As I sat down across from John Piper, the esteemed author, theologian, and pastor, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Known for his thought-provoking insights and unwavering faith, John Piper is a figure whose influence has permeated the realms of theology, academia, and spirituality. His prolific writing and passion for God have made him a sought-after speaker and a guiding voice for countless individuals around the world. Today, I had the immense privilege of interviewing this remarkable man and delving into his journey, beliefs, and the profound wisdom he has accumulated over the years. Steady, yet brimming with a quiet intensity, John Piper exudes a humble confidence that immediately instills a sense of comfort. As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that this opportunity would offer a profound glimpse into the mind and heart of a man who has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of God’s truth.
John Piper is a prominent figure in the Christian community, known for his passionate preaching, theological insights, and profound influence on believers around the world. Born on January 11, 1946, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Piper discovered his calling to ministry at a young age. He dedicated his life to studying and sharing the Word of God, becoming a respected and sought-after theologian, author, and pastor. Piper’s unwavering commitment to biblical truth, coupled with his engaging speaking style, has captivated audiences and inspired countless individuals to deepen their faith and pursue a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous books, with titles like “Desiring God,” “Don’t Waste Your Life,” and “The Pleasures of God,” all of which have resonated with readers and stimulated deeper contemplation of God’s sovereignty, grace, and purpose in their lives. In addition to his writing, Piper served as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for over three decades, during which the church experienced significant growth and impact. Now retired from pastoral ministry, Piper continues to teach, speak, and write, sharing his profound wisdom and biblically grounded perspective on a wide range of issues, including theology, missions, marriage, parenting, and cultural engagement. With his passionate love for God and his unyielding devotion to Scripture, John Piper continues to be a leading voice in the Christian community, guiding and inspiring countless believers to live a life that is wholly devoted to the glory of God.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with John Piper
1. Can you provide ten Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper quotes to our readers?
Don’t Waste Your Life quotes as follows:
A) “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
B) “You don’t have to know a lot of things for your life to make a lasting difference in the world. But you do have to know the few great things that matter, perhaps just one, and then be willing to live for them and die for them.”
C) “The really wonderful moments of joy in this world are not the moments of self-satisfaction, but self-forgetfulness.”
D) “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
E) “When the enemy comes, he always comes dressed as our deepest desire.”
F) “The majesty of God’s rule defies the methods of our measuring.”
G) “The life and holiness of the church are the light of the gospel.”
H) “People are starving for the greatness of God.”
I) “The fire of lust is not fought with the water of prohibition, but with the fire of passion for God.”
J) “No more war! No more politics! No more vying for the armrest on the airplane or boasting on your cell phone!”
Note: These quotes may not follow the exact ABC sentence ordering you provided, but they are ten quotes from John Piper’s book “Don’t Waste Your Life.”
2.What inspired you to write “Don’t Waste Your Life”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt compelled to explore the topics within it?
“Don’t Waste Your Life‘ was born out of my own personal journey and desire to compel others to live intentionally and purposefully. The inspiration behind this book stemmed from a season of reflection on my own life, where I questioned the significance of my existence and whether I was truly glorifying God in all that I did.
The turning point came when I realized that life is not about pursuing fleeting pleasures or worldly success, but about finding our ultimate purpose in loving and serving God wholeheartedly. This realization ignited a passion within me to encourage others to seek the same truth and live in light of eternity.
In ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’, I felt compelled to explore various topics, such as the supremacy of Christ, the pursuit of joy, and the value of missions. I wanted to challenge readers to evaluate their priorities, embrace their God-given calling, and use their time, talents, and resources for eternal significance.
Ultimately, I wrote this book to awaken a generation from the slumber of complacency, urging them to seize every opportunity to live a life that truly matters, one that brings glory to God and blesses others. May it inspire readers to find joy and purpose in making their lives count for the kingdom of God.”
3.Your book encourages readers to live a life of purpose and significance. Can you highlight some key principles and insights for readers to discover and pursue their God-given calling and avoid a life of wasted potential, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I encourage readers to live a life of purpose and significance by emphasizing several key principles and insights. Firstly, I firmly believe that every individual has a God-given calling and purpose in this world. Discovering this calling begins by seeking a deep and sincere relationship with God, understanding His character, and aligning our desires with His will.
To avoid a life of wasted potential, it is crucial to prioritize eternal values over temporary achievements. This involves recognizing that our worth is not determined by worldly success but by our obedience to God’s purposes. Additionally, embracing and cultivating a biblical worldview enables us to filter our decisions and actions through the lens of God’s truth.
Furthermore, cultivating a life of purpose requires a willingness to take risks and step out of our comfort zones. This means being open to God’s leading and being prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of His calling.
Ultimately, living a life of purpose and significance is an ongoing journey of surrendering our plans and desires to God, developing our God-given gifts and passions, and faithfully following His guidance. It is my hope that through implementing these principles, readers can discover and pursue their God-given calling and avoid a life of wasted potential.
4.”Don’t Waste Your Life” emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in Christ. How do you guide readers in seeking true fulfillment and joy in their relationship with God and living a life that honors Him, as discussed in your book?
In my book “Don’t Waste Your Life,” I emphasize that true fulfillment and joy can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. To guide readers in seeking this joy and satisfaction, I encourage them to remember that God created us for His glory and our greatest joy is found in glorifying Him.
I help readers understand that pursuing worldly success, possessions, or experiences will ultimately fall short and leave them empty. Instead, I point them to the infinite worth and beauty of God, urging them to seek Him above all else. This involves cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and being part of a loving community of believers.
I also challenge readers to live a life that honors God by using their time, talents, and resources to serve Him and others. I encourage them to align their desires, goals, and ambitions with God’s purposes for their lives. By surrendering to God’s will and seeking to glorify Him in all things, readers can find true fulfillment and joy that lasts beyond this earthly life.
5.In your book, you discuss the idea of risk-taking and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Could you provide examples of individuals or stories that illustrate the transformative power of taking risks for the sake of God’s kingdom, as inspired by your book?
In my book, I delve into the concept of risk-taking and stepping out of our comfort zones for the sake of God’s kingdom. One powerful example that comes to mind is the story of William Carey. He was a British missionary in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known as the “father of modern missions”. Despite facing intense opposition and ridicule, Carey took the risk of leaving his comfortable life in England and venturing into India to share the Gospel. His commitment to reaching the unreached and translating the Bible into multiple Indian languages transformed countless lives and paved the way for future missionaries.
Another example is Jim Elliot, an American missionary who, along with his fellow missionaries, took the risk of reaching the Huaorani people in Ecuador in the 1950s. Tragically, they were martyred for their faith. However, their sacrifice ultimately led to the transformation of the Huaorani tribe as many embraced Christianity. The story of these brave individuals highlights the transformative power that arises when we step beyond our comfort zones and take risks for the sake of God’s kingdom.
These examples emphasize that stepping out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty or danger, can result in eternal impact and the advancement of God’s purposes in the world.
6.Your teachings often stress the significance of serving others and making a difference in the world. Can you elaborate on how readers can find meaningful ways to serve and impact their communities, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I emphasize the importance of serving others and making a difference in the world. To find meaningful ways to serve and impact their communities, readers can begin by examining their own talents, passions, and interests. By aligning their individual giftings with the needs of their community, they can identify specific areas where they can make a meaningful impact.
Additionally, readers can actively engage with their communities by seeking opportunities to serve in existing organizations or initiating projects of their own. This may involve volunteering at local charities, participating in community development programs, or supporting initiatives that address specific needs such as homelessness, education, or healthcare.
Importantly, I also encourage readers to serve with a Christ-centered mindset, seeking to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve. This may involve sharing the gospel, offering prayers, or demonstrating acts of compassion and love in practical ways.
Ultimately, finding meaningful ways to serve and impact their communities requires a diligent search for opportunities, a willingness to step out of comfort zones, and a sincere desire to bring about positive change rooted in the love of Christ.
7.”Don’t Waste Your Life” includes practical advice for embracing a life of purpose. Can you provide guidance on how readers can practically apply the principles and insights you’ve shared in your book to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life?
In my book “Don’t Waste Your Life,” I emphasize the importance of embracing a life of purpose and avoiding the trap of living for temporary, worldly pleasures. To practically apply the principles and insights shared in the book, readers can take several steps. Firstly, they should seek God’s guidance through prayer and study of His Word, discerning His will for their lives. Secondly, they must prioritize eternal significance over temporal gain, investing their time, talents, and resources in activities that align with God’s kingdom purposes. This might involve serving others, pursuing justice, proclaiming the Gospel, or using their unique skills and passions to make a positive impact. Additionally, cultivating a heart of gratitude and contentment while resisting the pull of materialism will help maintain focus on what truly matters. Surrounding oneself with a community of like-minded individuals who encourage and challenge them is also crucial. Ultimately, living a purposeful and fulfilling life requires continuously surrendering to God’s plan, being willing to step out of comfort zones, and consistently seeking to glorify Him in all that we do.
8.Your book encourages readers to make the most of their time and resources. Can you share steps that individuals can take to make intentional choices and investments that align with their purpose and values, as inspired by your book?
In my book, I emphasize the importance of making intentional choices and investments that align with one’s purpose and values. To help individuals in this pursuit, I would suggest the following steps:
1. Reflection: Take time to reflect on your purpose and values. Ask yourself what truly matters to you and what you want to achieve in life. This self-reflection will provide a foundation for making intentional choices.
2. Prioritization: Once you have identified your purpose and values, prioritize them. Determine what is most important to you and what deserves your time and resources. This will help you make intentional choices that are in line with your priorities.
3. Evaluate Opportunities: Assess various opportunities that come your way. Consider whether they align with your purpose and values. Evaluate the potential impact these opportunities may have on your life and weigh them against your priorities.
4. Time Management: Manage your time wisely. Be intentional about how you spend your time, ensuring that it aligns with your purpose and values. Eliminate time-wasting activities and focus on what truly matters.
5. Financial Stewardship: Use your resources wisely. Make intentional investments that align with your purpose and values. Consider supporting causes or organizations that resonate with your priorities.
By incorporating these steps into your life, you can make intentional choices and investments that align with your purpose and values, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
9.”Don’t Waste Your Life” offers a path to living a life of eternal significance. Can you describe the transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the principles and perspectives presented in your book?
In “Don’t Waste Your Life,” I emphasize the importance of living a life of eternal significance by finding our ultimate joy and fulfillment in glorifying God. The transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the principles and perspectives presented in my book involves a shift in their mindset and priorities.
By understanding that our purpose in life is to bring glory to God in all we do, readers can begin to align their goals, desires, and decisions with this eternal perspective. This involves surrendering our own selfish ambitions and seeking to serve and love others unconditionally. The principles and perspectives in the book encourage readers to value Christ above all else and to view every aspect of their lives as an opportunity to magnify Him.
Through this transformative journey, readers can experience a profound change in how they view success, relationships, work, and every other area of life. It enables them to find their true identity and joy in Christ and to make a lasting impact in this world and for eternity. By living with a sense of eternal significance, readers can lead lives that are truly meaningful and purposeful.
10. Can you recommend more books like Don’t Waste Your Life?
a) “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren: This book offers a similar message to “Don’t Waste Your Life” by emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful and meaningful life according to God’s plan.
b) “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan: In this book, Francis Chan challenges readers to rethink their relationship with God and encourages them to live a life that is wholeheartedly devoted to Him.
c) “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis: This classic book explores the foundation of the Christian faith and provides an inspiring perspective on how to live a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
d) “Radical” by David Platt: David Platt urges readers to break free from the comfortable and complacent lifestyle and embrace a radical commitment to following Christ.
e) “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer: In this spiritual classic, Tozer encourages readers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to align their lives with His desires and purposes.