What has been your biggest spiritual struggle and how did you get victory?

[@andrewt248]

Idolatry. Pride, lust, anger, envy, covetousness, etc. all = our idol is self. God, by Your Spirit, take us off the throne of our hearts.

[@Goldtaker23]

andrewt248 Amen!! Lust is my biggest issue I keep falling :(

[@Goldtaker23]

Christian Stevens Amen it is starting too :)

[@Goldtaker23]

Christian Stevens Amen brother it has subsided a lot Im just worried about it coming back but Im trying to trust Christ :)

[@wilber_nt]

Amen

[@gabrielirungu5635]

I liked how he laughed and asked victory? And His laughter and body language seems to say ...this for me and all of us is a daily continual fight and we cannot take a break. I have watched this clip a couple of times especially as He begins to answer. A remarkable teacher of the word and a true disciple of the Lord Jesus. I see in Him the stature of a person, a disciple, an apprentice the Lord is transfoming us His kids into. 😊

[@jtiggs1695]

Once upon a time, there was a man who was given a medal for his humility. It was later taken away from him, when he began to wear it.

[@joannecaradonna6877]

I found that too funny and probably for good reason.Thank you for sharing.

[@bansyiemlieh3213]

Wow dts profound!

[@dana1853]

Wooooow

[@regul8or71]

Love this. Life is full of paradoxes. Thanks for sharing.

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_7]

Actually this is true: “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ (quite the badge!) “and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?”” ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20‬:‭10‬ God told him to speak to the rock, and he disobeyed and instead struck the rock. Furthermore, here he’s actually taking credit for the water that God is providing…not exactly Mr. Humble here, is he? So God says he will not enter the promised land.

[@scottcarter1689]

Piper is always so candid and honest. It is inspiring.

[@damianwhite9058]

Piper is an aging testicle in a pair of glasses.

[@TurrettiniPizza]

Wish he was my grandpa

[@MirkAssassin]

+Christ Gets All Glory He actually LOOK like my late grandpa on my father's side.

[@kellyongme]

Lol

[@sarahsari100]

😂😂

[@SummerofKittyLove]

shopping too much, eating too much, complaining about others, bearing a grudge, bad temper, laziness. I'm so disgusting!! I'm eternally grateful and in awe of God, who is way too good for me

[@TaylorKWH]

Praise the Lord!! 😃

[@prayunceasingly2029]

Tinker Diggens Me too sister. God is patient. We need a new birth so Gods spirit can be the guiding force not the flesh and it's sinful desires.

[@benjaminemmanuel1108]

Tinker Diggens Oh I love you!

[@DrTucsonJim]

It gives me hope to see that a man like John Piper, who obviously knows the Word and loves God deeply, still struggles with the same things I do. If he still struggles, perhaps there is hope for me.

[@constitutionalpesant]

John Piper 's clarity and openness is always so helpful. Thank God for believers who are will to share their struggles with sin, it's so edifying. Thank You Jesus that you made us to be apart of a body of believers, how isolated we would feel in our walk otherwise.

[@joelmateo58]

I think self-righteousness is a form of pride that Jesus railed against and used the Pharisees as a great example. It is an extreme form of pride. Remember the words of Isaiah, All of our righteousness ACTS are as filthy rags before the Lord. We are all depraved sinners, saved by the Grace of God. Not of our righteousness, but only and only of Christ's. So when you feel so good about your righteous acts, give all the Glory to God...and none to yourself. He did it. Not me, us, or we. I say this to myself all the time as a reminder, not to humble me perse, but to know where all the goodness originates and comes from. But don't lose heart in your struggle to do good, Christ the Lord is our master and we are his usually faithful servants... :)

[@adammalkovich187]

Excellent words to say. I course, they are coming from God through you, however the words are still good.

[@thephysiocorner]

Joel Mateo I love you.. You said it all

[@schifahrer123]

Our faith is based on *seeing* -- seeing God at work in our lives; seeing God in the Bible; seeing God in the holy spirit at work in our hearts; seeing God in innumerable circumstances in life that proclaim his sovereignty; sovereignty over sin, and sovereignty over suffering, which covers anything from things not turning out the way we wanted, to losing a family member, to contracting "incurable" diseases, etc. I am writing as much for the unbeliever reading this as anything else.

[@paulgunachander2607]

That is a very humble thing to do . All of us have our fair share of pride. Humility is a gift of the holy spirit. A teacher of John Pipers quality " deserves " to be proud, yet as followers of Christ...the epitome of Humility...we have no excuse to be proud. Humility is the quintessential Christian quality. I wonder if.. I were in his shoes would have had the Humility to say what he said. Lord, always help me to be humble, and never be proud about being humble!

[@BornAgainCarnivore]

God is good all the time :)

[@JacquelineHahn1]

Boy I feel nailed - thank you for your honesty. Easily frustrated, anger restrained and withdrawing emotionally etc.

[@questionsonchristianity8204]

My weakness can be idolatry. The focus of self. Self centred, self absorbed, self gratification. We have to deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus. I have also had to deal with covetessness. Wanting that promotion, that bigger house etc.

[@judylloyd7901]

Yes, I think that self is at the bottom of most, if not all of our problems. When Eve was deceived by the enemy, she decided to take what she thought was good for HER. Self-centeredness is the most prevalent form of idolatry in the western world. Covetousness is greed, which is also idolatry, because we covet things for ourselves. 😟

[@markosimurina7628]

i am thankful to see God bless us with this man

[@sucherin55]

Thank you for being so open about your weaknesses,John! I have very similar weaknesses. Impatience, pride, judgementalness, sulking. All i can do , is going to the FATHER and ask for forgiveness and help . ...I just started listening to you 1 week ago and I am so impressed and ignited by your joy in the Lord! You are contagious and I praise God for letting me find you! Your sister in Christ, Claudia

[@geraintpierce1056]

i like him

[@questionsonchristianity8204]

You have good taste.

[@tessalala272]

pride - both extremes, sulking and boasting, mostly sulking :/ and also selfishness. I'm praying God will help me to overcome these.

[@daughterofzion.4592]

John Piper you're right... I pray to God always to give me a spirit of humility and lowliness... I really need these virtues as Christ servant

[@MirkAssassin]

Pride, Self Righteousness, moralism, hypocrisy, judgementalism, bitterness, murderous thoughts, father hatred, disrespecting parents, striking my father, lust of almost all manor of depravity and cowardice.

[@TaylorKWH]

My struggles - Laziness, lust, self-pity, and, jealousy honestly that's all I can think about on the top of my head.

[@memyself523]

Jesus Is My Lord hi did u get better? I am like this am struggling to come out of it

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree9368]

John spoke from my heart exactly. Pride has always been a struggle for me and God had Mercy on me🙏😌

[@celineklinge3024]

With me it's selfpity too. When I cry I'm so far away from god and than my heart gets cold and does not want to love god and others. And then doubt comes and that's the worst...😥

[@memyself523]

Celine Klinge i think struggles complaining olso lack of contetment thats why there is self pity😭.how many times can one repent

[@questionsonchristianity8204]

Self pity is of the devil.

[@questionsonchristianity8204]

@@memyself523 whenever you feel discontent you have to decree aloud "I am content with my circumstances and I am emotionally stable". We are in a spiritual war and we have to fight for our spiritual ground. We can listen to the lies of the enemy or we can decree Gods truth over our lives.

[@schifahrer123]

Faith is trusting God, and we trust God for good reasons -- trusting Him *because* we know something. We have many reasons to have faith in God. We have experienced His goodness. We have experienced answer to prayer, and a changed life.

[@MrJeffrey316]

He's so right. Anytime I get into thoughts where I'm thinking like "poor me, why did this happen to me", I try to immediately think about the people that are dying in other countries for lack of food/water. This tends to change my mind pretty quickly that I should be happy just to be able to eat a meal when I want to. I don't have any problems whatsoever compared to some people out there.

[@thefioretta100]

This is a very personal question

[@armannikoghosyan1345]

Ure right ..tips are general ..combined in one name "sin"..but it fights in different ways ..conserning personal "qaulities"..and weaknesses

[@waterwarriors911]

And one that must be heard in order and answered as a 'what say you' and provoking our own understanding and reflection. Important that when you have respect for someone and they open there internal box, like Sol, and you get to see how you are and where you can make a change. It is important to know thy self and that is so here in this message.

[@griffisguitars2921]

“I squeezed Ronnie Jordan real tight one time.” Man, I laughed way too hard. I love this man.

[@kaitlynsullivan8767]

Thank you for your honesty John Piper. You may never read this but I hope you do. I’m in tears right now because I have the exact same problem as you. I never saw it precisely this way but you are right. I was just apologizing to God for it and being upset that I always struggle in this way and don’t glorify him when I get upset. I like how you end with the gospel. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@questionsonchristianity8204]

I like this man

[@EphemeraDeBless]

Interesting, so pride can also take the form of 'sulking'. I can relate.

[@crazycatman5928]

Pastor John I struggle too with the same thing. I stay stressed out/it leads to agitation aggression and anger then explodes. I don’t hit either but I’ll complain. I need to be more grateful.

[@schifahrer123]

The best thing we can do to come out alive is to completely rely on God, and use *reason* to understand the lies and arguments that try to destroy our faith.

[@TheCreepypro]

may we live in the victory you earned Lord

[@azgh11]

Life is tough but god is love and because of this fact he gave his only son, the power and presence of God almighty can overpower satan and his angels.

[@noahfrank93]

Jesus loves you guys

[@brightelskerfoundation]

Thank you! Praise God! Incredibly helpful for seeing the log in my own eye. Now I just need prayers help, faith, mercy and grace from our Lord to remove it 🙏🏻

[@davidsarkar6668]

All thanks, praise, glory and honour be to Jesus, Amen !

[@damienkilcannonvryce]

Thank you Mr. Piper. This was such an honest take on yourself. It reminds us that even those who are of god still sin and not better than any of us. This vid has reminded me or taught me to be meek and humble and to understand that sin isn’t always in an act. It’s in our hearts and thoughts as Jesus tells us. It makes me more self aware of my sinful nature and that we need to be ever more vigilant. We may take notice of the sins only specifically broadcast in big bold letters, speeches and the like. But it’s the subtle sin that traps us and beguiles us. We can understand why Satan chose the subtle serpent. Whether allegory or not is irrelevant. It makes sense. We just keep our armour of god on at all times. Satan roams the earth to and fro as a ravenous beast waiting to consume us. Let us pray to be vigilant and to refrain and flee from sin!!! In Jesus name we pray... Amen. May god forgive us all our confessed sins and let us continually thank him for his undeserved grace to live beyond our trappings as sinful people.

[@johnharrington6122]

A wife of 45 years April 19th , who only wants to be in Heaven and worship Jesus Christ for eternity, of course but doesn’t think about being busy doing everything as well ! I struggle daily in my spirit about this ! John

[@ryancampbell3513]

How could his testimony sting ME so much? Oh. Yeah. Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ.

[@FlyingAce2077]

In the last few days, I've really been blessed by God using this man. Thank You, LORD!

[@augustine.c8204]

how blessed are we to hear from true followers, and have the ability to search online for questions like these. Thanks Pastor John

[@Thefaithcamille]

Proud > in response to THINGS DIDN'T GO MY WAY, I PRAYED FOR THIS WORKED HARD FOR THIS > ungrateful for thinking things should be better for me I deserved better > sinful response to proud frustrations > retreat - emotionally > freeze up (realizes things that I've done) > sulk > Self pity to the core > EXPLODES boom ANGER TO SELF and to people around me.< YUP he Just described me T.T

[@Godsgirl265]

I love people like this

[@ruthmjmuller14]

Thank You John! I find comparing myself to others is a down hill slope tied to pride and self pity also. Thank you for being transparent w/ us and helping us see Christ is the focus everytime we begin to see our need for deliverance and to appreciate His sacrifice daily for our return.

[@Numbers_6.24-26]

I appreciate this man's honesty and I totally share his mindset. I think it's extremely common.

[@schifahrer123]

I think you were saying, (and I would say it too): “ultimately, God is bigger than human reason. God is sovereign - my weak human reasoning (all human reasoning is weak compared to God) is not the ultimate foundation of my faith. In other words, faith doesn’t depend on human reasoning *alone*.” Nevertheless, as Christians we find ourselves in the middle of a battle - a crusade against Christ and anyone who follows Him, being waged by secular America.

[@Sparda849]

That was my past. Now im in the present where im radically different from mostly everybody because im saved thanks to God.

[@noahbigley]

Thank You Jesus!

[@Kokobuttah]

If you knew in mind and heart that something greater than the whole universe existed, that you are different than everything else and you knew you were designed for a purpose but did not know what that was, and God told you "You were made to glorify me and you've messed up from day one. I am everywhere yet what you did was ignore me." You would reply, "How many prayers should I say to fix this." God would reply "There is nothing you can do. I forgive you but keep me in your mind and heart."

[@benjaminquek1093]

This is very helpful, thank you. Often I would take the qualifications of elders/ministers to an extreme and expect perfection. However, a constant faith in Christ, especially in the face of sins, is way more desired by God than the seeking of self-perfection.

[@bethestandardallday]

So good.

[@JakotsuFan88]

This is the same problem I have as well. I thought I was the only one. lol

[@Kokobuttah]

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

[@dianehill6184]

Thank you. I really needed to hear this.

[@matthewfarley8155]

I have that same problem along with many others.

[@ShiningSoulShadow]

Thank you John. You just described me. Lord Jesus please return soon. And regenerate us.

[@raysonraypay5885]

Love this man!

[@schifahrer123]

I don't know if you've read any of these, but here are a few books that have really changed the way I think about faith and reason. They were and are invaluable to my quest in separating "fact" from "fiction" in the realm of faith and evidence for God; in separating truth from untruth on a NOVA program about origins, on a lewd advertisement, when forced to watch it - messages we hear almost every day.

[@TaSwavo]

@aiiirdryy Ray C Stedman was like this - I love his sermons (even though I disagree with his church in many ways listening to them last year made me want to meet him and then I found out he'd fallen asleep in Christ I was very sad - for me not being able to do that until judgement day). I never heard of Ray Piper before today but like the way he talks (so far). It's nice to see not all Amercian (I'm in UK) preachers are not stadium money grabber types...

[@davidsflooringco]

Paul couldn't completely control pride so God left a thorn in his side though he asked Him 3 times,yet God said he wouldn't and his grace was enough.

[@Justericpersonal]

Praise The LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ang615ushk]

To me, the Genesis stories is my spiritual struggle and I need to read the 4 gospels to gain my faith back.

[@Gatewaycreed]

I love how he admits it would be a cop out to state pride, and then goes on to use it regardless. What a complete lack of vulnerability to get asked about his own personal struggle and then have him answer with a problem he believes everyone has. I guess he's just not able to admit to his own personal struggle.

[@stacy2point0]

thank you brother Piper for allyou do for the King & kingdom!

[@heliaalves9062]

My biggest struggle wouldn't be pride, but wanting to be right. I feel great when I'm right about something, if I'm wrong I'll accept it of course, but I will be very disappointed with myself. It shouldn't really matter that much, but for some reason it does and I'm always trying to fight that tendency.

[@rhemaakinola44]

Except that wanting to be right is an offshoot of pride.

[@heliaalves9062]

@@rhemaakinola44 I wouldn't say so. I don't claim to be perfect, I don't claim to be right all the time, I just enjoy being right. I think most people do, or at least I have never met anyone who really wishes to be wrong.

[@laureliamay-pohlman7455]

I really needed to hear this tonight. Thank you.

[@SABOOTCAMP]

The Gospel ... the only hope for a sinner like me.

[@schifahrer123]

Here are a few things that have helped to show *my* analytical mind the *evidence* for God, and strengthen my faith: By Lee Strobel: The Case for a Creator The Case for Christ The Case for Faith Unlocking the Mysteries of Creation by Dennis R. Petersen - Very easy to read -- more like a reference book -- literally filled with illustrations and evidence for God. Topics: the Early Earth, Evolution, History of Man, Ancient Civilizations

[@constitutionalpesant]

Pride and a sinful response to things not going my way.

[@schifahrer123]

@99minerkc I am feeling this going a little deeper -- how can you say "Praise Jesus-He is Lord!" (1 week ago from this post) if you don't believe in a personal God? Jesus, God incarnated, (that's what we acknowledge when we say "Jesus is LORD") was the absolute *apex* -- the climactic point in history -- of God revealing to us that He is a personal God, and desires to know us personally, and desires us to know him.

[@eliseobenitez1217]

I’m sorry for not having victory

[@claytonhutchins1503]

I did. It was very, very long. I wanted to see if it was even worth my time by hearing a general overview of his argument from you.

[@artkarounos816]

That was amazing

[@tessalogan586]

Deception is my greatest fear!

[@judylloyd7901]

Saturate yourself in the truth of God's Word and you will be less susceptible to deception. I'm wondering if pride is at the bottom of deception -- unwillingness to listen and be corrected? Hmmm 🤔

[@tessalogan586]

@@judylloyd7901 Hmmmm

[@cyrus1960]

i agree.

[@stevecoley8365]

Having vision and being able to "see" in a world that is blind and cannot see. A world that thinks wrong is right. That ignorance (greed) is brilliance. And that ugly walls are beautiful. Balance sheets, ledgers and bottom lines are their Bible. Completely absent of light, warmth, love, joy, magic, meaning, beauty and wisdom.

[@toxendon]

Yeah, this message maybe works in the context of the everyday westerner, but to say that it is spiritually and psychologically healthy to claim that everyone who finds themselves in a hard spot i.e. depression/economic struggles/marginalization from society/sickness etc. should just "toughen up", because we are soo depraved and worthless that we don't even deserve to not exist after death is actually dangerous. I am glad this doctrine isn't used as therapy on suicide watches etc.

[@willpierce5333]

you're wrong, its not about 'toughening up' its about God's grace to love you and save you even in your sin, to save us all in our sin, not because we are good enough but because He loves us and forgives us anyway, we simply have to turn to Him.

[@lima1877]

We cannot appreciate Gods love without knowing we are wretched sinners that deserved nothing because we sinned against God and he so love is that he died for us….then we are under grace and not under works.

[@tatie7604]

He doesn't mention his son who has gone astray, first. This would be a huge spiritual struggle for me. Ironically enough, his son is very much like him.

[@schifahrer123]

I don't know where you are right now in your faith, but I guess I just want to say, if evolution is no stumbling block for you and you don't ever see it being so, then, well that's good. Forget the books on the creation/evolution topic - I included them because they have helped me, as I am confronted with beliefs about evolution - and just spend all the more time in the Bible. All I can say is persevere in faith in Christ, the Christ of the *Bible*, and He will give you more joy than you know.

[@jakuteng]

@99minerkc Wow! I can relate to your story. Now, I'm learning to go with faith over reason.

[@Kokobuttah]

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

[@aSetApartHeartforHim]

2:12 huh, thats so true. perrrrrrrrspeccccccccccctive.

[@TonkyMan44]

My wife of 19 years and 2 wonderful sons wants a divorce. Says she can not get over the past and that we can not work it out. I do not want this. I do believe we can work it out. I’m so nervous and scared. I did ask God to heal our marriage and I’m standing on that faith. I need prayers a lot of them. My wife seems like she is mad at God, she says she has asked God for things that he didn’t do. I told her that it has to be on his timing and not ours. She doesn’t want to hear that. Please send prayers our way.

[@DavidBarry-oj2je]

Hope things have been well for you friend

[@Sparda849]

Like comparing school grades between each of your cousins. Which I hated because thats what my family did with me and my cousins. I would always be the loser when that happened.

[@blackmore4]

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The motto of every con-man.

[@xcardzx-1395]

nope its not He wants us to live by faith, He wants us to believe in Him without seeing Him

[@Kokobuttah]

IF there is a God who created this world/universe, what does he owe us? Nothing. What do we owe him? Our lives. But if this God can make anything or do whatever he wants, why would we matter? Why must we earn his love if he can do whatever he wants? There is literally nothing we can do that he can't do, otherwise we would be greater than God or equal to Him. Now if God pointed a gun to your head and said, "You have to love me." Your love will not be genuine because it's forced by you and him.

[@schifahrer123]

Defeating Darwinism By Phillip E. Johnson The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Haven't read yet, but I hear it is *very* good. Lots of pastors around here have been reading it). And Lastly -- The New Answers Book by Ken Ham - Over 25 Questions on Creation/Evolution and the Bible I hope this helps !! In Christ, M

[@schifahrer123]

I would say that unless we can detect the deception we face, and see it for what it is - an attack against the truth of the Bible - then we should *expect* to feel like the faith we have in Christ is unreasonable. But when God opens our eyes, suddenly we know: Faith is reasonable. Faith in Jesus is reasonable. It is the most reasonable thought we ever had, and ever will have.

[@Bombtrack411]

Luke 19:26 : “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them-bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” So Jesus never said to kill people who don't submit to him??

[@andrazkrzic3668]

I wish my biggest problem was that

[@jailahbryel305]

We’re sinners going to hell but Jesus died so you can have eternal life. Repent and trust in Him only as your savior (not on being a good person)

[@schifahrer123]

Unbelievers think "dumb Christians, evidence against God is so great they have to turn their brains off in order to believe." I have read enough books and experienced God in my own life in enough ways to simply say, that is not the case. I like what John Piper said elsewhere: the mind is a gift to us from God. For unbelievers (for example, in academia) “using their mind is a good exercise. But when we become Christians it is an invaluable tool.”

[@KA-lv3ey]

yeah i feel ppl insisted on it either cuz they were desperate to prove no God so they can do wat they want/ they saw a way to prove things by wat they can actually see, but not everything is by sight, so they all pretty much base on assumption cuz they don't even know God or wat it's like or how it feels to have the Holy spirit in you..etc.

[@schifahrer123]

Sorry for such a long post! I mean this to encourage fellow Christians that using our reason is good! And to show unbelievers that to believe in God, to believe in Christ, does *not* mean we turn our brains off. Quite the opposite.

[@Three721]

I tend to pout myself. "I deserved better" smh

[@schifahrer123]

@99minerkc Hi minerkc, praise God you feel to have conquered doubt -- but as a fellow Christian I just want to encourage and say it is not about "faith over reason". (See a list of great books on faith and evidence for God at the end of my posts). A strong faith depends on reason. In Isaiah 1:18 God says “Come now, let us reason together”. Paul *reasoned* through the scriptures in his evangelism to the Gentiles. Plain and simple, God makes sense. God is supposed to make sense.

[@Potswanky1111]

@99minerkc Dear Minerkc. Have you not considered the evidence of the gospel accounts? That's quite impressive evidence when examined...!

[@CplFerro]

"Be thankful you have two eyes, two ears, two hands. After all, it could always be worse!" So saith every abusive spouse and parent in history.

[@KA-lv3ey]

u can watch/read the case of a creator or read darwin's black box. a lot has to do with the complexity of the cell as the basic form of life. darwin said if the basic form of life proved to be more complex then his whole theory of evolution wud collapse. since there were no microscopes, they thought the cell was just a blob..but it was far more than they imagined

[@Kokobuttah]

Also being commanded to both love and fear someone (as your god demands) is the essence of sado-masochism. Luke 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. You realize you're calling every father on the planet a sado-masochist. If you love you're father, he reciprocates. If you hate him, he takes away your stuff, embarrasses you or beats the crap out of you (you're lucky if you're from the new generation). Bible texts agree.