Spectacular Sins Book Club Chapter Two
I have to begin by telling you how incredibly proud I am of all the hard work you girls are putting forth in this book club! I know all this material is lofty but I truly pray that a fresh understanding and appreciation for the sovereignty of God is taking hold in your Spirit. Your answers are very insightful and I’ve enjoyed reading each and every one. FYI: I’ve had several emails from those who weren’t able to start at the beginning but aren’t sure if they can still participate. OF COURSE YOU CAN! Anyone is SO welcome to jump in every chance you get so please don’t hesitate to join the discussion.
Many things resonated with me in last weeks responses but I got a little stuck on Kelly’s (Love Well) quote here:
“I actually think it’s easier to magnify God in the big trials of life, because we are pushed to the limits then. We either magnify God or die. I find it harder to continue to choose His glory in the mundane details of life, when it’s tempting to slide into mediocrity, one inch at a time.”
Is anyone but me feeling that one? I think Kelly’s response speaks to where many of us live and that is our propensity to throw ourselves at the feet of Jesus only when circumstances are dire and not so much when we’ve had to clean up one too many poopy messes that day. Often it’s not the tire iron to the heart that gets me, it’s the constant yet lesser tappings that make me want to give up and try again later.
Obviously a woman reading who has lost a child or endured divorce or is battling a life-threatening illness may argue that mediocrity brought on by the exhaustion of motherhood or a lackluster faith born out of apathy are not comparable. On the most obvious level I wholeheartedly agree. But when we get right down to it, anything and I do mean ANYTHING, whether it be life’s trivia or trauma that robs God of the glory due Him in my book is spectacular indeed. As we learn in Chapter Two, ALL things were made by, through, and for Christ and therefore we must surrender every single event in order to display His greatness.
Oh my goodness. I have no idea if that made any sense whatsoever. I’ll be trusting the Holy Spirit to make the appropriate applications if any are indeed in order. :)
Let’s get to our questions!~
Chapter Two
1. I loved your quotes so much from the first session I’m going to ask you to share your favorite from this chapter!
2. Re-read Colossians 1:15-16. Piper makes special mention that of all the things Paul could list that were made by, through, and for Christ, that he specifically mentions evil powers. In answering why Paul did this, Piper pulls an example from 2 Timothy 1:8 to show how he used weighty doctrine to address Timothy’s practical issues of anxiety and fear that threatened the effect of his ministry. Considering Paul thought the ‘heavy’ things of God would help Timothy deal with everyday matters, how does knowing God created beings that He knew would turn from good to evil translate to your everyday life? (Use paragraphs 2 and 3 of page 36 to help form your thoughts.)
3. Five summary statements are given on p. 37 as to why God wants us to know the truth of Christ’s sovereignty over ‘rulers and authorities’ and the way they are involved in the most spectacular sins of the universe. Which one is most meaningful to you? How does it comfort you and/or give you courage against the evil that we know has been disarmed by Christ?
4. Okay, this question is more of an assignment. Look at the previous commenter’s answers and respond to one of her(his?) insights. If you are the first commenter, you can refer to this original post. Let’s get some discussion going! :)
This was a short chapter so we’ll stop here. Looking so forward to hearing your thoughts!
1. p. 37 "Paul wants to make crystal-clear that when Christians, who feel small and vulnerable, hear about hostile 'thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities,' they know beyond any doubt that Jesus has all authority over them. He means to give us courage that these hostile powers canot do anything apart from God's sovereign permission."
2. As it says toward the end of the 3rd paragraph, "the aim is love and justice and purity and compassion and courage. All to the end that Christ might be known and treasured as infinitely beautiful and immeasurably valuable. Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul."
In other words, why should we feel intimidated by these evil powers? It's obvious that God has complete control over them – He didn't create them and then get caught by surprise by their evil and not know what to do. Nor did He foreknow their evil before creation and throw His hands up and say "better not create that – I won't be able to deal with it." So nothing that happens in my life (or anyone's) is a surprise to God. He has already overcome them. So that indeed gives fuel to the soul's fire and courage for what I'm facing. Just like when I was a little girl and was scared unless my daddy was right there with me. I knew nothing would happen to me because he was stronger than what I was afraid of.
3. Oh my, this was so good. It was a close vote between #3 & #4, but I have to go with #4. Being assured of God's sovereignty over evil is such a comfort. As Piper said (and this was my favorite quote but it's worth reading again!), "Paul wants to make crystal-clear that when Christans, who feel small and vulnerable, hear about hostile 'thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities,' they know beyond any doubt that Jesus Christ has all authority over them. He means to give us courage that these hostile powers cannot do anything apart from God's sovereign permission." As a young girl and into my twenties, I was petrified when I heard of evil world leaders and events. I kinda thought that God, in His permissive will, had sort of given up control of certain things for a season. Then I did some Bible studies of Daniel, Isaiah, etc. and became fully persuaded that He has every.single.leader and event completely under His control. What a blessed relief! Even though I would highly prefer not to experience the evil doled out by such authorities, I know that Christ has conquered them and they don't do one thing outside of His knowledge and permission.
4. I appear to be the first commenter, so I'm going to piggyback on your thoughts and Kelly's about it being "easier to magnify God in the big trials of life" than in the daily grind "when it's tempting to slide into mediocrity, one inch at a time."
This really resonated with me too. I actually had a similar discussion with a friend near the end of last year. She had a catastrophic tragedy in her family 2 years ago, and has been an incredible picture of God's grace and perseverance in the midst of unimaginable grief. I had been going through a season of one trial and frustration after another, some of which were not even that big of a deal but it was the cumulative effect that was completely exhausting. I commented to her that my little things were about to pull me under some days, and I didn't see how she had survived her tragedy. Her response was that with a big thing you become absorbed with it and deal with it and, as Kelly put it "magnify God or die." But the little things are like water dripping on a rock that can just wear you down and zap your strength. Fortunately, God is just as sovereign over the exhausting "little things" as He is over the huge hurdles!
Great stuff in this book! Looking forward to reading everyone's else's thoughts!
Addendum to Question #2 just before last sentence about when I was a little girl – when I posted on my blog, I remembered this great verse and added:
As 1 John 4:4 says, You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One Who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. So why should I worry or fret or quake at the knees?!
1. Pauls antidote for wimpy Christians is weighty doctrine. I think I’m stuck on that thought, even from the intro.
2. I love that statement “God had Timothy in view, and he had Jesus Christ in view, and h e had grace in view and he had salvation in view before there was any world or any human sin or any human guilt” God placed this call on Timothy’s life from before the beginning! Knowing it is not of him (timothy) or me gives me and Timothy the courage to take a stand against the powers of evil that have already lost the battle at the cross. I don’t know if that makes sense or not, hopefully I answered it right!
3. Boy this is hard because they are all so good, but for me if I have to choose it would be #1 – TRUTH MATTERS! In today’s society truth is relative. What is true to you isn’t necessarily true to someone else so don’t judge. If we do not have Truth we are sad indeed!
4. I never thought of it the way Kelly said it but that is so true! We look to give glory to God in the big things so people can see who I trust is in, but never in the mundane! Hummm… All aspects of our life should bring Him glory!
I just wanted to stop in and say congratulations for being one of the Internet Cafe’s Top 100 Christian Women’s Blogs of 2008! Your blog truly *does* bless!
Hi Lisa–
I’ve tagged you for the friendship and honesty awards. I mean you can’t get more honest about your hair:) Anyway, check out my site to find out what to do.
Have a great day!
Lori Poppinga
http://www.lifeloveandlaughterinalargefamily.blogspot.com
I’m in!!!!!
I posted over on my site:
http://lisa-writes.blogspot.com/2009/02/spectacular-sins-better-late-than-never.html
In response to A Stone Gatherer above: “We look to give glory to God in the big things so people can see who I trust is in, but never in the mundane! Hummm… All aspects of our life should bring Him glory!” This is a constant struggle for me–remembering that everything I do, the big, the little, all are opportunities to give Him glory. I so often succumb to the lie that He is only glorified in the dramatic or the obvious. Sometimes it is more difficult to give Him glory as I put on the hundredth load of laundry for the day (okay, the week). May all I do be done in His name and for His glory!
1. Everything that exists, exists to make the greatness of Christ more fully known-including you, and the person you have the hardest time liking.
2. If we understand the weighty doctrines such as God’s sovereignty, then we can be confident that every time we face evil, it is already defeated. We can be confident that no matter how difficult things are, or how hopeless our world seems we can stand firm in the knowledge that we have a God who is mighty to save and that He is in control of everything. Knowing that God is an intentional God spurs me on to seek to know His will more fully and to try to understand His character more fully so that I can glorify Him more. I love the way Piper puts it: “Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul.”
3. “To make us valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye.” This particular statement gives me so much comfort, especially in light of the recent events in Washington. I know that even when it seems as though Christianity as a whole has suffered defeat, that God is not defeated. We live in a win-win situation as believers. When good triumphs, we win. It’s a clear victory and we can see the results fairly quickly. But when evil triumphs, we can take comfort in knowing that it didn’t really win. It may think it did for a season, but when all is said and done, there is no victory apart from God and we know that good has still won. It’s just that in cases such as this, it is not always immediately evident what the real victory is. Case in point…Joseph and his brothers. YEARS went by before God’s hand was fully revealed to the parties involved. We live in such an instant gratification world that we want answers right now! The will of God cannot be rushed or molded into a shape made by man.
4. “Knowing it is not of him (Timothy) or me gives me and Timothy the courage to take a stand against the powers of evil that have already lost the battle at the cross.” I like the way Kim put this fundamental truth, and I think we lose sight of it when we are in the midst of our battles with evil. We don’t have to overcome evil…He overcomes it for us.
Xandra
1. “…In Paul’s mind, the most massive truths are meant for producing radical lives of obedience. That’s why I say the main point of this book is not information for your head, but application to your life.” (Boy, do I have a lot of head knowledge, but only a bit of that knowledge has made its way to my everyday walk with Christ..)
2.Wow, have you ever had an answer in your head, but not able to get it out on paper… I can’t really do this question justice, but just knowing that God is ultimately in control of everything, and he knew about evil, yet he loves us so much gives me a peace… This is something that is being “fleshed out” in my life at this season.
3.All the points were good, but I picked number 3 which said that “our day is not so unlike Paul’s..” Just the idea that there are so many “high sounding heresies” out there, and I have believed some at certain times in my life, but knowing the “Truth” will set me free to know Christ in a way I never have before…
4. I will respond to Linda’s comment on question 3… I almost chose the same answer about knowing God is in control of everything… I too did not always think this way, and as I said before I am just now learning differently… But there is this unexplainable peace knowing God is in control, even of the things we will never understand this side of heaven.
Blessings all…
1. My favorite is the list of glories on page 32; all 15. Along with that, my favorite statement is “Memorize this litany of glories, and ask God to give you affections that correspond to the measure of this greatness—infinite in beauty, immeasurable. “
2. God foresaw that state of the world, the decisions that all beings (heavenly and earthly) would make throughout time, and the need for His grace all before the world or time began. If even heavenly beings, who exist in the presence of God visibly, can turn from good to evil, then I know I can too even though I also exist in the presence of God.
He has a high purpose for all this. He meant it for good; even for greatness, because His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). And His glory is most evident when He displays His might and power in our dark times; in our struggles with evil and doubt as in Exodus 7: 1-5; 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” (NIV)
3. The five reasons are all important to me, but I guess 4 and 5 are the most important. The knowledge that “my salvation in Christ is invincible” is the foundation on which I can stand and “be valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye.” Matthew 19:26 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
This does give me comfort and assurance. I also like the image that Piper opened this chapter with. God has not answered all our questions about sin and human suffering, but He has revealed to us what we need to know to continue in this world where evil still has an effect (pg. 34 “But they still do much harm in the world because not everyone believes, and even believers can be hurt by them, but not destroyed.”).
Toknowhim said: “Just the idea that there are so many “high sounding heresies” out there, and I have believed some at certain times in my life, but knowing the “Truth” will set me free to know Christ in a way I never have before…” I too am taken in by the “high sounding heresies” especially the ones that are carefully disguised as being from the Bible (such as the prosperity ministry mentioned in a previous post). It is true that we need to “be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds. Then [we] will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2.
-Karen
Sorry Lisa Writes! It took me several hours to write mine and I left the window open while I was running around doing things at work. When I started answering the questions, A Stone Gatherer was the last post before mine. I didn’t intentionally skip yours…
Xandra
I still do not have the book…I did request it from the library. Perhaps next week or the week after!
Much Love to you!
Holly
Chapter Two
1. I loved your quotes so much from the first session I’m going to ask you to share your favorite from this chapter!
Again… just one? Aaaaaaaaaargh! Ok, call me a rebel, but I’m torn between two, although they share similar sentiments.
“Paul’s antidote for wimpy Christians is weighty doctrine. In Paul’s mind, the most massive truths are meant for producing radical lives of obedience.”
“Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul.”
2. Re-read Colossians 1:15-16. Piper makes special mention that of all the things Paul could list that were made by, through, and for Christ, that he specifically mentions evil powers. In answering why Paul did this, Piper pulls an example from 2 Timothy 1:8 to show how he used weighty doctrine to address Timothy’s practical issues of anxiety and fear that threatened the effect of his ministry. Considering Paul thought the ‘heavy’ things of God would help Timothy deal with everyday matters, how does knowing God created beings that He knew would turn from good to evil translate to your everyday life? (Use paragraphs 2 and 3 of page 36 to help form your thoughts.)
It’s comforting to me to really grasp how far reaching the love of God, and His knowledge and will extend. There is nothing I face — no illness, no financial struggle, no straining of relationship, no hurt, no fear, no slander, no opposition, no burden, not even any evil force — that He did not anticipate and make a way for me to bear up under it. If He does not deliver me from it, He will certainly deliver me THROUGH it… because His grace is reserved for just such necessities. And has been since the beginning of time. How amazing and comforting is that?
3. Five summary statements are given on p. 37 as to why God wants us to know the truth of Christ’s sovereignty over ‘rulers and authorities’ and the way they are involved in the most spectacular sins of the universe. Which one is most meaningful to you? Does it comfort you? Give you courage against the evil that we know has been disarmed by Christ?
The fourth reason is the one that speaks to me most. “…God wants us to know this truth to make us valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye.” There have been a few times over the course of my life that could have shaken me. Truly. Things I’ve gone through that could have completely drowned me in self-pity and anxiety. BUT GOD… (don’t you love those words?) But God, in His infinite mercy and sovereignty, not only walked me through those times, He USED them for my benefit and for His glory. Knowing that Christ is sovereign helps me to make sense out of the senseless. It gives me faith to see the invisible, believe the incredible, and watch Him accomplish the impossible in my life.
Last year we went through a period of some pretty serious testing when our elders exercised church discipline. Nevermind the fact that to do that, even in today’s CHURCH culture, was highly unpopular, our godly leadership followed through with the pattern laid out in Matthew 18. This was such a painful time for my family, and for our church… and yet we knew — without a doubt — that God was sovereign and working this all out according to HIS plan. Hurtful things were said about many people, including my husband and I… not just hurtful things, but untrue things. Yet knowing that Christ was in control made walking through that period of our lives not only possible, but an experience that not only strengthened our church, but also taught us all lessons that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. It was a time of purging and cleansing for our fellowship, and it caused us all to look not at others, but at our own lives, and examine our own hearts to see what might be there that shouldn’t be… and through it all, Christ was glorified. Recognizing Christ as sovereign over that difficult time helped us all to get through it. I am so thankful to Him for refining me, and strengthening my faith and trust in Him.
4. Okay, this question is more of an assignment. Look at the previous commenter’s answers and respond to one of her(his?) insights. If you are the first commenter, you can refer to this original post. Let’s get some discussion going! :)
Karen said, “If even heavenly beings, who exist in the presence of God visibly, can turn from good to evil, then I know I can too even though I also exist in the presence of God.” I hadn’t thought of it like this, but I love this perspective! What careful watch we must keep over ourselves. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) And yet when we fail… when we FALL… His grace is sufficient. How beautiful!
Oh… and the answers are on my blog. If I put them there, am I still supposed to put them here? I’m really not much of a rule follower, so the fact that I’m even asking must tell you how much I’m loving this study. LOL.
http://bellissimanh.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/spectacular-sins-chapter-two/
1. pg 31 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” Deut. 29:29 – I love this – For all those people out there who including me at times – who wonder why can’t He just reveal a little more of that plan?
2. Wow – this one is a bit ‘heavy’ as Piper would say. But I have highlighted, “the aim is love and justice and purity and compassion and courage.” I do believe that even through the evil in this world that God allows us a justice system to send that “evil” to trial and get a punishment. Once that punishment has or has not been rendered, then we the Chrisitians choose how we re-act. God obviously has given us a set of instructions how to live by when by situations happen, but His ultimate goal, is that through the situation, we be transformed, grown, show compassion, and courage – and most of all – demonstrate God’s glory through it all.
3. number three – our day is not so unlike Paul’s. ” when you embrace truths like this, you are not easily swept away by mancentered trends or traditions.”
It gives us hope and something to to relate to. Reality, not ushy, gushy, feel good, fix it shops.
4. I love Heather’s delivery statements – they are so true from what we learn about our God in Daniel!
1. (p. 36) “Paul’s antidote for wimpy Christians is weighty doctrine. In Paul’s mind, the most massive truths are meant for producing radical lives of obedience.”
2. Given the difficulty I’m having wrapping my head around this weighty doctrine, I fear what that says about me (see above quote). But there is a reassurance for me in day-to-day life that God knew that what He intended for good would not always be good. I’m so like Paul in “the very thing I want to do I don’t do” (Romans 7:15) It reassures that God’s plan is not thwarted by my failure to live up to what He has called me to be any more than it is thwarted by the angels who rebelled. Nothing catches Him by surprise, and sometimes that is the most reassuring thought of all.
3. The third statement is meaningful to me “our day is not so unlike Paul’s…Paul was concerned that, in the pluralistic, intellectual atmosphere of Colossae, Christians could be captivated by high-sounding heresies.” First it comforts me that today is not so different from Bible times that the Bible has become irrelevant, as some would have us believe. This pluralistic society needs to understand that Scripture is still absolute TRUTH and absolutely relevant to what we experience. Secondly it comforts me that no matter how sound those heresies appear, they are heresies that we can still separate them from truth through the knowledge and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
4. I love that “Lovely” uses the same truth in question number three, but can get to the heart of it is less than 150 words (which it seems I need to make any point). I don’t want to be “easily swept away by mancentered trends or traditions”.
1. “Paul’s antidote for wimpy Christians is weighty doctrine. …Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul.”
2. It makes me take more responsibility to consciously serve God and seek his will instead of haphazardly going through life.
3. The 4th reason spoke strongly to me: “To make us valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye.”
It comforts me to know that nothing is going to happen to me that doesn’t first have God’s permission to ultimately be for his glory and my good. Why should I worry? In theory, anyway! I still do worry in practice, but I want to overcome it through the power of Jesus. I pray God will use this book and this study to help me be less fearful.
4. I love Miriam Pauline’s thought that God’s plan isn’t dependent on MY success or failure. It takes the pressure off of me to try to be perfect, and it places even more glory on who HE is, with or without us.
FYI: John Piper preached a sermon series on “Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ” in the Fall of 2007. The text and audio can be downloaded free at his website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/BySeries/80/
1. I have 2 quotes because I just couldn’t pick 1…
Pg. 33 everthing that exists, exists to make the greatness of Christ more fully known- including you, and the person you have the hardest time liking.
Pg.36 Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God centered soul.
2. Knowing the weighty truth of God’s soveriegnty over ALL things even before creating them brings me comfort and confidence in my daily life. Oh, praise God! The realization that before I even get up, let’s us go way back, before anything was created, while He was creating it He knew EVERYTHING, every… thing… that was going to take place with in every dominion and knowing that truth brings with it confidence and comfort in my daily life. God is in control, I have nothing to truly worry or be timid about for absolutely everthing exists and was planned through and for Him.
Sometimes it is hard to think this way in the little things but it is even in those that exist for Him. Our ultimate purpose as His creatures is to be conformed into His image, that is weight that has the power to be lived out radically.
3. #4 God wants us to know this truth to make us valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye. I see to often with the natural eye which causes me to loose my courage in Christ. Knowing that nothing can get to me before going through Christ is comforting, if they are given permission then I know He has supplied me with the grace to handle it. Again, praise God!
4. In other words, why should we feel intimidated by these evil powers? It’s obvious that God has complete control over them – He didn’t create them and then get caught by surprise by their evil and not know what to do. Nor did He foreknow their evil before creation and throw His hands up and say “better not create that – I won’t be able to deal with it.” So nothing that happens in my life (or anyone’s) is a surprise to God. He has already overcome them. So that indeed gives fuel to the soul’s fire and courage for what I’m facing. Just like when I was a little girl and was scared unless my daddy was right there with me. I knew nothing would happen to me because he was stronger than what I was afraid of.
Linda (first commentor)… perfectly said!
1. “All to the end that Christ might be known and treasured as infinitely beautiful and immeasurably valuable.”
2.This truth makes God’s sovernity more real to me. It means that He really has control over everything. Because he knew about the good becoming evil and still created it just indicates to me that He is not surprised, or caught off guard by the things that happen in the world. Even when things seem out of control they are not. God knows.
3.God wants us to know this truth because it makes clear that Christ alone, not rulers [and] authorities is to be worshipped.
4. I liked what Lisa said about Placing more glory on who God is.
Unlike many of you I find that I am able to handle the daily things much better than the big things that come into my life. When I am overwhelmed by a difficulty, and I am talking about something big here. I find myself struggle against accepting God’s sovernity. I struggle against accepting His timing. I struggle against accepting what I think is unaswered prayer.Those are the times that it becomes about me. But when God is on the throne of my heart and I remember that it is really all about Jesus being glorified , and not about me then I find peace and rest even when things don’t change.
1. "Great biblical truths are the fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul." I covet this fuel as I strive to be God-centered.
2. God knew some would turn from good to evil, but He already had a plan "in view" – a plan to cover me everyday, to restore me when I confused evil for good – and knowing that God is not just reacting to things, but has already provided the answer just takes my breath away sometimes. I pray that I face these circumstances in a way that "Christ might be known and treasured".
3. I was torn between 3 & 4 until I turned the page and read the final one – "He wants us to see and feel that our salvation in Christ is invincible." To me this seems all encompasing of the other four. If I put my trust in him, I am secure in Christ – nothing can seperate me from him. This is true when I am facing empty philosophies, overwhelming odds, tragdies or forgeting to call my mother. It is the ultimate comfort and it does give me courage as I face the circumstances of my life.
4. "I struggle against His timing." "I struggle against what I think is unanswered prayer."
Kas, I totally relate to these feelings (as I susupect many do) whether it is when I am facing big, big trials or the frustrations of daily life. But, as you said, when I remember who is on the throne and that it is not about me but Jesus being glorified, I have peace that gets me through whatever is causing me to struggle.
I am seriously behind! I just got my book in the mail the other day….am I too dumb to read this??? ha
Sorry I’ve been MIA on this study. I’ve been in and out of doctor’s offices for the past two weeks, so I’ve not been on the interweb too much. I’ll try to catch myself up and jump back in soon!
HEY ITS ME SHELBY. IS THE BOYS GETTING A BLOG TO0?
Hi all!
1-By quote, I’m thinking you don’t mean scripture – either way – I liked: p. 37 “the great truth of Christ’s sovereignty over sin and evil was a kind of ballast in our boats that would keep us from capsizing under the waves of error that roll endlessly over the sea of human culture.” An eloquent way I thought of Paul saying that despite our trials God is in control over good and evil and that’s what gets us through.
2-How does knowing God created beings that He knew would turn from good to evil translate to your everday life?: Like Piper said, God had Jesus in view, he had Timothy in view, and wow — He had me in view. He knew I would sin, He knew what my struggles would be but He made a way for it all to be forgiven and for me to be reconciled. In light of this, I don’t need to feel defeated or ashamed in my life. I don’t have to prove anything to God. God knows me and He loves me!
3-The most meaningful summary statement for me of why God wants us to know the truth of Christ’s sovereignty over “rulers and authorities” is to make us valiant in the face of odds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye. This speaks to me because I feel strengthened knowing I have a BIG God. So often the world’s way of dealing or responding to things is so the opposite of how I as a christian woman need to be. But I want to be “valiant” and show Christ even if the world thinks I’m foolish or crazy. But I’ll be the first to admit, that ain’t easy.
4-Hi Karen! I like when you write:
“knowing that God is not just reacting to things, but has already provided the answer just takes my breath away sometimes.”
Yeah that’s right!– he’s not reacting. Wow. That’s something big I’m going to be thinking a lot about this week. It can provide a whole lot of rest and peace in my life if I let it. Thanks for sharing that.
I’m WAY late; I seem to be doing two chapters at a time right now. But I’m NOT quitting or leaving anything out. So here goes.
1. Favorite quote: “Great biblical truths are fuel in the fire of the God-centered soul.” I love that, even though Piper is so intelligent, he says that the main purpose of his book — and of God’s truth — isn’t to make us smarter. It’s to change our lives.
2. If God knowingly created individuals that would turn against Him, it says to me that He has nothing to fear from them and that we, in turn, have nothing to fear. He is in ultimate control, even of the evil we don’t understand.
3. My favorite summary statement was the fourth: “God wants us to know this truth to make us valiant in the face of adds that seem overwhelming to the natural eye.” It makes it very practical. Be strong and courageous! The LORD is our God!
4. I’m not sure I can pick one idea from the previous commenters. I just finished reading the whole lot, and I’m so impressed with teh diligence and the variety of the women in this study. God is amazing, isn’t He?