47. What God Actually Wants

What actually makes someone a good person?

In this reflection on Psalm 51, John Ortberg explores one of the most important differences between religion and the teaching of Jesus.

David doesn't simply pray,
"Forgive my sins."

He prays,
"Create in me a clean heart."

Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the remarkable story of Joni Eareckson Tada, John explains why God is after something far deeper than behavior modification. He wants transformation from the inside out.

This episode explores:
- Psalm 51 and David's prayer
- The difference between behavior and the heart
- Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount
- Why outward obedience isn't enough
- Joni Eareckson Tada's powerful insight about sin
- Becoming the kind of person who naturally desires what is good

Scriptures:
- Psalm 51
- Matthew 5
- Matthew 23
- 2 Samuel 11–12

#Psalm51 #JohnOrtberg #JoniEarecksonTada #DallasWillard #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HeartTransformation #SermonOnTheMount


📚 Today's Resources:
Dallas Willard
Joni Eareckson Tada


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00:00 What Does God Really Want?
 00:44 The Most Misunderstood Part of the Spiritual Life
 01:32 Psalm 51 & David's Prayer
 02:15 Create in Me a Clean Heart
 03:04 What Makes Someone a Good Person?
 03:41 Jesus vs. Behavior Modification
 04:43 Lust, the Heart & the Sermon on the Mount
 05:18 Why Jesus Talks About Gouging Out Your Eye
 06:08 Reductio ad Absurdum Explained
 06:57 Meet Joni Eareckson Tada
 07:50 "Sin Was an Attitude as Much as an Act"
 09:20 The Prayer We All Need
 09:48 Stop White-Knuckling Your Faith
 10:34 God Wants to Change Your Desires
 11:01 Love, Joy & Peace Begin in the Heart