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June 10, 2007

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: Teasers

Paul David Tripp's book, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change  (see side bar) is a life-changing read.  Countless reviews have been done on this book, so I won't duplicate what has already been said. I'll just offer some teasers from what I have read thus far.

On sin:

"Sin not only causes me to respond sinfully to suffering, it causes me to respond sinfully to blessing."

"Our deepest problem is not experiential, biological, or relational; it is moral, and it alters everything."

"Sin makes us moral quadriplegics."

Using God's Word in ministering to others:

"What we think of as ministering the Word is little more than a spiritual cut-and-paste system.This kind of ministry rarely leads to lasting change because it does not bring the power of the Word to the places where change is really needed. In this kind of ministry, self is still at the center, personal need is the focus, and personal happiness remains the goal. But a truly effective ministry of the Word must confront our self-focus and self-absorption at its roots, opening us up to the vastness of a God-defined, God-centered world. Unless this happens, we will use the promises, principles, and commands of the Word to serve the thing we really love: ourselves."

About God's sovereignty:

"From the rise and fall of governments to tomorrow's weather to the exact location of every human being, the universe is under God's control. He has the power and authority to do exactly what pleases him, anywhere he chooses to do it. God's sovereignty clearly teaches that God has a plan for this world and the people in it."

"Every time you love your enemy, you are resting in the sovereignty of God. Every time you speak lovingly and softly in the face of someone else's anger, you are choosing to rest in the sovereignty of God. Every time you resist the temptation to win an argument at all cots, you are resting in God's sovereignty. Because he rules, nothing you do in obedience to him is ever futile. Your life has meaning and purpose because your are included not only in the plan of the One who rules it all, but also in his family!"

The heart:

"My daily behavior is my attempt to get what is important to me in various situations and relationships. My choices and actions always reveal the desires that rule my heart. I never come empty."

"God will never be satisfied with the crumbs of externalism."

Posted at 06:52 PM in Paul David Tripp |

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