Gateway Podcast: Episode 63

You can listen to or watch Gateway Podcast Episode 63 here.

Questions/topics addressed in this episode:

(NOTE: Timestamps are for video version only.) 

Discussion of the book The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper

Background on book/author (5:40)

Piper shares the C.S. Lewis quote regarding mud pies. Can you look back on your life and share an example of when you foolishly delighted in “mud pie,” and also share a time that you delighted and rejoiced at the glory of God. (8:00)

Piper discusses marriage and shares how we can glorify Christ by pursuing our pleasure in the joy of our spouse. As a way to encourage and challenge others to pursue their joy in the joy of their spouse, can you share examples of how you go about this, in little/everyday or big/elaborate ways? (13:55)

Piper identifies on p.66 that “God is not glorified when we keep for ourselves what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of...millions.” Many of us are so brainwashed by American consumerism that we are unaware of our participation in living for worldly treasures instead of fighting for eternal treasure with contentment in Christ. Is this something we should vocally speak to our brothers and sisters in the faith about? However if we are being truly loving, and wanting what is ultimately best for one another, I am not sure ignoring one’s luxurious spending habits should be brushed under the rug. Should we accept it without questioning it, or should we buck up and ask hard questions of each other? (19:55)

Is the lack of affection/love for God why it would have been better for Judas to have never been born? Sometimes I pause when I read that - even though Judas betrayed Jesus - he also gave the money back and said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." (Matthew 27:4). (28:55)

On page 84, Piper says to "Study the glory of God, the glory of Christ, the glory of the world that reveals the glory of God, the glory of the gospel that reveals the glory of Christ." Why is it hard to think about the glory of Christ? Christ as Savior? Yes. Mighty and powerful? Yes! Loving? Of course. Creator? Yes. But I somehow reserve the "glory" category for either the triune God (i.e. thinking of God as one) or for God the Father. Perhaps this is because I think of Jesus as praying to the Father and giving glory to the Father. (35:15)

Final Thought (41:50)