Pages: 339-349
Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything. 2 Timothy 2:7
This morning, I continued with John Piper's Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture, continuing with Part 3 The Natural Act of Reading the Bible Supernaturally, chapter twenty-four: Active Reading Means Asking Questions. Here, Piper continues to unpack his recommendations on natural reading - and how we can read actively and attentively by looking deeply at Scripture. In this chapter, he focuses on asking questions as we read and by aggressively seeking answers to these question. He writes that we are to "habitually spot things that at first don't make complete sense, feel a disturbance in our minds, and then dig our way down to the beauty of truth." He pleads that "with the profoundest respect for God's word, and with great confidence in its unity, we spot these puzzles and spare no effort to dig down till we find the unity [(that brings parts of the Bible together)]."
We are warned that "there is a direct correlation between what we understand of God and how intensely we admire him. You can only muster only so much admiration for someone you don't know. God is not honored by such admiration."
He wraps up the chapter by stating that we are to "aggressively ask questions to yourself and to the text. Little by little, thread by thread, you begin to see the intricately woven fabric of God's revelation. Over time you will be changed."
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and Your Word is treasure indeed, sweeter than honey and more valuable than silver and gold. I am sustained by Your Word and I see Your glory in Your Word. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your Word or anything You provide for me, particularly salvation - I have sinned gravely and I continue to sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
