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Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ
Only One Addiction Can Set You Free
Matt Papa was a "professional Christian" in full-time ministry, ready and determined to change the world. All the while he was depressed, addicted to the approval of others, and enslaved to sin. But then everything changed. He encountered the glory of God.
All of us live in the tension between where we are and where we ought to be. We try our best to bully our desires into submission. And we all know, this is exhausting.
Are you tired? Stuck? Still fighting the same sin you've been fighting for years? The call in these pages is not to work or to strive, but to lift your eyes. You don't need more willpower. You need a vision of greatness that sweeps you off your feet. You need to see glory.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Look and Live.
Matt Papa was a "professional Christian" in full-time ministry, ready and determined to change the world. All the while he was depressed, addicted to the approval of others, and enslaved to sin. But then everything changed. He encountered the glory of God.
All of us live in the tension between where we are and where we ought to be. We try our best to bully our desires into submission. And we all know, this is exhausting.
Are you tired? Stuck? Still fighting the same sin you've been fighting for years? The call in these pages is not to work or to strive, but to lift your eyes. You don't need more willpower. You need a vision of greatness that sweeps you off your feet. You need to see glory.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Look and Live.
254 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
70 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 26, 2018
When you wake up in the morning you will face a life altering decision: Jesus or Facebook?
So many things about this book were hard. Convicting.
Matt's definitions of idolatry were unlike any I had heard before, but very accurate. His examples, personal confessions, and aptly quoted scriptures were poignant and hard to ignore. Turns out, I have an idolatry problem. (Who doesn't?)
But we didn't stop there.
Now that we had defined idolatry and how to not do that, it was time to turn our attention to the world. Scattered beams of God's glory. His creation. How do we interact with it? How do we think of it? How do we treat it? Preciously. As God's scattered beams. (Even the parts we don't like.)
And then, before we pull into the station, we have to discuss the elephant in the room: life. If God is God, how are we supposed to live? What are we supposed to do around here? And who do we blame when the going gets tough? More hard truths in there. More words I needed to hear.
Look and Live pulls from scripture and noted pastors/scholars to create a new, fascinating, glory-centric view of God which changes out view of everything else. Mind blowing.
But then, my favorite chapter in the book wrapped everything together. After 200+ pages of shifting my gaze toward God, Matt sat me down and told me what I should do about it. Now. He pulled my head out of the theological clouds and told me what God's glory meant for me now.
The morning will come. Jesus or Facebook?
Second read:
Um... still convicting. Lots of applications I had tried to make, and thoughts I had tried to keep thinking, that I had forgotten altogether. But that's on me. This book is amazing. Deep. Rich. Focused.
I've been having some "new" thoughts recently about God and life and purpose. However, as I read through this and saw all my old notes, I realized none of the thoughts were new. Just things I'd learned from Papa that I'd forgotten I'd learned.
I guess the point is there's lots of content here. Lots to digest. Lots to enjoy.
Five stars on the first read, five stars on the reread.
So many things about this book were hard. Convicting.
Matt's definitions of idolatry were unlike any I had heard before, but very accurate. His examples, personal confessions, and aptly quoted scriptures were poignant and hard to ignore. Turns out, I have an idolatry problem. (Who doesn't?)
But we didn't stop there.
Now that we had defined idolatry and how to not do that, it was time to turn our attention to the world. Scattered beams of God's glory. His creation. How do we interact with it? How do we think of it? How do we treat it? Preciously. As God's scattered beams. (Even the parts we don't like.)
And then, before we pull into the station, we have to discuss the elephant in the room: life. If God is God, how are we supposed to live? What are we supposed to do around here? And who do we blame when the going gets tough? More hard truths in there. More words I needed to hear.
Look and Live pulls from scripture and noted pastors/scholars to create a new, fascinating, glory-centric view of God which changes out view of everything else. Mind blowing.
But then, my favorite chapter in the book wrapped everything together. After 200+ pages of shifting my gaze toward God, Matt sat me down and told me what I should do about it. Now. He pulled my head out of the theological clouds and told me what God's glory meant for me now.
The morning will come. Jesus or Facebook?
Second read:
Um... still convicting. Lots of applications I had tried to make, and thoughts I had tried to keep thinking, that I had forgotten altogether. But that's on me. This book is amazing. Deep. Rich. Focused.
I've been having some "new" thoughts recently about God and life and purpose. However, as I read through this and saw all my old notes, I realized none of the thoughts were new. Just things I'd learned from Papa that I'd forgotten I'd learned.
I guess the point is there's lots of content here. Lots to digest. Lots to enjoy.
Five stars on the first read, five stars on the reread.
June 7, 2021
2016: So, I got this book because of a book study some friends and I started. A couple of the other girls suggested it, and I thought it sounded interesting, but wasn't expecting too much.
Praise the Lord, my expectations are often wrong. This book has changed the way I see the world, life, and living. A far cry from a call to "just be better" or "get yourself together", this book is a plea for each of us to look to Jesus and His glory. His glory can change us, but only if we look.
This book is also not simply an exposition on "why", but "how". How are we to look? How do we pray? How do we read His Word in search of glory? These questions are considered and answered.
Honestly, please just read it.
2017: Well, I still loved it just as much. It took me much longer to get through it because of life, but it was worth it. It was interesting to see how different chapters impacted me differently. How my life in the last year has changed the soil of my soul, and made me in need of different things. I'm thankful for this book.
Praise the Lord, my expectations are often wrong. This book has changed the way I see the world, life, and living. A far cry from a call to "just be better" or "get yourself together", this book is a plea for each of us to look to Jesus and His glory. His glory can change us, but only if we look.
This book is also not simply an exposition on "why", but "how". How are we to look? How do we pray? How do we read His Word in search of glory? These questions are considered and answered.
Honestly, please just read it.
2017: Well, I still loved it just as much. It took me much longer to get through it because of life, but it was worth it. It was interesting to see how different chapters impacted me differently. How my life in the last year has changed the soil of my soul, and made me in need of different things. I'm thankful for this book.
June 5, 2025
Hands down one of the best Christian living books I’ve ever read! Matt Papa does an incredible job of discussing what God’s glory really means and how to live a life in light of it. Super convicting (lots of talk about idolatry) but done in a clear and encouraging way. Lots of laugh out loud moments as well, which helps digest the whole thing. Highly recommend!
January 31, 2020
just as good as i remembered.
August 29, 2021
Such a wonderful book, and an encouragement, every Christian should read this.
December 2, 2014
Behold the Soul-thrilling, Sin-destroying Glory of Christ.
Look and Live is all about the why and the how to of beholding the glory of God.
I liked the flavor or tone of this book immediately and even more so, the “call” on page 15.
“The call is this: Make your life one unflinching gaze upon the glory of Christ.”
I wondered if this book would slake my thirst for God or if it would increase my thirst for Him. At one point I was wondering if the author was ever going to get around to giving us the how-to, but he did and it was satisfying and not quenching.
The why we need to look was more than adequate, inspiring at times and too wordy at other times. And even though there were places where I thought it was too wordy I also thought, some people will need this. After all if this book were distilled down into a bullet point list it would lose all it’s power and charm. So yes, we need the repetition and wordiness.
I found this author to be open, honest, transparent and real. He was honest about how long it took him to get to this point of valuing the glory of God—it was three years. He was honest about the fact that it wasn’t easy and very tough at times to be persistent and diligent in his beholding.
Overall this book felt full of life and is definitely a keeper. I found it to be more than a mere reminder, but a call, or even a challenge.
Some noteworthy quotes:
“The call is to behold the Son of God, not merely look at Him. It is to gaze deep into the gospel, not merely pray some prayer and then move on.” (page 119)”
“The greatest motivation for obedience is a clearer sight of God.” (page 131)
“The greatest injustice in the universe is that there are human beings who do not worship Jesus Christ .” (page 185)
“The primary purpose of the Bible is to reveal Jesus.” (page 229)
If you feel worn out from striving or feel stuck in sin or you simply already feel thirsty for more of Him, give this book a look!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogging for books program. 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Look and Live is all about the why and the how to of beholding the glory of God.
I liked the flavor or tone of this book immediately and even more so, the “call” on page 15.
“The call is this: Make your life one unflinching gaze upon the glory of Christ.”
I wondered if this book would slake my thirst for God or if it would increase my thirst for Him. At one point I was wondering if the author was ever going to get around to giving us the how-to, but he did and it was satisfying and not quenching.
The why we need to look was more than adequate, inspiring at times and too wordy at other times. And even though there were places where I thought it was too wordy I also thought, some people will need this. After all if this book were distilled down into a bullet point list it would lose all it’s power and charm. So yes, we need the repetition and wordiness.
I found this author to be open, honest, transparent and real. He was honest about how long it took him to get to this point of valuing the glory of God—it was three years. He was honest about the fact that it wasn’t easy and very tough at times to be persistent and diligent in his beholding.
Overall this book felt full of life and is definitely a keeper. I found it to be more than a mere reminder, but a call, or even a challenge.
Some noteworthy quotes:
“The call is to behold the Son of God, not merely look at Him. It is to gaze deep into the gospel, not merely pray some prayer and then move on.” (page 119)”
“The greatest motivation for obedience is a clearer sight of God.” (page 131)
“The greatest injustice in the universe is that there are human beings who do not worship Jesus Christ .” (page 185)
“The primary purpose of the Bible is to reveal Jesus.” (page 229)
If you feel worn out from striving or feel stuck in sin or you simply already feel thirsty for more of Him, give this book a look!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogging for books program. 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 18, 2017
This book relies heavily on Piper, Edwards, Lewis, and Keller, which the author freely acknowledges at the beginning. As such, anyone who has read those authors and is familiar with Piper's Christian hedonism will probably find this book a bit boring. However, this is a great book for those who might be intimidated by those authors and their bigger, more academic books. This is probably a book especially good for youth because it so accessibly presents some of the main elements of 'big God theology.'
February 16, 2015
“We worship our way into sin. We must worship our way out.” (14) It is a long established belief of most religions that whoever one believes their creator to be, that creator created their creatures to worship. Christianity believes no less. Worship is part of the warp and woof of humanity. We cannot not worship. Since we are always worshiping, the only thing we need to concern ourselves with is to what, or whom, our worship is being given to.
For Christians, our worship and affections are to be directed towards God in Christ. Anything less is idolatry. It is towards this goal that, recording artist and worship leader, Matt Papa has written Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ (Bethany House, 2014). Matt says, “My goal is to help you overcome idolatry and certain sadness by pointing you to the all-satisfying, sin-destroying glory of Jesus.” (15)
Overview
Look and Live has several features that make it stand out.
First, Matt writes with an open heart as he opens himself up to his readers by sharing some of the most deeply destroying sins in his life. From the opening pages, Matt opens up about his long time struggle with sexual sin. This is no easy task for a well-known music artist. Matt shares the struggles of his own battle against idolatry as a means of exemplifying how one can practice what he is preaching in his book. He admits
I would love to tell you that today I stand ‘cured’ of these things, but I’m not. I have been radically changed, and these wounds of mine, these diseases that I thought might bury me, have been tremendously healed. But I’m not ‘fixed.’ I’m still longing for the cure – that final blessed remedy that happily waits in one place – the glory on His face. Until then its all out war. (21)
Second, Papa gets what it takes to turn from idolatry to worship of God. As the title indicates, the freedom of worshiping Christ is accomplished by looking to Jesus so that we can live with Jesus – both in this life, and the next. In explaining his continuing journey from idolatry to worship of Christ, Matt describes the process as an exchange. “The change came, but only by experiencing a greater Thrill. It was by beholding a greater Beauty. God.” (22) This exchange happens when we see the glory of God in Christ over against the things our hearts wander after. What happens, Papa explains, in idolatry is glory exchanged from God to the idols of our hearts. “We have all seen glory, and exchanged it. Betrayed it. We have all seen the dazzling silver of His excellence, and sadly, we have misaimed it.” (61)
It is glory that Papa wants the readers to clearly understand, lest the point of the book is lost. After distinguishing between glory-within (a quality that someone or something possesses) and glory-given (the response of someone to something or someone that possesses glory-within), Papa hones in on glory-within. It is here that the book takes it focus. Idolatry is the worshiping of the reflection of glory in things and people rather than the source of that glory in Christ.
Third, Papa understands how to read Scripture which serves him in defining glory and working it throughout the book. Recognizing that glory is used in Scripture to describe more than just God, Papa seeks to draw the reader into Scripture’s use of the word in its varied contexts. Essentially, while all things God has created reflect, to a degree, the glory of God, God Himself possesses the glory those things reflect. This is of course most clearly seen in Christ. This is glory-within. Christ possesses the glory of the Godhead and as such His creatures are to worship Him – alone. While is can be an act of worship to enjoy the reflection of God’s glory in His creation, it is not an end in itself. The glory we see in God’s creation is that of “scattered beams.” Papa explains, “When we merely look at creation, we are bored. We are disappointed. It is dim. But when we look along creation to its Source, it becomes exponentially brighter.” (142)
Fourth, if we are to look to Christ, because He possesses glory, then through what do we look to Him to see that glory? The answer to this question is what Papa is building up to through the entire book. Simply enough, we are to look to Scripture and prayer (among other spiritual disciplines) in order to behold and confront the glory of Christ into which we grow from faith to faith.
It is in the final chapter, Show Me Your Glory, that Papa brings home what he has been working towards all along. Christ only walked the earth for a little over 30 years. Then He left. Though He was gone physically, He did not leave us without Himself. What He left us with of Himself can be found in the pages of inspired Scripture. It is in Scripture that we see the glory of God in Christ. It is in reading it that the Spirit of God illumines our hearts and minds to the glory of Christ revealed in it.
While we may read the Bible for many reasons, and asks many questions of the Bible as we read it, the most important question Papa wants us to consider is, “Where is the glory?” (229)
Conclusion
When I agreed to read this book I was not sure what I would get. I am typically skeptical of books that tend to speak to the spiritual aspect of the Christian life because too many of them try to interpret Scripture in light of their experience in a way that is unnatural. Look and Live is far from that. Though Papa weaves in his personal battles with sin, He allows Scripture to interpret his experience and shape his response to it. When I read the line I quoted at the beginning of this review I knew this was going to be a good book – no, a great book.
Papa gets glory and you need to get this book. Papa’s writing is engaging, honest, poetical, musical, biblically sound, and on target. He is well read in Scripture and wide array of Christianities best thinkers like Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis. This book will easily make my top ten books for the year!
I received this book for free from Bethany House 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.”
For Christians, our worship and affections are to be directed towards God in Christ. Anything less is idolatry. It is towards this goal that, recording artist and worship leader, Matt Papa has written Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ (Bethany House, 2014). Matt says, “My goal is to help you overcome idolatry and certain sadness by pointing you to the all-satisfying, sin-destroying glory of Jesus.” (15)
Overview
Look and Live has several features that make it stand out.
First, Matt writes with an open heart as he opens himself up to his readers by sharing some of the most deeply destroying sins in his life. From the opening pages, Matt opens up about his long time struggle with sexual sin. This is no easy task for a well-known music artist. Matt shares the struggles of his own battle against idolatry as a means of exemplifying how one can practice what he is preaching in his book. He admits
I would love to tell you that today I stand ‘cured’ of these things, but I’m not. I have been radically changed, and these wounds of mine, these diseases that I thought might bury me, have been tremendously healed. But I’m not ‘fixed.’ I’m still longing for the cure – that final blessed remedy that happily waits in one place – the glory on His face. Until then its all out war. (21)
Second, Papa gets what it takes to turn from idolatry to worship of God. As the title indicates, the freedom of worshiping Christ is accomplished by looking to Jesus so that we can live with Jesus – both in this life, and the next. In explaining his continuing journey from idolatry to worship of Christ, Matt describes the process as an exchange. “The change came, but only by experiencing a greater Thrill. It was by beholding a greater Beauty. God.” (22) This exchange happens when we see the glory of God in Christ over against the things our hearts wander after. What happens, Papa explains, in idolatry is glory exchanged from God to the idols of our hearts. “We have all seen glory, and exchanged it. Betrayed it. We have all seen the dazzling silver of His excellence, and sadly, we have misaimed it.” (61)
It is glory that Papa wants the readers to clearly understand, lest the point of the book is lost. After distinguishing between glory-within (a quality that someone or something possesses) and glory-given (the response of someone to something or someone that possesses glory-within), Papa hones in on glory-within. It is here that the book takes it focus. Idolatry is the worshiping of the reflection of glory in things and people rather than the source of that glory in Christ.
Third, Papa understands how to read Scripture which serves him in defining glory and working it throughout the book. Recognizing that glory is used in Scripture to describe more than just God, Papa seeks to draw the reader into Scripture’s use of the word in its varied contexts. Essentially, while all things God has created reflect, to a degree, the glory of God, God Himself possesses the glory those things reflect. This is of course most clearly seen in Christ. This is glory-within. Christ possesses the glory of the Godhead and as such His creatures are to worship Him – alone. While is can be an act of worship to enjoy the reflection of God’s glory in His creation, it is not an end in itself. The glory we see in God’s creation is that of “scattered beams.” Papa explains, “When we merely look at creation, we are bored. We are disappointed. It is dim. But when we look along creation to its Source, it becomes exponentially brighter.” (142)
Fourth, if we are to look to Christ, because He possesses glory, then through what do we look to Him to see that glory? The answer to this question is what Papa is building up to through the entire book. Simply enough, we are to look to Scripture and prayer (among other spiritual disciplines) in order to behold and confront the glory of Christ into which we grow from faith to faith.
It is in the final chapter, Show Me Your Glory, that Papa brings home what he has been working towards all along. Christ only walked the earth for a little over 30 years. Then He left. Though He was gone physically, He did not leave us without Himself. What He left us with of Himself can be found in the pages of inspired Scripture. It is in Scripture that we see the glory of God in Christ. It is in reading it that the Spirit of God illumines our hearts and minds to the glory of Christ revealed in it.
While we may read the Bible for many reasons, and asks many questions of the Bible as we read it, the most important question Papa wants us to consider is, “Where is the glory?” (229)
Conclusion
When I agreed to read this book I was not sure what I would get. I am typically skeptical of books that tend to speak to the spiritual aspect of the Christian life because too many of them try to interpret Scripture in light of their experience in a way that is unnatural. Look and Live is far from that. Though Papa weaves in his personal battles with sin, He allows Scripture to interpret his experience and shape his response to it. When I read the line I quoted at the beginning of this review I knew this was going to be a good book – no, a great book.
Papa gets glory and you need to get this book. Papa’s writing is engaging, honest, poetical, musical, biblically sound, and on target. He is well read in Scripture and wide array of Christianities best thinkers like Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis. This book will easily make my top ten books for the year!
I received this book for free from Bethany House 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.”
January 7, 2019
Papa writes in a way that is easy to understand, easy to follow but yet packs a punch, leaving the reader pondering and encouraged. I would definitely recommend it to others, and would need to pick it up again with a journal, highlighter and pen in hand. Papa uses analogies and worldly metaphors to help the reader grasps his points regarding the grace and glory of the Lord.
December 12, 2022
Amazing! Read it twice.
September 23, 2023
It took me a while to get through this one and I stopped half way through chapter 8. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style and there were a few things mentioned that I struggled with theologically.
September 24, 2017
This book was a huge help to me in understanding the glory of GOd - what it is, what it means to my faith, and its role in making me more like Christ. It's always at the top of the list of books I recommend to other believers. Easy to ready, easy to understand, essential to the Christian life.
October 29, 2019
First things first, I must disclose that I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, but this has no bearing on how I've rated the book. Also, the author is a musician, but this is the first time I've heard of him.
Coming away from Look and Live, my feelings are a little mixed. On the one hand, I came away with quite a bit. On the other hand, the rapid pace of the book, Matt Papa constantly going from one idea to the next, just as I was about to grasp the first idea, often had me feeling left behind and unable to catch up. He uses chapters and breaks these chapters into short sections. Some of these sections will start with one idea before they go off into another area altogether.
And there was just this certain passage on page 95 that really got to me. I don't know why but it bothered me so much that I was trying to find scripture to make sure that what the author said was right. Basically, he says something to the effect of God being sovereign (no issue here) but then also says God means for sin to happen and even wants it to. I will have to respectfully disagree with God wanting sin to happen.
2 Peter 3:9 states that God is "not willing that any should perish." As with Joseph, God used what happened to him to help many people and meant what was intended as evil for good (see Genesis 50:20). But also consider how the Lord speaks to Cain in Genesis 4:7, telling him to rule over sin. Also note James 1:13-14. I know God is in charge and hates sin, but if we refuse to follow what is right and reject Him, He will let us do so because He is a gentleman. He doesn't push. But I don't think I could ever say He wants us to sin, though He does use bad choices to bring about His good. And if anyone knows the passage I speak of, feel free to comment. I would love to hear your take. Perhaps I misunderstood.
With that being said, there are some great passages in Look and Live. For example, take this one from page 75: "Judging holiness by the standard of men is useless. Two men standing at the foot of Everest don't argue about who is taller. They look up and tremble." This book has some great passages, but I just couldn't get as drawn in as I liked because SO MUCH was covered with so little room. Needless to say, I'd probably have to read Look and Live again just to take in more, but I highly doubt I will.
Coming away from Look and Live, my feelings are a little mixed. On the one hand, I came away with quite a bit. On the other hand, the rapid pace of the book, Matt Papa constantly going from one idea to the next, just as I was about to grasp the first idea, often had me feeling left behind and unable to catch up. He uses chapters and breaks these chapters into short sections. Some of these sections will start with one idea before they go off into another area altogether.
And there was just this certain passage on page 95 that really got to me. I don't know why but it bothered me so much that I was trying to find scripture to make sure that what the author said was right. Basically, he says something to the effect of God being sovereign (no issue here) but then also says God means for sin to happen and even wants it to. I will have to respectfully disagree with God wanting sin to happen.
2 Peter 3:9 states that God is "not willing that any should perish." As with Joseph, God used what happened to him to help many people and meant what was intended as evil for good (see Genesis 50:20). But also consider how the Lord speaks to Cain in Genesis 4:7, telling him to rule over sin. Also note James 1:13-14. I know God is in charge and hates sin, but if we refuse to follow what is right and reject Him, He will let us do so because He is a gentleman. He doesn't push. But I don't think I could ever say He wants us to sin, though He does use bad choices to bring about His good. And if anyone knows the passage I speak of, feel free to comment. I would love to hear your take. Perhaps I misunderstood.
With that being said, there are some great passages in Look and Live. For example, take this one from page 75: "Judging holiness by the standard of men is useless. Two men standing at the foot of Everest don't argue about who is taller. They look up and tremble." This book has some great passages, but I just couldn't get as drawn in as I liked because SO MUCH was covered with so little room. Needless to say, I'd probably have to read Look and Live again just to take in more, but I highly doubt I will.
December 6, 2014
Where to begin?
This book has rocked my world. There are non-fiction books that you gain some new thoughts from and then there are non-fiction books that change your perspective all together.
I am always nervous when I begin a non-fiction book and I love the first chapter. Often times I find all the good stuff is in the first chapter and I am let down after that.
Not the case with this book.
Page after page I was highlighting, underlining, taking notes, praying.
It’s funny, I requested this book after I requested another book so I was frustrated when I received this one first. But I have to tell you this book came at a perfect time in my life, as God knew it would. I needed to be rocked, re-awakened in my spirit, reminded of God’s awesomeness.
I could quote many things from this book, but I’d rather you read it for yourself. On page 20-21 Matt writes: “The more you taste and see the magnificence of God in the now, the more you wonder if you were even a Christian five years ago.” Yes, that is so true. I am in such a different place than I was five years ago. I know I was a Christian then but I am in such a different place now, a better place, moved by the greatness of God.
On page 30 Matt reminds us that “We never begin worship. We aim it.” Wow, that one got me. We are constantly worshiping something, if not God we are worshiping something else in that moment. We choose where we aim it.
And that all is only in the first chapter, it only gets better from there.
If you don’t want your world rocked then don’t read this book but if you are looking for something to awaken your spirit grab this book and open your mind and heart to what the Spirit is communicating through these words.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book has rocked my world. There are non-fiction books that you gain some new thoughts from and then there are non-fiction books that change your perspective all together.
I am always nervous when I begin a non-fiction book and I love the first chapter. Often times I find all the good stuff is in the first chapter and I am let down after that.
Not the case with this book.
Page after page I was highlighting, underlining, taking notes, praying.
It’s funny, I requested this book after I requested another book so I was frustrated when I received this one first. But I have to tell you this book came at a perfect time in my life, as God knew it would. I needed to be rocked, re-awakened in my spirit, reminded of God’s awesomeness.
I could quote many things from this book, but I’d rather you read it for yourself. On page 20-21 Matt writes: “The more you taste and see the magnificence of God in the now, the more you wonder if you were even a Christian five years ago.” Yes, that is so true. I am in such a different place than I was five years ago. I know I was a Christian then but I am in such a different place now, a better place, moved by the greatness of God.
On page 30 Matt reminds us that “We never begin worship. We aim it.” Wow, that one got me. We are constantly worshiping something, if not God we are worshiping something else in that moment. We choose where we aim it.
And that all is only in the first chapter, it only gets better from there.
If you don’t want your world rocked then don’t read this book but if you are looking for something to awaken your spirit grab this book and open your mind and heart to what the Spirit is communicating through these words.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
Literally, the most encouraging book I've read this year. Theological truth delivered in small, understandable packages. Papa writes in pithy, to the point prose, making it really easy to track and follow. One big takeaway that's threaded through the book is how worship begins with glory. Glory is the pursuit and worship is the response. Glory fuels worship, and worship fuels missions. Chapter 8 on Glory and Suffering is worth the price of this entire book in my opinion! Recommended.
September 1, 2016
Why do we read the Bible and pray? Why are we thankful for things, and why are we annoyed or upset at other people's sin?
Until it's all looking and gazing at the glory of God, we're just worshipping idols. Idols of comfort and selfishness and self righteousness.
But when we really see His glory, we'll be changed. More and more, to be like Him. To behold Him.
Until it's all looking and gazing at the glory of God, we're just worshipping idols. Idols of comfort and selfishness and self righteousness.
But when we really see His glory, we'll be changed. More and more, to be like Him. To behold Him.
August 15, 2020
great book! Lord may my gaze be on You alone and my desire be for Your glory above all else! Let me rememver that I exist for Your glory in all situations. Let Your glory in my life be what others see and help me to be quick to testify of it 💜
January 3, 2015
Best book I have read in a very, very long time. Amen.
April 17, 2015
Kinda all over the place. A mashup of Keller, Piper, Edwards and Lewis. Appreciate his passion. The Lord stirred my affections because of kindred spirits with those aforementioned pillars of faith.
February 29, 2016
very good book. I would call this "Desiring God's younger brother. same topics, but based on the practical, everyday minutia. highly recommended.
August 15, 2017
A few beaming gems but sadly, in my opinion, obscured by the retelling of what other authors have said already. Almost cliché, but necessary book.
October 16, 2017
I can't stop raving about this book. I had looked forward to reading it for several months, ever since I first heard the song "Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery" (written by the author). When I was finally able to get my hands on a rented ebook (cheap reader here!), I only got about three paragraphs in before I ordered a hardcopy of my own. I knew I would want to keep this one forever.
Although I had grown up attending church, and have been heavily involved in adulthood, the concept of God's Glory always felt very faraway and abstract to me. The ideas of God having glory, and us bringing God glory, were confusing. Truthfully, and to my shame, to me they were little more than words that I didn't spend much time thinking about. It is, then, not exaggeration to say that this book has changed my life. Not only has Matt Papa communicated the concept Glory in an understandable way, he has also communicated a passion for it. Papa's longing for a Glory-vision is contagious, and this book is priceless for that reason.
For a book of a very unintimidating size, Look and Live packs a huge punch. I found myself reading at a snail's pace, not because the content was difficult to read (it wasn't), but because I felt the need to chew on and savor each section. I'm sure I will be re-reading the entire book in the not-to-distant future.
As has been said in previous reviews, Matt Papa is inspired by and quotes many other theologians and writers. I didn't view that as a negative. I'm not sure Papa was intending to put forth a book of new ideas or earth-shattering insight. Rather, I think he has been so moved by a vision of Glory, through scripture and communicated through the writings of others, he was compelled to share it. As I read in another review of this book (not on GoodReads), this book is full of grit and zeal. Papa's passion for God's Glory, and the artistic and gritty style with which he shares it, give Look and Live its freshness and value.
I can't imagine ever reading only part of this book, but if for some reason you are, "The Blazing Center" and "Scattered Beams" are can't-miss chapters. I could read them over and over (and probably will). "Glory and Suffering" was another incredibly powerful chapter.
It's probably worth noting that Papa's theology, especially as in regard to the God's sovereign will, will probably rub some people the wrong way. Personally I don't find this to be problematic, but I imagine that some will. Other reviews here do a good job of addressing that topic, if it's something that concerns you.
For my part though, I can't recommend this book enough. Get your hands on it, as soon as possible. (But you can't have my copy!)
Although I had grown up attending church, and have been heavily involved in adulthood, the concept of God's Glory always felt very faraway and abstract to me. The ideas of God having glory, and us bringing God glory, were confusing. Truthfully, and to my shame, to me they were little more than words that I didn't spend much time thinking about. It is, then, not exaggeration to say that this book has changed my life. Not only has Matt Papa communicated the concept Glory in an understandable way, he has also communicated a passion for it. Papa's longing for a Glory-vision is contagious, and this book is priceless for that reason.
For a book of a very unintimidating size, Look and Live packs a huge punch. I found myself reading at a snail's pace, not because the content was difficult to read (it wasn't), but because I felt the need to chew on and savor each section. I'm sure I will be re-reading the entire book in the not-to-distant future.
As has been said in previous reviews, Matt Papa is inspired by and quotes many other theologians and writers. I didn't view that as a negative. I'm not sure Papa was intending to put forth a book of new ideas or earth-shattering insight. Rather, I think he has been so moved by a vision of Glory, through scripture and communicated through the writings of others, he was compelled to share it. As I read in another review of this book (not on GoodReads), this book is full of grit and zeal. Papa's passion for God's Glory, and the artistic and gritty style with which he shares it, give Look and Live its freshness and value.
I can't imagine ever reading only part of this book, but if for some reason you are, "The Blazing Center" and "Scattered Beams" are can't-miss chapters. I could read them over and over (and probably will). "Glory and Suffering" was another incredibly powerful chapter.
It's probably worth noting that Papa's theology, especially as in regard to the God's sovereign will, will probably rub some people the wrong way. Personally I don't find this to be problematic, but I imagine that some will. Other reviews here do a good job of addressing that topic, if it's something that concerns you.
For my part though, I can't recommend this book enough. Get your hands on it, as soon as possible. (But you can't have my copy!)
February 19, 2017
For a group caricatured as being strict and unfeeling, the Puritan's greatest gift is actually the exact opposite: the insight that we are worshiping creatures whose beliefs and actions flow from our affections, our desires.
Matt Papa takes this key insight and unpacks it beautifully in his book, "Look and Live." We are worshipers, created for worship from the womb. If we want to fight the grip of sin in our lives, Papa argues, we need only look at the greatest and most glorious object of our worship: God, who most powerfully reveals his glory on the cross. As Papa says, "we worship our way into sin. We must worship our way out."
The glory of God is no trivial thing. "The glory of God is the reason why every person in the Bible who encounters God nearly falls dead. It changes you. When we see God, we get small." Papa looks at God's glory in redemptive history and in nature, stoking the awe of our hearts.
Papa then turns his sights on the idolatry of our hearts, idolatry that exists any time the constant flow of worship from our hearts is not aimed at God. Provocatively he says that our idolatry is the greatest injustice in the world: greater than starvation, sex trafficking, and abortion. "These are terrible things," Papa says, "But there is no greater injustice than this—that God is not worshiped." If we are to take Scripture seriously, Papa is correct.
With this, Papa cycles back to how we can defeat the power of sin in our lives. Turning to the Puritans, Papa says, Idols are never removed. They are replaced. Displaced. They are not suppressed. They are eclipsed." He continues, "Jonathan Edwards (essentially) said it this way: We always do what we most desire to do." He quotes Blaise Pascal, who echoes the sentiment: “We forsake pleasures only for others which are greater.”
Quoting from 2 Corinthians 3:7-10, Papa reflects on Paul's principle that Jesus's glory far exceeds Moses's glory which the Israelites could not even look at. We see this glory most perfectly in Jesus and on the cross. Even as he waits for us in glory he still bears those glorious scars!
Do we want to experience transformation? Behold Jesus: "Christianity’s first call is not “Behave!” but “Behold!” It is first a call to see Jesus." In so doing, our hearts, our affections are not only changed, but our very selves are transformed by the beholding. Papa appeals to Augustine, "To say it Augustine’s way, we are what we love."
There is powerful truth and hope in that vision. May it be so with my heart, and with the hearts of those who pick up Papa's gem and follow him in looking at the glory of God and then living in light of such glory.
Matt Papa takes this key insight and unpacks it beautifully in his book, "Look and Live." We are worshipers, created for worship from the womb. If we want to fight the grip of sin in our lives, Papa argues, we need only look at the greatest and most glorious object of our worship: God, who most powerfully reveals his glory on the cross. As Papa says, "we worship our way into sin. We must worship our way out."
The glory of God is no trivial thing. "The glory of God is the reason why every person in the Bible who encounters God nearly falls dead. It changes you. When we see God, we get small." Papa looks at God's glory in redemptive history and in nature, stoking the awe of our hearts.
Papa then turns his sights on the idolatry of our hearts, idolatry that exists any time the constant flow of worship from our hearts is not aimed at God. Provocatively he says that our idolatry is the greatest injustice in the world: greater than starvation, sex trafficking, and abortion. "These are terrible things," Papa says, "But there is no greater injustice than this—that God is not worshiped." If we are to take Scripture seriously, Papa is correct.
With this, Papa cycles back to how we can defeat the power of sin in our lives. Turning to the Puritans, Papa says, Idols are never removed. They are replaced. Displaced. They are not suppressed. They are eclipsed." He continues, "Jonathan Edwards (essentially) said it this way: We always do what we most desire to do." He quotes Blaise Pascal, who echoes the sentiment: “We forsake pleasures only for others which are greater.”
Quoting from 2 Corinthians 3:7-10, Papa reflects on Paul's principle that Jesus's glory far exceeds Moses's glory which the Israelites could not even look at. We see this glory most perfectly in Jesus and on the cross. Even as he waits for us in glory he still bears those glorious scars!
Do we want to experience transformation? Behold Jesus: "Christianity’s first call is not “Behave!” but “Behold!” It is first a call to see Jesus." In so doing, our hearts, our affections are not only changed, but our very selves are transformed by the beholding. Papa appeals to Augustine, "To say it Augustine’s way, we are what we love."
There is powerful truth and hope in that vision. May it be so with my heart, and with the hearts of those who pick up Papa's gem and follow him in looking at the glory of God and then living in light of such glory.
May 10, 2017
Thought this was a great read overall and I greatly appreciated Matt Papa's honesty, transparency, and just-general-realness. Very Piper-esque, with a focus on knowing & enjoying God in Christ and growing in one's walk as real disciples of Jesus. The basic image of "look & live" comes from the time when the Israelites, in their wandering, had sinned stupidly and were being bitten by poisonous snakes; God provided for them to be healed/saved, if they would only look up at the snake that Moses made & put onto his staff and held in air (ever see the medical symbol still used round the world today?). From Numbers 21:7-9 (NIV)
7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived."
That was a symbolic representation of what is now the cross of Christ and the fact that if we will look in faith to Jesus--who, though sinless, died & received God's punishment on our behalf--we too will be saved/healed from the scourge of sin.
Got some good quotes from the book that I hope to post online every now & again, and to review for deep spiritual edification & reminders of how I need to walk in faith & Look & Live. You can do the same, as the invitation is for all peoples around the world.
7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived."
That was a symbolic representation of what is now the cross of Christ and the fact that if we will look in faith to Jesus--who, though sinless, died & received God's punishment on our behalf--we too will be saved/healed from the scourge of sin.
Got some good quotes from the book that I hope to post online every now & again, and to review for deep spiritual edification & reminders of how I need to walk in faith & Look & Live. You can do the same, as the invitation is for all peoples around the world.
December 30, 2023
I really liked this book overall, and it was very easy to read. Matt just writes in a way that is short and clear and to the point. I think he loves “periods” because there are lots of short sentences in this book.
There was lots of good in this book (lots of which I can’t remember very well, ugh) but here are a FEW things that will hopefully stick with me:
- The first paragraph of Chapter 8 with the analogy of being stranded on a distant planet and relating that to how suffering can work to remind us to look for something outside of us. To remember this world is not our home.
- The last chapter overall, but specifically some of the meditation techniques that Matt lays out:
- I have heard of this one but praying in ACTS ( I guess this is actually part of the prayer section but oh well)
- Meditating on a specific verse by EMPHASIZING it, emphasizing each world and how each word means something in the verse and meditating on that.
- Meditating on a specific verse by PERSONALIZING it, by putting myself in the passage. Replace pronouns with my name.
- In general the idea of seeing God’s glory FIRST, and then seeing yourself (the good or the bad).
There was lots of good in this book (lots of which I can’t remember very well, ugh) but here are a FEW things that will hopefully stick with me:
- The first paragraph of Chapter 8 with the analogy of being stranded on a distant planet and relating that to how suffering can work to remind us to look for something outside of us. To remember this world is not our home.
- The last chapter overall, but specifically some of the meditation techniques that Matt lays out:
- I have heard of this one but praying in ACTS ( I guess this is actually part of the prayer section but oh well)
- Meditating on a specific verse by EMPHASIZING it, emphasizing each world and how each word means something in the verse and meditating on that.
- Meditating on a specific verse by PERSONALIZING it, by putting myself in the passage. Replace pronouns with my name.
- In general the idea of seeing God’s glory FIRST, and then seeing yourself (the good or the bad).
January 10, 2022
In 1985, R.C. Sproul wrote The Holiness of God. In 1995, Jerry Bridges wrote The Discipline of Grace, in 1998, John Piper wrote Desiring God, and in 2003, Piper also wrote Dont Waste your life.
What all of these have in common is that they made me think BIG thoughts about God. They spoke in simple, compelling ways about the glory of God. They made me look outside of myself, to a masssive and gracious God. They humbled me and made me look up.
That’s what Matt Papa does in Look and Live.
Matt Papa says nothing new in this book, although he does speak timeless truth in fresh ways. I love the old truth.
I recommend this book, especially if you are disillusioned, indifferent, or confused about the Glory and goodness of God.
What all of these have in common is that they made me think BIG thoughts about God. They spoke in simple, compelling ways about the glory of God. They made me look outside of myself, to a masssive and gracious God. They humbled me and made me look up.
That’s what Matt Papa does in Look and Live.
Matt Papa says nothing new in this book, although he does speak timeless truth in fresh ways. I love the old truth.
I recommend this book, especially if you are disillusioned, indifferent, or confused about the Glory and goodness of God.
January 22, 2024
What’s the last concert you went to? How were your seats? One of my earliest memories is of a concert. It was “Rocklahoma”. A bunch of the popular rock and roll acts converged on Oklahoma City. There was just one problem. I was a wee lil guy, and I couldn’t see. My uncle lifted me and set me on his shoulders. Problem solved!
The challenge of the Christian life is to see. There is so much blocking our view, and we can’t see Jesus. But man, if only we could. This is where a book like Look and Live comes in. Papa does a fine job explaining why it’s so important to pursue the splendor of God, and he does better than most showing how to actually do this. It’s in the tradition of Desiring God by John Piper. I recommend both books.
The challenge of the Christian life is to see. There is so much blocking our view, and we can’t see Jesus. But man, if only we could. This is where a book like Look and Live comes in. Papa does a fine job explaining why it’s so important to pursue the splendor of God, and he does better than most showing how to actually do this. It’s in the tradition of Desiring God by John Piper. I recommend both books.
June 22, 2017
This is a phenomenal book. It's essentially John Piper's Desiring God in a more understandable, well-illustrated fashion. Papa contends that our lack of awe and worship for God is the root problem in our souls. When we find our joy in him, we view suffering, temptation, and faithfulness to the Lord in a completely different manner. I thought he was masterful with illustrations and quotes--I highlighted a ton in the book. I highly recommend this and I think it will be a book that I'll return to frequently. One quote that stuck out to me near the outset: "We worship our way into sin, we must worship our way out of it."
April 1, 2018
A great book to finish on Easter weekend. It caused me to want more of Jesus in my worship and life. Matt calls for times of reflection throughout his book wherein the reader considers his life’s greatest desires to see how they line up with Who we should be worshiping. Left to ourselves we will always worship something because we were made to worship. But we will jump from thing to thing with no great satisfaction if our worship is misplaced. I really had a good chance to consider what I’m in fact worshiping and now am more aware of a need-a great need to constantly turn my heart, desires and worship only to God.
July 18, 2017
This book is awesome. Highly recommended for anyone... especially worship leaders (the author is a worship leader so his language really resonates with those who have the artistic & creative bend). His general thesis is a very honest and candid exploration of 2 Corinthians 4 - that we become like God as we behold His glory! We can bang our heads against the wall trying to change ourselves when the Bible says that it's in worshipping Him, living in awe of Him, that we are able to be transformed "from glory to glory."
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