Spectacular Sins: Christ Sovereign Over All Hostile Powers

I think it’s very wise of the author, when discussing questions about the sin and misery that are in the world, to remind his readers of two things. First, God has not been silent, but there is plenty of room for speculation and we do not want to go there:

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever… Deuteronomy 29:29

Second, when evil seems to triumph and God’s people appear weak or defeated, the truth is that the ultimate victory has been won and Christ stands victorious:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20

Our faith rests in Jesus, Who alone is able to give us this assurance in the face of trouble:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

These are the questions we discussed:

1. On page 32, John Piper lists 15 attributes or “glories” of Jesus Christ from Colossians 1: 15-20; then, he suggests we memorize them. Why would we want to commit them to memory and what practical value would they have in day-to-day living?
2. If nothing in the universe exists for its own sake, for what purpose do all things exist? How can we find personal meaning and significance, if that’s the case? (pg. 33)
3. Were you surprised to learn that principalities and powers were created for Christ, but they were not created evil? (pg. 35) What possible comfort can we draw from this snippet of truth from the Letter to the Colossians – why would God reveal that through Paul’s pen?
4. What does the author tell us is the main point for writing the book on page 35 and what is his antidote for wimpy Christians (pg. 36)?
5. John Piper closes with five summary statements that lead to the conclusion that everything and everyone serves to magnify the glory of our Savior and increase the gladness of his people in him. (pg. 38) Have you ever found yourself in a situation or condition where one of these truths served to console or encourage you?