Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast Summary

Title: What does the Bible mean by a hardened heart, 'filled' by the Spirit and to be 'holy'
Release Date: July 6, 2025
Hosts: Mike Bird and Tom Wright
Produced by: Premier Unbelievable

Introduction

In the July 6, 2025 episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird and guest Tom Wright delve into profound theological concepts centered around three key themes, all beginning with the letter "H": holiness, hardened hearts, and being filled by the Holy Spirit. Skipping the episode's advertisements and introductory segments, the conversation focuses on unpacking biblical definitions, exploring scriptural contexts, and addressing listener questions with depth and clarity.

Defining Holiness

Margie Sutton's Question (00:28): Margie Sutton from London inquires about God's definition of holiness, referencing biblical phrases like "holy ground" and "keeping the Sabbath holy."

Tom Wright's Insights (02:13 - 06:45): Tom Wright begins by explaining the Hebrew term Qadosh, emphasizing God's utter specialness—the Creator's goodness, magnificence, and splendor. He references Isaiah 6, where the prophet witnesses the seraphim proclaiming, "kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, holy is the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:3), highlighting the superlative aspect of holiness. Wright discusses how this divine holiness is both transcendent and immanent, particularly through Jesus, who embodies "gospel holiness." He underscores that holiness involves God's active love in reclaiming the world and extending His goodness to humanity, challenging misconceptions that holiness equates to isolation or hopelessness.

Notable Quote: "Holiness here is simultaneously an extraordinary challenge and an amazing welcome, that God's holiness is, as it were, gospel holiness." (02:45)

Mike Bird's Reflection (06:45 - 08:32): Mike Bird echoes the complexity of defining holiness, proposing it as "the sheer Godness of God" that permeates Jesus' actions. He contrasts Jesus' approachable holiness with the Pharisees' perception, noting that for Jesus, holiness is "contagious and goes forth into all the world" rather than being something to be isolated.

Notable Quote: "Holiness is not something to be protected and ... it's something that is contagious and goes forth into all the world." (07:30)

Understanding a Hardened Heart

Daniel Puston's Question (08:34): Daniel Puston from Stockholm seeks clarity on the biblical concept of a hardened heart, specifically referencing Romans 9:18 and its distinction from self-hardened hearts mentioned in Hebrews 4:7.

Tom Wright's Explanation (09:22 - 17:36): Tom Wright approaches the topic by acknowledging the complexity of categorizing hearts as hardened or softened. He references the Exodus narrative, where Pharaoh initially hardens his own heart before God intensifies this hardness to demonstrate divine judgment. Wright cautions against simplistic classifications that equate a hardened heart with damnation, emphasizing Paul's message in Romans 11 that even hardened hearts are not beyond redemption. He discusses the pastoral reality of encountering individuals whose hearts seem closed off due to personal traumas or unresolved anger, highlighting the necessity of compassion and understanding in addressing hardened hearts.

Notable Quote: "If we could really understand what a hard heart is, it might mean that some people are just supposed to be like that. But that's simply not what Paul is talking about." (14:02)

Mike Bird's Follow-Up (14:02 - 17:36): Mike Bird connects the discussion to Hebrews 4:7, suggesting that not hardening one's heart involves remaining open and responsive to God's voice. He posits that contemporary applications may include avoiding bitterness and anger that close the heart, advocating for continual openness to God's transformative work.

Notable Quote: "There are all sorts of levels at which this might apply... the heart is itself fascinating because the heart... is the seat of emotions." (16:00)

Exploring the Holy Spirit

Personal Promises from the Holy Spirit

Annamarie Musico's Question (20:15): Annamarie Musico from the United States, inspired by Tom Wright's books, asks whether the Holy Spirit can give personal promises, such as revealing future spouses, and seeks examples and practical encouragement for waiting on these promises.

Tom Wright's Response (21:44 - 26:54): Tom Wright acknowledges the diversity of experiences regarding personal promises from the Holy Spirit across different Christian traditions. He shares personal anecdotes and historical examples, such as C.S. Lewis’s unexpected haircuts and a serendipitous meeting with W.R. Farmer that cemented Wright’s involvement in specific projects. Wright emphasizes the importance of discernment, advising believers to test such revelations against scripture and ongoing faith practices to avoid subjectivism. He underscores that while God does guide individuals uniquely, these experiences require careful validation and alignment with God's broader mission.

Notable Quote: "It's very, very easy for that sort of claim to slide down into subjectivism." (25:30)

Meaning of 'Filled' by the Holy Spirit

Robin Wooldridge's Question (26:54): Robin Wooldridge from Olympia seeks to understand the New Testament meaning of being "filled" with the Holy Spirit, distinguishing between being filled for specific tasks versus for life-transforming purposes.

Tom Wright's Insights (27:54 - 33:44): Tom Wright discusses the historical context of the term "filled with the Spirit," noting its prominence since the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. He warns against viewing the filling as a one-time, perpetual state, using Charles Haddon Spurgeon's anecdote about sanctification to illustrate potential misconceptions. Wright references Acts 2, drawing parallels to the tabernacle being filled with God's presence, and cautions that, like the Temple, individual and communal experiences of being filled require ongoing engagement and responsibility. He highlights that being filled with the Spirit is about being a living Temple, actively serving and embodying God's mission rather than attaining a static state of holiness.

Notable Quote: "Filled, filled, filled... we need to go back to the wilderness tabernacle, the temple in Jerusalem, and think about being filled with the glorious divine presence." (30:20)

Mike Bird's Observation (33:44 - 35:16): Mike Bird adds that in the Book of Acts, those filled with the Holy Spirit typically engage in effective gospel preaching and embody a life worthy of the gospel, contrasting with the expectation of "spiritual pyrotechnics." He hints at future discussions differentiating between being baptized in the Spirit versus being filled, inviting listeners to submit questions on this topic.

Notable Quote: "If you want to know what being filled with the Spirit look like, it's not necessarily spiritual pyrotechnics. It's good biblical preaching and living a life worthy of the gospel." (33:00)

Conclusion and Call to Action

Mike Bird wraps up the episode by summarizing the key themes—holiness, hardened hearts, and the Holy Spirit—reminding listeners they can submit further questions via the podcast's website. He also promotes other shows produced by Premier Unbelievable, encouraging the audience to explore more theological discussions.

Notable Quote: "Holiness, hardening of hearts, and the Holy Spirit—all brought to you by the letter H." (34:00)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Ask NT Wright Anything offers a nuanced exploration of complex theological concepts, blending biblical scholarship with practical pastoral insights. By addressing listener questions with depth and personal anecdotes, Mike Bird and Tom Wright provide a rich resource for those seeking to understand and apply biblical teachings on holiness, hardened hearts, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.