Messages by Desiring God Saving Faith as the Awakening of Joy in Jesus
Dec 6, 2025
Discover how saving faith sparks joy in Jesus as the ultimate treasure. John Piper challenges doubts about enjoying Christ, emphasizing that true faith leads to profound delight, even in sorrow. He portrays belief as a dynamic engagement of the soul, where receiving Jesus brings nourishment and satisfaction. The discussion highlights the transformational power of worship and its ripple effect on compassion for others. Ultimately, the call to continually receive and celebrate Christ as the source of joy is both uplifting and deeply encouraging.
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Saving Faith As Joyful Receiving
- John Piper argues that saving faith is essentially the awakening of enjoyment in Jesus, not a secondary stage.
- He explains John uses the verb 'believe' repeatedly to show faith is an active soul movement that receives Christ.
Dinner Conversation About Lost Joy
- John Piper recounts a 60s-era man who said he trusts the Lord but doesn't enjoy Jesus, prompting a probing conversation.
- Piper drew out the man's glad affections like thankfulness and treasuring Christ to show joy often exists even amid sorrow.
Sorrow Deepens Joy In Faith
- Piper reframes sorrow and joy as compatible, citing 2 Corinthians and Ecclesiastes to show sorrow can deepen joy in faith.
- He says certain losses and dark nights reveal depths of Christ's sweetness that weren't accessible otherwise.
