How to Enjoy and Glorify the Happy God: Lessons from John Piper's The Pleasures of God
John Piper: The Pleasures of God PDF
Have you ever wondered what makes God happy? What delights his heart and fills him with joy? What motivates his actions and reveals his character? If you are curious about these questions, then you might want to read John Piper's book, The Pleasures of God. In this book, Piper explores the biblical teaching on God's delight in himself and his creation, and how that affects our lives as his children. In this article, we will give you a brief introduction to John Piper and his book, a summary of the main points of each chapter, and some reasons why you should read this book. We will also provide you with a link to download the PDF version of the book for free.
john-piper-the-pleasures-of-god-pdf
Introduction
Who is John Piper?
John Piper is a well-known pastor, author, and theologian. He was born in 1946 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. He studied literature and philosophy at Wheaton College, and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Theology from the University of Munich. He served as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for 33 years, from 1980 to 2013. He is also the founder and leader of Desiring God Ministries, a media ministry that produces books, sermons, podcasts, and other resources on Christian living and theology. He has written over 50 books, including Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, Future Grace, Let the Nations Be Glad, and The Passion of Jesus Christ.
What is The Pleasures of God?
The Pleasures of God is one of Piper's most influential and popular books. It was first published in 1991, and revised and expanded in 2000. It is a sequel to his earlier book, Desiring God, which introduced the concept of Christian Hedonism. Christian Hedonism is the idea that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, and that our highest duty and joy is to pursue our pleasure in God. In The Pleasures of God, Piper goes deeper into the theology behind Christian Hedonism, by examining what pleases God himself. He argues that God's pleasure is not dependent on anything outside himself, but rather flows from his own nature and attributes. He also shows how God's pleasure shapes his relationship with his people and his world.
Why should you read this book?
There are many reasons why you should read this book, but here are some of the most important ones:
It will help you know God better. By studying what delights God, you will gain a deeper understanding of who he is, what he does, and why he does it. You will also learn more about his love, grace, sovereignty, holiness, justice, and wisdom.
It will help you love God more. By seeing how God delights in himself and his creation, you will be drawn to worship him and enjoy him more. You will also be inspired to imitate his character and follow his will.
It will help you live for God's glory. By discovering how God's pleasure motivates his actions and reveals his purposes, you will be challenged to align your life with his plan and passion. You will also be encouraged to share his gospel and his joy with others.
If you are interested in reading this book, you can download the PDF version for free from this link: https://document.desiringgod.org/the-pleasures-of-god-en.pdf?ts=1446647631
Summary of the book
The book consists of 11 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of God's pleasure. Here is a brief summary of each chapter:
Chapter 1: The Pleasure of God in His Son
In this chapter, Piper explores the eternal and infinite delight that God the Father has in God the Son. He shows how the Father expresses his love for the Son by giving him all things, including the name above every name, the authority over all things, and the glory above all things. He also shows how the Son responds to the Father's love by obeying him, honoring him, and revealing him. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can share in God's pleasure in his Son, by trusting him, loving him, and glorifying him.
Chapter 2: The Pleasure of God in All He Does
In this chapter, Piper examines the sovereignty of God over all things, and how he delights in accomplishing his will and displaying his power. He argues that God does not act out of necessity or constraint, but out of freedom and joy. He also argues that God does not act arbitrarily or capriciously, but wisely and justly. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can trust in God's providence and praise him for his works.
Chapter 3: The Pleasure of God in His Creation
In this chapter, Piper investigates the goodness of God's creation, and how he delights in making and sustaining all things. He shows how God declares his creation to be good, not only because it reflects his glory and wisdom, but also because it fulfills his purpose and pleasure. He also shows how God preserves his creation, not only by upholding it by his power, but also by rejoicing over it with his love. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can enjoy God's creation and care for it as his stewards.
Chapter 4: The Pleasure of God in His Fame
In this chapter, Piper explores the glory of God's name, and how he delights in making himself known and praised among all peoples. He shows how God acts for the sake of his name, not only because it reveals his nature and attributes, but also because it exalts his worth and beauty. He also shows how God desires for his name to be honored, not only by his people Israel, but also by all nations and generations. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can magnify God's name and spread it to the ends of the earth.
Chapter 5: The Pleasure of God in Election
In this chapter, Piper examines the grace of God's election, and how he delights in choosing and saving a people for himself. He shows how God elects according to his own purpose and pleasure, not based on anything in us or foreseen by him. He also shows how God elects out of his own love and mercy, not because he owes us anything or needs us for anything. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can rejoice in God's election and rest in his assurance.
Chapter 6: The Pleasure of God in Bruising His Son
Chapter 6: The Pleasure of God in Bruising His Son
In this chapter, Piper investigates the mystery of God's cross, and how he delights in bruising his Son and giving him as a sacrifice for our sins. He shows how God planned and purposed the death of his Son, not as a last resort or a reluctant concession, but as a supreme expression of his love and justice. He also shows how God accomplished and applied the benefits of his Son's death, not only for our forgiveness and justification, but also for our adoption and sanctification. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can embrace God's cross and live by his grace.
Chapter 7: The Pleasure of God in Doing Good to All Who Hope in Him
In this chapter, Piper explores the kindness of God's providence, and how he delights in doing good to all who hope in him. He shows how God promises and performs his goodness, not only in general and common ways, but also in specific and personal ways. He also shows how God conditions and qualifies his goodness, not by our merit or worthiness, but by our faith and hope. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can hope in God's goodness and experience his joy.
Chapter 8: The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright
In this chapter, Piper examines the power of God's prayer, and how he delights in hearing and answering the prayers of the upright. He shows how God invites and commands us to pray, not only because he knows our needs and wants, but also because he loves our fellowship and worship. He also shows how God responds and grants our prayers, not only according to his will and wisdom, but also according to his pleasure and delight. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can pray with confidence and gratitude.
Chapter 9: The Pleasure of God in Personal Obedience and Public Justice
In this chapter, Piper investigates the holiness of God's law, and how he delights in personal obedience and public justice. He shows how God reveals and requires his law, not only as a reflection of his character and authority, but also as a direction for our happiness and blessing. He also shows how God rewards and punishes according to his law, not only with temporal and earthly consequences, but also with eternal and heavenly ones. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can obey God's law and promote his justice.
Chapter 10: The Pleasure of God in Concealing Himself from the Wise and Revealing Himself to Infants
In this chapter, Piper explores the wisdom of God's revelation, and how he delights in concealing himself from the wise and revealing himself to infants. He shows how God hides and discloses himself, not according to human standards or expectations, but according to his own sovereignty and grace. He also shows how God confounds and enlightens us, not by our natural abilities or efforts, but by his supernatural power and gift. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can humble ourselves before God and receive his revelation.
Chapter 11: The Pleasure of God in the Worship of His People
In this chapter, Piper examines the beauty of God's worship, and how he delights in the worship of his people. He shows how God seeks and accepts our worship, not only as a duty or a service, but also as a delight or a pleasure. He also shows how God instructs and guides our worship, not only by his word or his spirit, but also by his son or his mediator. He then applies this truth to our lives, by showing how we can worship God in spirit and truth.
Conclusion
and reflect his character. It will also challenge you to pursue your pleasure in God, and to glorify him by enjoying him forever.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book and the topic:
What is the main theme of the book?
The main theme of the book is that God is a happy God who delights in himself and his creation, and that we can find our ultimate happiness in him as well.
Who is the target audience of the book?
The target audience of the book is anyone who wants to know God better, love God more, and live for God's glory.
How can I get a copy of the book?
You can get a copy of the book by downloading the PDF version for free from this link: https://document.desiringgod.org/the-pleasures-of-god-en.pdf?ts=1446647631. You can also buy a hardcover or paperback version from Amazon or other online retailers.
What are some other books by John Piper that I can read?
Some other books by John Piper that you can read are Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, Future Grace, Let the Nations Be Glad, and The Passion of Jesus Christ.
How can I learn more about John Piper and his ministry?
You can learn more about John Piper and his ministry by visiting his website, Desiring God, at https://www.desiringgod.org/. There you can find more resources on Christian living and theology, such as articles, sermons, podcasts, and videos.
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