(Clip) The Prosperity Gospel Is Wrong You Will Suffer
John Piper teaches that true Christian faith embraces suffering as a gift and a means to glorify God, rejecting the false promises of the prosperity gospel.
This sermon emphasizes the concept of suffering as a key aspect of being children and heirs of God, highlighting the importance of enduring suffering with Christ to be glorified with Him. It challenges believers to embrace suffering as a gift and a means to display the glory of God's grace, calling them to live sacrificially and break free from worldly desires to truly reflect the glory of Christ through missionary sacrifice.
Full Transcript
Romans 8 16 the spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and children and heirs heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided we suffer with him so that we may be glorified with him I count the sufferings of this present time unworthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed it's coming you haven't had it yet it's coming if you walk with him if you walk with him for the pins 129 for it has been granted to you that for your sake you should not only believe but suffer it's granted to you it's given to you it's a gift to you with the big bow that you will suffer second Timothy 1 8 therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or me his prisoner but share in suffering for the gospel for the power of God one more X 5 41 they left the presence of the council Peter John they left the presence of the council rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to be shamed for the name the purpose of God in creating the universe is to display the greatness of the glory of his grace supremely in the suffering of his son that's yesterday today the summons will you join the Sun in displaying the supreme satisfaction of the glory of grace in joining him on the Calvary Road of suffering because there's no other way the world is going to see the supreme glory of Christ today except that we break free from the Disneyland of America and begin to live lifestyles of missionary sacrifice that looks to the world like our treasure is in heaven and not on the earth is the only way the prosperity gospel will not make anybody praise Jesus it will make people praise prosperity of course I'll have a Jesus will give me a car who wouldn't want to Jesus who gives me health a car a fine marriage I'll take your Jesus if the payoff is right it's not the way you're going to win your campuses dressing the coolest driving the coolest typing on the coolest it's not going to get any praise for the suffering Christ he calls you this service in this conference in this life world in that newspaper world he calls you to another way
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Christian Suffering
- Suffering is a gift granted to believers
- Suffering is necessary to be glorified with Christ
- The present sufferings are incomparable to future glory
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II. Biblical Examples of Suffering for the Gospel
- Paul’s exhortation to not be ashamed of suffering
- Peter and John rejoicing in suffering for Christ’s name
- The Spirit’s witness confirming our identity as God’s children
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III. The Supremacy of God’s Glory in Suffering
- God’s purpose is to display the glory of His grace
- Christ’s suffering is central to God’s glory
- Believers called to join Christ on the path of suffering
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IV. Rejecting the Prosperity Gospel
- Prosperity gospel promises earthly rewards, not true glory
- True treasure is in heaven, not material possessions
- Suffering for Christ leads to genuine praise and glory
Key Quotes
“I count the sufferings of this present time unworthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed.” — John Piper
“It has been granted to you that for your sake you should not only believe but suffer; it's a gift to you.” — John Piper
“The prosperity gospel will not make anybody praise Jesus; it will make people praise prosperity.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Embrace suffering as a necessary part of following Christ and a way to glorify God.
- Reject the allure of prosperity teachings that promise earthly rewards instead of eternal glory.
- Live a lifestyle that treasures heaven above earthly possessions, reflecting true Christian faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does John Piper say suffering is a gift?
Because suffering is given to believers as a means to share in Christ’s glory and to display God’s grace.
What is wrong with the prosperity gospel according to this sermon?
It promises earthly blessings instead of calling believers to the true path of suffering and glorifying God.
How should Christians view suffering?
Christians should embrace suffering as part of their identity and mission, knowing it leads to future glory.
What biblical examples support suffering for the gospel?
Paul, Peter, and John all exemplify rejoicing in suffering for Christ’s name.
What is the ultimate purpose of suffering?
To display the greatness of God’s glory and grace supremely shown in Christ’s suffering.