John Piper Devotional

The Main Purpose of Ministry

We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (Hebrews 10:39)

Don’t look at the temporary cost of love and shrink back from confidence in God’s infinitely superior promises. Not only will you lose out on the promises; you will be destroyed.

Hell is at stake here, not just the loss of a few extra rewards. Verse 39 says, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed.” That is eternal judgment.

So we warn each other: Don’t drift away. Don’t love the world. Don’t start thinking nothing huge is at stake. Fear the terrible prospect of not cherishing the promises of God above the promises of sin.

But mainly we must focus on the preciousness of the promises and help each other value above all things how great the reward is that Christ has purchased for us. We must say to each other what verse 35 says: “Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” And then we must help each other see the greatness of the reward.

I believe that is the main task of preaching and the main purpose of small groups and all the ministries of the church — helping people see the greatness of what Christ has purchased for all who will value it above the world. Helping people see it and savor it, so that God’s superior worth shines in their satisfaction, and the sacrifices that come from it.