The thing about John Piper

John Piper has had incredible influence on my life.
i heard him speak at an Indy Christmas Conference as a junior in College and have read many of his books.
And while he essentially says the same thing every time, every time i read from one of his books, a flame is sparked in my heart, my spirit is convicted by my lack of zeal and my joy is triggered.

To be honest, i don't always enjoy John Piper. His sermons get long & tedious. His books are repetitive and i seem to be only able to read a few chapters before i have to put it down. He doesn't always seem to stay in the text he is preaching- but he never strays from the truth or God's Word.
He is passionate for God and for God's glory and it resounds in everything he preaches.


Here are some things to admire about John Piper

1. His humility

• 11+ years ago i was able to hear Piper give a short lecture and answer questions at TEDS. Someone asked him, what should those of us do who don't have great Bible teachers at our church.
  Without hesitation, Piper shot down the idea of himself as worthy of such accolade- not with false humility or false modesty, but in how he answered.
  He cited Corinthians and said he would never want someone to say they are of Paul or of Peter or of Piper.
  He exhorted that man and all of us to find a church we can be part of learn from leadership. He did say we could encourage our pastor and church to exalt Christ, but he didn't make himself out as great
  
• John Piper is bad.  He calls out his own sin. He acknowledges His need for a Savior
  
  
• This last year Piper took an extended leave of absence, not because he was caught in sin, but because he knew he was weak and needed to be renewed and refocused. He put aside his ministry for the sake of his growth

2. His focus & passion

• He has said all his books say the same thing: God is most glorified when i am most satisfied in Him. All his messages, all his books point to one thing: God's glory in the exaltation of Christ.
  
• He pursues and calls others to pursue God's glory above all things and in all things. Ministry, marriage, sex, eating, socializing, study...
  
• At the same session i mentioned above, when someone asked what the biggest problem facing the next generation was, he said simply: sin. While his passion & zeal is for God's glory, he also does not lose focus that our main problem is sin, nothing else.

3.  His pursuit of truth & correct Biblical teaching

4. Making resources accessible and available.
You can find many of his books, as well as sermons free here. Take advantage



i am thankful that God has given us John Piper and others like him to instruct us and shepherd us.
Let us not elevate him above God or God's Word. He is not infallible. He would never want to be considered such. But let us also show gratitude to God for his provision for us in Piper - and for the pastors and teachers who have helped shape us and build us up in Christ.