Desiring God by John Piper
Week 1: Preface & Introduction — The Longing That Demands an Answer
Read the Preface and Introduction of Desiring God. Key Scripture: Psalm 16:11; Matthew 13:44
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Before Piper builds his case, he tells you where he is coming from and what he hopes this book will do to you — take time this week to engage his opening honestly and ask whether you share the longing he describes.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Piper opens by describing a kind of Christianity that is marked more by duty than by delight — a religion of grinding obligation rather than glad-hearted pleasure in God. Does that description resonate with your own experience, past or present? Be honest.
2.The central thesis of the book is: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." In your own words, what does Piper mean by this? What would have to be true about God and about us for this statement to be correct?
3.Piper coins the term "Christian Hedonism" to describe his position. Why do you think he chooses such a provocative label? What reaction does the word "hedonism" produce in you — and is that reaction something Piper anticipates and addresses?
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