How Sin Affects the Transparent Use of Words: Paul Tripp



'The kingdom of self is a costume kingdom. It does a good job of masquerading as the kingdom of god but it has inside purposes.
So, in the guise of a prayer request, I'll just be gossiping. Because I like that scintillating pleasure of gossip or I'll be
working myself by words into a position of power but it will come in the guise of I need to be a good steward of the leadership gifts
that God has given me. Or I might yell at my children but I'll present myself as one of God's prophets saying thus says the lord.'

More from Tripp here

I'm reading his book on raising biblical teenagers HERE and I'm BLOWN AWAY with the wisdom in it. Our church recently bought a bunch of copies since it is only $4.99. If I knew people could 'get it' I would buy 500 copies and give them all away. Then again, I don't entirely get it.

Here are some quotes:

"When God reveals sin, there are only two responses for the Christian. One is to generate some system
of self-justification to make wrong desires and behavior acceptable to your own conscience. the other is to admit your sin, confess
it to God and man, and place yourself once again under the justifying mercy of Christ. Parents who do the former will not have a home
that functions as a redemptive community. They will unwittingly teach their children to hide their sin, explain it away, deny its
existence or to blame others. Parents who do the latter will teach their children to rely on Christ, to confess their sin, and to
believe that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. They will teach their children to grow up to be people of hope who have
seen and believe that there is no pit so deep Jesus isn't deeper."

"Often, even the way parents talk about their childhood is scaringly self-righteous. "Why in my day,' they say, 'I never
would have even considered.....' It is easy for parents to relate to their children like the Pharisee praying in the temple saying, 'I thank
God that I am not like other men....' (see Luke 18:9-14). However, parents who admit their sin will position themselves to model the Gospel for their children daily."

In chapter two Tripp discusses 5 idols that tempt fathers and mother in parenting.
Comfort, Respect, Appreciation, Success, Control