JohnPiper, "When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy"
So here's an opening on Piper's book.
The title is self-explanatory. But to give you a brief background on Piper's main message in all his work, it's that "God is most glorified, when we are most satisfied in Him." Joyful Christians glorify God more than unhappy ones.
I'll summarize the first three chapters (i think you'll find summary for helpful than opinion):
1- "Why I wrote this book." Here's a good summary question, 'what should i do if i don't desire God?' I am addressing the question, "How can i obtain or recover a joy in Christ that is so deep and so strong that it will free me from bondage to Western comforts and security, and will impel into sacrifices of mercy and missions, and will sustain me in the face of martydom?"
2-"What is the difference between Desire and Delight?" Delight comes before/and creates desire. Neither are the goal, God is. Example of desire Ps 42:1. Example of delight Ps 16:11.
3-"(Taking God's Demand for Delight Seriously.)" Here's a good quote, "Not to see and savor Christ is an insult to the beauty and worth of His character" It is, in fact, the essence of evil! This is reason enough to take the call for joy in Christ seriously.
The title is self-explanatory. But to give you a brief background on Piper's main message in all his work, it's that "God is most glorified, when we are most satisfied in Him." Joyful Christians glorify God more than unhappy ones.
I'll summarize the first three chapters (i think you'll find summary for helpful than opinion):
1- "Why I wrote this book." Here's a good summary question, 'what should i do if i don't desire God?' I am addressing the question, "How can i obtain or recover a joy in Christ that is so deep and so strong that it will free me from bondage to Western comforts and security, and will impel into sacrifices of mercy and missions, and will sustain me in the face of martydom?"
2-"What is the difference between Desire and Delight?" Delight comes before/and creates desire. Neither are the goal, God is. Example of desire Ps 42:1. Example of delight Ps 16:11.
3-"(Taking God's Demand for Delight Seriously.)" Here's a good quote, "Not to see and savor Christ is an insult to the beauty and worth of His character" It is, in fact, the essence of evil! This is reason enough to take the call for joy in Christ seriously.
posted by amac at 10:06 PM
1 Comments:
Continuing on with the chapters.
4) "Joy is a Gift of God." We cannot produce joy through our own efforts, we need God to grant us it (John 6:44-45). Similar to repentance if you're a Calvinist.. which u likely are ;). Obviously, we must still ask and faithfully seek it, just as unopened gifts are.. you get the pic.
5)"The Fight for Joy is a Fight to See." since it is God's glory we ultimately seek, our goal is to first "hear" His truth though reading the Word, then "see" it as we understand the awesomeness of God. (i did not do this chap justice)
6)"Fighting for Joy like a Justified Sinner: the secret of Gutsy Guilt." Everyday we need to understand our place as saved sinners. Legally perfect, but morally moving towards full sancitification. We must accept discipline when we fall (Micah 7:8-9) (this was a great lesson)
7) "The Worth of God's Word in the Fight for Joy." Gives 10 solid points on how the Bible helps. Best part was when Piper said to wage war on sin, just like it wages war on YOU (1 Pet 2:11).
8)"How to Wield the Word in the Fight for Joy." Most memorable for me was the radical call to step-up memorization and meditation. Piper outlines a process you should ask me about.
that's it for now
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