The Pleasures of God by John Piper
Week 6: Chapter 5 — The Pleasure of God in His People
Read Chapter 5 of The Pleasures of God. Key Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 62:4–5; Psalm 149:4.
Previewing Week 6 of The Pleasures of God
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
That the God of the universe takes personal pleasure in his people—in you—is one of the most stunning claims in the Bible. This week, Piper invites us to stop running from that truth and start living in it.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Psalm 149:4 says 'the LORD takes pleasure in his people.' Piper insists this is a genuine statement about God's emotional life, not just a poetic metaphor. What is the difference between believing this intellectually and actually *feeling* believed in by God? Which do you more often experience?
2.Isaiah 62:4–5 pictures God rejoicing over Israel 'as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride.' Piper unpacks this marriage metaphor at length. What does a bridegroom's joy on his wedding day communicate that no other image quite captures? What does that tell you about the nature of God's pleasure in his people?
3.Piper is careful to argue that God's pleasure in his people is rooted not in our lovability but in his grace—he first makes us beautiful and then delights in the beauty he has created. How does that sequence protect this doctrine from becoming a basis for spiritual pride?
a.In what ways do you tend to locate God's pleasure in your behavior or spiritual performance rather than in his own gracious work in you?
b.What would it look like to receive God's delight as a gift rather than something you have earned?