Scripture

What have been some of the most influential insights that you’ve received from reading about Christian hedonism so far?

A lot of times we are looking to be captivated by ‘big theology’, things we tend to prioritise as being core to our beliefs. And yet, a lot of times we fail to see the simple and profound things of everyday christian living.

I am a person who loves the study of scripture. It’s not a difficult thing for me to sit and study, listen to sermons, read books and so on.

Simplifying complex doctrinal problems and complicating simple life lessons

The sum of Piper’s argument is

Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Third Edition) The Bible Is Your Life

the Bible is “no empty word for you”—it is your life! The foundation of all joy is life. Nothing is more fundamental than sheer existence—our creation and our preservation. All this is owing to the Word of God’s power. By that same power, He has spoken in Scripture for the creation and sustenance of our spiritual life. Therefore, the Bible is no empty word, but is your very life—the kindling of your joy!

Why do you read the Bible?

There is a real danger in the intellectual comfort of scriptural studies. Because to be in the book alone is to always be on a spiritual high. None of the challenges are challenging if it does not challeng your life.

Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Third Edition) The Bible Is Your Life

The Word of God is not a trifle; it is a matter of life and death. If you treat the Scriptures as a trifle or as empty words, you forfeit life.

Deuteronomy 32:46–47 NASB95

46 he said to them, “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. 47 “For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.”

The Bible is Your Life

Faith Comes by Hearing

God Supplies the Spirit Through the Hearing of Faith

The Scriptures Give Hope

The Truth Shall Make You Free

The Testimony of the Lord Makes Wise the Simple

Written that You might have Assurance

The Evil One is overcome by the Word of God

Takeaways

The Bible is for life. Yes it is for knowledge, but for knowledge that leads to life. Is the Bible so affecting your life, your habits, attitude, desires, actions, speech, and so on, for the glory of God and the good of His people?

It must impact your life, your faith, the Spirit’s power in your life, your hope, your freedom, your wisdom, your assurance, and must overcome evil in your life.