Practicing the Way – Turning God into a Habit – Sermon – Pastor Dave Page

This is the third week of our message series – Following Jesus. Good morning church! Continuing, in our sermon series with “Following Jesus” based John Mark Comer’s book Practicing the Way of Jesus. If you are reading along with this book since we’ve been discussing its use, you are very likely gaining a very powerful perspective on what it means to follow Jesus—not just as believers, but as apprentices of Christ.

Apprentice – this is a word we want to focus on over the next several weeks. The term “disciple” has, over time, sometimes lost its some of its depth and meaning. It has become more of an identity label rather than a way of life. Comer reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to call us simply to believe a set of doctrines or attend church once a week. Jesus came to invite us into a way of life, His way of life, and over the past two weeks, we have invited you into some specific ways that you can “Practice The Way.”

Intentional Prayer time, every day;
Reflecting on the mesh of forces that shape us, every day.

Did you get an opportunity to use the formation audit document we sent you?
If you did:

• What did you find helpful about taking the Formation Audit?
• When you consider the ways in which you are being unintentionally formed, what felt most challenging?
• Did anything surprise you?

In this message today, we want to zero in on one of the outcomes of those forces that are constantly shaping us, and that is our habits. Our habits shape who we become. In ‘Practicing the Way’, John Mark Comer emphasizes that spiritual formation which brings us close to Jesus is not accidental; it requires intentional, practiced habits. He says, “We are all being formed by something,” meaning that the routines and practices we cultivate influence our character. The critical question is: Are our habits forming us to be more like Jesus or drawing us away from Him?

We often pour time and energy into fitness routines, productivity goals, and hobbies, but neglect deliberate spiritual practices that nurture our relationship with God. Yet, as Comer continues to draw our intention to, Jesus calls us to “abide” in Him, as branches remain connected to the vine. Without that connection, we cannot thrive.

1 John 3:24

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

One way that we can abide with Jesus is through the rhythms of our daily life and specifically a daily connection with God
Developing a life centered on God starts with consistent rhythms of prayer, solitude, and scripture reading. In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly stepped away from the crowds to pray (Luke 5:16). Similarly, Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as someone who meditates on God’s Word day and night. These spiritual rhythms are like tending a garden, growth requires regular attention.

Psalm 1:2-3

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

I spend a lot of time in the agricultural space. Consider how crops need water and sunlight. You can’t expect a crop to flourish if it never gets rain. Likewise, our souls require regular spiritual practices to help us flourish. Sporadic engagement with God will not sustain spiritual growth.

Replacing Old Habits: Walk by the Spirit, Not the World

Galatians 5:16

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Everyone abides in something; whether in worry, social media, or entertainment. Comer urges us to examine the habits that consume our time and energy. Spiritual transformation comes when we replace old, unhealthy patterns with life-giving practices. The truth of this is that we can’t do this consistently by ourselves. Paul says it is the power of the Holy Spirit that helps us overcome ourselves. A focus on spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and serving help us walk by the Spirit, true, but it is also that we need the Holy Spirit in our lives to helps us make the spiritual disciplines a consistent rhythm.

One concept that surfaces during this part of the book is that of “parenting your phone.” Putting it to bed early and only waking it up after time with God in the morning. This is a practical way to avoid letting distractions shape our habits. Setting boundaries helps us focus on the things that truly matter.

Practicing the Presence of God throughout the Day

Comer draws inspiration from Brother Lawrence who practiced God’s presence in mundane activities like washing dishes or doing yard work. The goal is not just set times of prayer but cultivating a continual awareness of God’s presence throughout the day. Every moment becomes an opportunity to engage with God.

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God…”

Imagine turning your daily activities like a commute, cooking, or cleaning, into moments of worship. As you engage in these tasks, invite God into your thoughts, offering up gratitude or a short prayer. This habit shifts your focus from the ordinary to the divine, gradually transforming the way you see your daily life.

Comer finally reminds us that spiritual transformation takes time, consistency, and grace. The purpose of forming spiritual habits is not perfection but progress; aligning our lives with Jesus, one step at a time. When we intentionally structure our days around abiding in God, we are transformed into people of love and holiness.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Identify one habit that hinders your connection with God, whether it’s excessive screen time, overwork, or worry. “Tithe” a portion of that time to God by setting boundaries (e.g., no phone before 9 AM or after 8 PM). Use that time to pray or read scripture.

What habits are shaping your life today?

Which ones need to be replaced?

How will you create space for new, God-centered habits?

By turning God into a habit, we gradually become the people He created us to be.