A Quest For More: Living For Something Bigger than You

by Paul David Tripp

Paul David Tripp expertly traverses the deepest recesses of the human heart and compassionately invites fellow Christian travelers to journey with him into God's bigger kingdom. Readers will be encouraged, excited, and motivated by hope as they learn how to set aside their "little kingdom" attachments—which can expertly masquerade within the church as Christian activism, legalism, emotionalism, formalism, creedalism, and externalism—in favor of God's expansive and soul-freeing eternal quest. Tripp demonstrates through sound, biblical principles how humanity is made by God to transcend far beyond the mere physical realm, and humans are likewise created to be "glory junkies;" those whose visionary lives are governed by God's grand purposes rather than existing only within their narrow, self-interested confines. Tripp shows Christians how to "transcend" through daily, moment-by-moment practical methodology that transforms individuals into the image of Christ. Within this purpose-driven framework, Paul David Tripp compels believers to see beyond the worldly deception of personal achievement, success, materialism to break free from this ungodly fulfillment that is too easily satisfied with a mediocre walk with Christ. Instead the author invites committed sojourners to a life characterized by an unyielding passion that pursues God simply for the pleasure of his glorious company and, in the process, affect eternal change in a hurting, hopeless world.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Counselling, Christianity, Faith

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Paul was born in Toledo, Ohio to Bob and Fae Tripp on November 12, 1950. Paul spent all of his growing years in Toledo until his college years when his parents moved to Southern California.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.

Reviews

[JD Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere in the world at the moment you read this, a little boy, waving a stick, has just destroyed myriads of imaginary enemies, and having clambered up to the top of a pile of dirt stands stretching out his arms in victory, proclaiming himself to be “The King of the World.” Mountain climbers face dizzying heights and sports fans cheer for their teams for the same reason. According to Paul David Tripp, in his book A Quest For More, “There is woven inside each of us a desire for something more – a craving to be part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-by-day existence.” Tripp labels that “something” transcendence. We are hardwired for glory; it is something that God built into us when He created us to be unique and higher than anything else in the garden of Eden. God put these desires in us for a purpose: to seek His transcendent glory. As Tripp states, “If your purpose isn’t tied to [God’s] glory, you have . . . denied your humanity.”

The problem in our lives is that sin is deceptive. Like a used car salesman, Satan constantly tricks us into believing that less is more, just as he did Eve in the garden. He offered to Adam and Eve an independent glory, deceiving them into believing that “the true transcendence is autonomy.” We must combat this thinking by realizing the far-reaching effects of sin in our lives, but also accepting the far-reaching application of God’s grace. Grace does not bring just personal benefits to us. It reshapes our lives and extends the boundaries of our interests. “Redemption’s agenda is not to make our little kingdom’s successful but to welcome us to a much bigger, much better kingdom.”

Tripp refers to Matthew 6 to warn of two threats to a proper focus on the “big kingdom.” These are earth-bound treasures and anxiety-bound needs. Pursuing “little-kingdom living” is characterized by these emphases, and it will always shrink your life to the size of daily wants and worries. It takes constant warfare to keep from falling into these traps, especially because of the deceptiveness of our own hearts. Too often we mask the kingdom of self in the costume of the kingdom of God, and we deceive ourselves into thinking that we are “seeking first the kingdom of God.

In spite of all of these challenges, Trip encourages us, “Wait, there is a Warrior!” He points us to the cross, through which Christ won victory over the little kingdom, paid the debt for selfish desires, and purchased power for us to obey. Turning to Colossians 1: 3-23 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, we are reminded that Christ and the cross are central to the kingdom of God. And Christ calls on us to emulate His death by denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. Tripp comments, “The little kingdom offers us life, but brings you death; the big kingdom requires your death, but gives you life.”

The following chapters (11-17) call Christians to having this lifestyle-shaping heart attitude. It affects all areas of life, but Tripp focuses on several key areas. In chapter 11, “Groaning,” he reminds us that a kingdom-focused life will carry with it a certain degree of dissatisfaction with the status quo. Thankfulness is good, but there is danger in being too easily satisfied. Chapter 12 “Jazz” compares the Christian life to improvised music following two principles: form and freedom. The “form” or musical key and time signature, is compared to God’s word: the guidelines for kingdom life. However there is freedom built into kingdom living as well. According to Tripp, “The Bible simply doesn’t address every situation or relationship in which you may find yourself.” This is perhaps poorly stated. God does give us a degree of freedom in pursuing His kingdom, and though the Bible does not give specific instructions for every situation in life, it does address every aspect of life in principle form.

Next, Tripp discusses forgiveness in Chapter 13. He connects our struggle with forgiveness with our kingdom struggle. Seeking or giving forgiveness is impossible without looking past our self-kingdom to the cross of Christ through whom we are forgiven. Similarly, Tripp discusses anger in Chapter 16. We should never be angry in protection of “our kingdom;” only God’s.

Chapter 14, “Loneliness,” compares our emotional life in the kingdom of God to waiting for the love of one’s life to return. His love for us and our responsive love for Him fuels our pursuit of the kingdom. While we wait for our relationship to be perfected, it is easy for our fickle hearts to wander. “Our problem is not that we fail to be satisfied. Our problem is that we are too quickly satisfied.” If you are not lonely for Jesus, the central affection of your life, what other lovers have stolen your affection?

Chapter 15 discusses sacrifice. All of us make sacrifices every day, and what we sacrifice for is revealing. Tripp says, “Behind every personal sacrifice is a quest for some kind of treasure.” Christ calls on us to give up everything – every treasure but Him must be abandoned.

Finally, Tripp gives us hope for the journey ahead. Everyone is hopeful to some degree, but many people have a “soon-to-be-disappointed” hope because they have attached their hope to something that will fail them. Everything earthly will disappoint in some way, but hope in God’s kingdom will never fail you.

That positive, hopeful approach is perhaps one of the things I most appreciated about A Quest For More. Using many excellent illustrations and analogies, and showing the heart of a biblical counselor, Tripp gently leads our wandering hearts back home. Yet he doesn’t promise earthly bliss, but realistically describes loneliness and groaning as our hearts are fixed on things above.

Christians today desperately need to grasp the truth that this book has unpackaged for us. The struggle facing the church today, as in every age, is worldliness, which is in essence living with an earth-bound mindset. If we could but get a glimpse of the glory above our lives would radically change. Paul David Tripp has attempted to exalt Christ’s kingdom so that we can see that glimpse of glory. May God open our eyes!

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a great reminder of what life is all about for those of us who consider themselves Christians. Throughout the book Paul Tripp is contrasting God’s Kingdom and the kingdom of self. If I live the life that God has called me to, my whole perspective on life will be different. It won’t be about building my little comfortable kingdom here on earth. I will want to “lose my life”, because it’s the only way to truly find it. Lose you life for God’s sake, and you will find your identity, meaning and purpose that last beyond the grave. Your hope will not be shaken by anything or anyone, because it’s not anchored to earth. Not new, but sobering and Scripture-based thoughts.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve given out about five copies of this book to friends, which I think demonstrates how much I like it. Tripp uses the image of God’s “big” Kingdom and our own personal “little” kingdoms in order to help us see how easily and often we put our own “little kingdom” (selfish) desires ahead of God’s. Tripp is extremely insightful in the illustrations he gives and really gets to the core issues of the battles for our hearts. In doing so, I believe that Tripp helps us to see areas in our lives where we may have replaced God’s creation for God himself with the things we desire and worship in place of God. I feel that by helping us to see what has replaced God in our lives, we can then more clearly see how we should and might enact change in these areas, so that we then give God the rightful place where He should reign in our hearts…as Lord.

I found the final chapter of this book to be particularly helpful where he describes how a Christ-follower can live in the world with very deliberate intention to make gospel opportunities happen instead of passively hoping that opportunities will fall into one’s lap.

[Rachel Dodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore Paul Tripp in person, and I've attended three of his weekend-long conferences. However, his writing style is a bit dry for me. I struggled to keep reading this book, even though I loved the concepts. It's hard for me to take theological writing and make it practical.

[Michael Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)

There is a constant battle that wages within the heart of man between a pursuit of the flesh and the glorifying of God. This war is constant and impacts all of us arguably in many different ways. Moreover, we may be thinking we are seeking the kingdom of God when in reality we are actually posturing ourselves for reasons that are not that godly if we were honest with ourselves. Dr. Paul Tripp, in his latest book, A Quest for More, discusses just what seeking after the kingdom of God looks like in the life of the believer and what the idea of kingdom means from a biblical point of view.

Tripp begins his book by noting “This book is about having a life that counts for something. It is about living to make a difference.” Now keep in mind this book is nothing like the latest Joel Osteen style approach to daily living and success where the focus is on the self rather than the Creator. Having a life that counts for something according to Tripp is less an element of personal achievement and more about a strict and distinct focus on glorifying God and furthering His kingdom. Tripp rightly declares “You were created to be part of something big.” This statement is right in line with the Westminster Catechism question that asks “What is the chief end of man?”, basically asking the question of why man was created. The response to that question is “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” A Quest for More is dedicated to exploring just how the creation should spend their time glorifying the Creator and enjoying Him more fully.

Since our purpose for being created is to bring God glory, just what does that look like and what keeps us from having that desire to glorify God. This element of the discussion is where Tripp provides extremely practical and useful attention and where this book really shines. Ultimately, our desire to focus on self rather than God stems from way back to the exact same thing Adam and Eve fell prey to, namely the desire to be God rather than to glorify God. So, our sinful nature continually rears its ugly head with the temptation to consider self before seeking first the kingdom of God. What then is the solution? Tripp aptly notes “True humanity is always connected to glory, and true glory can only be found in the One who is glory, the Lord.” Seeking the kingdom of God requires taking self out of the picture and placing God in the middle of all that we do, think, say, feel, or desire.

Tripp rightly notes the huge impact sin has on all of creation. Given the reality that sin has impacted all aspects of life, it is thus necessary to look beyond our personal circle of concerns to see the larger picture of redemption that God has outlined in His word. As believes, we are part of that plan of redemption. Tripp comments “You have been chosen to transcend the furthest reach of your own definition of glory to be part of a greater glory, the glory of God and His work of making all things new.” What an exciting thing to be a part of!

Far too often, our little kingdoms become all-encompassing and all consuming. This becomes quite tricky when we may feel as if we are doing that which contributes to the advancement of the kingdom. Tripp declares and rightfully so, “It is quite possible for you to be convinced that you are living for the transcendent glories of the kingdom of God when you are, in fact, living for yourself.” This is quite a statement to consider. We have to be aware of when our activities or approach to life is actually an outward “costume kingdom” as Tripp puts it, rather than a life devoted not to self, but to God. Clear evidence of a life focused on the kingdom is the life focused on the things of God will bear much fruit. Tripp states “To the degree that Jesus is not the treasure I seek, I will not be progressively taking on His likeness.” This statement is in keeping with Jesus’ statement that our treasure is where our heart is, thus if we treasure the things of God, we will dedicate our lives to whatever it takes to further the things of God.

One final element of Tripp’s book I found very helpful was his focus on noting the importance of a Christ-centered life. Transitioning from outlining what keeps us from a desire to pursue the kingdom of God over and against the kingdom of self, Tripp engages the necessity of being Christ-centered. Building on the idea of transcendent kingdom living, he avers “Big kingdom living means living with Christ at the center of everything I think, desire, say, and do.” Additionally, he aptly states “Living for Christ is the only way you will ever be liberated from your bondage to the overwhelming tendency to shrink the size of your life to the size of your life.” A focus on self will only serve to draw down your focus to your immediate concerns often taking your eyes off the One who you were created to glorify and Who can meet all your needs. A focus on Christ, will center your life on things above where they are supposed to be resulting in kingdom focused living.

Far more than the latest version of a purpose driven life style approach to living, Paul Tripp provides the reader with a Christ-centered, kingdom focused approach to daily living. Those mired in the depths of self or those who may believe they are pursuing the things of God but in reality are seeking the kingdom of self, will find this book to be a giant wake-up call. Those who want to find out what kingdom living is all about will find Tripp’s work to be a salient and practical biblical approach to ensuring Christ is at the center of everything they think, desire, say, and do. Heeding the principles found in this book will assist the reader in doing the very thing they were created for, that of glorifying God.

I received this book for free from New Growth Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jonn Louie Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's more to life than just [insert what's most important to you right now]. That's the gist of the book. We as people all live for something. Paul makes the point repeatedly that oft that something is far less satisfying and far less purposeful in comparison to the true reason for our existence. As Paul progresses through the book he explains through different perspectives just how in every single way living for the kingdom of God overshadows the pitiable pursuits that we have engaged ourselves in. He writes with his usual passion for the gospel and the kingdom of God as one who understands the necessity of it, and walks the way himself. This book is important for we find ourselves distracted with worldly pursuits time and again. This is a good book to go back to time and again to be reminded of the awe and wonder and the all-satisfying privilege of being part of the kingdom of God.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's some good information in this book, but getting through Tripp's almost trite attempts to be cute and clever made it difficult for me to read. The same information can surely be found in sources with more depth.

I especially grew weary of his phrase, "shrinking the size of our lives to the size of our lives," which was repeated far too many times. By the end of the book, I understood what he meant, but it still simply doesn't make sense. There must be a better way to say that.

In addition, his "real life" examples aren't believable. In other words, they come across as "preacher stories."

All that being said, there is value to the concept of living for the larger kingdom of God, as opposed to our own little kingdoms.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each of us, because of our sin nature, is in pursuit of establishing our own personal kingdom with Myself as King or Queen. Instead, God calls us to pursue His kingdom. Pursuing our own kingdom results in selfishness, fighting, broken relationships, disappointment, frustration, etc. Pursuing God's kingdom opens our eyes to what will some day be and to how we can be involved in seeking his kingdom, in letting him be the King of our lives.

This book is good and I found it helpful in many ways. But it also got quite repetitive.

[Chien-Wei Kung · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that discusses the conflict believers face in either promoting our kingdom vs. God's kingdom. Tripp astutely presents this idea in differing ways chapter after chapter, although at times it seemed to get a bit repetitive. Regardless, the key message should not be missed, that we constantly need to fight to seek the glory of the higher and infinitely more worthy king, rather than the king/queen that it is more natural to serve (ourselves).

[Zi Shen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book that points out actually our life is like two kingdoms battling against each other. You're either in this kingdom or in that kingdom.
And I was reminded to live for something BIGGER than my own kingdom! ❤️ Blessed!

[Aline · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOLO CUANDO MI CORAZÓN LE PERTENEZCA A CRISTO ES CUANDO ESTARÉ LIBRE DE LA BÚSQUEDA ANSIOSA E IMPULSIVA DE LAS COSAS QUE NO PUEDO SOSTENER ADECUADAMENTE, AQUELLO QUE NO PUEDO CONTROLAR Y QUE SE EVAPORARÁ RÁPIDAMENTE.

- Página 193

[Emma Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good perspective on the glory war and how all of us are living for our own glory and need to re-orient our perspective.

[Mary Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I just wished he gave more examples on how to live it out. But it opened my eyes in a big way and I’ve been thinking and praying about what I learned a lot!! Hope it sticks with me!

[Jennifer Skeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, but a lot of repetition.

[Daniel Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reminders of the truth of God’s kingdom. Worth a read for Paul’s pastoral teachings in seeking kingdom of God instead of the Kingdom of self, living for more than just earthly blessings.

[Daniel Mcchesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book one of my favorites about dreaming big with a kingdom perspective

[Randall Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quest for More is directed toward those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. Throughout the author explores what Jesus meant in saying, "seek first the kingdom of God." In 21st century, well-to-do America, saying that's our purpose may become disconnected from how we really live. It's too important a Quest not to assure that is the reality.

Tripp asserts that we are all kingdom builders...but whose kingdom we are building? He contrasts the "kingdom of self" or "little kingdom living" with the kingdom of God or "Big Kingdom living" through practical, real-world examples that often strike dangerously close to home. I highlight a few below.

Living for Self/Little Kingdom:
• Pursuit of earth-bound treasures and anxiety-bound need
• Self is always at the center - self-focus, self-reliance, self-righteousness, self-rule, self- satisfaction, self-glorification
• Focused on the here and now; me and mine; wants and needs; physical and material; entitlements and rights
• Because the world cannot satisfy, we're left fat, unhealthy & addicted; bitter, hurt, & disappointed; angry, demanding & controlling
• Anger, anxiety, irritation, impatience, envy, fear, discouragement, obsession, vengeance, bitterness, and violence arise from letting lesser treasures control my heart
• False hope in gaining as many of this word's treasures as possible, leaving me stressed, controlling, anxious, disappointed, and fearful
• Trying to control what I cannot control and expecting what God has not promised

Living for the Big Kingdom/Kingdom of God:
• Pursuing the glory of God
• God at the center of life, not self; Christ is my Source, Motive, Goal, and Hope
• Finding my meaning, identity, and purpose in the existence, character, and plan of God
• The purpose, character, call, grace, and glory of Jesus are the central motivation and hope for everything I think, desire, do, and say
• A deep, abiding, life-shaping affection for Jesus that fuels everything else in life
• An unquenchable zeal for God's cause and an uncompromising distaste for sin
• Hope rests in God alone, daily trusting that
•• He is the ultimate source of all that is wise, true, loving and good
•• What He is doing is best
•• What He has promised is reliable

To bring it home, the book asks a variety of questions so that we can line up how we're actually living with which kingdom it reflects. For example:
• What are you after? What are you living for?
•• What in your life right now really excites you?
•• What things do you find fulfilling and satisfying?
•• What has become your treasure; how do you define your needs?
•• What kingdom owns your heart where you live and work each day?
• Reflect:
•• What is the "good life" that you daily pursue?
•• What do your decisions and how you relate to others reveal?
•• Would your dealing with responsibility, free time, & how you think indicate Christ is the center?
•• Is it possible that your Christianity may, in fact, exclude Christ?
•• What tends to compete with Christ for the center of your world?
• Might our schedules actually portray what is important to us and gives us joy?
• What are the things that battle for the place only the Lord is to have?

I recommend this book as a needed corrective for many (like me) who have been Christians but can stand to check out what God's word says about what it really means to live first for His kingdom. "Would you like your life to make a difference? This book is about having a life that counts for something. It is about living to make a difference...We were made for the one glory that is transcendent — the glory of God . When you grasp this, your life begins to make a difference...The big question of life is: What glory will you live for each and every day?"

[Noah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is quite possible for you to be convinced that you are living for the transcendent glories of the kingdom of God when you are, in fact, living for yourself.

This book challenged me to question my motivations for being a Christian, do I use Christianity to serve my needs or am I willing to genuinely serve God? Tripp calls for us to make sure that we are not settling for anything less that what God calls us to be:

"...the struggle I am describing very often takes place inside the borders of good theology and regular participation in the scheduled programs of the church. It is possible, and maybe even quite regular, to participate in these things and still be settling, in the little moments of our daily existence, for much, much less than the transcendence for which we were created. Things as mundane as wardrobe, menu, schedule, workload, location, traffic, weather, being right, getting affirmed, money, housing, employment, gardens, family rooms, sex, leisure, who’s in the bathroom first, who did what with my newspaper, who ate the last of the cereal, etc.—all of which are important in some way—rise to a spiritually dangerous level of importance in the heat of the moment."

Here are some of the "church stuff" that compete with the Kingdom:

Yes, it is possible for Christ to be replaced, even in Christianity! It is possible for the little kingdom to look just like the big kingdom. Christian activism, a commitment to and enthusiasm for moral causes, can masquerade as a love for Christ.
Legalism will masquerade as love for Christ with its rigid attention to law and its confidence in human righteousness.
Formalism will wear the mask of love for Christ with its dedicated commitment to participation in all the scheduled gatherings and ministries of the church.
Emotionalism with its powerful moments of heartfelt emotion will present itself as love for Christ.
Creedalism with its strong allegiance to the purity of truth will seem like love for Christ.
Externalism with its zeal to participate in all the outward signs of true Christian piety will look like love for Christ.

He ends each chapter will piercing question. Here are some of my favorites:
- What is the “less” that tends to capture your attention?
- Whose rules get the most attention and the quickest response in your life and relationships?
- In what ways do you try to get the people around you to follow the rules of your kingdom of self?
- In your everyday life right now, where are you telling yourself that you are living for god when you are really living for yourself?
- Where in your life are you tempted to write your own music rather than making harmonious music with the king?
- Right now, where you live every day, whose kingdom does your anger serve?

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Agree with the ideas, but I never finished it.

[Mildred · Rating 3 out of 5]

What does it really mean to be born again? I think John Piper has done a fantastic job of answering that question as biblically, passionately and gracefully as anyone. Piper says, "[The Barna Group] is using the biblical term 'born again' in a way that would make it unrecognizable by Jesus and the biblical writers." I would have to agree with him.

[Christy Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to author Paul David Tripp, “There really is no place for Christ in many people’s Christianity. Their faith is not actually in Christ; it is in Christianity and their own ability to live it out.”

Never before have I encountered a book that stripped me of everything I believed without making me feel naked and forced me to see myself for who I am trying to be so I could better see the image of who God wants me to be. A Quest for More kept me awake at nights thinking about what I had read and how it applies to my life. It was like God performing surgery on my spirit, chapter after chapter.

I don’t know how Paul David Tripp did it, but he took the things I thought I knew about the Christian life and enlarged the meaning to show how puny my Christian ambitions were. And now I can’t wait to grow into the vastness of living in God’s glory.

A Quest for More should be required reading for every Christian. Because of our propensity to get distracted by our own devices, it should probably be re-read every year, too. It is absolutely life changing. You will never look at things the same again. And yet the author didn’t slap you in the face with reality, but gently presented the comparison of what we currently seek in life to the vastness of living for something more.

This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.

[Jelinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul David Tripp's book is an insightful look into "kingdom living."

Tripp's premise is that we can live for two kingdoms: our own little kingdoms or God's great, all-encompassing kingdom. We all want to rule our own kingdoms, but true joy can only be found in the kingdom of God, the giver of joy.

He evaluates sixteen different areas in which we tend to seek our own kingdom's instead of God's. He also gives some great practical examples of what kingdom living can look like (but not in a legalistic way).

One of the highlights of the book for me was when he described the Christian life as jazz music -- we stick to the theme that God has given us, but we have freedom within that musical theme to improvise. But the music is only beautiful as long as we keep the theme in mind so that we're playing in harmony to the other musicians and staying true to the composer's intent.

This is an extremely helpful book about how to get more out of life by investing less in the little kingdom of yourself and more in the great kingdom of God.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good treatment of Meaning. What are we living for? Tripp argues that we were made to live for something bigger than ourselves, and he (rightly) roots this idea in the fact that we have been made in the image of God to ... well, image God-- that is, to make our very lives about magnifying God's glory.

Tripp argues (rightly) that the problem came in at the Fall of humanity, when in Adam we turned from living for God to live in a state of rebellion focused upon ourselves instead. Ever since, by nature, we focus on our self-created 'little kingdom,' instead of living for God's big kingdom.

Tripp, as an experienced counsellor, does a good job discussing these issues in practical, meaningful, Christ-centered ways.

This is a good book. I recommend it. Though, probably some will find it to be a little too 'slick' in places. But it is solid counsel all the way through. It was enriching to me to read it.

[Jacob Coldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most important books that I have read. As someone who grew up in a culture of religion and tradition, these words help isolate the heart of God from the confusion of personal experience and self made conclusions. At the core of this book is, "what will shape your life and how it will be lived?" From the perspective of how extremely loving is God to us We settle to quickly for an easy solution to advance a much smaller existence then the one God had in mind. Yet God patiently waits for a new response from the love he extends to us and on tines in new ways to reveal. For both the religious and the unchurched, the one with a little belief or the one with no belief in who God is, this book will help give clarity to recognizing common faults in pursuit of being a follower of Jesus.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author makes some good points throughout the book, about how we tend to live very focused on the here and now and on our own personal concerns instead of living for God's bigger kingdom. There were some excellent points made and some quotes that really stood out. I loved the first few chapters.

However, especially in the middle chapters, the book is very repetitive, making essentially the same points again and again in slightly different words from chapter to chapter. The middle portion of the book dragged on horribly. Seldom have I enjoyed the first few chapters of a book so much and then been struggling to make myself finish it further along. The book could have easily been cut in half and would have benefited from it.

[Ken]

I could have used this book thirty years ago. It is straightforward, about the gospel and holiness, but using fresh phraseology and analogies that bring freshness to what I have heard all my life.

The comparison of the obedient Christian life to jazz music was so helpfully enlightening, that had I considered it years ago I think I'd have been further along much sooner in my understanding of grace and freedom.

The chapter on "Groaning" reinforced the realization growing in me in the last three years that we are not meant to be fully satisfied on this earth, and how that is just fine. We look to the final Kingdom.

I would like each of our life group leaders to read and absorb this book, to enrich their ministries and to foster revival in our congregation.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would it look like if we lived in pursuit of God's kingdom instead of our own? Paul David Tripp presents an answer to this question in this wonderful, convicting, inspiring book. He shows first that our allegiance to our own kingdom runs far deeper than we realize, and then the glory of what life could look like if we, as he phrases it, "lived for more instead of less." The book isn't poetic or lofty - Tripp is intentionally straight-forward. But if you sit down with it, think through how each chapter applies directly to you, it could make a significant impact, because it pushes ourselves out of the center of our Kingdom and positions Christ at the Kingdom's very heart.

[nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Tripp. This book highlights his gift for bringing good theology down to the ground level and showing how it applies to our everyday lives. He's also a really good writer, using phrases and ideas that stick with you.

A Quest for More is centered around the idea that there are 2 kingdoms that compete for our allegiance all the time: the big, expansive and redemptive kingdom of God and the little sized-to-our-lives kingdom of [insert your name here].

I am thankful Paul Tripp and this wonderful book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tripp's book is a solid study into what makes us tick. He combines biblical insight with a lot of case studies to engage the question: what gives us purpose and what ought to give us purpose? Ultimately, I think it's an excellent book to engage folks with that question for the first time, but at times lacks the biblical and practical tools to plunge into deeper questions of how this ought to work itself out in one's life. I'd heartily endorse it as a small group read as I think, in the hands of a good small group leader, it would open doors to explore those deeper questions.

[Peter Krol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 4 stars on account of the excellent subject matter. But I didn't quite understand the organization to the book, and there was not as much use of Scripture as I had hoped. Still very challenging and inspiring.

I especially appreciated Tripp's mantra: we generally reduce the size of our life down to the size of our life. The Lord has much more in store for us, and as we look to him, our life expands to the size of his kingdom. The closing illustration of someone living in this manner was inspiring.