The Dallas Willard Podcast 41. The Restoration of the Soul: 'He Restoreth my Soul' (2003)
Jun 23, 2025
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and author, dives into the importance of soul restoration in one's spiritual journey. He emphasizes the connection between body and soul, encouraging practices that promote healing through love. The discussion highlights the transformative power of surrendering one's will to God, nourishing the soul for clarity in life's decisions, and understanding the grace inherent in law. Willard also touches on how healing and sanctification are lifelong journeys that flourish in the embrace of divine love.
01:22:00
Love Is Will, Not Feeling
- Love is the foundational will to do good for all concerned, not a mere feeling.
- True love integrates heart, soul, mind, and strength, and flows naturally in relationships.
Use Body To Strengthen Soul
- Use bodily actions in spiritual disciplines to open your soul to God's power.
- Practice outward acts like singing or prayer physically to support inward spiritual states.
Surrendered Will Enables Love
- A surrendered will means living not for self but under God's rule, enabling true love.
- This surrender makes loving God and neighbor easy and authentic, not a struggle.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Embodying Love: A Spiritual Connection
02:31 • 21min
Faith, Love, and Transformation in God
23:20 • 6min
Surrendering for Spiritual Wholeness
29:00 • 16min
Nourishing the Soul: Finding Clarity in Faith
45:26 • 19min
The Beauty and Grace of Law in Society
01:04:05 • 2min
Tenderness and Grace in the Old Testament Law
01:06:26 • 3min
The Journey of Healing and Sanctification
01:09:15 • 11min
The Transformative Power of Divine Love
01:19:57 • 2min
Colossians
Ralph P. Martin
The Book of Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a letter written to the church in Colossae.
It emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, addressing theological issues and practical concerns of the early Christian community.
Paul tackles false teachings that threatened the Colossians' faith, highlighting the fullness of Christ and the importance of living a life transformed by the Gospel.
The letter offers guidance on various aspects of Christian life, including family relationships, and the importance of unity and love within the church.
Colossians is a rich source of theological insights and practical advice for Christians today.
It reminds us of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His teachings.
Psalm 119
Matrix, Form, and Setting
William Michael Soll
In this book, William Michael Soll delves into a comprehensive study of Psalm 119, examining its structural elements, literary form, and historical setting.
The work is part of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly Monograph Series and offers insights into the theological and literary significance of the psalm.
Deuteronomy
introduction and commentary.
Hubert Cunliffe-Jones
This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy.
It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts.
The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.
Romans 3
Travis Burden
This book is a work of fiction that delves into suspenseful drama, exploring themes of crime, atonement, and justice.
It is part of a series and is characterized by its short length and intense narrative.
Psalm 1
A Wisdom Psalm
Traditionally attributed to King David or possibly Ezra
Psalm 1 is an introductory psalm to the Book of Psalms, often referred to as a wisdom psalm.
It outlines two distinct paths in life: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.
The psalm describes the righteous person as one who delights in the law of the Lord, meditates on it day and night, and is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.
In contrast, the wicked are likened to chaff blown away by the wind, with no stability or future.
The psalm emphasizes that following God's direction leads to happiness and prosperity, while ignoring it results in destruction.
Revelation
Jen Wilkin
1 John
John the Apostle
The Book of 1 John is a pastoral and polemical letter aimed at combating the heresy of Gnosticism, which was emerging in the early Christian church.
John writes to reassure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ and to provide clear guidelines on what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
The letter emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, the necessity of confessing sins, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus.
It also warns against false teachers and antichrists, and it underscores the principles of love, holiness, and security in the Christian life.
Romans 6
grace designs
Acts
None
Peter
The Book of Acts, a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, narrates the history of the early Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ.
It details the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the growth of the Christian community.
The book highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, the persecution faced by early Christians, and the importance of faith and perseverance.
It also showcases the diversity of the early church and the challenges of maintaining unity and purpose amidst adversity.
The book serves as an inspiring account of the early church's growth and its impact on the world.
Matthew 11
Tyndale
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers is a guide for parents seeking to cultivate a strong spiritual foundation in their children.
The book emphasizes intentional parenting, focusing on creating a home environment that nurtures faith and encourages a personal relationship with Jesus.
It provides practical advice and strategies for parents to model and teach biblical values.
Through personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, the book aims to equip parents to raise children who are not only knowledgeable about their faith but also passionate about living it out.
It addresses common challenges and offers encouragement for parents on their journey to raising children who love and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers inspires parents to embrace their role as spiritual leaders in their homes and to intentionally guide their children toward a lifelong commitment to Christ.
1 Peter
J. Ramsey Michaels
This commentary, part of the Word Biblical Commentary series, offers an in-depth treatment of 1 Peter.
J. Ramsey Michaels examines the historical context and social crises that led to the writing of this epistle, analyzing textual problems and drawing out implications for contemporary life.
The commentary emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, providing judicious and balanced insights into the meanings of the text within the framework of biblical theology.
Psalms
King Solomon
Ethan the Ezrahite
Sons of Korah
Moses
Heman
Asaph
Anonymous
King David
The Book of Psalms is a diverse collection of prayers, poems, and hymns that span many centuries of Israel’s history.
It includes works by various authors such as King David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Moses, and King Solomon, among others.
The book is divided into five sections or books, each concluding with a doxology.
The psalms cover a wide range of themes including God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin, evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.
They were integral to the ritual life of the Temple and have had a profound impact on both Jewish and Christian worship traditions.
Ephesians
Canon Martin Kitchen
This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis.
It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text.
The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.
Deuteronomy
introduction and commentary.
Hubert Cunliffe-Jones
This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy.
It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts.
The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.
Galatians
Scot McKnight
This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality.
McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text.
The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 13
William D. Sulzer
1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the importance of charity.
It describes the characteristics of charity and its role in spiritual growth.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of love in all aspects of life.
It encourages readers to strive for a life of selfless service and compassion.
1 Corinthians 13 provides a powerful testimony of the importance of love in the Christian faith.
The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of love and its impact on individual lives and society.
Romans 8
Thomas Jacomb
A serious call to a devout and holy life
A serious call to a devout and holy life
William Law
William Law's "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life" is a classic work of Christian devotional literature.
It emphasizes the importance of living a life of genuine piety and devotion to God. Law challenges readers to examine their lives and to strive for a deeper relationship with God. The book's enduring appeal lies in its timeless message of spiritual transformation.
It encourages readers to prioritize spiritual disciplines and to live out their faith in a practical and meaningful way.
The book's emphasis on personal holiness and devotion continues to resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of Christian living.
Session #5 of Healing the Heart and Life by Walking with Jesus Christ Daily
Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Reseda, CA
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The contents of this recording are © Willard Family Trust. Used by permission. For permission to reproduce any of this content, please contact Dallas Willard Publicatio...