Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
Week 13: Chapter 12 — Spiritual Formation as the Christian's Calling
Read Chapter 12 of Renovation of the Heart. Key passages: 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:1-2.
Previewing Week 13 of Renovation of the Heart
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 15-week guide when you’re ready.
Willard closes by returning to the big picture: spiritual formation is not a program or a season of intense effort, but the ongoing calling and adventure of every person who has given their life to Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Willard writes that spiritual formation is 'the normal Christian life' — not an advanced option for the particularly devout. After reading this book, do you agree? What in your background or church culture has made this feel like an optional extra?
2.He invokes 1 Timothy 4:7-8 — 'train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way' — as a summary of the whole project. What would your life look like if you trained for godliness with the same seriousness that athletes train for sport?
3.Willard emphasizes that transformation is not about human achievement but about 'beholding' — about fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2) until we are changed by what we see. He draws on 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul writes that we are 'transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.' What is the relationship between gazing at Christ and being changed by him? How do you practice that gaze?