Your Worst Enemies Serve Christ

Everything exists for Christ. Not that Everything exists for Christ. Not that he needs it, but that it displays he needs it, but that it displays he needs it, but that it displays his glory. his glory. his glory. From the most boring school subject to From the most boring school subject to From the most boring school subject to the most fascinating science, the most fascinating science, the most fascinating science, from the smallest particle to the from the smallest particle to the from the smallest particle to the biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach in a cave to the most beautiful human in a cave to the most beautiful human in a cave to the most beautiful human being, from the greatest saint to the being, from the greatest saint to the being, from the greatest saint to the most wicked genocidal dictator, most wicked genocidal dictator, most wicked genocidal dictator, everything exists and will serve the everything exists and will serve the everything exists and will serve the glory of Jesus Christ whether they know glory of Jesus Christ whether they know glory of Jesus Christ whether they know it or not. >> One of the most striking truths in the >> One of the most striking truths in the Bible is also one of the hardest to wrap Bible is also one of the hardest to wrap Bible is also one of the hardest to wrap [music] our minds around. All things [music] our minds around. All things [music] our minds around. All things exist through Christ [music] exist through Christ [music] exist through Christ [music] and for Christ. Not just the smallest and for Christ. Not just the smallest and for Christ. Not just the smallest detail, not just the most powerful detail, not just the most powerful detail, not just the most powerful ruler, even the most sinful acts of ruler, even the most sinful acts of ruler, even the most sinful acts of rebellion will finally serve the [music] rebellion will finally serve the [music] rebellion will finally serve the [music] display of Christ's glory.

display of Christ's glory. display of Christ's glory. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of [music] Light and In this episode of [music] Light and In this episode of [music] Light and Truth, John Piper shows why the absolute Truth, John Piper shows why the absolute Truth, John Piper shows why the absolute supremacy of Christ gives believers supremacy of Christ gives believers supremacy of Christ gives believers confidence when the world seems most out confidence when the world seems most out confidence when the world seems most out of control. [music] of control. [music] of control. [music] This message was originally delivered This message was originally delivered This message was originally delivered outside in the parking lot at Bethlehem outside in the parking lot at Bethlehem outside in the parking lot at Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 12th, [music] Baptist Church on August 12th, [music] Baptist Church on August 12th, [music] 2007. By him, By him, by Jesus Christ, by Jesus Christ, by Jesus Christ, all things were created all things were created all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and in heaven and on earth, visible and in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. or authorities. or authorities. All things were created through him All things were created through him All things were created through him and for him.

Jesus made Jesus made the world. the world. the world. Jesus made everything. They were created through him because They were created through him because he was in the beginning with God. he was in the beginning with God. he was in the beginning with God. And he was God. And he was God. And he was God. And all things were made through him and And all things were made through him and And all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that without him was not anything made that without him was not anything made that was made. was made. was made. He is God and thus he created. He's with He is God and thus he created. He's with He is God and thus he created. He's with God the Father and they came through God the Father and they came through God the Father and they came through him. him. him. And most amazingly perhaps of all, And most amazingly perhaps of all, And most amazingly perhaps of all, everything exists everything exists everything exists >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> for him. From the bottom of the oceans From the bottom of the oceans to the top of the mountains, to the top of the mountains, to the top of the mountains, everything exists for Jesus. everything exists for Jesus. everything exists for Jesus. Nothing in the universe exists for Nothing in the universe exists for Nothing in the universe exists for itself. You exist to make Christ look great.

You exist to make Christ look great. SO DOES THAT SKY. SO DOES THAT SKY. SO DOES THAT SKY. So do the trees. Everything exists for Christ. Not that Everything exists for Christ. Not that he needs it, but that it displays he needs it, but that it displays he needs it, but that it displays his glory. his glory. his glory. From the most boring school subject to From the most boring school subject to From the most boring school subject to the most fascinating science, the most fascinating science, the most fascinating science, from the smallest particle to the from the smallest particle to the from the smallest particle to the biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach biggest star, from the ugliest cockroach in a cave to the most beautiful human in a cave to the most beautiful human in a cave to the most beautiful human being from the greatest saint to the being from the greatest saint to the being from the greatest saint to the most wicked genocidal dictator. most wicked genocidal dictator. most wicked genocidal dictator. Everything exists and will serve the Everything exists and will serve the Everything exists and will serve the glory of Jesus Christ whether they know glory of Jesus Christ whether they know glory of Jesus Christ whether they know it or not. Every knee will bow and it or not. Every knee will bow and it or not. Every knee will bow and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. All things. Now, just think of this now.

All things. Now, just think of this now. Get this. Get this. Get this. Of the millions Of the millions Of the millions of things that Paul could have paused of things that Paul could have paused of things that Paul could have paused to mention specifically, to mention specifically, to mention specifically, what did he pause to mention in verse what did he pause to mention in verse what did he pause to mention in verse 16? 16? 16? What does he choose to mention? Sky, What does he choose to mention? Sky, What does he choose to mention? Sky, human eyeball with its amazing wonders, human eyeball with its amazing wonders, human eyeball with its amazing wonders, animals, animals, animals, seas, mountains. seas, mountains. seas, mountains. What did he choose of all the things he What did he choose of all the things he What did he choose of all the things he could choose to say, "These could choose to say, "These could choose to say, "These Christ made and these exist for Christ made and these exist for Christ made and these exist for Christ."? Christ."? Christ."? Answer. Answer. Answer. Thrones, Thrones, Thrones, dominions, dominions, dominions, powers, rulers, authorities. Paul knows what he's doing here.

Paul knows what he's doing here. Paul knows what he's going to say in Paul knows what he's going to say in Paul knows what he's going to say in chapter 2 verse 15. chapter 2 verse 15. chapter 2 verse 15. You might want to look at it. You might want to look at it. You might want to look at it. Those last two things, rulers and Those last two things, rulers and Those last two things, rulers and authorities, they pop up throughout authorities, they pop up throughout authorities, they pop up throughout Paul's letters. Paul's letters. Paul's letters. Who are they? What are they? They are supernatural They are supernatural demonic demonic demonic powers powers powers >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> that long to deceive and destroy this >> that long to deceive and destroy this >> that long to deceive and destroy this world. world. world. Chapter 2 verse 15. Chapter 2 verse 15. Chapter 2 verse 15. Jesus disarmed the rulers and Jesus disarmed the rulers and Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to an open authorities and put them to an open authorities and put them to an open shame by triumphing over them in him. shame by triumphing over them in him. shame by triumphing over them in him. You all know, many of you do anyway, You all know, many of you do anyway, You all know, many of you do anyway, what he said about them in Ephesians what he said about them in Ephesians what he said about them in Ephesians chapter 6. We do not wrestle against chapter 6. We do not wrestle against chapter 6. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against against flesh and blood but against against flesh and blood but against against principalities, against powers, against principalities, against powers, against principalities, against powers, against rulers, against authorities, against the rulers, against authorities, against the rulers, against authorities, against the spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places, against the powers of darkness.

Made Made by him by him by him and for and for and for him. By him By him all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. authorities. authorities. And why do they exist? And why do they exist? And why do they exist? All things were created through him and All things were created through him and All things were created through him and for for for him. him. him. Be careful. Be careful. Be careful. It does not say he made them It does not say he made them It does not say he made them evil. >> The little book of Jude gives us a clue >> The little book of Jude gives us a clue and we'll be here next week, Lord and we'll be here next week, Lord and we'll be here next week, Lord willing, on the fall of Satan. The willing, on the fall of Satan. The willing, on the fall of Satan. The little book of Jude gives a little clue little book of Jude gives a little clue little book of Jude gives a little clue with its reference to angels who did not with its reference to angels who did not with its reference to angels who did not stay within their own position of stay within their own position of stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper authority, but left their proper authority, but left their proper dwelling.

dwelling. dwelling. Paul knows that. He knows that these rulers and He knows that these rulers and authorities authorities authorities that Jesus Christ nullified at the cross that Jesus Christ nullified at the cross that Jesus Christ nullified at the cross fell. fell. fell. And he knows something else that we're And he knows something else that we're And he knows something else that we're going to see in the next few weeks that going to see in the next few weeks that going to see in the next few weeks that has greater implications. has greater implications. has greater implications. He knows that Jesus Christ He knows that Jesus Christ He knows that Jesus Christ knew knew knew before they fell that they would fall. And knowing what would become of these And knowing what would become of these angels in their demonic reality angels in their demonic reality angels in their demonic reality knowing full well all that they would be knowing full well all that they would be knowing full well all that they would be and do, he planned redemptive history and do, he planned redemptive history and do, he planned redemptive history with that in view. with that in view. with that in view. Such that they would totally serve his Such that they would totally serve his Such that they would totally serve his glorious saving purposes to magnify his glorious saving purposes to magnify his glorious saving purposes to magnify his power and to magnify his power and to magnify his power and to magnify his grace.

grace. grace. So, I'm left this morning with this So, I'm left this morning with this So, I'm left this morning with this question. question. question. Why does Paul tell us this? Why does Paul tell us this? Why does Paul tell us this? Why does he not just say Why does he not just say Why does he not just say God, the Christ, created all things God, the Christ, created all things God, the Christ, created all things created all things for his glory. Leave created all things for his glory. Leave created all things for his glory. Leave it at that. Why does he go out of his it at that. Why does he go out of his it at that. Why does he go out of his way to bring up the fact that he made way to bring up the fact that he made way to bring up the fact that he made rulers rulers rulers and authorities and authorities and authorities and powers and then tell us who they were in and then tell us who they were in chapter 2. They are the evil ones chapter 2. They are the evil ones chapter 2. They are the evil ones that Jesus nullified by his cross so that Jesus nullified by his cross so that Jesus nullified by his cross so that they could not destroy his people. that they could not destroy his people. that they could not destroy his people. They can hurt us. They cannot destroy us They can hurt us. They cannot destroy us They can hurt us. They cannot destroy us because our sins are forgiven because our sins are forgiven because our sins are forgiven and Jesus righteousness is imputed to and Jesus righteousness is imputed to and Jesus righteousness is imputed to us. Why us. Why us. Why does he tell us these things? does he tell us these things? does he tell us these things? And that's what this series is about.

And that's what this series is about. And that's what this series is about. Why does he think it's good for us? Why does he think it's good for us? Why does he think it's good for us? I don't think there's a line in this I don't think there's a line in this I don't think there's a line in this Bible Bible Bible that is not good for us that is not good for us that is not good for us because I believe God loves me. And calls me to believe every word of And calls me to believe every word of it. Calls me to meditate on it day and it. Calls me to meditate on it day and it. Calls me to meditate on it day and night and tells me that if I do, if I night and tells me that if I do, if I night and tells me that if I do, if I don't leave anything out, I will be like don't leave anything out, I will be like don't leave anything out, I will be like a tree planted by streams of water that a tree planted by streams of water that a tree planted by streams of water that brings forth its fruit in its season. brings forth its fruit in its season. brings forth its fruit in its season. In everything he does, he prospers. In everything he does, he prospers. In everything he does, he prospers. If that's true, then he loves me with If that's true, then he loves me with If that's true, then he loves me with this book. And every line of it should be preached, And every line of it should be preached, believed, and honored. and honored. So, for 7 weeks, we're just going to try So, for 7 weeks, we're just going to try So, for 7 weeks, we're just going to try to understand to understand to understand why why why God would tell us these things. God would tell us these things. God would tell us these things. And I close And I close And I close by answering that question from by answering that question from by answering that question from Colossians this morning Colossians this morning Colossians this morning in five brief statements. So, here we in five brief statements. So, here we in five brief statements. So, here we are are are on our way to the conclusion.

on our way to the conclusion. on our way to the conclusion. Why does Paul Why does Paul Why does Paul go out of his way not to speak go out of his way not to speak go out of his way not to speak generically about the creation by Christ generically about the creation by Christ generically about the creation by Christ of all things and that all things serve of all things and that all things serve of all things and that all things serve him, but rather highlight him, but rather highlight him, but rather highlight rulers and authorities which are evil? rulers and authorities which are evil? rulers and authorities which are evil? Answer number one. Answer number one. Answer number one. Because it's objectively true Because it's objectively true Because it's objectively true and nobody's subjective opinion. There and nobody's subjective opinion. There and nobody's subjective opinion. There are many people that you rub shoulders are many people that you rub shoulders are many people that you rub shoulders with every day with every day with every day who do not believe in objective truth. who do not believe in objective truth. who do not believe in objective truth. What's true for you is true for you. And What's true for you is true for you. And What's true for you is true for you. And what's true for me is true for me. what's true for me is true for me. what's true for me is true for me. This book stands as a bullwark against This book stands as a bullwark against This book stands as a bullwark against that way of understanding reality. that way of understanding reality. that way of understanding reality. It has a meaning and the meaning never It has a meaning and the meaning never It has a meaning and the meaning never changes. changes. changes. Our understandings may change. Our Our understandings may change. Our Our understandings may change. Our applications may change. What God applications may change. What God applications may change. What God intended when it was written never intended when it was written never intended when it was written never changes. There is such a thing as changes. There is such a thing as changes. There is such a thing as objective reality and the first reason objective reality and the first reason objective reality and the first reason why Paul tells us things is to bring us why Paul tells us things is to bring us why Paul tells us things is to bring us into awareness of reality. Number one.

into awareness of reality. Number one. into awareness of reality. Number one. Number two. Number two. Number two. These truths make clear that Christ is These truths make clear that Christ is These truths make clear that Christ is the only being worthy of your worship. the only being worthy of your worship. the only being worthy of your worship. The reason I highlight that is because The reason I highlight that is because The reason I highlight that is because behind this church of Colossi, there behind this church of Colossi, there behind this church of Colossi, there were false teachers. What they were were false teachers. What they were were false teachers. What they were saying, according to chapter 2 verse 18, saying, according to chapter 2 verse 18, saying, according to chapter 2 verse 18, is that we should all make our way is that we should all make our way is that we should all make our way through a gradation up to the living God through a gradation up to the living God through a gradation up to the living God by worshipping angels. by worshipping angels. by worshipping angels. He said, "Do not let anyone deceive you He said, "Do not let anyone deceive you He said, "Do not let anyone deceive you calling for the worship of angels." calling for the worship of angels." calling for the worship of angels." That's why he wrote verse 16 the way he That's why he wrote verse 16 the way he That's why he wrote verse 16 the way he did. did. did. Do not worship angels. Worship the one Do not worship angels. Worship the one Do not worship angels. Worship the one who made the angels. That's the point of who made the angels. That's the point of who made the angels. That's the point of verse 16 over against the false teaching verse 16 over against the false teaching verse 16 over against the false teaching behind this book. Number three. behind this book. Number three. behind this book. Number three. He is very concerned and it is so modern He is very concerned and it is so modern He is very concerned and it is so modern and so relevant and so relevant and so relevant that the church in Colossi not be that the church in Colossi not be that the church in Colossi not be captivated by high sounding heresies.

Listen to verse 8 of chapter 2. Listen to verse 8 of chapter 2. See to it that no one take you captive See to it that no one take you captive See to it that no one take you captive by philosophy or empty deceit according by philosophy or empty deceit according by philosophy or empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the to human tradition, according to the to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not elemental spirits of the world and not elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ. according to Christ. according to Christ. If Paul were here today, If Paul were here today, If Paul were here today, if he just landed here if he just landed here if he just landed here and didn't know anything about the 21st and didn't know anything about the 21st and didn't know anything about the 21st century, century, century, one of the things he'd say is, one of the things he'd say is, one of the things he'd say is, "Don't be deceived. "Don't be deceived. "Don't be deceived. You must be getting near the end. You must be getting near the end. You must be getting near the end. Deceivers will be everywhere. Deceivers will be everywhere. Deceivers will be everywhere. Man-centered teachings will abound. Man-centered teachings will abound. Man-centered teachings will abound. Religious ways will multiply. Religious ways will multiply. Religious ways will multiply. You will turn here and there will be You will turn here and there will be You will turn here and there will be this odd new book and you'll turn here this odd new book and you'll turn here this odd new book and you'll turn here and the odd new movie. Everywhere you and the odd new movie. Everywhere you and the odd new movie. Everywhere you turn, there'll be a beckoning after your turn, there'll be a beckoning after your turn, there'll be a beckoning after your mind and your soul." And he said, "I mind and your soul." And he said, "I mind and your soul." And he said, "I wrote Colossians so that 2,100 wrote Colossians so that 2,100 wrote Colossians so that 2,100 years later you would not be taken years later you would not be taken years later you would not be taken captive by philosophies or traditions."

captive by philosophies or traditions." captive by philosophies or traditions." That's number three. That's number three. That's number three. Number four, these are reasons why Paul Number four, these are reasons why Paul Number four, these are reasons why Paul spoke the way he spoke. He wanted it to spoke the way he spoke. He wanted it to spoke the way he spoke. He wanted it to be crystal clear be crystal clear be crystal clear that when we poor, fragile, that when we poor, fragile, that when we poor, fragile, weak, weak, weak, frightened, vulnerable human beings, and frightened, vulnerable human beings, and frightened, vulnerable human beings, and I'm not making that up. I'm not making that up. I'm not making that up. I don't know why I'm wired the way I'm I don't know why I'm wired the way I'm I don't know why I'm wired the way I'm wired, but I get afraid. wired, but I get afraid. wired, but I get afraid. I look bold in the pulpit, I know that. I look bold in the pulpit, I know that. I look bold in the pulpit, I know that. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Don't be deceived. >> Don't be deceived. >> Don't be deceived. I'm just a little Johnny I'm just a little Johnny I'm just a little Johnny from Wheaton Hampton School has many of from Wheaton Hampton School has many of from Wheaton Hampton School has many of the same old junk the same old junk the same old junk that I have to deal with morning after that I have to deal with morning after that I have to deal with morning after morning. So, I have some measure of morning. So, I have some measure of morning. So, I have some measure of empathy with just simple, ordinary, empathy with just simple, ordinary, empathy with just simple, ordinary, run-of-the-mill first-grade Christians run-of-the-mill first-grade Christians run-of-the-mill first-grade Christians who feel like they're just overwhelmed who feel like they're just overwhelmed who feel like they're just overwhelmed with opposition with opposition with opposition and stuff in their life that they and stuff in their life that they and stuff in their life that they wonder, "Can I even wonder, "Can I even wonder, "Can I even deal with it?

deal with it? deal with it? Can I make it?" Can I make it?" Can I make it?" And surely, what Paul was doing in verse And surely, what Paul was doing in verse And surely, what Paul was doing in verse 16 of Colossians 1 was drawing attention 16 of Colossians 1 was drawing attention 16 of Colossians 1 was drawing attention to the fact that, "Okay, you got to the fact that, "Okay, you got to the fact that, "Okay, you got enemies. You got problems. Let me take enemies. You got problems. Let me take enemies. You got problems. Let me take the worst ones. Let me take the the worst ones. Let me take the the worst ones. Let me take the principalities and the powers and the principalities and the powers and the principalities and the powers and the rulers and the authorities and tell you rulers and the authorities and tell you rulers and the authorities and tell you about them. Jesus made them. They exist about them. Jesus made them. They exist about them. Jesus made them. They exist for Jesus. Jesus died to put them to for Jesus. Jesus died to put them to for Jesus. Jesus died to put them to naught. If your worst enemy is taken naught. If your worst enemy is taken naught. If your worst enemy is taken care of, don't sweat the others." care of, don't sweat the others." care of, don't sweat the others." I think he wanted to say to the simplest I think he wanted to say to the simplest I think he wanted to say to the simplest person out there who has a hard time person out there who has a hard time person out there who has a hard time being a Christian and wonders, "Can you being a Christian and wonders, "Can you being a Christian and wonders, "Can you make it in these sophisticated Twin make it in these sophisticated Twin make it in these sophisticated Twin Cities where so many false things are Cities where so many false things are Cities where so many false things are said about God?" said about God?" said about God?" I'm tempted here to go off on a tangent I'm tempted here to go off on a tangent I'm tempted here to go off on a tangent about the multi-faith service that was about the multi-faith service that was about the multi-faith service that was held which I attended after the bridge held which I attended after the bridge held which I attended after the bridge collapsed, but I will not. Paul Paul wants you to know wants you to know wants you to know that your salvation is invincible.

that your salvation is invincible. that your salvation is invincible. He wants you to know that when you're He wants you to know that when you're He wants you to know that when you're saved and you're in Christ by faith saved and you're in Christ by faith saved and you're in Christ by faith alone, you're there to stay. alone, you're there to stay. alone, you're there to stay. Nothing can separate you from the love Nothing can separate you from the love Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Jesus Christ. So, let me read of God in Jesus Christ. So, let me read of God in Jesus Christ. So, let me read First of all, First of all, First of all, I'll read a closing verse and I ask a I'll read a closing verse and I ask a I'll read a closing verse and I ask a question just practically. I want to question just practically. I want to question just practically. I want to make sure that I ask it of you. make sure that I ask it of you. make sure that I ask it of you. Whether you're on the grass, on the Whether you're on the grass, on the Whether you're on the grass, on the chair, standing, on the wall. chair, standing, on the wall. chair, standing, on the wall. Have you trusted this great Christ who Have you trusted this great Christ who Have you trusted this great Christ who created the world, created the world, created the world, designed the world to magnify his glory designed the world to magnify his glory designed the world to magnify his glory so that those who trust in him could so that those who trust in him could so that those who trust in him could have his have his have his joy forever? joy forever? joy forever? The one who died for our sins, who lived The one who died for our sins, who lived The one who died for our sins, who lived a perfect life so that in him we would a perfect life so that in him we would a perfect life so that in him we would be swallowed up in his perfection. be swallowed up in his perfection. be swallowed up in his perfection. Have you trusted him?

Have you trusted him? Have you trusted him? Have you turned away from reliance upon Have you turned away from reliance upon Have you turned away from reliance upon yourself or tradition or being a Baptist yourself or tradition or being a Baptist yourself or tradition or being a Baptist or a Catholic or Methodist or or a Catholic or Methodist or or a Catholic or Methodist or Presbyterian Presbyterian Presbyterian or whatever, Christian home, baptized? or whatever, Christian home, baptized? or whatever, Christian home, baptized? Those are not saving realities. Those are not saving realities. Those are not saving realities. Trusting Christ as our sin forgiver and Trusting Christ as our sin forgiver and Trusting Christ as our sin forgiver and our perfection provider our perfection provider our perfection provider is the only way. is the only way. is the only way. Have you trusted him? Have you trusted him? Have you trusted him? And if you have, I want to read you a And if you have, I want to read you a And if you have, I want to read you a word from Colossians owing to what we've word from Colossians owing to what we've word from Colossians owing to what we've seen seen seen that is true about you. that is true about you. that is true about you. So that as we close with a song, you'll So that as we close with a song, you'll So that as we close with a song, you'll be able to sing it with all your heart. be able to sing it with all your heart. be able to sing it with all your heart. This is Colossians chapter 3 verse 3. This is Colossians chapter 3 verse 3. This is Colossians chapter 3 verse 3. You have died. You have died. You have died. And your life is hidden with Christ in And your life is hidden with Christ in And your life is hidden with Christ in God. God. God. When Christ, When Christ, When Christ, who is your life, appears, who is your life, appears, who is your life, appears, you will appear with him in glory.

you will appear with him in glory. you will appear with him in glory. There's no if, and, or buts. There's no if, and, or buts. There's no if, and, or buts. If he has destroyed the one whose design If he has destroyed the one whose design If he has destroyed the one whose design is to deceive you and kill you and is to deceive you and kill you and is to deceive you and kill you and destroy you. destroy you. destroy you. Then nothing can separate you from the Then nothing can separate you from the Then nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ. Neither death, love of God in Christ. Neither death, love of God in Christ. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor nor life, nor angels, nor nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things principalities, nor powers, nor things principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, present, nor things to come, nor height, present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all the nor depth, nor anything else in all the nor depth, nor anything else in all the world will be able to separate us from world will be able to separate us from world will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus the love of God in Christ Jesus the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. All things were created by our Lord. All things were created by our Lord. All things were created by Jesus Christ, even your worst enemy. Jesus Christ, even your worst enemy. Jesus Christ, even your worst enemy. It is not Christ, but they who were It is not Christ, but they who were It is not Christ, but they who were shamed at the cross, according to shamed at the cross, according to shamed at the cross, according to Colossians 2:15. Colossians 2:15. Colossians 2:15. In the end, everything In the end, everything In the end, everything serves to magnify the glory of Jesus serves to magnify the glory of Jesus serves to magnify the glory of Jesus Christ.

Christ. Christ. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Almighty God and heavenly Father, Almighty God and heavenly Father, Almighty God and heavenly Father, I praise you I praise you I praise you for Christ for Christ for Christ who loved us. who loved us. who loved us. From the depths of the sea From the depths of the sea From the depths of the sea to the creation of all things, from the to the creation of all things, from the to the creation of all things, from the highest of heights, creation revealing highest of heights, creation revealing highest of heights, creation revealing your majesty. From the colors of fall to your majesty. From the colors of fall to your majesty. From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, every creature the fragrance of spring, every creature the fragrance of spring, every creature unique in the song that it sings, all unique in the song that it sings, all unique in the song that it sings, all exclaiming indescribable, exclaiming indescribable, exclaiming indescribable, uncontainable. uncontainable. uncontainable. You place the stars in the sky and you You place the stars in the sky and you You place the stars in the sky and you know them by name. know them by name. know them by name. You are amazing God, all powerful, You are amazing God, all powerful, You are amazing God, all powerful, untamable, awestruck. We fall to our untamable, awestruck. We fall to our untamable, awestruck. We fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim knees and we humbly proclaim knees and we humbly proclaim who has told every lightning bolt where who has told every lightning bolt where who has told every lightning bolt where it should go it should go it should go or seen heavenly storehouses laden with or seen heavenly storehouses laden with or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow, who imagined the sun and gives snow, who imagined the sun and gives snow, who imagined the sun and gives source to its light, yet conceals it, source to its light, yet conceals it, source to its light, yet conceals it, and brings us the coolness of light.

and brings us the coolness of light. and brings us the coolness of light. Who created the rulers and powers on Who created the rulers and powers on Who created the rulers and powers on high, then permitted their fall and high, then permitted their fall and high, then permitted their fall and their sway in the earth until you, in their sway in the earth until you, in their sway in the earth until you, in the fullness of time, came to die and in the fullness of time, came to die and in the fullness of time, came to die and in triumph to show forth your infinite triumph to show forth your infinite triumph to show forth your infinite worth, indescribable, worth, indescribable, worth, indescribable, uncontainable. uncontainable. uncontainable. Save the perishing. Save the perishing. Save the perishing. Strengthen the saints. Strengthen the saints. Strengthen the saints. Make us contrite. So, Lord, as we lift Make us contrite. So, Lord, as we lift Make us contrite. So, Lord, as we lift our voices and sing this song our voices and sing this song our voices and sing this song indescribable, not just to God in indescribable, not just to God in indescribable, not just to God in general, but to you, Jesus. general, but to you, Jesus. general, but to you, Jesus. Fill us with a passion for your Fill us with a passion for your Fill us with a passion for your supremacy in all things for the joy of supremacy in all things for the joy of supremacy in all things for the joy of this city. this city. this city. Come Come Come and help us to worship and help us to and help us to worship and help us to and help us to worship and help us to live as we ought. live as we ought. live as we ought. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver.

Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our 13-part series, The God continues our 13-part series, The God continues our 13-part series, The God Who Orders Evil, with a message titled Who Orders Evil, with a message titled Who Orders Evil, with a message titled Satan Is Not Sovereign. I hope you'll Satan Is Not Sovereign. I hope you'll Satan Is Not Sovereign. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit join us. For more resources, visit join us. For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.