This weekend (I was in Athens, Ohio–more on this in a future post), I got to spend several hours with a young man who just recently got back from a two-year missionary stint in East Asia. His name is Mark, he was a college student and member of First Baptist Church of Athens while I was the pastor there, and he’s like my “son in the faith.” I just love to hear Mark talk about his dreams, and also his experiences (he could have lost his life a couple of times these past two years!).
He said something Sunday afternoon that was so profound, I wanted to share it with you. He was talking about how truly difficult life on the mission field can be (he was not complaining, just stating facts), and then he said something like this, “You can go to a hard place and might be sustained for maybe a couple of months just off of the buzz of John Piper sermons, but spiritual highs from things like that don’t last. What is ultimately needed is steady and prayerful meditation on Scripture.” Mark and I both really love John Piper’s preaching, and God has given the church pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12), but I think he’s on to something here, not only for future missionaries but Christians in general. Consider the words of the psalmist: ”The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:7-8). Or think of Jesus Who, when He was in the wilderness being tempted, was sustained by and countered Satan with Scripture (see Matthew 4:1-11).
Piper sermons are normally very helpful, but they must complement, not replace, a life of Scripture reading and meditation. John Piper’s words will not get you through the hard times, God’s Word will. Thanks, Mark. I love you brother.
January 17, 2008 at 12:22 am
Steve,
I extend a hearty amen to what you have said in this post. This really is something that needs to be heard in reformed circles. There seems to be a tendency to deify our favorite theologians. I fell prey to this as a young student–the emphasis in my own devotions became less and less centered on Scripture and more and more centered on Piper and Sproul.
At one time I did not have access to my extra biblical books for over a month. I felt as if my spiritual life were going to fall apart–I felt unstable. I was excited about the thought of getting back into my routine to reestablish a sense of spiritual semblance.
As soon as I realized what this really meant, I decided to neglect my Piper and Sproul books for an entire year to read the Scriptures alone. I am thankful I did. Now I prefer Scripture much more than Piper or Sproul (not because they are bad, but because Scripture is so much better). This is what I like to call practicing Sola Scriptura.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Jimmy
January 17, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Thanks Jimmy, and great to hear from you! I once knew a guy who, every time he preached, basically quoted Piper throughout–he was overly dependent upon John Piper. Sadly, he fell into adulterous relationships and has now renounced the faith! I’m convinced that one of the contributing factors to his sin was his dependence upon the words of a mere man to the neglect of God’s Word. Honestly, I don’t think he spent much time in Scripture, just Piper.
Again, thank the Lord for Piper (I could listen to him preach every day!), but we all need to hear Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word.”
I really enjoy your blog, especially the family updates.
Steve