Values Series

Written By Citylight Bennington

WEEK 2: FORMATION (UP)

This week, Pastor Glenns message was on Formation. This is our 2nd value at CLB.

Formation is the process of becoming more and more like Jesus, and just like most things, it doesn’t happen by accident AND it takes time

Follow the discussion guide that was made from Sundays Message

1. OPENING SCRIPTURE & ICEBREAKER (10 mins)

Below are the main passages that were preached. Read aloud:

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

Icebreaker Question:
➡️ What’s one area of your life where you’ve experienced real change since following Jesus?

2. THE PICTURE OF CHANGE (10–12 mins)

Paul uses the word "metamorpho"—like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly—to describe the Christian life. This isn’t about improving your behavior. It’s about becoming a completely new person.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What’s the difference between Christian transformation and simply “cleaning up your act”?

  2. Why do you think God is not interested in us becoming “better versions” of ourselves but rather new creations?

  3. What stands out to you about the transformation described in Ezekiel 36:25–27?

3. THE PROCESS OF CHANGE (15 mins)

Christian formation:

  • Doesn’t start automatically at salvation

  • Doesn’t happen at the fast pace we’re used to

  • Is often hindered by idols, past pain, and lifelong habits

Read Ezekiel 36:25–27 again.

Reflect:
➡️ “Life only has meaning, and I only have worth if _________.”
(Let group members sit in silence and reflect. Invite responses, but don’t pressure.)

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some modern “idols” Christians often wrestle with?

  2. What does it mean to “behold the Lord’s glory” in daily life (2 Corinthians 3:18)?

  3. How do our small daily habits form (or deform) our hearts?

Key Idea: We are shaped by what we behold. If we regularly behold media, fear, power, or success—we will be shaped by those things. But if we behold Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness.

4. THE POWER FOR CHANGE (10–12 mins)

Change is not powered by grit, but by God’s Spirit.
Read Acts 1:8 & Galatians 2:20.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How aware are you of the Spirit’s presence in your daily life?

  2. What does Galatians 2:20 mean practically for how you live and make decisions?

  3. What’s one way you can cooperate with the Spirit’s work in your life this week?

🙏 "God is not out there or up there. He is here, in you."

5. HABITS, IDOLS, & BEHOLDING JESUS (10 mins)

Our transformation happens through our habits—not just the ones we form, but also the ones we subtract.
We’re already being formed by our media, money, relationships, and calendars.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What habit (or distraction) do you sense God asking you to subtract?

  2. What habit could you begin that would help you behold Jesus more regularly?

6. TAKEAWAY QUESTION (Go around and share)

➡️ What’s one thing you sense God calling you to do, believe, or surrender based on this discussion?

Encourage 1–2 sentences per person.

7. CLOSING PRAYER

Pray over the group that:

  • They would behold Jesus clearly and often

  • They’d be freed from idols and old patterns

  • They would experience the transforming power of the Spirit

  • They would reflect the heart of Jesus more and more

Optional Weekly Practice

Choose one practice this week to help you “behold the Lord”:

  • Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 every morning

  • Fast from a habit that’s crowding out God (social media, screen time, etc.)

  • Journal one way you noticed the Spirit working in your heart each day

  • Set aside 10 minutes daily for silence and prayer, simply to be with Jesus

Citylight Bennington
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