Deep Dive into Desiring God by John Piper - Epilogue: Why I Have Written This Book

In the epilogue to Desiring God, John Piper defends the concept of Christian Hedonism, which asserts that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. He outlines seven reasons for writing the book, beginning with the personal motivation that joy is incomplete until it is shared. Like lepers finding food during a famine, he argues that discovering God’s grace creates a debt of delight that must be paid by sharing it with others.

Piper addresses the universal human condition of restlessness, arguing that our inconsolable longing for beauty and wonder proves we were made for God. Worldly pleasures are merely echoes; God is the source. Consequently, the Bible does not suggest joy is optional; it commands believers to delight in the Lord. Piper reframes self-denial not as the abandonment of joy, but as the strategic rejection of lesser pleasures to secure superior, eternal ones.

Furthermore, the text argues that true Christianity consists largely of affections, not just intellectual decisions. Christian Hedonism serves as a defense against pride and self-pity by positioning humans as needy recipients of God’s grace rather than benefactors. It also purifies love for others, ensuring that service is rendered gladly rather than begrudgingly. Ultimately, Piper concludes that the pursuit of joy is the highest calling because we honor what we delight in. Therefore, the enjoyment of God and the glorification of God are one, uniting God's eternal purpose with humanity's deepest desire.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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