sexual feeling and desire. That is what they are here for. Usually this is accompanied by contempt for women, which makes it easier to treat them as “sex objects.” In most cases this will be accompanied by a vision of one's own body as a source of and means to pleasure. It may be that this is prior in time, in child development, to the pornographic view of women. These foundations of pornographic involvement easily develop further into various forms of perversion, as one pursues sexual stimulation and satisfaction. This prurient “V” must be replaced by a vision of women and of oneself as creatures of God for his blessing, walking the hard path of life where they suffer afflictions and death, but headed for an eternity with God or under God. A similar change has to be made in the vision of oneself.The pornographic “I” is the intent and decision to use sexual sensuality as a major source of gratification. Often this is supported by the view of oneself as deprived or hopelessly burdened. In fact, it is rooted in a Vision of God and of God's world as a place of bitter disappointment where humans must “go for” what is available and somehow endure the rest. Thus the wrong vision of God lies at the foundation of pornographic practice. Needless to say, a right view of God and God's world would of itself break the grip of a life of sexual sensuality. The work to be done here should be obvious: the transforming of the mind by the truth about God and his world. But one also has to come to grips with the fact that they do intend and decide to use pornography (food, violence, whatever). Then the intention and decision not to use it must be formed. That will not be possible until the Vision element is transformed along the lines suggested. But then the correct intention and decision can be formed. It is possible to deceive oneself about what one really does intend, so one must be very careful and searching and honest in dealing with what one does and does not intend: what they have and have not decided to do. The fact is that people engaged with the use of pornography have decided to be there and have not decided not to be there. But “will power” alone will not solve the problem. The Vision must be right and appropriate Means will have to be employed to extricate oneself from pornographic use.Now among the primary Means to deliverance is taking care to see pornography in all of its dimensions for what it really is. For many people, just to see the terrible degradation of others and oneself involved in pornography will strongly bolster their will to have no involvement with it. This is important. It is an application of the general truth that temptation of all kinds is defeated by “broadening the view” and looking at the solicitation in the larger context of life and of God. Desire overpowers the will primarily by obsessing the mind. What many think they experience as inevitability depends entirely upon their failures to see things as they really are. Will (human “spirit”) in its very nature seeks alternatives and the best of alternatives. But when the person has conceded desire the right to rule, desire blinds the mind and appears to give the will no alternatives. (I have got to have that donut, see that picture, etc.)But other Means must be employed in most cases. Two of the most useful are: openness to others and resolute avoidance of situations in which pornography can be indulged. As for openness, this may involve confession (to appropriate persons in appropriate ways), sharing with others in the same difficulty, a “buddy” (accountability) system with a small group of others (not all necessarily in the same difficulty) that allows you to meet and discuss regularly and to call on others for prayer and support in the hard times. Another measure that can be taken here is to kneel down publicly and pray out loud for deliverance from your temptation. Perhaps “in church.” (St. Benedict threw himself into a briar patch upon the occasion of salacious thoughts, and it seems to have done wonders for him.) Now at this point one might say: Are you serious? My answer would be: Are you?With respect to “resolute avoidance,” make sure that pornography is not within your reach. Get rid of it, and when tempted to replace it resort to the helps mentioned in the previous paragraph. Someone will say: “I just can't do that.” But anyone who says that has not decided to break the involvement or still has the poisonous vision or probably both. You cannot do the work at the “Means” level that must be done at the “Vision” and the “Intention” level. And if you do not do the prior works, Means will certainly fail to help you. Of course you can get rid of pornography, and you can avoid replacing it. It's not like fighting gravity. You are in a process of breaking habits that possess all dimensions of your being: will, thought, feeling, social context and soul. It will impose some serious difficulties. But you can do it, and you will be aided if you are practicing a sensible schedule of spiritual disciplines – solitude, silence, study, fasting, worship, etc. – that are not focused upon the avoidance of pornography, but upon the healthy fulfillment of your life under God in the dramatic goodness of God's world with others you love and serve. Pornography involvement is a sure indicator of the impoverishment of life. (Remember Philippians 4:8.)Jesus promised that “whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14; cp. 6:35) By “thirst” I believe he refers to unsatisfied desire and its ravages upon people, such as the poor woman by the well to whom he spoke. With reference to pornography or other enslaving fascinations, we are not talking about repressing desire or denying its reality. We are talking here about not having the desire. The person who would change must desire to not have the desires they now have, and be willing to do the things on the VIM pattern that will eliminate the desire or render it of no influence. Although there may well be cases where medical treatment, specialized counseling, or deliverance ministries are required, most people involved with the use of pornography have not come to the place where they desire not to desire it. For whatever reasons, they think it is too important to them and that they would be “missing out” if they did not have the desire for it. That concession traps them into continued use.Anyone who follows the path of VIM outlined above will receive Divine and other assistance to step out of involvement with pornography. What that means is that when something like the occasion to indulge in pornography presents itself to them, their first thought will be: Why would anyone want to be involved with that?What we have said here in relation to pornography can be generalized, with appropriate modifications, to apply to all issues of spiritual transformation into Christlikeness, both negative and positive. The field of Christian Spiritual Formation is an area of reality that lends itself to knowledge and to practice governed by knowledge. One certainly understands this from reading the Bible, and especially passages such as Colossians 3 and 2 Peter 1:2-11. That field is a field of play for grace, the actions of the Holy Spirit, and all of the instrumentalities of the Kingdom of God. But it also requires well-directed effort on the part of human beings. “Add to your faith virtue, and to your virtue knowledge…” (2 Peter 1:5).Dallas WillardUniversity of Southern California Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 utilize this category fruitfully in our own formation. Kyle emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God in the reality of who we are, rather than turning to oneself as a way to generate or mimic an ideal. He encourages a holistic approach to spiritual theology that incorporates insights from the broader Christian tradition.00:00 Introduction and Background05:21 The Rich Tradition of Spiritual Theology07:20 The Experiential Gap and the Importance of Drawing Near09:45 The Role of Spiritual Theology in the Christian Life14:01 Embracing the Wisdom of the Christian Tradition16:34 Moving from an Idealistic to an Evangelical Approach21:48 Recognizing Our Need for Forgiveness24:22 Navigating the Sanctification Gap in PrayerResources mentioned: Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal.John Coe, “Spiritual Theology: A Theological-Experiential Methodology for Bridging the Sanctification Gap” in The Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care 2:1 (2009).Kyle Strobel, Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards. Kyle Strobel and John Coe, Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul. Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 2 when he is narrating the ground and goal of false spirituality. One of the reasons this matters so much today is when Paul claims that this false spirituality “has an appearance of wisdom.” It is this false spirituality that captivates so many today. In response to this false spirituality focused on contemplation and rigorous asceticism, Paul interesting emphasizes true contemplation and drawing near to God in Christ.00:00 Understanding the Difference: Spiritual Formation vs. Spiritual Theology03:45 Addressing False Spirituality: Insights from Colossians 225:57 Drawing Near to God: A Key Element in Spiritual Formation Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 Theology03:12 The Gospel-Centered Vision of Spiritual Formation12:13 Test case: Gospel-Shaped Prayer31:14 Focusing on Jesus in Spiritual Formation Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 and ministers. They explore the need for a contemplative life in the midst of a performative culture and the importance of deepening one's spirituality. They also discuss the Protestant tradition and the recovery of the beatific vision as a foundational aspect of contemplation. In this conversation, Kyle discusses the importance of contemplation and its historical significance. Kyle emphasizes the need to recover contemplation in evangelicalism, and highlights the role of scripture and theology in helping us understand what a distinctively Christian form of contemplation is. He also distinguishes between contemplation and contemplative prayer, cautioning against the confusion of these terms. 00:00 Introduction10:37 Contemplation for Pastors and Ministers29:26 Living by Faith and Reordering Life38:55 The Theology of Contemplation45:29 The Decline of Contemplation: Enlightenment and the Separation of Theology and Spirituality57:16 The Relevance of Contemplation in Soul Care and Ministry Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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, particularly the Puritans and early evangelicals. Kyle emphasizes the interconnectedness of three key aspects: individual spiritual formation, family life, and the communal spiritual life of the church. He discusses the importance of a Word-centered spirituality that centers on Christ and Scripture as the Word of God, as well as a Spirit-empowered spirituality that recognizes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Lastly, he highlights the significance of a whole-life spirituality that encompasses all aspects of our lives as those called to bear-witness to Christ in this present evil age. Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 emphasizes the need for a deeper discussion on spiritual formation in the evangelical and Protestant context and the importance of living out the reality of spiritual formation in the Church. Kyle also addresses the temptations and pitfalls that practitioners and academics in spiritual formation may face.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reflection on the Goal of Spiritual Formation25:43 The Role of Self-Knowledge in Spiritual Formation36:17 Integrating Theology and Experience in Spiritual Formation43:39 The Importance of Conversation Between Practitioners and Academics in Spiritual FormationI talked a bit about the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot. For more on our programs, take a look here.Works mentioned in this episode:* W.G.T. Shedd, Sermons to the Spiritual Man Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 existential aspects of spiritual formation, using prayer as an example. He highlights the need for a balanced approach that includes understanding the theology behind spiritual practices, offering practical guidance, and addressing the subjective experiences and struggles of individuals. Kyle also encourages listeners to draw near to the Lord and consider their own engagement with spiritual formation.Books mentioned: * Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul by Kyle Strobel and John Coe* The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience by Simeon ZahlEpisode Overview00:00Introduction and Overview02:56Grounding Spiritual Formation in the Historic Evangelical Vision09:05Theoretical, Practical, and Existential Aspects of Spiritual Formation26:55Navigating Personal Experiences and Struggles in Spiritual Formation32:41The Call of Wisdom and Love Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 can find below: * Here is The Gospel Coalition talk I did on Jonathan Edwards as spiritual theologian* Angela Carpenter's book Responsive Becoming * John Coe's article on spiritual theology Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

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 host of this podcast is Kyle Strobel, associate professor of spiritual theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. In this episode the following books were mentioned: * Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards* A Christian Directory by Richard Baxter* The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe

This is the inaugural episode to Spiritual Formation: An Invitation to Drawing Near. Unlike latter episodes, the goal is to introduce you to myself and the reason I am starting this podcast. Ultimately, I hope it will encourage you to draw near to Jesus. Get full access to Kyle's Formation Substack at kylestrobel.substack.com/subscribe