Hello my Spectacular Sistahs! (I could say Spectacular Sinning Sistahs, but, nah!) I am so excited to dive into Chapter One with you!
If I didn’t know any better, I would say Lisa gave me the hard chapter on purpose. Oh my skull. I have prayed for wisdom because I sorely needed it.
I must say however, how much this book excites me, because of the topic of God’s sovereignty. I spent twenty-five years with my behind in a church pew every Sunday, never once hearing the phrase “God is sovereign”. Perhaps you are like me in that respect.
But I was just (tearfully) explaining to my husband, knowing that God is sovereign over all: the good, the bad, the joy, and the pain, is, for me, the source of the abundant life that Christ came to give. Knowing the One who loves me and sent his Son to die for me is in complete control of
every. thing. has been my peace that passeth all understanding, even and especially when I am in the valley of the shadow of death. I knew the Lord before – but now I adore him, trust him, and find my joy in him. All because of an understanding of His sovereignty.
It is my prayer that every one of you will come to love the idea of and embrace the power of God’s sovereignty as we work through this book! (This very book that the Father ordained before the creation of the earth for us to now study together!!)
Alrighty, let’s go. Remember to post your answers in the comments, but please go ahead and post them on your blog as well.
1. We’ll start with an easy one. What are the four reasons that John Piper gives for writing the book? Which do you look most forward to hearing Piper answer?
Here comes the hard part. I hope you read the footnote on page 24. If you are like me, you read it several times, then out loud, then needed to discuss it with someone. We’re loving the Lord with all our minds! Answer these as best you can (it’s okay if you are fuzzy – we’re only in chapter one):
2. What is God’s role in sin:
a. Does he allow you to sin?
b. Does he cause you to sin?
c. Does he allow temptation to come before you?
d. What resources does he give you to resist it? (quote scripture if possible.)
3. Are God’s purposes sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man? Aside from the Crucifixion, can you think of another biblical example?
4. Piper states that his primary goal is to magnify Christ. What are some ways that a Christian might do that, even under intense suffering? What are some ways that we might do that, during our day-to-day frustrations and disappointments? Have you personally witnessed any examples of either?
5. On page 29 he writes, “We are pushing our way through a blood-spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world yet disconnected at the same time. We are here but not here. Love binds us to the tragic earth, and love binds us to the treasure in heaven.” What thoughts does this provoke in you?
Can’t wait to read your replies!
Blessings,
Missy
1. Four questions were the impulse for Piper to write this book: Why does God want us to know his sovereignty over sin?; Why does God not restrain sin more often?; How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?; and How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
I am looking forward to hearing Piper’s answers to all those, but mostly about having faith and joy in those last days. I imagine the answer to that question will affect my faith and joy right now and I certainly do not want to be found wanting then!
2. God’s role in sin.
God does allow me to sin in that sometimes he chooses to place or allow a temptation. But he does not cause me to sin, that ‘dragging away and enticing’. It is his desire that I resist the temptation and he gives me His Spirit, his Word, and a way out.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor 10:13
“I have stored up your word in my
heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps 119:11).
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
3. God’s purposes are sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man for example the destruction of the temple and persecution in Jerusalem fulfilling prophecy and forcing Christians to take their message to the farthest ends of the earth.
4. To magnify Christ is to make him stand out, to make him visible to those who had not seen before. When a Christian’s response to suffering is faith, peace, even joy amidst the pain, then people take the second look and its then that we can make Him known.
Like I shared last week, countless missionaries have gone back to hostile cultures and situations even after loved ones have been murdered by those same people.
5. This quote from page 29 is so true. The ‘blood-spatter’ makes us see and feel the terrible tragedy and state of humanity, but pushes us ever closer to the only One who can possibly do anything about it, both in individual circumstances and in the final battle.
Thanks Missy and Lisa, this is awesome stuff.
1.
1. Piper wants to know why God tells us about His sovereignty over sin.
2. The overwhelming evil in the world.
3. In the last days things will be difficult and severe. We need to understand God and his ultimate goal.
4. To magnify Christ!
I want to be prepared for the coming trials and to prepare others.
2. O.K. I don’t know if this will make sense, because I have a hard time putting things in words, but here goes:
I believe that God allows sin, but that he always gives us a way to resist sin. God allowed satan to do all he did to Job, and I believe he allows things to be put in our path, but we have the tools to not sin, if we have the Holy Spirit living in us. Ultimately God knows what we are going to choose. It will serve to draw us closer to Him through obedience or further away because of disobedience.
3. Besides the ones mentioned in the book I would think of how God used the King of Bablyon and Persia to punish the Israelites and to bring them into exile.
4. In all circumstances give glory to God! We need to live our faith daily in front of those who may not know Him. Remember that all things come through his hands and are meant for our ultimate good.
5. A constant battle to be focused on Christ. We are to be in the world but not of the world and that is constantly warring in me.
1. Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?
Why does God not restrain sin more often?
How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?
How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
I am most looking forward to reading about the third impulse. I think that times are changing and that we are in a position to be persecuted like never before. I have a sneaking suspicion that if we are NOT being persecuted, then we aren’t doing something right.
2. (a) He allows me to sin insofar that he could stop me from sin if He willed it.
(b) No, God does not cause me to sin. My sinful nature causes me to sin, and although God may order events in such a way that I give in to my sinful desires, He does not MAKE me sin.
(c) Yes.
(d) We pray:
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matt 6:13
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matt 26:41
We remain in the Word
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.Luke 8:3
He does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to handle.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13
We will be blessed for enduring the temptation set before us.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
3. Yes, God’s purposes are accomplished through the sinful actions of man. We see it very clearly in the stories of Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright, Joseph and his brothers, and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart so that the Egyptians would know He was God.
4. When we are confronted with intense suffering, our first response should be intense prayer. We need to have that connection with our God so that we can be strengthened daily, and we need to reach out to other Christians so that we can bear one another’s burdens. In terms of day to day frustrations of disappointment, sometimes the best I can do is to take a big breath and acknowledge Him as Lord and that I don’t always understand why things happen to me. I think it glorifies Him when I say a quick prayer and hold my tongue in the heat of the moment instead of blurting out a hurtful barb. I think it glorifies Him when I praise Him out loud even when things are not going my way. I think it glorifies Him when I encourage others in their difficulties with a word and prayer.
5. He really connected with my heart and my head with this statement. I could not have described the relationship I have with the world any better than this. I can’t help but get bogged down in the day to day business of living. The carpooling kids to school, going to work, dealing with the traffic, cooking dinner, cleaning the toilets…it’s not going away. It’s part of being a human being. But even in the middle of the most mundane task, I have the overwhelming joy in my soul that sets me apart from the rest of the world. When I see things on the news that break my heart, I can look forward to a time when there will be no more pain or sorrow. I can look beyond my circumstances to a better place.
1. Why Does God Want Us to Know His Sovereignty over Sin?
Why Does God Not Restrain Sin More Often?
How Can We Have Faith and Joy during the Severity of the Last Days?
How Is Christ Glorified in a World of Sin?
2. a. Does he allow you to sin?
Yes, because it somehow fits His perfect plan.
b. Does he cause you to sin?
No, there is no sin, darkness or evil in God.
c. Does he allow temptation to come before you?
Yes, again because it somehow fits His perfect plan and so that we may make radical faith choices.
d. What resources does he give you to resist it? (quote scripture if possible.)
Prayer (Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11:4 – the Lord’s Prayer; Matthew 25:41, Mark 14:38, Luke 22:40 and 46 – To the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane; and 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way out when we are tempted).
3.Yes. Joseph’s brothers threw him in a pit and sold him to travelers who also sold him to Egyptians. They meant it for evil, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20) because Joseph ended up as overseer of all the storehouses in Egypt and saved his family from famine.
Judah slept with Tamar (his daughter-in-law) thinking she was a prostitute, but fathered sons with her who are in the lineage of Jesus, our savior.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were throne into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship the idols of the king. God showed his glory by sending an angel to guard them and not a hair on their head was harmed. (Daniel 3:20-27)
There are many examples of bad things turning to good to fulfill Gods purpose. God works everything to good for those who love him (Romans 8:28).
4. Because His power is made perfect in weakness; because in our weakness, God’s glory is made known, we can praise Him in our weakness, we can believe Him when He says no harm can come to us, even unto death. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture; he watches over us and saves us from all harm. By responding to hardships in confidence and with hope, we show to the world that we are set apart, and then they can see God at work.
5. It’s similar to what I wrote for #4. We know of a loving God who works for good in us. We lean on Him and trust Him. We (try at least to) set our sights on the promises of Heaven and we don’t feel that the “end of the world” or the end of our lives is the end of anything for us. We want to stop suffering especially when it strikes people we love, and we pray continually for peace and love among our neighbors, but as John Piper says, “Christians are strange. Our emotions are inexplicable in ordinary terms.” Or as Paul says, “foolishness to the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:20).
1. Four reasons Piper wrote the book:
a. Why does God want us to know His Sovereignty over sin?
b. Why does God not restrain sin more often?
c. How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the Last Days?
d.How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
I think I’d have to say the 3rd one grabs me the most. I think this is crucial for believers today. It very much concerns me the distress that believers express over current world and political events and the sense that “we” have to make things better. While it is certainly important to take action in whatever direction God is leading us, it is clearly spelled out in Scripture that things are just going to deterorate more and more as time gets closer to the end. The early church also lived in a time of persecution, corrupt government, and slavery. Nowhere in the New Testament have I read a charge to change the world system. Rather, as Peter says after he describes events leading up to Christ’s return and the destruction of the earth:
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. . . II Peter 3:11-12
Repeatedly, both Paul & Peter tell slaves, wives, and citizens to be submissive to the unbelieving masters, husbands, and government officials as an example and as a witness which is much more likely to win them over than words of condemnation. Much, much easier said than done, but something I think we as believers need to consider in these turbulent times.
2. What is God's role in sin:
a. Does he allow you to sin? Yes. He has given me free will.
b. Does he cause you to sin? No. I can certainly manage to do that on my own!
c. Does he allow temptation to come before you? Yes, in the general sense. The potential for sin is all around us. However, in a specific area that we struggle with, God does not lure us and dangle it in front of us or taunt us with it to see if we will resist. Satan is the one who does that.
d. What resources does he give you to resist it? (quote scripture if possible.)
Prayer. Support of friends. And most importantly, Scripture, which is both offensive and defensive:
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18
3. If it were required that man's actions be sinless in order for God's purposes to be accomplished, we would be in a sorry state indeed. Many times in the Bible folks either "ran ahead" of God in their attempt to grasp what He had promised them or they just "messed up" and in His grace and mercy He forgave them and used them in spite of. . .and even because of. . .their sins. I think of Jacob cheating Esau out of his birthright, even though it was intended for him. Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery. David, whose sin with Bathsheba cost his first son's life – yet Solomon is listed in the lineage of Jesus. The exile of the Jews to Babylon – to the world it looked as if they had been overtaken by an evil ruler, but this was part of God's plan and purpose. Even in the New Testament, evil such as the persecution of the early Christians and even the disagreement between Paul & Barnabas resulted in the spread of Christianity throughout the world.
4. First of all, just by acknowledging that this world is not the end game and that God has a greater purpose. Praise Him in the storm. Having an eternal perspective and praying that God will use each situation to glorify Himself rather than just being concerned with our short-term comfort. Remembering past times when the way was dark and He brought us through – and worked things out beyond our comprehension. And yes, I have seen several friends living through unimaginable heartache who brought glory and honor to God even as their hearts were shattered.
5. God is Love and spreads His love in our hearts to enable to love others, minister to others, and live life abundantly. And yet there is so much more.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. I Corinthians 15:19
1. Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin? Why does God not restrain sin more often? How can we have faith and joy in the severity of the last days? How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
I want to hear Piper’s thoughts on all of them, I can’t pick just one!
2. a. Yes, God allows me to sin. b. No, He does NOT cause me to sin. c. Yes, He allows temptation. (but He is not the tempter, Satan is the tempter, ie: Job. d. His word is the greatest resource to resist temptation. Thinking about the temptation of Christ – He was able to resist Satan by His knowledge (a working, practical knowledge) of the Truth. The same is true for us!
3. Absolutely, God’s purposes are sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man! I’m thinking of Joseph off the top of my head, but there are countless examples in scripture.
4. I love Piper’s mantra: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Even under intense suffering we can be fully satisfied in Him, thereby testifying to the power of Christ and bringing Him glory! We aim to live steady, immovable lives because no matter our circumstances, our hope (a sure hope!) is fixed on Him, the God who “does not disappoint” and who promised that He “will be faithful to complete the good work He began in you.” So whether we find ourselves in the midst of intense suffering or if we’re merely grappling with the everyday disappointments and encounters with sin, we can live steady, hopeful, and satisfied lives!
5. It reminds me that though I live on this earth, my home is in Heaven. I am already a child of God, a resident of the kingdom of Heaven. I am here for a time (my life is but a vapor) to fulfill His purposes and calling, but I will spend all of eternity in Heaven glorifying Him! So while the living here on earth may bring great heartache, suffering and pain, I am reminded that it is temporary, and that “these momentary, light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory FAR BEYOND ALL COMPARISON! (2 Cor. 4:17)
1. A – Why does God want us to konw that He is sovereign over sin? B – Why does God not restrain sin more often? C – To solidify our faith so that when the storms of life hit, we will weather the crashing waves. D – To understand how Christ is magnified in a world like ours.
My desire is to have a deeper and more intimate knowledge of the God of the Bible, not the God of modern christianity. I want to know Him — truly know Him — His love, but also His justice. I want as full a picture of Him as I can get… to know Him more.
2. What is God’s role in sin:
a. Does he allow you to sin? Yes. He sets two paths before me… obedience and disobedience.
b. Does he cause you to sin? No. The choice to disobey is my own.
c. Does he allow temptation to come before you? Yes… depending on your perspective. He allows situations and things to enter my life that could serve to pull me away from Him, but that is never His intent. He intends to grow me, teach me, and refine me through the process.
d. What resources does he give you to resist it? (quote scripture if possible.) He gives His Word… Psalm 119:11 – No… the whole thing, really :) And the example of Jesus in the desert, throwing Scripture back at the devil. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the Word is useful for training in righteousness… battling temptation fits into that category in my mind as well.
3. Are God’s purposes sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man? Aside from the Crucifixion, can you think of another biblical example? God used pagan nations to judge the nation of Israel… Nebuchadnezzar was His instrument.
4. Piper states that his primary goal is to magnify Christ. What are some ways that a Christian might do that, even under intense suffering? What are some ways that we might do that, during our day-to-day frustrations and disappointments? Have you personally witnessed any examples of either? Oh… to die to self daily. That would be glorifying to Him, I think. If I could set my will aside in favor of His — consistently. If I could learn to be content in all things, as Paul did. When I am discontent, that really is telling my Lord that I don’t trust Him, that He hasn’t provided well enough… that He Himself, isn’t enough. Ouch.
5. On page 29 he writes, “We are pushing our way through a blood-spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world yet disconnected at the same time. We are here but not here. Love binds us to the tragic earth, and love binds us to the treasure in heaven.” What thoughts does this provoke in you? Some days I long to go home so badly. The pressures and frustrations of this world become overwhelming and I just want to escape… I long for His return so I can get out of here. But other days, I realize that there is a purpose in His delay. In those moments of clarity, I seek what He has for me to do here… who He has for me to reach out to with the love of Christ. I so want to please Him and live in light of eternity. To be more focused on heavenly treasure than earthly junk. Yet sometimes that desire gets clouded and crowded out by the trappings of this world.
1. a. Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?
b. Why does God not restrain sin more often?
c. How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?
d. How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
I am looking forward to all of the above with a special interest in #3.
2. a. Yes, He gave us free will.
b. No. God is blameless and sinless. I sin out of my own selfish desires. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be t empted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. (Missy, I’m looking forward to your tutorial on the footnote!!)
c. Yes
d. #1-The Bible- this is our 1st and foremost defense. The Bible reveals the holiness of God and instructs us in ways to live that will reflect His glory.
#2 All believers, those who recognize their desperate need for a savior, who recognize Jesus Christ as the only one who can atone for their sins, and have placed their faith in Him, have the power of The Holy Spirit indwelling within them.
#3 Prayer-our direct life-line to God and His power.
#4 Fellowship and accountability with other believers.
3. YES!! Jacob and Essau, Joseph and his brothers, Daniel in the lion’s den, David and Bathsheba, and the list goes on and ON. Heather C. I really like how you pointed out God’s use of entire pagan nations!!
4. It is important to me, to know and understand EVERYDAY that we are here for HIS glory. Our lives are about HIM, not us. His Providential mercy and our resulting circumstances are about Him. (Thank you Voddie Baucham!!) “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
5. One day at a time with eternity in mind. Sound familiar Missy??
Wow, I’ve already read your responses this morning and don’t want to be too repetitive. I like what Xandra wrote in answer to #1 — maybe if we’re not being persecuted we’re not doing something right. I want to stand out in the culture and not blend in. The answer to the 2nd question posed by Missy is found in the footnote on page 24. According to James, God is not tempted by evil and He does not tempt with evil. The original audience of the book of James (“the twelve tribes…dispersed abroad” — Jewish believers away from Palestine) experienced hardship and temptation living in a pagan culture. They had to stand out and stand firm in the midst of that — just like we do. I’ve been reading “The Problem of Pain” by CS Lewis and he writes that the reason there is sin and suffering and disaster is because there is free will. (ok, that is my very simplistic summary of a really deep book) Yes, God’s purposes are accomplished through sinful actions of man and I liked the examples you gals gave above! As to trials magnifying Christ — I recently had a young woman I know approach me about wanting to start a ministry as a result of a horrible time of suffering. That’s a way God can use times of disappointment — that we might share and encourage others when they go through a similar situation.
1.*Piper's four reasons for writing this book: 1)Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin? 2) Why does God not restrain sin more often? 3) How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days? 4) How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
**I cannot wait to see what he says about all four questions, but I am especially interested in what he says about how Christ is glorified in a world of sin.
2.*Yes, God allows us to sin. He has given us free will.
**No, God does not cause us to sin, but because He allows us the freedom of choice our desires may give way to sinful actions.
***Yes, God does allow temptations to come before us. (Joseph & Potipher's wife) In James 1:12 it says "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptations."
****God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us resist temptations. Gal. 5:25 tells us "to follow the spirits leading in every part of our lives." Prayer is another resource we have. (Col. 4:2, Rom. 12:12, 1 Thess. 5:17) Reading the Bible (our sword) and the gathering together with other believers are two more resources we have.
4. I would like to answer these questions with a story. From the time I met her the damage of years of anorexia was evident outwardly and damage to internal organs frequently caused physical problems. She was rail thin and often appeared too weak to walk. Then, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She was often unable to walk without holding onto something or someone. Yes, there were times where she gained strength but it did not last for long until she was again struggling to function with some independence. She often fell and this resulted in broken bones. Yet, there was a kindness about her that made you feel special. She would make her way across the sanctuary just to tell you the Lord brought you to her mind and prayers, to give you a word or verse that she felt the Lord had led her to share. She had a card ministry she used to encourage friends and strangers alike. Many times I've opened my mailbox to find a card from her just to let me know someone cared. She had a heart for waitresses. Whenever she was able, she would visit different restaurants in order to leave little cards for the person(s) who waited her table. Her cards always included verses directing the receiver to the Lord. Until the end, in my opinion, her actions magnified Christ to those who came in contact with her.
5. I guess this reminds me that we are bound here for a time during which we will suffer, hurt and be tempted; but, ultimately we will receive our "treasure in heaven".
Time came and went this week before I got to share my answers…I will pick up next week again…Keep challenging us!!
I can’t wait to hear your answers Lisa and Missy… Bring it :)
(Is it Lisa or Lysa??? my mind just went blank :)
Thanks, Kim
For some reason, probably user error, my answers didn’t show from last night when I posted them. Weird eh- Took a long time to type them out – so I’m not going to do it again. But I do want to comment what a blessing it is to do this on-line review with all the ladies. It is really thought provoking, because I was simply reading the book the first go around – and now I am digesting it! Yummy – Thank you both for taking the time to do!
1. What are the four reasons that John Piper gives for writing the book?
• Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?
• Why does God not restrain sin more often?
• How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?
• How is Christ glorified in a world of sun?
Which do you look most forward to hearing Piper answer?
Although I think they’re all excellent questions for exploration, the second one is by far the most intriguing for me. With all His infinite power, why doesn’t God restrain sin? Why does He allow so much evil? And the kicker for me, that I can hardly wait for Piper to explain, is what is God’s role in relation to evil? It’s mind-boggling to think that he “order(s) events…such that sins comes about….., as Piper suggests. God using for His glory temptation that comes from somewhere else, I can sort of grasp, but in a sense God almost creating it? That’s tough. Maybe I’m misreading here, but I’m eager to find out more. ?
2. Good gracious; it was hard enough to SEE the footnote, much less read it and understand what he was saying. I’m glad I’m not the only one struggling with it. I have a feeling I’ll go back to it several times before this is over.
What is God’s role in sin:
a. Does he allow you to sin?
I believe scripture clearly teaches that God allows us to sin. It started from the very beginning, with Adam and Eve. God didn’t have to create the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He could have kept that knowledge locked away inside His mind. Instead he chose to put it into a tree, and one with attractive fruit even. So, although I’ve never thought of it quite this way before, it does seem that God created (allowed? – nope, created seems more appropriate here) temptation or at least a tempting situation, for us from the very beginning. Obviously he allows us to sin. See how miserably Adam and Eve failed the test.
b. Does he cause you to sin?
I don’t think so; I don’t see how he could be a perfectly holy God and cause me to commit evil but the scriptures that Piper quoted from the Old Testament have always troubled me, so I’m eager to see how he works this problem out.
c. Does he allow temptation to come before you?
Without question. It’s obvious that I face temptation every day. If I believe that God is in control of everything, then He is allowing the temptation.
d. What resources does he give you to resist it?
Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Prayer – Matthew 6:13 – And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Friends in Christ –
A perfect example – Christ resisting temptation (Matthew 4:1 – 11)
3. Are God’s purposes sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man?
Yes.
Aside from the Crucifixion, can you think of another biblical example?
The crucifixion is definitely one strong example. How about Peter’s denial of Christ three times? That, along with Christ’s obvious forgiveness and restoration of Peter, certainly provides encouragement to me!
4. Piper states that his primary goal is to magnify Christ. What are some ways that a Christian might do that, even under intense suffering?
Remain faithful, be steadfast.
What are some ways that we might do that, during our day-to-day frustrations and disappointments?
Remember to look to God for the answers and for encouragement so that I can remain faithful.
Have you personally witnessed any examples of either?
I’m sure that I have. Can I ever recall good examples when someone asks for them? Nope.
5. On page 29 he writes, “We are pushing our way through a blood-spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world yet disconnected at the same time. We are here but not here. Love binds us to the tragic earth, and love binds us to the treasure in heaven.” What thoughts does this provoke in you?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of the upside-down kingdom. So much of scripture seems to focus on how Christians are upside down from everyone else.
Recently our Bible study group discussed the passage in James where he talks about those who choose to be friends with the world becoming enemies of God. We were struggling to reconcile that with the need to remain in the world and witness to the world.
I also struggle with my love for this world – not for the sin in it but for all the beauty that God created here for us, both natural beauty and family relationships.
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I’m really excited about working my way (yep, I do believe it’s gonna be WORK) through this little book. Thanks, ladies! This book club was a great idea. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Okay! I am not officially apart of the club. I found it late and this is my first post, I really hope that is okay…
I just had to jump in on this study… for so many reasons.
1. The 4 reasons:
Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?
Why does God not restrain sin more often?
How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?
How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
My first impulse anwser to which question am I most looking foward to him answering was “how can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days” but truthyfully deep down I really want to know the anwser to “why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?. I struggle so often with the devasting atrocities that take place all over the world on a daily basis because of sin and I really desire to understand on a deeper level of His sovereignty over it all.
2. a. Does He allow me to sin? Yes.
b. He does not cause me to sin in the way that he ‘makes’ me commit an act of disobedience to His will.
c. Yes, I believe He allows temptation to come before me.
d. It is really hard to grasp the idea that God may actually allow us to be tempted on purpose and it is really hard for me to completely have my own thoughts on how He does it but I know that through out the bible we are shown how He allows His people to be tempted and we always see how through it His purposes were brought about. In my own personal walk when I am tempted I remember the scripture: God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your abibility, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 It is evident that He in fact allows us to be tempted but he will not allow us to be tempted beyond our abiility and he will provide a way of escape to endure it.
The way that I have always understood God’s soveriegnty of sin is that He allows satan to tempt us, as in Job, He uses means but He is never THE temptor.
3. God definetly uses the sinful actions of man to accomplish His purposes. I have seen so many of those in my own personal life… though it is hard to completely wrap my mind around it and embrace them I can clearly see how He used them to accomplish His purposes. Aside from the Crucifixion I think of Paul of Tarsus. All of his sinfulness before Christ was used to accomplish His purposes in using Paul as a witness for Christ… a perscutor of the followers of Christ become a zealot for the Christ! Glorious!
4. To remain steadfast walking faithfully through it and although we experience deep sorrows we find our strength and trust in Him to continue rejoicing!! In order to do that in our day to day frustrations and disappointments I really think we must keep our minds focused on things above and not things hear, on things eternal not the temporal. I close friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and through it all she was given the strength to keep an eternal perspective and to remain steadfast and to put her trust in Him and she was seen through it all always rejoicing in Him, it was a true testimony.
5. On page 29 he writes, “We are pushing our way through a blood-spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world yet disconnected at the same time. We are here but not here. Love binds us to the tragic earth, and love binds us to the treasure in heaven.” What thoughts does this provoke in you?
A lot! My heart is torn… it reminds me of what Paul said in Phillipians “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more neccessary on your account.” 1:23-24 I am imediatly brought to my children and husband. My heart is here for them, for their “progress and joy in the faith” and yet I yearn for heaven so often and call for Him to come back! But I know like my husband just said this morning “I don’t want Him to come back yet until my family is saved”. This earth is tragically ensnared in darkness and to continue here is sometimes so painful and though I hurt I still continue to love not the world but those who do love the world and I long for them to come to the knowledge of the Truth so that they would find Life.
These were hard questions and I am not sure how I well I articulated my thoughts on them but I know that He is continueing to work on me through this book and your thought provoking questions! Thanks!
JOYfully in Him,
Kelli
1.The four purposes are:
Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?
Why does God not restrain sin more often?
How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?
How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?
Personally, I’m most looking forward to his answer of the second question, why does God not restrain sin more often? That’s been my thought this past year. And his off-hand mention of God not loosening the stranglehold of an umbilical cord from around an infant’s neck made me put the book down in horror and, again, just weep for the loss of his family. A tragedy like that seems so senseless from our perspective.
2. If I understand what Piper is proposing, he would say God both allows me to sin and sometimes wills it for His greater glory. He always gives a way out from temptation, but if we believe God is sovereign in predestination, we must also accept that He hardens people’s hearts.
3. My first thought is of Joseph. He lived through so many “unfair” situations that were the result of sinful men (and women). But ultimately, God allowed it all for a greater good.
4. 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.
5. He speaks truth. While we are here, we ache. Yet we have joy because we know the end of the story.
I was listening to the song “Held” today on the radio, and I was reminded again through the lyrics of that song that even “when the sacred is torn from our life, and we survive,” that we can find peace in God’s sovereignty and his sensitivity.
1. I want more answers to: “How can we have more faith and joy during the severity of the last days?”
2. a. I think God does allow me to sin, but
b. he does not cause it.
c. He does allow temptation to come.
d. I often use the Psalms to resist temptation. They remind me that temptations only promise happiness; but they never fulfill their promises. Being satisfied with the Lord is the only source of true joy.
Psa 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
3. The Old Testament is full of stories of God bringing judgment against his people through pagan nations.
4. Sometimes I feel that I magnify Christ if I can just “be nice” throughout the day to my family. There are little and large irritants that can easily ruffle our feathers, but if we can understand that our purpose is bigger than those things, God gets the glory for it.
5. The pain we feel here often prompts us to anticipate Heaven all the more. But the joys we feel here make us grateful for the Heaven he shares with us even on earth.
1. Piper gives us 4 reasons for writing this book:
1-To discover the reason why God wants us to know about His sovereignty over sin.
2-Because of the overwhelming evil in the world and to find out His reason for not intervening more often to save and rescue.
3-Piper says “tragedies and calamities and horrific suffering and sinful atrocities should not take Christians off guard”. Therefore another reason is to prepare us for the time when days will be personally difficult and severe.
4-Against all odds, to show us Christ Magnified in a world like ours.
2. God’s Role In Sin
a-God allows me to sin but does not condone it.
b-God doesn’t cause me to sin; I choose to do so.
c-God allows temptation to come before me but doesn’t mean He is tempting me. He allows the temptation.
d-God give me His resource of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation.
Fuzzy is right! Whew, this one was a hard one to get my head around!
3. God’s purposes are sometimes (I want to say often) accomplished through the sinful action of man. I believe this. Whew! I would sure hope so or we’d be in big trouble. I just can’t come up with biblical examples. I don’t know why this one was a hard one for me.
4. Giving thanks in all circumstances magnifies Christ. Helping others when it costs me something magnifies Christ. Being kind to those that aren’t kind to me magnifies Christ. In all these areas, I personally struggle, but I feel like I can conquer it more than I’ve ever felt before. Because I’m really beginning to understand that I can take hold of what God will do in me.
5. Pipers words here immediately struck me when I first read them. I know my real home is not here. Yet I live on earth for a time. We are in battle here; maybe more than we know. Sorry to make light, but “Life is hard, get a helmet.”. I look around, read the paper, watch the news on tv, see families broke apart and I scream “This is not how it was intended to be!” I will never feel complete, and always feel torn, until I finally go Home.
I forgot to add which reason in #1 am I most interested in learning the answer. My heart often cries out “why, why??” when I hear horror stories of children abused, neglected, killed. I hope I can get some peace on that through reading this book. But I also want to understand His sovereignty over sin.