Look at the Book

Pastor John introduces a new series focused on Romans 8. First, he spends a couple minutes helping you make the most of Look at the Book. Then, he gives you seven reasons why Romans 8 is the greatest chapter in all the Bible.

When you come across an important word or phrase in your reading, stop to search for other uses of that same word or phrase. In this lab, John Piper briefly looks at six different verses to better understand the Book of Life.

We should be constantly comparing lists of characteristics about God to determine if qualities are the same, different, or overlapping. In this lab, John Piper models this and uncovers God's love for us and his commitment to his own glory.

There are often riches and depths of meaning in the simplest verses. Luke 12:32 is one verse with two short propositions, but there are riches buried in its simplicity. In this lab, John Piper reveals several profound reasons not to fear.

Some of God’s commands in the Bible are very difficult, if not impossible. Therefore, we need to pay close attention to the promises in Scripture that accompany God’s commands and equip us with God’s power to do the impossible.

There are two major ground clauses (“for” or “because”) in 1 John 5:3–4. Pastor John focuses in on these two for’s to see the relationship between our love for God, our love for others, and our obedience to God's commands. In doing so, he uncovers our victory in Christ.

Look for promises in Scripture that rest in the never-changing character of God, and therefore are true for his people throughout all of history, even for us today. God gives us a broader, general principle about himself and his ways using a specific event in biblical history.

When you see personal pronouns (e.g. he, she, etc.), identify to whom they are referring. Is the writer speaking about his audience? If so, who is the audience? Is he speaking about believers or nonbelievers? To understand the passage, we have to identify the relevant parties.

God is completely consistent in all he does, but he is also very complicated. What looks like a contradiction in God is always only a limitation in our understanding. In this lab, Pastor John asks how God could cause his children grief and remain compassionate towards them.

We take some words in the Christian vocabulary for granted. 2 Corinthians offers a definition of love that you may not have considered. By paying close attention, we can find keys to loving people more truly and effectively. We also learn what’s behind the kind of generosity that pleases God.

When studying a paragraph of the Bible, break it down into individual propositions and ask questions about how each line relates to the one before it and after it. Focus in particular on connecting words (e.g. “for,” “so that,” “by,” etc.).

Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Learn to identify, explain, and differentiate each reason for continuing in the word.