What’s Really Forming You?

June 23rd, 2026
by Donald Shott

What's Really Forming Your Faith?

In a world saturated with content, information, and endless scrolling, there's a question worth asking: What's actually shaping your spiritual life? We have access to thousands of sermons, worship playlists, and Christian resources, yet many believers remain spiritually malnourished and struggle to discern truth from error. The uncomfortable reality is that many Christians today are being discipled more by their algorithm than by Scripture. Hold your Bible in one hand and your phone in the other—which one is forming you more? The voices that disciple us matter, and reels, clips, memes, and even podcasts cannot replace the transformative power of consistently being in God's Word.

The apostle John addressed this issue when he warned believers that “many antichrists have come” (1 John 2:18). An antichrist is anyone who appears to represent Christ while actually opposing Him—twisting Scripture, presenting a distorted view of God, and leading people away from the truth. False teachers are dangerous because they often look legitimate, with large platforms, impressive credentials, and compelling presentations. The question is: how do you identify them? John's answer is simple—by knowing the truth well enough to recognize the lie.

John reminds believers that through the Holy Spirit they have wisdom, discernment, and illumination. These gifts help us apply truth, recognize spiritual error, and understand Scripture, but they only function properly when we're actually in the Word. The Bible is not primarily about us; it is God's unfolding story of salvation through Christ. All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, correction, training, and equipping believers for every good work. God's Word is living and active, revives the soul, makes the simple wise, and is more valuable than gold.

To be with Jesus means to be in the Word. We cannot grow in Christ, develop discernment, or recognize false teaching while neglecting Scripture. This requires intentionality—choosing Scripture before screens and making God's Word a daily priority. Personal Bible reading is essential, but so is gathering with other believers, sitting under sound teaching, and participating in the life of the church. So ask yourself: where have you forsaken God's Word? The invitation remains the same—return to it, let it revive and transform you, and abide in Christ. In a world filled with noise, distraction, and deception, God's Word remains our anchor, guide, and source of life.

Transformation Group Guide: What’s Really Forming Your Faith?
Sermon Series: Be With Jesus
Text: 1 John 2:18-27
Main Idea: To be with Jesus, to walk with Him and be formed by Him, requires us to be in God's Word.

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker
Icebreaker Question: What's one app or social media platform you spend the most time on? Be honest!

Key Takeaways

The Bible is about Jesus, not us - It's God's unfolding narrative of salvation through Christ alone
Many Christians are discipled more by algorithms than Scripture - Our phones often shape us more than God's Word
The Holy Spirit provides wisdom, discernment, and illumination - We have what we need to understand Scripture
Abiding in God's Word protects us from false teaching - Regular engagement with Scripture guards our hearts
The enemy seeks to deceive with subtle shifts from truth - Satan doesn't completely contradict truth; he just nudges us slightly off course

Discussion Questions

When you held a Bible in one hand and a phone in the other (or imagined doing so), what did you feel? Which one honestly forms you more on a daily basis?
Looking at the "Top 10 Reasons People Don't Read the Bible," which one(s) resonate with you most? Why?
1. Lack of time
2. Intimidating
3. Can't understand it
4. Seems irrelevant or outdated
5. Don't feel religious
6. It's boring
7. Question its validity
8. Don't want to
9. Don't have one you can understand
10. Going Deeper into Scripture

Read 1 John 2:18-27 together.
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- What questions does it raise?
John warns about "antichrists" - those who have the appearance of Christ but oppose Him.
- How can we develop discernment to recognize false teaching in our current cultural moment?
Verse 24 says, "Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you."
- What does it practically look like to let God's Word "abide" in you?
According to verse 27, the Holy Spirit teaches us.
- How does this truth encourage you?
- How might it change the way you approach reading Scripture?

Personal Reflection

The sermon asked: "Where have I forsaken the Word of God in my life?" Take a moment of silence for personal reflection, then share (as comfortable) what came to mind.
What voices (podcasts, social media influencers, content creators) are you listening to regularly? How do you evaluate whether they're pointing you toward Jesus or away from Him?
The pastor mentioned the principle "Scripture before phones." What would it look like for you to implement this in your morning routine?

Application & Accountability

What's one practical step you can take this week to prioritize being in God's Word?
How can this group help hold you accountable to spending time in Scripture?

Practical Applications
Choose ONE of the following to commit to this week:

Scripture Before Screens: Don't look at your phone until you've spent at least 10 minutes in God's Word
Audit Your Algorithm: Review who you follow on social media. Are they pointing you toward Christ and biblical truth?
Memorize a Verse: Choose one verse from 1 John 2:18-27 to memorize
Read Psalm 19:7-11: Pray that God would help you see His Word as "finer than gold and sweeter than honey"
Join a Bible Reading Plan: Start a plan through the YouVersion app or another resource

Preparing for Abiding Weekend (July 24-26):