
Messages by Desiring God (Video) Is Joy in Jesus a Christian Obligation?
5 snips
Dec 13, 2025 John Piper, Reformed pastor and author known for championing Christian hedonism, explores whether delighting in Christ is a duty. He lays out biblical observations, responds to criticisms, and gives six arguments linking joy to conversion, obedience, self-denial, love, and God’s glory. The conversation closes with an invitation to embrace lasting joy in Jesus.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Enjoying God Is A Biblical Duty
- John Piper argues that enjoying Jesus is not optional but a commanded Christian duty rooted in Scripture.
- He says pursuing joy in God is the one true path to full and lasting joy and thus a required vocation.
Obey Commands To Delight In The Lord
- Follow biblical commands like "delight yourself in the Lord" as actual obligations, not mere suggestions.
- If you struggle to delight, recognize it as something you ought to do and seek the new heart God provides.
Panel With Elisabeth Elliott
- John Piper recounts being challenged by Elisabeth Elliott who urged pursuing obedience over joy.
- He responded that obedience includes delighting in God, saying both approaches are biblical.




