Look at the Book
Look at the Book is a series of short video teachings by John Piper, designed to help viewers learn how to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. Each episode is 8-12 minutes long and focuses on a specific passage or theme from Scripture. The series aims to equip Christians with practical tools for personal Bible study.
Episodes
Christian, You Belong to Believers in Every Place: 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 6
Because God calls all Christians, all Christians call on God. Our one Lord and one confession unite us with all believers across time and space.
Consider Your Calling, Christians! 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 5
When we became Christians, what happened to us? By calling us from darkness to light, God gave us an everlasting reason to boast in Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Sanctified in Christ Jesus? 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 4
Before launching into his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes this local church as sanctified. What does that mean, for them and for us?
In What Sense Is the Church God’s Church? 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 3
How did a church come to exist in the carnal, immoral, idolatrous city of Corinth, and why did Paul love it enough to write it a letter?
What Does the Name ‘Christ Jesus’ Mean? 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 2
Sometimes we can hear a name so often that we forget what it was originally meant to communicate. What does Paul mean by “Christ”?
Understanding Paul Is Understanding the Word of God: 1 Corinthians 1:1–3, Part 1
When Paul writes to the Corinthians, he writes as a man who once persecuted the church, who then encountered Christ, and who now writes the words of God.
The Heart of the Matter: Fearless Love from True Faith: Philemon 1–25
When Philemon walks away from Paul’s letter, what kind of response does Paul want to see — mere compliance or a heart full of faith in God’s promises?
Fellow Workers Full of Grace for Philemon: Philemon 23–25, Part 2
What do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke have to do with Philemon and his runaway slave? Paul shows Philemon what gospel-shaped friendships look like.
Epaphras: Founder, Pastor, Prisoner, Greeter: Philemon 23–25, Part 1
Alongside all the other ways Paul encourages Philemon to love, he also adds greetings from Epaphras, a man Philemon would have deeply respected.
Paul’s Paradoxical Way of Being Refreshed: Philemon 18–22
In seeking a welcome for the runaway slave, Onesimus, Paul banks on his history with Philemon, and risks his own resources, modeling radical Christian love.
Can We Always Know the Purposes of Providence? Philemon 15–17, Part 3
Reading God’s providence rightly takes great faith in the power and wisdom of God, and communicating it kindly takes great humility. Paul displays both.
How the New Testament Transformed Slavery: Philemon 15–17, Part 2
While the New Testament never explicitly abolishes slavery, it is full of teachings and commands that revolutionized the master-slave relationship.
Receive Onesimus No Longer as a Slave but as a Brother: Philemon 15–17, Part 1
Paul wanted Philemon to welcome Onesimus back — but did it matter how? Paul’s radical reasoning has big implications for Onesimus’s status as a slave.
How to Motivate Without Commanding: Philemon 8–14, Part 4
Although Paul refuses to command Philemon, he strengthens his appeal with seven personal reasons why his dear friend should receive Onesimus like a brother.
Does Commanding Ever Serve Love? Philemon 8–14, Part 3
Jesus commanded us to love one another, but Paul seems to imply that commanding diminishes love. So, which does love prefer — commands or appeals?
Why Does Not Commanding Serve Love? Philemon 8–14, Part 2
Paul knows what he wants Philemon to do, but he chooses not to command it. Why? He wants something deeper than rote obedience: genuine love.
Faith Is the Freedom to Love: Philemon 8–14, Part 1
Paul could have commanded Philemon, with all the force of an apostle, to treat his runaway slave with love. So, why does Paul prefer to appeal to Philemon’s faith?
The Ripple Effect of Christian Refreshment: Philemon 4–7, Part 2
How does Christian love touch and refresh all our relationships? Springing up from personal delight in Jesus, love overflows to do good to others for his sake.
The Saints Are Refreshed and Christ Is Glorified: Philemon 4–7, Part 1
Why does Paul think of Philemon as the sort of man who would welcome back a runaway slave? Because he has heard of Philemon’s refreshing faith.
Why Is It Right to Read a Personal Letter to Philemon? Philemon 1–3, Part 2
When Paul wrote to Philemon on a personal matter, he intended the entire church — including us — to receive grace and peace through his words.
Who Was the Apostle Paul? Philemon 1–3, Part 1
Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ, with all the authority that commission entails. But as he writes to Philemon, he approaches as a friend.
What Is the Letter to Philemon About? Philemon 1–25
Why did Paul write his letter to Philemon? A delicate matter between a master and his slave becomes teaching that nourishes the worldwide church.
The Final Words and Main Theme of Paul’s Letter to Titus: Titus 3:12–15
A strong message rings through Paul’s letter to Titus like the toll of a great bell: Let Christians devote themselves to good works in the grace of God.
Unprofitable Controversies and Those Who Cause Them: Titus 3:8–11, Part 2
When good doctrine produces good works, the church flourishes — but dissent and controversies cause division. That worthlessness needs to be stopped.
How the Gospel Serves Excellent Deeds: Titus 3:8–11, Part 1
God’s message of salvation is utterly trustworthy. But what should his promises produce in those who have received them by faith?
How Spectacular and Satisfying Is Eternal Life? Titus 3:4–7, Part 8
By justifying us through Christ’s blood, God has made us heirs of eternal life. But what is that life, and why does it matter?
Justified by Grace in Hope of Eternal Life: Titus 3:4–7, Part 7
When we think of God’s grace in salvation, how does justification by faith lead to our adoption as children of God and the gift of eternal life?
How We Experience the Rich Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Titus 3:4–7, Part 6
When the Bible tells us to be renewed, how is that supposed to happen? The Holy Spirit works in us to make us taste and enjoy God’s great love for us.
Does ‘Washing of Regeneration’ Refer to Baptismal Regeneration? Titus 3:4–7, Part 5
Does regeneration come from washing, or does washing come from regeneration? When God gives us new life, he also makes us clean by his power.
Why Can’t Our Good Works Save Us? Titus 3:4–7, Part 4
Why do our good works in Christ please God when even our best works outside Christ added to our guilt? John Piper explores the insufficiency of works to save.
Don’t Miss the Diamonds in the Chest of Salvation: Titus 3:4–7, Part 3
Mercy, regeneration, justification, grace, inheritance, hope, eternal life — salvation is full of wonders for us to study and enjoy.
Saved from What? Titus 3:4–7, Part 2
For Christians, the word “saved” is so common that we might easily overlook its sobering implications. From what danger did God rescue us?
What Kind of God Was There Before Creation? Titus 3:4–7, Part 1
The God who devised the plan of salvation through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection must be a certain kind of God. Come and see his kindness.
Paul’s Despicable History: Titus 3:3
God’s mercy shines all the brighter against the darkness of our sinful past, when our rebellious desires drove us into every kind of malice and envy.
Can a Gentle, Meek, Non-Combative Person Rebuke? Titus 3:1–2, Part 2
A Christian’s meekness comes not from a certain disposition but from the Holy Spirit — the same Spirit who sometimes moves us to rebuke.
Christians Go Beyond Compliance: Titus 3:1–2, Part 1
Because of the redemption Christ has accomplished, we are free to submit without fear to human rulers as we pursue the good works God has given us.
Pastor, Let No One Disregard You: Titus 2:11–15, Part 6
The church needs pastors through whom the word of God overflows in everyday speech, including in words of exhortation and authoritative rebuke.
Pardoned to Be Passionate for Good Deeds: Titus 2:11–15, Part 5
When Christ gave himself for our sake, what did he accomplish? His redeeming work breaks the power of sin and purifies us so that we belong to him.
Eagerly Awaiting Our Gladsome Hope: Titus 2:11–15, Part 4
Jesus’s second coming is supposed to be our greatest hope. But what is it about that hope that should make us wait so eagerly?
What Are Worldly Desires? Titus 2:11–15, Part 3
How do we know the difference between a godly desire and a worldly desire? A godly desire will only grow sweeter as our desire for God grows.
What Makes the Training of Grace Christian? Titus 2:11–15, Part 2
The training regimen of grace goes deeper than moral imperatives — “Do this” and “Do that.” God’s grace trains us to start and end at the cross of Christ.
What Is the Grace of God? Titus 2:11–15, Part 1
Where does grace start, and where does it go? Before all ages, God planned to save us by his grace and to make us holy through that same power.
How Slaves Beautify Their Salvation: Titus 2:9–10
In the most vulnerable places in society, God has called believers who will make his salvation beautiful through their submission, diligence, and joy.
Set an Example of Incorruptible Teaching: Titus 2:6–8
What could be more important for young men than self-control? Paul finishes his instructions to various generations with a word to young men and Titus.
How Older Women Help Younger Women Live for the Word of God: Titus 2:3–5
What does love for the word of God look like for women in various stages of life? By God’s design, older women can guide younger women in Christ’s ways.
Healthy Teaching Makes Healthy Old Men: Titus 2:1–2
Sound doctrine — God’s revelation in Christ — has the power to guard us from silliness and immaturity and frivolity, and to make us healthy in every way.
To the Pure All Things Are Pure: Titus 1:15–16
Any good deed could be an act of hypocrisy if it denies the promises of God. So, what kind of heart makes good deeds actually good?
‘Cretans Are Always Liars’ — Really? Titus 1:10–14, Part 2
Why would Paul quote — and agree with — someone who seems to insult everyone in his mission field? Paul is aiming for rebuke that leads to restoration.
Ruining Households for Money: Titus 1:10–14, Part 1
In a world full of evil, an elder’s job is not to fight an impossible battle against outside influences but to silence error within the church.
What Does It Mean to Exhort and Rebuke? Titus 1:5–9, Part 5
What enables elders to rebuke and exhort with all authority? Only their tight grip on the healthy doctrine given to them in the word of God.
Eleven Marks of Mature Elders: Titus 1:5–9, Part 4
What do the various elder qualifications mean, and where can we go to learn more about them? Each is rooted to Scripture and crucial for pastors.
One Wife, Faithful Children: Titus 1:5–9, Part 3
In Paul’s list of elder qualifications, does “husband of one wife” mean “never remarried” — and does “his children are faithful” mean they must be Christians?
A Pastor’s Family Life Should Not Sully the Church: Titus 1:5–9, Part 2
An elder’s ability to lead his family reflects more than his ability to lead the church — it reflects how outsiders will view the church itself.
Healthy Churches Exist for Life and Godliness: Titus 1:5–9, Part 1
What task could be so important that an apostle would leave behind a trusted friend to see it accomplished? For Paul, it was establishing leaders in the churches.
Who Was Titus? Titus 1:1–4, Part 9
Paul had a trusted messenger all over the Roman Empire, grounded in the same faith and so dear to him that he called him his child. Who was this Titus?
Eternal Life Was Manifested as the Word: Titus 1:1–4, Part 8
When Paul talks about the hope of eternal life, he considers the word a crucial ingredient — but does he mean the word he preached or the Word who became flesh?
Why Was Eternal Life Promised Before Time? Titus 1:1–4, Part 7
Before the beginning of time, God promised eternal life — and not only that, but he planned everything it would take to bring about his purposes.
Hope for Eternal Life Is the Basis of Godliness: Titus 1:1–4, Part 6
What can hold up our faith, deepen our knowledge, and set free our godliness so that it overflows to others? Only the hope of eternal life.
Paul’s Aim: Faith Leading to Truth and Godliness: Titus 1:1–4, Part 5
How does internal godliness reveal itself? For the elect, the knowledge of the truth can’t help but produce good works.
Do You Use ‘The Elect’ as a Normal Name for Christians? Titus 1:1–4, Part 4
With boldness and delight, the New Testament talks about God’s people as elect from before the foundation of the world. Why don’t we talk that way more?
Why Should We Submit to Paul’s Letters? Titus 1:1–4, Part 3
When Jesus changed Paul from a persecutor to a preacher, he gave Paul authority as an apostle. But what does that apostleship mean for the church today?
Are Christians Slaves or Sons of God? Titus 1:1–4, Part 2
If Christians are sons of God, why does Paul call himself a slave of God? John Piper describes what it means to be a slave (and yet a friend) of God.
Incarnation, Hope, Godliness — an Overview of Titus: Titus 1:1–4, Part 1
What is the message of Paul’s letter to Titus? John Piper points out three mountain peaks to guide those who study this powerful text.
The Spirit of 2 Timothy: 2 Timothy 4:19–22
After all that Paul says in his final letter, what parting desire did he have for Timothy? He wanted him to experience the Lord Jesus’s presence with his spirit.
Rescued from the Lion for Heaven: 2 Timothy 4:14–18, Part 3
At the end of his letter and his life, Paul bursts into a doxology at the thought that God will rescue him from the lion’s mouth and bring him safely home.
All Deserted Paul, Except the Lord: 2 Timothy 4:14–18, Part 2
What hope do we have in suffering and persecution? John Piper meditates on the power of God to strengthen us even when everyone else has turned away.
Paul Gives Up Alexander to Judgment: 2 Timothy 4:14–18, Part 1
What can unbelievers expect in return for rejecting God’s grace? Alexander the coppersmith, a strong opponent of the gospel, serves as a sobering example.
A Crown for Those Who Love the Lord’s Appearing: 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Part 4
What gives us the strength to keep believing until the end? John Piper points to the hope of Jesus’s second coming as essential for finishing our race.
What Is the Crown of Righteousness? 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Part 3
When Paul writes about receiving “the crown of righteousness,” does he mean Jesus’s righteousness given to us, or our lived-out righteousness in him?
Fight Fought, Race Finished, Faith Kept: 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Part 2
As Paul approaches the end of his life, he knows he has lived like an athlete who wrestles and runs to win the prize. But what is the good fight?
A Life Poured Out on the Sacrifice of Faith: 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Part 1
From conversion through suffering to death, Paul considered his life a resource to be spent for the faith of God’s elect.
Paul’s Climactic Plea to Timothy: 2 Timothy 3:16–4:5, Part 4
As Paul approaches the end of his life, what is his climactic plea to Timothy? John Piper examines four marks of a fulfilled ministry.
Why Do We Need Preaching? 2 Timothy 3:16–4:5, Part 3
Why does preaching matter? By tracing the path away from sound teaching, John Piper shows the importance of preaching in the life of every believer.
Preachers Must Say Hard Things: 2 Timothy 3:16–4:5, Part 2
How can preachers rebuke and exhort without wandering into hypocrisy and pride? John Piper offers six hallmarks of godly, humble preaching.
How to Pray for Your Pastor’s Sermon: 2 Timothy 3:16–4:5, Part 1
When Paul tells Timothy to preach, he uses some of the weightiest language found in any biblical command. John Piper draws out four initial implications.
All Scripture Is God-Breathed: 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Part 2
How do we know the Bible is the word of God? John Piper explores Jesus’s teaching alongside Paul’s claim that all Scripture is God-breathed.
Continue in What You Learned and Believed: 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Part 1
What is the Bible for, and how do we make the most of it? John Piper offers tools for digging into the inspired word of God.
Realism and Hope for the Persecuted: 2 Timothy 3:10–13
What was Paul’s aim in the midst of deadly persecutions and trials? John Piper unpacks the apostle’s realism and hope in his encouragements to Timothy.
Snatching Women and Stumbling to Ruin: 2 Timothy 3:6–9
What marks false teachers and their followers? John Piper confronts the impulse to hide sin behind a noncommittal appearance of godliness.
The Powerful Alternative to Formalism: 2 Timothy 3:1–5, Part 5
In the last days, some will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and full of every kind of sin, yet they will still maintain the appearance of godliness. How?
