Welcome to theFormed.life podcast! Today, with Dr. Richard Averbeck, Old Testament expert from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, we're exploring the richness of the Exodus. Join hosts Paul Brandes, Bill Gorman, and Jonathan Neef as we discuss its enduring themes of deliverance, God's faithfulness, presence, the law at Sinai, God's name, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how this pivotal story informs our spiritual lives today.

Bio:

Dr. Richard E. Averbeck is a distinguished scholar in Old Testament and Semitic Languages. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and has also served as a Senior Research Professor at TEDS. Additionally, he has been a visiting professor at Odesa Theological Seminary in Ukraine and previously taught at Dallas Theological Seminary. His academic focus includes the Pentateuch, ancient Near Eastern history and languages, Old Testament criticism, Hebrew, and biblical counseling. He is a respected author and speaker, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Old Testament and its relevance for today.

Quotes:

• God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrated by His covenant with Abraham in Genesis, continues in Exodus as that family becomes a nation. He heard their groaning because of His commitment to the covenant He made. - Dr. Richard E. Averbeck

3 Main Takeaways:

1. God’s Faithfulness and Presence are Central to Exodus
   The conversation highlighted that a driving theme of Exodus is God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people, even when they falter. Dr. Averbeck emphasized that God remains committed to His covenant and is continually present with His people, a truth powerfully illustrated in the story of Moses and the burning bush (“I will be with you”/the significance of God’s name). This theme of God’s abiding presence is foundational—not just for understanding Exodus, but for grasping the entire biblical story, including its fulfillment in Jesus as “God with us.”
2. The Structure of the Law: Grace First, Guidance Follows
   Dr. Averbeck pointed out that God rescues Israel from slavery before giving them the law—deliverance precedes instruction. The law is not a path to earning God’s favor, but guidance for living as redeemed people. This pattern closely mirrors the gospel dynamic: salvation by grace leads to a life shaped by God’s guidance, not the other way around. The conversation also touched on how the law, including its focus on justice (like debt slavery), reveals God’s character and heart for His people.
3. Exodus Shapes Identity, Worship, and the Story of Redemption
   The hosts and Dr. Averbeck discussed how the story of Exodus isn’t just an ancient tale—it’s a paradigm for understanding God’s work in the world and in individual lives. Themes of deliverance, identity as God’s people, and worship (including the tabernacle as God’s ongoing presence) profoundly shape both Israel’s self-understanding and that of Christians today. The Exodus sets the trajectory for the entire Bible, echoed in Jesus’ mission and continued in Christian worship and life today.

Resources:

• The Ten Commandments (Film) - Cecil B. DeMille
• The Prince of Egypt (Film) - DreamWorks
• Exodus: Gods and Kings (Film) - Ridley Scott
• Chosen (TV series)
• Exodus (JPS Torah Commentary) - Nahum Sarna: https://a.co/d/eqNXoLg
• A Commentary on the Book of Exodus - Umberto Cassuto: https://a.co/d/a2vZlyx
• The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church: Reading the Torah in the Light of Christ - Dr. Richard Averbeck: https://a.co/d/7xYFt2k
  
  

Timestamps:
00:00 Exodus in Popular Media
05:16 God's Faithfulness Throughout Genesis-Exodus

09:01 "Moses' Reluctance and Divine Assurance"
11:18 Balancing Academics and Spiritual Growth
16:01 Messiah's Presence in Scripture
19:26 Divine Guidance and Presence
20:44 Exodus: Tabernacle and Deliverance
24:09 God's Ownership of His People
30:09 Divine Purpose in Pharaoh's Heart
33:42 Recommended Study Bibles
36:41 "God With Us: Scripture's Promise"
38:01 "Form Life Podcast Resources"

Hashtags

#ExodusStory #GodsFaithfulness #SpiritualFormation #BiblicalIdentity #DivinePresence #OldTestamentLaw #CovenantPeople #GraceAndRedemption #DrAverbeck #theFormedLifePodcast

On this episode of theFormed.life Podcast, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by Dr. Rebecca DeYoung, a professor of philosophy and renowned author, to dive deep into the ancient world of virtues and vices—and why they’re still wildly relevant for us today. Together, they explore how concepts like pride, envy, gluttony, and vainglory aren’t just relics of the past, but powerful forces that shape our character, relationships, and spiritual growth in the present.
Dr. DeYoung shares her own journey into the study of ethics and virtue theory, reflecting on how naming and understanding our “capital vices” can be the first step toward true transformation. The conversation highlights practical ways we can identify unhealthy patterns, intentionally pursue Christlike virtues, and invite God’s grace into our everyday lives. Whether you’re striving to break free from destructive habits or hoping to cultivate more humility, courage, or love, this conversation will challenge and encourage you with timeless wisdom and actionable insights for your faith journey.

Bio:
Rebecca DeYoung is a Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University, where she has taught for over two decades. Her research focuses on virtue ethics, the seven deadly sins, and spiritual formation, blending philosophical insight with Christian theological traditions. She is the author of several books, including Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies, which explores the relevance of ancient moral traditions for modern life. A sought-after speaker and writer, DeYoung contributes to various academic and spiritual formation communities, including Renovaré and the C.S. Lewis Institute. Her work is marked by a deep commitment to integrating intellectual rigor with spiritual growth.

Quotes:
The idea with spiritual disciplines is that you're intentionally engaging in practices of open handedness to the Spirit's transforming work. - Rebecca DeYoung

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Vices Aren’t Just Isolated Failures
Dr. DeYoung highlights that vices become dangerous when they form persistent “grooves” in our lives—habits or patterns that shape who we’re becoming, rather than just one-off mistakes.

2. True Growth Is About Spiritual Discipline, Not Just Self-Improvement
The path to overcoming vices isn’t about “bootstrapping” or self-powered virtue. Instead, it’s about practicing spiritual disciplines—open-handed, receptive practices that invite the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.

3. Virtues Lead Us Into Deeper Communion
The ultimate goal isn’t just personal perfection, but being drawn into deeper relationship and communion—with God and others. Cultivating virtues isn’t about earning love, but responding to the unconditional love we have already received.

Resources :
- Renovaré (spiritual formation resources)
- Conversatio.org (the fellowship of the Dallas Willard legacy)

Timestamps:
00:00 Descent from Virtue to Philosophy
04:07 Discovering 'Pusillanimity': Medieval Imposter Syndrome
07:15 "Protestant Views on Deadly Sins"
11:35 "Embrace Spiritual Disciplines"
15:37 "Self-Worth Through Habitual Lifestyles"
18:06 Exploring Vainglory and Other Vices
21:29 Confronting Sloth in Daily Life
25:05 Publicity Challenges Vulnerability and Growth
29:10 Money Management Anxiety
30:25 Overcoming Excessive Attachment
36:20 Gratitude as a Christian Virtue
37:31 Slow Living and Inner Peace
41:00 Vices of Self-Regard
44:20 Scarcity Mindset and Envy
48:31 Books, Skills, and Glacier Hikes

Hashtags:
#VirtuesAndVices #SpiritualFormation #Sanctification #ChristlikeCharacter #GlitteringVices #Vainglory #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianVirtue #RebeccaDeYoung #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords:
Virtue, vice, seven deadly sins, capital vices, sanctification, spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines, character formation, pride, envy, sloth, vainglory, humility, courage, love, gratitude, wisdom, justice, temperance, greed, gluttony, self-help, spiritual formation, grace, Protestant theology, transformation, Christian ethics, Aquinas, church tradition, spiritual healing