Spectacular Sins Bookclub--Chapter 1 Questions

I am a day late and a dollar short for 99% of the things in my life!! This bookclub is NO DIFFERENT!!! Right now...here are the questions for Chapter 1. Hopefully by tomorrow...my answers will accompany them. I have read the chapter. I just haven't organized my answers. Please feel free to comment your answers here or click on over to home base.

Missy did a great job with these!!!

1. We'll start with an easy one. What are the four reasons that John Piper gives for writing the book? Which do you look most forward to hearing Piper answer?

a. Why does God want us to know His sovereignty over sin?

b. Why does God not restrain sin more often?

c. How can we have faith and joy during the severity of the last days?

d. How is Christ glorified in a world of sin?

I am looking forward to all of the above with a special interest in #3.

Here comes the hard part. I hope you read the footnote on page 24. If you are like me, you read it several times, then out loud, then needed to discuss it with someone. We're loving the Lord with all our minds! Answer these as best you can (it's okay if you are fuzzy - we're only in chapter one):

2. What is God's role in sin:
a. Does he allow you to sin? Yes, He gave us free will.

b. Does he cause you to sin? No. God is blameless and sinless. I sin out of my own selfish desires. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. (Missy, I'm looking forward to your tutorial on the footnote!!)

c. Does he allow temptation to come before you? Yes

d. What resources does he give you to resist it? (quote scripture if possible.)

#1-The Bible- this is our 1st and foremost defense. The Bible reveals the holiness of God and instructs us in ways to live that will reflect His glory.

#2 All believers, those who recognize their desperate need for a savior, who recognize Jesus Christ as the only one who can atone for their sins, and have placed their faith in Him, have the power of The Holy Spirit indwelling within them.

#3 Prayer-our direct life-line to God and His power.

#4 Fellowship and accountability with other believers.

3. Are God's purposes sometimes accomplished through the sinful actions of man? Aside from the Crucifixion, can you think of another biblical example? YES!! Jacob and Essau, Joseph and his brothers, Daniel in the lion's den, David and Bathsheba, and the list goes on and ON. Heather C. I really like how you pointed out God's use of entire pagan nations!!

4. Piper states that his primary goal is to magnify Christ. What are some ways that a Christian might do that, even under intense suffering? What are some ways that we might do that, during our day-to-day frustrations and disappointments? Have you personally witnessed any examples of either? It is important to me, to know and understand EVERYDAY that we are here for HIS glory. Our lives are about HIM, not us. His Providential mercy and our resulting circumstances are about Him. (Thank you Voddie Baucham!!) "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

5. On page 29 he writes, "We are pushing our way through a blood-spattered life that makes us feel connected to the world yet disconnected at the same time. We are here but not here. Love binds us to the tragic earth, and love binds us to the treasure in heaven." What thoughts does this provoke in you? One day at a time with eternity in mind. Sound familiar Missy??