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May 17.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discovering Why the Son Has Life in Himself: A Journey of Faith

Older man speaking passionately, 'The Son Has Life in Himself' text overlay.

The Life in Christ: Understanding the Son's Divine Nature

In the captivating sermon titled The Son Has Life in Himself, John Piper explores a profound truth about Jesus: just as the Father possesses life within Himself, so too does the Son. This concept may seem complex, but at its heart lies the wonderful affirmation of Christ’s intrinsic divine nature. In this exploration, we will unravel the key insights that Piper presents, and why they are so meaningful to us today.

In The Son Has Life in Himself, the discussion dives into the divine nature of Christ, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.

Why Is Jesus the Source of Life?

Throughout John's Gospel, particularly in John 5:25-29, we learn that the Son of God, Jesus, is not merely a channel for life but is the very source of life itself. Piper emphasizes that when Jesus gives life, He does so actively and from Himself. He is not just a stream but the spring from which all life flows. Imagine standing next to a vast river; you see the water, but you must always trace it back to its source. In this analogy, Jesus is that source—strong, unending, and life-giving.

The Dual Nature of the Son of God

It’s essential to recognize that while Jesus possesses divine authority over life, He also embraced humanity in the term "Son of Man". Piper notes that this title is more than just identity; it ensures that Christ fully understands our human experience—our struggles and sufferings. As a vulnerable entity, He is qualified to judge us. Picture a teacher who knows the struggles of their students. They’re able to offer grace based on understanding, which makes their guidance invaluable. This is exactly what Jesus offers to humankind.

Why Humanity Matters in Judgment

In a fascinating twist, Piper digs into the idea of judgment. When God executes judgment, it is done through Jesus—the Son of Man. Piper explains that only someone who has known human life could truly understand and represent us at the final judgment. This aligns with Acts 17:31, which emphasizes judgment through a man appointed by God. This human connection is not incidental; it highlights God's desire to relate to us deeply.

Will Our Deeds Determine Our Eternal Fate?

As we continue, it's crucial to comprehend the relationship between our deeds and our eternal fate. In John 5, we see that everyone will rise from the dead—some to life and others to judgment—based on their deeds. But the important distinction Piper makes is that these deeds are a reflection of our faith. We are not saved because of our good works, but those who are justified by faith will naturally produce good works as a fruit. Imagine a fruit tree: it doesn’t struggle to produce fruit; it simply reflects what it is at its core. Our ability to do good works comes from our connection to Christ, the true vine.

Finding Hope in Judgment

The prospect of judgment can seem daunting, especially to young people trying to understand their place in the world. However, Piper encourages us to see this process as an opportunity for confirmation rather than condemnation. When we are united with Christ through faith, our good works become evidence—an affirmation of the transformation within us. Think of it like sharing a trophy from a sports event. It’s not just about winning; it’s a tangible testament to the hard work and dedication behind the scenes. Similarly, our good deeds are a testimony to our faith.

Conclusion: Embracing the Life That Christ Offers

As we reflect on these deep truths about Jesus—the Son of God and the Son of Man—we are reminded of the intimate connection between His life and ours. The journey of faith is not about perfection but about being connected to the source of life and bearing the fruit of that connection. Jesus invites everyone, especially our young hearts, to see Him as the life-giving force and to share in that transformative journey. Let’s commit ourselves to understanding and living out these truths, knowing that as we do, we grow closer to Him and share this incredible gift with others.

John Piper

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07.20.2025

Transform Your Daily Bible Reading with FEAST: Five Spiritual Prayers

Update Embracing God’s Delight: A Journey of Transformation Are you ready to experience a more rewarding relationship with Jesus? In the recent talk titled FEAST: Five Prayers for Daily Bible Reading, important insights were shared about nurturing a vibrant connection with God that goes beyond obligation to a sincere embrace of His joy. Let’s delve into how to transform your Bible reading from a duty into a delightful feast that enriches your life.In FEAST: Five Prayers for Daily Bible Reading, the discussion dives into the essential elements of nurturing a deep connection with God through scripture, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end. The Path from Neglect to Joy Every believer's journey can shift from neglect and confusion to understanding and ultimately to delight. It is essential to reflect on where you are on this path. When we start reading the Bible simply as a task, it often feels burdensome, leading to frustration rather than fulfillment. However, the message encourages believers to move beyond mere obligation. Embracing a mindset that sees Bible reading as a privilege can allow us to discover the delight found in God’s word. Focus: The First Step to Enjoyment Many struggle to focus while reading their Bibles. Our minds can stray to conversations from yesterday, plans for the future, or distractions from our phones. To truly enjoy our time with God, it is crucial to ask Him to focus our minds. As Psalm 119:37 says, 'Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; give me life in your ways.' This prayer is vital because distractions can limit our ability to connect deeply with God. Understanding: A Divine Enlightenment The next prayer in the FEAST acronym is for enlightenment. We need to request God to open our eyes so we can understand the wonders within His word. Just as 2 Timothy 2:7 advises, we should think over what we read, trusting that God will offer us the understanding we seek. The Bible is alive, and with the Holy Spirit, its truths can unveil layers of understanding we previously missed. Addressing Sin: The Need for Purification Before reading scripture, addressing our sin is essential. Through prayer, we must ask God to cleanse us and help us recognize any wrongdoings. Acknowledging our sins fosters a heart ready to receive God’s instruction and love. Psalm 51 reflects King David's desire for a clean heart, which is a spirit we should echo as we approach our time in the word. Seeking Satisfaction: The Main Course of Our Spiritual Meal After focusing our minds and cleansing our hearts, we should pray for God to satisfy our souls. The psalmist in Psalm 90:14 encourages us to seek God's steadfast love to find genuine joy and gratitude. Prayer does not just involve seeking knowledge; it’s about longing for an experience with God that fills our hearts with happiness and fulfillment. Training Hands: Applying God’s Word to Action Finally, we must ask God to train our hands to act in obedience. James 1:22 reminds us to be doers of the word and not just hearers. When we comprehend and enjoy the word of God, we must respond actively in our lives for it to manifest in good deeds and service to others. The Importance of Community While enjoying personal time with God is essential, it is equally important to engage in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the need to stir one another toward love and good works. Gathering with fellow believers allows us to share insights, motivate each other, and enrich our understanding of God’s character. We might find that others see facets of Jesus that we haven't yet perceived ourselves. In conclusion, reading the Bible isn’t simply about turning pages. It’s about embracing a relationship filled with discovery, joy, and delightful experiences with God. The acronym FEAST serves as a powerful guide to enhance our time in the word, leading us from mere obligation to a genuine hunger for God’s presence. If you desire to cultivate this delicious feast of daily Bible reading, start by integrating these prayers into your practice and witness how your relationship with God deepens.

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07.19.2025

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