Ask Pastor John

Sorrows Surprised by Happiness

5 snips
Oct 9, 2025
Explore the fascinating interplay of sorrow and joy, revealing how deep joy can coexist with sorrow. John Piper shares his evolving thoughts on unhappiness, including important exegetical corrections. He highlights the significance of suffering and its unexpected compatibility with joy. The podcast features a powerful testimony of finding happiness amidst pain, illustrating the pursuit of profound joy rooted in Christ and God's sovereignty. Delve into a conversation that challenges conventional emotional experiences and offers fresh perspectives on faith.
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ANECDOTE

Correction From A Student

  • John Piper recounts discovering a Greek exegetical mistake in his earlier book Future Grace.
  • A student corrected him and the second edition fixed the misuse of 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
INSIGHT

Joy Amid Deep Suffering

  • John Piper emphasizes that suffering and joy can coexist simultaneously in the Christian life.
  • He argues this is shown in Jesus and Paul and is deeper than sequential emotional states.
ANECDOTE

Paralyzed Testimony of Unexpected Joy

  • John Piper reads John Erickson describing being in miserable pain yet whispering, 'God, I am so happy.'
  • Erickson says his happiness comes from God's overflowing grace given in response to pain.
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