

Ask Pastor John
Desiring God
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2026 • 13min
Three Metrics for Your Fitness
In this enlightening conversation, John Piper, a respected pastor and theologian, shares his wisdom on how to align fitness with faith. He presents three crucial metrics for assessing fitness motivations: defeating sin, serving others, and glorifying Christ. Piper discusses the importance of discipline in overcoming laziness without falling into pride. He emphasizes that true strength should be aimed at enhancing service to others and reflects Christ’s glory over personal gain. Ultimately, he advocates for a Christ-centered approach to fitness that prioritizes spiritual over physical appearance.

13 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 12min
Are Raised Hands in Worship Just Showing Off?
In this discussion, theologian John Piper, renowned for his insights on Christian beliefs, digs deep into the motivations behind raising hands in worship. He explores whether such gestures signify true devotion or a desire for human applause. Piper offers three tests to evaluate our intentions: yearning for God’s approval, caring for others' consciences, and prioritizing God's glory. He emphasizes that genuine worship stems from the heart, debunking the notion that visibility in faith equates to authenticity.

5 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 13min
Piper, Did You Miss Something?
Explore the balance between rejoicing in God and the joy of salvation. Delve into the essential tension of delighting in God's gifts while keeping Him at the center. Discover biblical examples that highlight dual joys, and gain insights from two guiding principles for right rejoicing. Learn how both creation and salvation reveal God's glory and lead to true worship. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that our delight in salvation should elevate our joy in God.

18 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 16min
Maximize Your Daily Bible Reading
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, shares insights on maximizing daily Bible reading for spiritual growth. He discusses why brief readings often lack impact, emphasizing the transformative power of Scripture through the Holy Spirit. Piper provides three practical guidelines: pray while reading to invite divine application, focus on Jesus for true fulfillment, and slow down to meditate on key verses for deeper understanding. He encourages a balance of broad reading and reflection to foster meaningful change in our lives.

50 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 17min
Make a Life Plan for 2026
John Piper, a respected pastor and theologian known for his focus on God-centered living, explores how to create a personal mission statement aimed at 2026. He emphasizes God's consistent purposefulness and our need to align personal goals with His ultimate aim: to be seen, savored, and shown. Piper discusses transforming everyday actions into acts of worship and the importance of crafting both broad, lasting mission statements and adaptable, seasonal goals. His insights inspire listeners to live purposefully in a way that glorifies God.

21 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 10min
God Wants Your Resolve
In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned pastor and theologian, delves into making resolutions that honor God. He emphasizes that relying solely on willpower is ineffective; true strength comes from the Holy Spirit. Citing examples from Paul's life, he illustrates how grace fuels genuine resolve. Piper encourages listeners to make resolutions at any time, warns against spiritual indecisiveness, and calls for continuous commitment to goodness, always trusting in God's empowering strength.

22 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 12min
The Gift Trap
In this engaging discussion, a prominent figure emphasizes the importance of finding joy in Jesus rather than worldly gifts. They outline four strategies to cultivate a deeper love for God—including drawing strength from troubles, savoring good gifts as reflections of the Giver, and personal Bible reading to understand God's character. They also underscore the significance of reflecting on mortality to redirect hope towards Jesus, ensuring a fulfilling spiritual life rooted in faith.

13 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 16min
What a Fruitful Devotional Feels Like
What does it feel like to truly meet God through Scripture? A heartfelt discussion reveals how unprepared hearts block encounters with the divine. Insights from Wesley Duell emphasize intense spiritual pursuit for deeper connections. Heartwarming stories from Romans 9 illustrate how moments of divine interaction can spark thankfulness and hope. Readers are encouraged to embrace daily encounters with God's Word using the Navigator's Bible Reading Plan to cultivate an enriching spiritual life.

9 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 17min
Complacency: A Silent Killer
Explore the dangers of spiritual complacency and its subtle encroachment in daily life. Discover the metaphor of 'settling on the lees' to understand inactivity and dullness. Delve into biblical warnings about indifference and the need for vigilance, urging believers to live intentionally. Learn the importance of redeeming time and maintaining a balance between rest in Christ and alertness to spiritual threats. This thought-provoking discussion ignites a call to action against the silent killer of complacency.

21 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 15min
When You Get Accused
Facing accusations can be tough, especially when they feel unjust. The discussion offers insights on embracing ‘gutsy guilt,’ which combines honest self-reflection with trust in God’s justice. Key concepts include the importance of humility and confidence when dealing with criticism. Practical advice is given through Micah's teachings, highlighting the need to remember past forgiveness and future hope. This thoughtful exploration encourages listeners to respond to negativity with grace and strength.


