Finally alive by John Piper (available from Amazon or free on the internet here)
(i) God's nature is love, so that when we are born again by him we share that nature;
(ii) the manifestation of God's nature in history was the sending of his Son.
Then Piper shows that the love we have for others is seen in our:
(i) humbly rejoicing in the goodness of others (unlike Cain's reaction to Abel's righteousness);
(ii) meeting the needs of others.
In Chapter Fourteen Piper begins a new section answering the question, 'How can we help others be born again?' The answer is 'Tell people the good news of Christ from a heart of love and from a life of service.' Chapter Fourteen focuses on the first part, telling people the gospel. The way to do this is to desire and get drunk on the word of God ourselves.
An important point was made in Chapter Thirteen about rejoicing in others: 'So the lesson for us is: Everywhere you see some growth, some virtue, some spiritual discipline, some good habit, or good attitude, rejoice in it. Give thanks for it. Compliment it. Don’t resent it. Don’t be like Cain. Respond the opposite from Cain. Be inspired by other people’s goodness. Love is humble. Love delights in other people’s good. Love doesn’t protect its own flaws. Love takes steps to change them. What a beautiful fellowship where everyone is rejoicing in each other’s strengths, not resenting them! This is what the love of God looks like when the new birth gives it life in the people of God.'
It is so easy to resent the good we see in others because it shows up our own weaknesses. But if we are truly born again we should delight in any goodness we see. As a minister, that means I must love better ministers, better preachers, better theologians and better authors.
Next week's reading
Chapters Fifteen and the Conclusion.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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