Desired Takeaway
To recognize that spiritual formation must precede mission, and that resisting the formation of the world through practices like fasting, generosity, service, and prayer leads to a life more deeply shaped by Christ.

Icebreaker
What’s one small habit (good or bad) that’s had a surprising impact on your life over time?

Lean In

• When you think about “joining Jesus in his work,” what kinds of things come to mind?
• Does the idea of needing to be formed first surprise or challenge you?

Look Down
Read 1 John 2:15-17.

• What stands out to you in this passage?
• John talks about love—loving God versus loving the world. How does this passage help clarify what those loves actually look like in real life?

Read Romans 12:1-2

• When you hear the word transformation, what do you tend to picture—behavior change, mindset shift, or something deeper?
• Paul connects transformation not just to the mind, but to offering our bodies. How does that deepen or challenge the way we usually think about spiritual growth?
• Taken together, what do these passages suggest about how spiritual formation actually happens—and why it must come before mission?

Look Out

• Where do you see the values of “the world” (craving physical comfort, constant comparison, pride in possessions) showing up in our culture today? 
• How are these values influencing people’s identities and priorities?

Look In

• Which of the three cravings (physical comfort, what the eyes see, pride in possessions) do you find yourself most tempted by right now? Why do you think that one hits closest to home for you?
• How have you experienced the effects of these cravings on your relationship with God or others?

Live It Out

• What do you imagine our community would look like if we were shaped more by the presence of Jesus than by the values of the world? How might that change the way we live, give, serve, and relate to others? (Don’t give a simple easy answer. Walk out the implications.)

Optional Exercises for the Week

• Practice Fasting: Choose one thing (food, social media, streaming, etc.) to fast from this week. Use the time or space created to pray, reflect, or be with God. Ask: What cravings surface when I fast? What is God revealing through this?
• Act of Generosity: Give something away—a possession, your time, or money—without expecting anything in return. Afterwards, reflect: How did that feel? What did I notice?
• Hidden Service: Do one act of service this week that no one will see or praise. Let it be a quiet offering to God. Consider journaling afterward about what it stirred in you.

Prayer Prompt
“Father, we confess how often we’re shaped by the world’s values rather than your love. Train our hearts to crave your presence more than comfort, your truth more than success, your love more than approval. Help us resist the pull of the world by practicing your way. Shape us so that we can carry your light into a world that desperately needs it. Form us, Lord—we want to live in your way. Amen.”

Suggested Resources for Further Study

• Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster – especially chapters on fasting and simplicity.
• Book: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard – a deep dive into spiritual formation.