

Light + Truth
Desiring God
Classic sermons from John Piper to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Five days a week, 20 minutes per episode. Hosted by Dan Cruver.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 21min
The Gain That Death Cannot Take
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, passionately delves into the profound question of whether death can truly be gain. He emphasizes that God's glory should shape our understanding of the gospel and explains how death can magnify Christ. Piper unpacks Philippians 1:20–21, highlighting that longing to be with Christ reflects a deeper satisfaction in Him. He argues that our fulfillment in Christ, even in death, ultimately brings Him the greatest glory.

Nov 25, 2025 • 29min
Glory That Satisfies the Soul
John Piper, a renowned Reformed pastor and theologian, dives deep into the pursuit of beauty and greatness, illuminating how we were designed to marvel at Christ's glory. He addresses the objections to God's self-exaltation and proposes that God is most glorified when we find our deepest satisfaction in Him. Piper discusses Jesus' delayed healing of Lazarus as an act of love, highlights the significance of Jesus' prayers for glorification, and emphasizes that true love seeks eternal joy in God, revealing our true purpose in life.

Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
How God’s Passion Changes Everything
In this engaging discussion, John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, shares his unique insights into God's passion for His glory. He reflects on his teenage struggles, emphasizing how they deepened his faith. Piper articulates a captivating thesis: God zealously seeks His own glory, using the grandeur of creation and the significance of the cross to unveil divine justice. He illustrates how even the story of David and Bathsheba reveals the necessity of Christ's sacrificial atonement, showcasing the profound interplay between God's love and His glorious nature.

Nov 21, 2025 • 24min
Fruit Only the Spirit Can Grow
John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, dives into the transformative message of Galatians 5. He reveals why relying solely on moral lists leads to legalism and stifles genuine growth. Piper intricately defines 'the flesh' as the self-reliant ego and contrasts subtle self-exaltation with blatant immorality. He emphasizes that true goodness is born from a grace mentality, not merit. With a vivid dragon analogy, he illustrates the battle against the flesh, urging believers to embrace their reliance on mercy for spiritual fruitfulness.

Nov 20, 2025 • 28min
How the Spirit Breaks the Power of the Flesh
Join theologian and pastor John Piper as he delves into Galatians 5:16–18, exploring how walking by the Spirit triumphs over the flesh. Piper vividly contrasts being led by the Spirit with actively following, using powerful imagery. He emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ for producing love, joy, and peace in our lives. Discover how genuine Christian life involves an inner struggle, yet promises victory through the Spirit, transforming burdens into joyful living. Practical tips abound for maintaining a heart happy in God and living by faith.

Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Freedom That Gives Itself Away
Serving others is a key mark of true freedom. Explore how love stems from a heart filled with Christ’s fullness. Discover the dangers of letting the ego dictate choices and how love fulfills the law. Learn how self-love transforms into genuine interest in others’ happiness. John Piper provides practical ways to love radically, highlighting the consequences of failing to serve with love. Ultimately, freedom comes from understanding God’s love, empowering us to serve selflessly and joyfully.

9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 23min
Powerful Reasons to Stop Worrying
Explore how to live free from anxiety about daily needs. Delve into the rich fool's lesson, which warns against the obsession with material wealth. Understand the deeper meaning behind 'life is more than food' and God's care for all creation, illustrated through ravens and lilies. Grasp the truth that anxiety adds nothing to life. Discover how prioritizing God's kingdom leads to true provision. John Piper emphasizes that trusting in God's knowledge and love can transform worries into peace.

Nov 17, 2025 • 17min
When Worry Replaces Trust
Join theologian John Piper, founder of Desiring God, as he explores the transformative journey from worry to fearless trust. He delves into Jesus' teachings from Luke 12:22–31, highlighting how to overcome anxiety about essential needs like food and clothing. Piper emphasizes practical contentment, urging listeners to trust God as the ultimate provider. He contrasts anxiety with divine peace, stirring a desire for radical kingdom freedom free from material concerns. Dive into this enlightening discussion on faith and trust!

Nov 14, 2025 • 21min
The Snare of Wanting More
John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor known for his expository preaching, delves into the danger of loving money and its spiritual consequences. He explores how coveting wealth can corrupt the heart, creating anxiety and false self-reliance. Piper contrasts godliness with contentment and emphasizes a believer's call to generosity. Through the lens of Scripture, he highlights that true satisfaction comes from God, urging listeners to funnel their resources into good deeds rather than being ensnared by riches.

Nov 13, 2025 • 21min
When Riches Become Your Security
John Piper, a renowned theologian and pastor, dives into the profound meaning of being 'rich toward God' using insights from Luke 12:13–21. He highlights the dangerous allure of wealth and the need to recognize that true life isn't defined by material abundance. Piper contrasts the world’s admiration for wealth with God's perspective on foolish security, urging listeners to invest in heavenly treasures. Ultimately, he emphasizes that finding wealth in God offers true satisfaction and eternal security.


