Chapter 9 of Renovation of the Heart Class
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Slides for chapter 9 from class and discussion about Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart.
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Chapter 9 of Renovation of the Heart Class
- 1. Renovation of the heart: Putting on the character of Christ Chapter 9 Transforming the body
- 2. What do you think about when you read the sentence below? The body lies right at the center of the spiritual life. …spiritual transformation is the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus. One result is the “outer life” becomes a natural expression of Jesus and His teachings. The essential role of the body in spirituality is the one most likely to be overlooked in understanding and practicing growth in grace.
- 3. Two questions… What is the body? Our body is a source of potential energy. What is the body’s main function in relation to the individual? My body makes it possible for me to be (a physical being) and to do. I use my body based on the influence of ideas, sensations, and emotions. How do you know the character of a person?
- 4. How do you know the character of a person? Our bodies communicate Body language, “ tells “, eye contact The body is central to our identity and the course of a person’s life. Galatians 2:20 Philippians 3:10-11
- 5. The Profundity of Paul The role of the body in the life of a Christian Colossians 3:1-5 Christians are recipients of a different life, one not of the earth. Romans 5-8 Sin reigned over (or governed) human life. Death reigned because of sin, which came into the world by one man (Adam). But, through Christ a new reign has come.
- 6. Romans 5:17 Sin has reigned, and flourished, but grace has and will flourish even more. Romans 6:12-13, 19 The parts of our death-bound body are not mere physical things, but now carry in them a life that is not of them. Romans 8:11 Spiritual formation requires the transformation of the body. The Profundity of Paul (2)
- 7. The War Within Transformation of the body is essential because outside of Christ the body is formed in sin, and as a result our character and body are set against God and God’s ways. When our heart (will, spirit) comes to new life in God, the old “programs” are still running contrary to our new heart, and for the most part they are “running” in our body and its part or members. The sinful nature still dwells within, but there is now another life that is also in me, the gift of God’s spirit. Paul writes in Romans 7 while the spirit is willing (I desire to follow Christ), the flesh is weak. I may find myself doing the things I hate (Romans 7:15). But it really is no longer I who is doing it, but the sinful functioning in the members of my body. This is a transitional state.
- 8. We Must Take This All Very Literally Evil(sin) does influence our body and what we do. Formation outside of Christ produces tendencies or inclinations to do wrong, that become habits. Habits…a person may act or speak without thinking. Examples: James 3:5, Proverbs 6:17-18 “ I lost my temper “
- 9. Christ Delivers My Body From Hatred The war within produces body hatred. What is your understanding of the concept, body hatred? Sees there is a problem, concludes the body is evil, not that evil is influencing the body. For usual human beings in the usual circumstances, their body runs their life…their time and energy is almost wholly, if not entirely, devoted to how their body looks, smells, and feels, and to how it can be secured and used to meet ego needs such as admiration, sexual gratification, and power over others.
- 10. The Body Betrayed Worship of youthfulness Making the body central to life explains many problems: Anger at being fat, old age, death and dying Sexualization, abortion, eating disorders, racial, and other discriminations …taking the body to be the person and depriving ourselves of the spiritual perspective of the person
- 11. My Body is Not My Property “ My body is not my own. “ Because we are essentially social beings and what is done with our body strongly affects others around us, I do not have exclusive say over what happens in and with my body. It is not mine to do with as I will. As a mature and competent individual, I am responsible for the care of my body and it is the center of all the other responsibilities I have. But that does not imply that I and I alone have the right to say what is to be done with it, or in short, that I own my body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- 12. The Only Reasonable Use of Our Body For Christians…Romans 12:1-2 The mark of the renewed mind is what it will “not even think.” The bodily tendencies (habits) of the living sacrifice no longer incline us or start us toward evil without thinking…
- 13. Taking Steps 1. We must actually release our body to God. 2. No longer idolize your body.
- 14. Taking Steps 1. We must actually release our body to God. 2. No longer idolize your body. 3. Do not misuse your body. 4. The body is to be properly honored and cared for.
- 15. And That Is Sabbath Is Sabbath something you think of for your life? Why or why not? Sabbath in human life is really celebration of God. The body must be weaned away from its tendencies to always take control, to run the world, to achieve and produce, to attain gratification. The meaning of Sabbath…to take our hands off our world. The primary mark of the condition of Sabbath in the body is rest.
- 16. And That Is Sabbath How much sleep do you get each night (on average)? Is that enough? To rest does not mean we sleep our way to sainthood. What are some problems with not being rested?
- 17. The Body Spiritually Adorned God has made every provision for the body we actually have to serve us and Him well for His purposes in putting us here on earth. 1 Peter 3:3-4
- 18. Matters for Thought & Discussion 2. How is the body “wrongly positioned” in life on our own? 3. In what respects are my life and identity inseparable from my body? 4. Is it possible that much of our character consists in what our body is “ready” to do without “being told”? 8. What is the source of body hatred, and how does Christ deliver us from it? 9. Is my body my property to do with as I wish? Why or why not? 11. What does Sabbath mean to your body? 12. Can the body have a spiritual beauty? In what way?
Notes de l'éditeur
- Renovation of the Heart… In the second portion of the book we have talked about Transforming the mind, focusing on our thoughts. Transforming the mind, focusing on our feelings. and Transforming the will (which is the heart or spirit). Tonight, we will talk about Transforming the Body
- What do you think about when you read this sentence? [Click] [Or what did you think about when you read the sentence in the book?] The body lies right at the center of the spiritual life. [Responses…Click] Willard explains that spiritual transformation…is the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus. One result of such transformation is the “outer life” increasingly becomes a natural expression of Jesus and His teachings. [Click] In other words, through what we say and do, we express Jesus and His teachings. This illustrates the importance of the body. Willard points out we have to be careful and not overlook the essential role of the body in spirituality. The essential role of the body in spirituality is the one most likely to be overlooked in understanding and practicing growth in grace. Willard poses two questions about the body… [Click]
- What is the body? and What is the body’s main function in relation to the individual? Before reading this chapter, how do you think you would have answered the question, What is the body? [Responses…Click] Willard explains that our body is a source of potential energy, the only potential energy directly accessible to a person for her or his own use and satisfaction. For example, I use my body to drive a car, which allows me to move from place to place. I use my body to cook food to give me energy to be active, to use my body. Answering the second question…. [Click] Willard explains that My body makes it possible for me to be (a physical being) and to do. A key point Willard makes is that we develop tendencies to act or behave, to use our bodies in particular ways, based on our desires, sensations, and emotions. He comes back to this point several times in the chapter. Willard extends this point with the idea that a person’s body communicates who and what she or he really is. [Click] and he illustrates the point about communicating with our body with a question… How do you know the character of a person? Responses
- How do you know the character of a person? We come to know a person’s character based on how the person uses his or her body, by what the person says and does. For example…through body language. Gamblers refer to physical reactions or “tells.” We question someone’s honesty based on whether they will look us in the eye when talking. People you are close to know how you will react physically (with your body) to various circumstances. These ideas lead to the point that the body is central to our identity and the course of a person’s life. Willard illustrates the importance of the body with quotes from Galatians and Philippians. Galatians 2:20… 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. A key point from this verse is that this present life is to be caught up now in the eternal life of God. Willard also refers to Philippians 3:10-11… 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Willard’s point is that we are to know the power of His resurrection now. After highlighting the importance of the body, Willard focuses on Paul’s teachings regarding the body.
- The Profundity of Paul Willard focuses on Paul’s teaching about the role of the body in the life of a Christian. In Colossians 3 Paul emphasizes that Christians enter into a new life. Colossians 3:1-5 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Christ’s people have received a different life, one not of the earth, but of Christ. Willard points out that this theme is developed at length in Romans chapters 5 through 8. In these chapters Paul writes how sin reigned over (or governed) human life. Death reigned because of sin, which came into the world by one man (Adam). A key point: The reign of sin has an impact on a person’s body, what you and I say and do. While sin had reigned, Paul points out the good news that a new reign has come.
- The Profundity of Paul (2) Romans 5:17 For, if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Willard notes that sin has reigned, and flourished it seems, but grace has and will flourish even more. Romans 6:12-13 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:19 19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. Willard writes that these words of Paul refer to the process and outcome of spiritual formation. The parts of our death-bound body are not mere physical things, but now carry in them a life that is not of them. Romans 8;11 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
- The war within Willard explains the transformation of the body is essential because outside of Christ the body is formed in sin, and as a result our character and body are set against God and God’s ways. When our heart (will, spirit) comes to new life in God, the old “programs” are still running contrary to our new heart, and for the most part they are running in our body and its part or members. The sinful nature still dwells within, but there is now another life that is also now in me, the gift of God’s spirit. Willard is referring here to Paul’s writings in Romans 7. Paul writes in Romans 7 while the spirit is willing (I desire to follow Christ), the flesh is weak. I may find myself doing the things I hate (Romans 7:15). But it really is no longer I who is doing it, but the sinful functioning in the members of my body. It is important to recognize this is a transitional state. We move toward the place where both the spirit is willing and the flesh is strong for God because His Spirit has now occupied the body. We present the members of our body as slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:19).
- We Must Take This All Very Literally In this section Willard writes about the influence of evil (or sin) on our body and what we do. His point is that our formation outside of Christ has resulted in tendencies or inclinations to do what is wrong. The inclinations become habits to the point that a person’s body seems to act independently of intentions or thoughts. This is the idea of a person that acts or speaks before thinking. To further illustrate this idea Willard refers to James’ teaching on the tongue. James 3:5-6 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. According to Proverbs 6, other members of the body have their own readiness to act wrongly, with the associated feeling states. Proverbs 6:17-18 refers to haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands to shed innocent blood, feet that run quickly to do evil. A person might say, “I just lost my temper.” But what does one lose one’s temper or character to? We lose our temper or our “control” to our body and the inclinations to wrong that inhabit its parts.
- Christ Delivers My Body From Hatred Willard concludes that one outcome from this war within, the influence of evil on our body is the concept of body hatred. What is your understanding of the concept, body hatred? [Responses…Click] This misguided and harmful attitude toward the body recognizes something is wrong, but concludes that the body is evil, rather than seeing the body being influenced by evil. People have struggled and still struggle with the concept that the body of the redeemed is residence of the Holy Spirit. Willard explains, For usual human beings in the usual circumstances, their body runs their life…their time and energy is almost wholly, if not entirely, devoted to how their body looks, smells, and feels, and to how it can be secured and used to meet ego needs such as admiration, sexual gratification, and power over others. Willard concludes that such a focus on the body, making it the center of one’s life, is a betrayal of the body.
- The Body Betrayed Willard contends this betrayal of the body is a driver of the worship of youthfulness. He writes it is the source of the fear, shame, disgust, and even the anger directed at being fat, old age, and death and dying. Making the body central to life also explains other problems including the sexualization of practically everything, abortion, eating disorders, racial, and other discriminations. Willard suggests all of these are rooted in taking the body to be the person and depriving ourselves of the spiritual perspective of the person. To be spiritually minded is to be focused on our nature as spiritual beings and on our place in God’s eternal life and kingdom. With this mind the body is beautified in its proper place. From this point, Willard presents a position that people may find challenging.
- My Body is Not My Property What do you think about the statement, “ My body is my own? “ [Responses…Click] Willard writes that it is a truth misstated and misunderstood. He further notes… Because we are essentially social beings and what is done with our body strongly affects others around us, I do not have exclusive say over what happens in and with my body. It is not mine to do with as I will. Further… As a mature and competent individual, I am responsible for the care of my body and it is the center of all the other responsibilities I have. But that does not imply that I and I alone have the right to say what is to be done with it, or in short, that I own my body. For a Christian, his or her body and whole being has literally been bought back from evil by God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. From this point, the remainder of the chapter focuses on Willard’s ideas of proper thinking about and proper use of one’s body.
- The Only Reasonable Use of Our Body Our reasonable service, the only thing that makes any sense for a human being who trusts Christ, is to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice very pleasing to God (Romans 12:1-2). The mark of the renewed mind is what it will “not even think. “ This freedom from even the thought of evil requires that the automatic responses toward evil are no longer running the body and its parts. The bodily tendencies of the living sacrifice no longer incline us or start us toward evil without thinking, and then drag our thoughts and feelings after them, and very likely our will (heart, spirit) also. What are some things that can be done to place our body and its parts fully at the disposal of the redeeming power that God intends to live in them?
- Taking Steps 1. We must actually release our body to God. That is what Paul means when he tells us to “ present our body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). It needs to be a definite action, renewed as appropriate, perhaps on a yearly basis. You will not drift into this position before God, and you will not, without decisive action, stay there. Refer to explanation on p. 172 [Click] 2. No longer idolize your body. It means that you no longer make it an object of ultimate concern. You care for it only as it serves God’s purposes in your life and the lives of others. You take good care of your body but only within the framework of values clearly laid down by God and exemplified in Jesus Christ. You do not live in fear of your body and what it might do to you. [Click]
- Taking Steps 3. Do not misuse your body. First, you do not use it as a source of sensual gratification. The second thing this means is that we do not use our bodies to dominate, control, or manipulate others. For example Do not present your body in ways that elicit sexual thoughts, feelings, and actions. Do not engage in “power dressing,” or use “knowing looks” and remarks. Do not overwork, which is a primary misuse of the body (e.g., excessive competition, overwork to “succeed”). God never gives us too much to do. [Click] 4. The body is to be properly honored and cared for. Do not engage the body in wrong or immoral actions. Because the body is holy (separated to God), we will properly care for it: nourish, exercise, and rest it. The notion of rest is a focal point for Willard. He writes, The practical center of proper care for the body is Sabbath. The capacity to simply be, to rest, would remove one from most of the striving that leads to misery.
- And That is Sabbath Is Sabbath something you think of for your life? Why or why not? [Responses…Click] Willard suggests that Sabbath in human life is really celebration of God. We might wonder why is Sabbath important for Christians. Willard explains… [Click] The body must be weaned away from its tendencies to always take control, to run the world, to achieve and produce, to attain gratification. [Click] Willard suggests the meaning of Sabbath is…to take our hands off our world. [Click] Willard then notes that the primary mark of the condition of Sabbath in the body is rest. He proposes, If we really intend to submit our bodies as living sacrifices to God, our first step well might be to start getting enough sleep. That statement leads me to some obvious questions…
- And That Is Sabbath (2) How much sleep do you get each night (on average)? Is that enough? [Click] We need to acknowledge that to rest does not mean we sleep our way to sainthood. To rest does not mean that God’s people do not work hard or never get tired. The point is that it is important to be well rested. Think about it this way… [Click] What are some problems with not being rested? If we are not rested the body moves to the center of our focus and makes its presence strongly felt. The sensual desires and ego demands will have greater influence over us through our body and its parts. Lack of rest can influence us to seek gratification and energy from food, drugs, or illicit relationships. For Christians then, it is vital that we do take proper steps to include our body in spiritual transformation.
- The Body Spiritual Adorned Willard closes this chapter by pointing out…. God has made every provision for the body we actually have to serve us and Him well for His purposes in putting us here on earth. Consider… 1 Peter 3:3-4 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. The instructions was written by Peter to wives, but Willard suggests the principles clearly indicate where genuine beauty, health, and strength of the body come from, and of what incredible grace lies in the spiritual transformation of the body.
- Matters for Thought and Discussion