Tag: John Piper

Collision Course

Re: Verse reading–Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (day five)

Romans 13 begins to address the other side of the great collision between the Christian and Culture.  In Romans 12, Paul writes the words that are SO familiar to many Christians.  “Do not be conformed to this world”.  So the tension and collision are created.  The natural question the believers in Rome would ask is, “What do we do with Caesar?”  “Do we support him?”  So in chapter 13 Paul anticipates and answers.  (By the way, Jesus had the same tension and same questions asked of Him.)

2 insights from this passage help navigate the tension.  1- We must remember that where we live and where we belong are different (Philippians 3:20).  Paul uses the concept of “authority” to point this out.  2- Humility and Submission are often the ways that people see and sense our faith and love for God. (1 Peter 2:13-15)

John Piper comments. “Paul risked being misunderstood on the side of submission because he saw pride as a greater danger to Christians than government injustice.“

The good fight

Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day seven)
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son. . .that. . .you fight the good fight.”–v 18.

No one knew better than Paul the cost of ministry to the God-called man.  Both command to be obeyed and treasure to be guarded, ministry is always a privilege, and always a fight.  “Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for” says John Piper.  (Thanks, Doug Sewell.)  And lay servants of Christ are not exempted from the battle stress.  Earlier in his life, and to the residents of this same city, Paul wrote these words, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”—Ephesians 6:10-11.  None of us should be surprised when life is difficult, disappointing and draining.  We knew all along.  It’s gonna be a fight!

Thank You? Thank You!

Re:Verse reading–Ephesians 4:17-5:20 (day five)
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father

Giving Thanks for all things is an indication of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Only the Holy Spirit can help a person understand at a deep invisible level that at the center of both triumphs and tragedies is a loving God who acts and works for the Glory of His Name and the Good of His People. The songs, prayers, and declarations are dramatically different in each circumstance, but all will reflect the work of the Holy spirit- an attitude of thanks, trust, and hope.  John Piper says, “giving thanks for all things is an outrageous idea unless you have a deep, Biblical theology of God’s sovereign goodness.”  Our hearts can cry out “Thanks” at some level each day even if it’s with a question mark (amidst burdens and questions) or exclamation point (when we clearly see God’s visible work and provision).