Scripture – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Jesus full of the Holy Spirit left the Jesus full of the Holy Spirit left the Jordan and was led by the spirit into Jordan and was led by the spirit into Jordan and was led by the spirit into the wilderness where for 40 days he was the wilderness where for 40 days he was the wilderness where for 40 days he was tempted by the devil. tempted by the devil. tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and at He ate nothing during those days and at He ate nothing during those days and at the end of them he was hungry. the end of them he was hungry. the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the The devil said to him, "If you are the The devil said to him, "If you are the son of God, tell this stone to become son of God, tell this stone to become son of God, tell this stone to become bread." bread." bread." Jesus answered, "It is written, man Jesus answered, "It is written, man Jesus answered, "It is written, man shall not live on bread alone." shall not live on bread alone." shall not live on bread alone." The devil led him to a high place and The devil led him to a high place and The devil led him to a high place and showed him in an instant all the showed him in an instant all the showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world and he said to kingdoms of the world and he said to kingdoms of the world and he said to him, him, him, "I will give you all their authority and "I will give you all their authority and "I will give you all their authority and splendor. It has been given to me and I splendor. It has been given to me and I splendor. It has been given to me and I can give it to anyone I want to. can give it to anyone I want to. can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be If you worship me, it will all be If you worship me, it will all be yours." yours." yours." Jesus answered, "It is written, worship Jesus answered, "It is written, worship Jesus answered, "It is written, worship the Lord your God and serve him only." the Lord your God and serve him only." the Lord your God and serve him only." The devil led him to Jerusalem and had The devil led him to Jerusalem and had The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the him stand on the highest point of the him stand on the highest point of the temple. temple. temple. "If you are the son of God," he said, "If you are the son of God," he said, "If you are the son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. "throw yourself down from here. "throw yourself down from here. For it is written, he will command his For it is written, he will command his For it is written, he will command his angels concerning you to guard you angels concerning you to guard you angels concerning you to guard you carefully. They will lift you up in carefully. They will lift you up in carefully. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike their hands so that you will not strike their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

your foot against a stone." your foot against a stone." Jesus answered, "It is said, do not put Jesus answered, "It is said, do not put Jesus answered, "It is said, do not put the Lord your God to the test." the Lord your God to the test." the Lord your God to the test." When the devil had finished all this When the devil had finished all this When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune tempting, he left him until an opportune tempting, he left him until an opportune time. The word of the Lord. >> Now, this is very famous passage >> Now, this is very famous passage uh about the temptation of Jesus in the uh about the temptation of Jesus in the uh about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. He's assaulted by the devil wilderness. He's assaulted by the devil wilderness. He's assaulted by the devil and then how he deals with it through and then how he deals with it through and then how he deals with it through the word of God, through the scripture, the word of God, through the scripture, the word of God, through the scripture, the use of the Bible. the use of the Bible. the use of the Bible. That's what we're going to look at here That's what we're going to look at here That's what we're going to look at here tonight. Uh we're going to be looking at tonight. Uh we're going to be looking at tonight. Uh we're going to be looking at how the scripture actually functions in how the scripture actually functions in how the scripture actually functions in our lives, but there's way more to say our lives, but there's way more to say our lives, but there's way more to say about that than we can do here. about that than we can do here. about that than we can do here. Uh in fact, I'm glad that later on Uh in fact, I'm glad that later on Uh in fact, I'm glad that later on actually later this spring we're going actually later this spring we're going actually later this spring we're going to get back to the subject, but here uh to get back to the subject, but here uh to get back to the subject, but here uh we learn in a very practical way when we learn in a very practical way when we learn in a very practical way when you are being assaulted, when you're in you are being assaulted, when you're in you are being assaulted, when you're in the wilderness, how do you handle the the wilderness, how do you handle the the wilderness, how do you handle the trials, the difficulties, the trials, the difficulties, the trials, the difficulties, the temptations? temptations? temptations? Uh and we're going to see how Jesus uses Uh and we're going to see how Jesus uses Uh and we're going to see how Jesus uses the scripture and how we can, too. So, the scripture and how we can, too. So, the scripture and how we can, too. So, let's look at this this way. We're going let's look at this this way. We're going let's look at this this way. We're going to learn here the depth and complexity to learn here the depth and complexity to learn here the depth and complexity of evil.

of evil. of evil. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, some of the strategies of evil. And some of the strategies of evil. And some of the strategies of evil. And thirdly, thirdly, thirdly, how to defeat it how to defeat it how to defeat it using the scripture. using the scripture. using the scripture. Okay? Okay? Okay? The depth and the complexity, the The depth and the complexity, the The depth and the complexity, the strategies, and the defeat strategies, and the defeat strategies, and the defeat of evil. Now, first of all, the depth of evil. Now, first of all, the depth of evil. Now, first of all, the depth and complexity, this story, this account and complexity, this story, this account and complexity, this story, this account is about the devil. It says in verse is about the devil. It says in verse is about the devil. It says in verse two, "Where for 40 days he was tempted two, "Where for 40 days he was tempted two, "Where for 40 days he was tempted by the devil." by the devil." by the devil." And I think we're in New York City, and And I think we're in New York City, and And I think we're in New York City, and so for some of you who are listening, so for some of you who are listening, so for some of you who are listening, uh uh uh you're saying, "Do you really expect you're saying, "Do you really expect you're saying, "Do you really expect that we should today believe in the that we should today believe in the that we should today believe in the actual existence of a devil?" actual existence of a devil?" actual existence of a devil?" Do you really expect that? And my answer Do you really expect that? And my answer Do you really expect that? And my answer is, is, is, "Yeah, I wish you would believe in a "Yeah, I wish you would believe in a "Yeah, I wish you would believe in a devil." devil." devil." Uh in fact, I would go so far, I would Uh in fact, I would go so far, I would Uh in fact, I would go so far, I would stick my neck out so far stick my neck out so far stick my neck out so far that that that I would say it's dangerous not to I would say it's dangerous not to I would say it's dangerous not to believe in the devil. believe in the devil. believe in the devil. Uh to illustrate what I'm trying to say, Uh to illustrate what I'm trying to say, Uh to illustrate what I'm trying to say, I'm thinking about a pretty sad I'm thinking about a pretty sad I'm thinking about a pretty sad chapter chapter chapter uh uh uh in American history in World War II, um in American history in World War II, um in American history in World War II, um our president was Franklin Delano our president was Franklin Delano our president was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR.

Roosevelt, FDR. Roosevelt, FDR. And uh FDR, like most people, uh And uh FDR, like most people, uh And uh FDR, like most people, uh especially most leaders and most especially most leaders and most especially most leaders and most educated people in uh middle of the 20th educated people in uh middle of the 20th educated people in uh middle of the 20th century, had the modern view that evil century, had the modern view that evil century, had the modern view that evil was always the result of some kind of was always the result of some kind of was always the result of some kind of psychological or sociological condition. psychological or sociological condition. psychological or sociological condition. That evil always had a natural That evil always had a natural That evil always had a natural explanation. That if people are or explanation. That if people are or explanation. That if people are or nations were violent were nations were violent were nations were violent were cruel or evil, it was because either cruel or evil, it was because either cruel or evil, it was because either they were desperate for better living they were desperate for better living they were desperate for better living conditions or it was because they were conditions or it was because they were conditions or it was because they were mistreated. mistreated. mistreated. And that if you wanted to deal with And that if you wanted to deal with And that if you wanted to deal with evil, what you needed to do was have evil, what you needed to do was have evil, what you needed to do was have enlightened social policy, education. enlightened social policy, education. enlightened social policy, education. You needed to bring about economic You needed to bring about economic You needed to bring about economic prosperity. You needed to create a just prosperity. You needed to create a just prosperity. You needed to create a just society. And then people would live society. And then people would live society. And then people would live together peacefully and they would live together peacefully and they would live together peacefully and they would live together generously. together generously. together generously. And because of that view of evil, FDR And because of that view of evil, FDR And because of that view of evil, FDR and many other American leaders did not and many other American leaders did not and many other American leaders did not believe the early reports of the believe the early reports of the believe the early reports of the Holocaust or what became the Holocaust. Holocaust or what became the Holocaust. Holocaust or what became the Holocaust. They did not believe the reports They did not believe the reports They did not believe the reports what was going on in Nazi Germany.

what was going on in Nazi Germany. what was going on in Nazi Germany. Until Until Until they came to see it was true. they came to see it was true. they came to see it was true. And they didn't they didn't take any And they didn't they didn't take any And they didn't they didn't take any steps at the time. Near the very end of steps at the time. Near the very end of steps at the time. Near the very end of FDR's life and at the very end of near FDR's life and at the very end of near FDR's life and at the very end of near the end of the World War II, of course. the end of the World War II, of course. the end of the World War II, of course. There's a story, true story, about how There's a story, true story, about how There's a story, true story, about how when FDR would go up to his weekend when FDR would go up to his weekend when FDR would go up to his weekend house up on the in upper New York State. house up on the in upper New York State. house up on the in upper New York State. He went to a church on the weekends and He went to a church on the weekends and He went to a church on the weekends and he spoke to one of the young ministers he spoke to one of the young ministers he spoke to one of the young ministers there about the fact that he was reading there about the fact that he was reading there about the fact that he was reading Christian theology. Christian theology. Christian theology. He was reading Kierkegaard at least and He was reading Kierkegaard at least and He was reading Kierkegaard at least and some other Christian philosophers and some other Christian philosophers and some other Christian philosophers and theologians about original sin theologians about original sin theologians about original sin and about the devil. And he said to the and about the devil. And he said to the and about the devil. And he said to the minister that finally he was coming to minister that finally he was coming to minister that finally he was coming to understand. understand. understand. Cuz he said he didn't understand how it Cuz he said he didn't understand how it Cuz he said he didn't understand how it the most educated country in the world the most educated country in the world the most educated country in the world practically, the practically, the practically, the country that gave us the research country that gave us the research country that gave us the research university, that invented modern university, that invented modern university, that invented modern scholarship to a great degree. So scholarship to a great degree. So scholarship to a great degree. So cultured, so educated, how could they do cultured, so educated, how could they do cultured, so educated, how could they do such evil? It just seemed impossible.

such evil? It just seemed impossible. such evil? It just seemed impossible. But then he actually said by reading But then he actually said by reading But then he actually said by reading about original sin, about spiritual and about original sin, about spiritual and about original sin, about spiritual and supernatural evil, he He becoming to supernatural evil, he He becoming to supernatural evil, he He becoming to understand. understand. understand. Whenever you get into a place Whenever you get into a place Whenever you get into a place where you think you can reduce evil to where you think you can reduce evil to where you think you can reduce evil to biological, sociological, or biological, sociological, or biological, sociological, or psychological factors, and therefore we psychological factors, and therefore we psychological factors, and therefore we can fix it. can fix it. can fix it. We can control it. We can manage it. We can control it. We can manage it. We can control it. We can manage it. The results are deadly. The results are deadly. The results are deadly. Because there are aspects to evil Because there are aspects to evil Because there are aspects to evil that go beyond that go beyond that go beyond things like uh the economics. They go things like uh the economics. They go things like uh the economics. They go beyond the social. They go beyond the beyond the social. They go beyond the beyond the social. They go beyond the psychological. psychological. psychological. It's not manageable. It's not It's not manageable. It's not It's not manageable. It's not controllable. And when you think you can controllable. And when you think you can controllable. And when you think you can do it and you can fix it, you're in for do it and you can fix it, you're in for do it and you can fix it, you're in for not just disappointment, but in many not just disappointment, but in many not just disappointment, but in many cases tragic, tragic, trag- tragic cases tragic, tragic, trag- tragic cases tragic, tragic, trag- tragic missteps. So, So, the biblical doctrine that there are is the biblical doctrine that there are is the biblical doctrine that there are is there's are demons and that there is a there's are demons and that there is a there's are demons and that there is a devil is actually devil is actually devil is actually not naive, but it frankly it it it it not naive, but it frankly it it it it not naive, but it frankly it it it it avoids naivete about evil. But not only avoids naivete about evil. But not only avoids naivete about evil. But not only does it teach us about the depth of does it teach us about the depth of does it teach us about the depth of evil, we also learn here about the evil, we also learn here about the evil, we also learn here about the complexity of evil I said.

complexity of evil I said. complexity of evil I said. See, there's many people who think that See, there's many people who think that See, there's many people who think that if you really believe in a devil like if you really believe in a devil like if you really believe in a devil like the Bible says that you have a the Bible says that you have a the Bible says that you have a simplistic view of evil. That you always simplistic view of evil. That you always simplistic view of evil. That you always think the devil made them do it. That think the devil made them do it. That think the devil made them do it. That you you know, you're not understanding you you know, you're not understanding you you know, you're not understanding all the nuances. And I would like you to all the nuances. And I would like you to all the nuances. And I would like you to say, "No. The way the Bible understands say, "No. The way the Bible understands say, "No. The way the Bible understands the demonic, the way the Bible the demonic, the way the Bible the demonic, the way the Bible understands the devil understands the devil understands the devil actually actually actually brings you into a more nuanced and more brings you into a more nuanced and more brings you into a more nuanced and more complex complex complex and more sophisticated understanding of and more sophisticated understanding of and more sophisticated understanding of evil than I think modern people have. evil than I think modern people have. evil than I think modern people have. How so? How so? How so? Well, even take a look here. We're going Well, even take a look here. We're going Well, even take a look here. We're going to look at these temptations in a to look at these temptations in a to look at these temptations in a second. But in every case, you don't see second. But in every case, you don't see second. But in every case, you don't see Satan trying to put Jesus in a headlock Satan trying to put Jesus in a headlock Satan trying to put Jesus in a headlock and say, "You are going to obey me." No, and say, "You are going to obey me." No, and say, "You are going to obey me." No, no. He's going inside. He's using no. He's going inside. He's using no. He's going inside. He's using psychological factors. psychological factors. psychological factors. He's using physical factors. He uses his He's using physical factors. He uses his He's using physical factors. He uses his hunger. Aren't you hungry? hunger. Aren't you hungry? hunger. Aren't you hungry? Let's turn these stones into bread. He's Let's turn these stones into bread. He's Let's turn these stones into bread. He's using the fact that he had come in order using the fact that he had come in order using the fact that he had come in order to be king. to be king. to be king. Jesus came into the world to be king of Jesus came into the world to be king of Jesus came into the world to be king of the world. He's the rightful king of the the world. He's the rightful king of the the world. He's the rightful king of the world. And Satan's saying, "I can world. And Satan's saying, "I can world. And Satan's saying, "I can arrange that." arrange that." arrange that." He's He's He's He's going inside and using He's going inside and using He's going inside and using psychological factors. He's using psychological factors. He's using psychological factors. He's using physical drives, and he's trying to physical drives, and he's trying to physical drives, and he's trying to create a kind of create a kind of create a kind of alliance between himself and those inner alliance between himself and those inner alliance between himself and those inner things. In other words, things. In other words, things. In other words, evil even here in this text, you can evil even here in this text, you can evil even here in this text, you can see, is complex. So, for example, see, is complex. So, for example, see, is complex. So, for example, it's this is not simplistic. When um it's this is not simplistic. When um it's this is not simplistic. When um in Luke chapter 23, verse 2, I think it in Luke chapter 23, verse 2, I think it in Luke chapter 23, verse 2, I think it is. Yeah. No, Luke chapter 2 22, verse is. Yeah. No, Luke chapter 2 22, verse is. Yeah. No, Luke chapter 2 22, verse 3.

3. 3. It says that Satan entered into Judas. I It says that Satan entered into Judas. I It says that Satan entered into Judas. I was reading this the other day, and it was reading this the other day, and it was reading this the other day, and it said, "Satan entered into Judas, and said, "Satan entered into Judas, and said, "Satan entered into Judas, and then he looked to betray Jesus." then he looked to betray Jesus." then he looked to betray Jesus." What does it mean Satan entered into What does it mean Satan entered into What does it mean Satan entered into Judas? Now, if you think the Bible's Judas? Now, if you think the Bible's Judas? Now, if you think the Bible's simplistic, you think, "Well, he was simplistic, you think, "Well, he was simplistic, you think, "Well, he was possessed." possessed." possessed." You know, like in the movie The You know, like in the movie The You know, like in the movie The Exorcist. Exorcist. Exorcist. So, I guess 3 or 4 days later after So, I guess 3 or 4 days later after So, I guess 3 or 4 days later after Satan entered into Judas, and he was Satan entered into Judas, and he was Satan entered into Judas, and he was trying to betray I can imagine a couple trying to betray I can imagine a couple trying to betray I can imagine a couple disciples walking along saying, "Hey, disciples walking along saying, "Hey, disciples walking along saying, "Hey, have you noticed anything different have you noticed anything different have you noticed anything different about Judas lately?" about Judas lately?" about Judas lately?" And the other disciples And the other disciples And the other disciples Yeah, you know, sometimes his head turns Yeah, you know, sometimes his head turns Yeah, you know, sometimes his head turns completely around. completely around. completely around. And he vomits green stuff at you, and he And he vomits green stuff at you, and he And he vomits green stuff at you, and he talks in these all these strange voices. talks in these all these strange voices. talks in these all these strange voices. And the And the other disciples says, And the And the other disciples says, And the And the other disciples says, "Yeah, what's up with that?" And um Is "Yeah, what's up with that?" And um Is "Yeah, what's up with that?" And um Is that what happened? Of course not. That that what happened? Of course not. That that what happened? Of course not. That Yeah, that's not what you see in the Yeah, that's not what you see in the Yeah, that's not what you see in the text. text. text. What you see is What you see is What you see is that Judas' envy and resentment that he that Judas' envy and resentment that he that Judas' envy and resentment that he gave into on the inside became a gave into on the inside became a gave into on the inside became a foothold for something quite evil on the foothold for something quite evil on the foothold for something quite evil on the outside, and took him someplace outside, and took him someplace outside, and took him someplace that maybe he didn't even really want to that maybe he didn't even really want to that maybe he didn't even really want to go. See, Ephesians Listen, Ephesians go. See, Ephesians Listen, Ephesians go. See, Ephesians Listen, Ephesians 4:27.

4:27. 4:27. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. Don't give the devil that kind of Don't give the devil that kind of Don't give the devil that kind of foothold. Now, isn't that a strange foothold. Now, isn't that a strange foothold. Now, isn't that a strange statement? statement? statement? To let the sun go down on your anger To let the sun go down on your anger To let the sun go down on your anger means to hold a grudge. means to hold a grudge. means to hold a grudge. It means not to deal with your anger. It means not to deal with your anger. It means not to deal with your anger. Let the sun go down on it means to hold Let the sun go down on it means to hold Let the sun go down on it means to hold a grudge. a grudge. a grudge. You say, "Well, that's not so bad." You say, "Well, that's not so bad." You say, "Well, that's not so bad." Well, no. Well, no. Well, no. If evil was nothing but psychological, If evil was nothing but psychological, If evil was nothing but psychological, if there was no other dimensions to it, if there was no other dimensions to it, if there was no other dimensions to it, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. maybe it wouldn't be so bad. maybe it wouldn't be so bad. But what we're told here is that if you But what we're told here is that if you But what we're told here is that if you nurture spiritual darkness in you, even nurture spiritual darkness in you, even nurture spiritual darkness in you, even by just holding on to a grudge, by just holding on to a grudge, by just holding on to a grudge, it gives an opportunity for the it gives an opportunity for the it gives an opportunity for the supernatural darkness outside to create supernatural darkness outside to create supernatural darkness outside to create an alliance and to take you places you an alliance and to take you places you an alliance and to take you places you may not want to go. To lock your emotional dungeon sort of To lock your emotional dungeon sort of double-locked and doubly deep. double-locked and doubly deep. double-locked and doubly deep. And you might find yourself surprised And you might find yourself surprised And you might find yourself surprised that you just can't seem to let go of that you just can't seem to let go of that you just can't seem to let go of the anger. the anger. the anger. And you find you let it it lets you do And you find you let it it lets you do And you find you let it it lets you do things that you wouldn't really want to things that you wouldn't really want to things that you wouldn't really want to do. Uh 1 Timothy 3 says, "Don't promote do. Uh 1 Timothy 3 says, "Don't promote do. Uh 1 Timothy 3 says, "Don't promote a new believer too quickly into a new believer too quickly into a new believer too quickly into leadership." Why?

leadership." Why? leadership." Why? Because it says he might become Because it says he might become Because it says he might become conceited and fall into the trap of the conceited and fall into the trap of the conceited and fall into the trap of the devil. devil. devil. Not just conceited, not just he get you Not just conceited, not just he get you Not just conceited, not just he get you know, he kind of gets a big head. know, he kind of gets a big head. know, he kind of gets a big head. But that's used by the forces of But that's used by the forces of But that's used by the forces of darkness in the world. Or uh Hebrews darkness in the world. Or uh Hebrews darkness in the world. Or uh Hebrews chapter 2:14 says, "As long as you're chapter 2:14 says, "As long as you're chapter 2:14 says, "As long as you're afraid of death." afraid of death." afraid of death." As long as you're afraid of death, As long as you're afraid of death, As long as you're afraid of death, you're under the power of the devil. you're under the power of the devil. you're under the power of the devil. Interesting. Anyway, Interesting. Anyway, Interesting. Anyway, here's the point. here's the point. here's the point. The point is, according to the Bible, The point is, according to the Bible, The point is, according to the Bible, evil is not simple evil is not simple evil is not simple at all. at all. at all. It has a physical aspect. It has a a a It has a physical aspect. It has a a a It has a physical aspect. It has a a a social aspect. It has a a spiritual social aspect. It has a a spiritual social aspect. It has a a spiritual aspect. It has a it has a sociological aspect. It has a it has a sociological aspect. It has a it has a sociological aspect. You know, when the Bible talks aspect. You know, when the Bible talks aspect. You know, when the Bible talks about the world, the flesh, and the about the world, the flesh, and the about the world, the flesh, and the devil, devil, devil, the world, the flesh, and the devil. the world, the flesh, and the devil. the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world means you're sinned against. The world means you're sinned against. The world means you're sinned against. That's a social aspect. You're sinned That's a social aspect. You're sinned That's a social aspect. You're sinned against by all sorts of against by all sorts of against by all sorts of individuals and classes and systems in individuals and classes and systems in individuals and classes and systems in society. But at the same time, the flesh society. But at the same time, the flesh society. But at the same time, the flesh means you also have a self-centeredness. means you also have a self-centeredness. means you also have a self-centeredness. So, you're sinned against and you sin.

So, you're sinned against and you sin. So, you're sinned against and you sin. And those things are bad, but then And those things are bad, but then And those things are bad, but then there's not just sin inside you and sin there's not just sin inside you and sin there's not just sin inside you and sin outside you. There's sin above you. outside you. There's sin above you. outside you. There's sin above you. There's there's someone orchestrating it There's there's someone orchestrating it There's there's someone orchestrating it all. all. all. There are there are forces that are There are there are forces that are There are there are forces that are trying to intensify and complexify and trying to intensify and complexify and trying to intensify and complexify and make the relationships between the make the relationships between the make the relationships between the various uh various uh various uh aspects of evil magnify the whole. aspects of evil magnify the whole. aspects of evil magnify the whole. See, I only believe unless you bring in See, I only believe unless you bring in See, I only believe unless you bring in the demonic, you can really the demonic, you can really the demonic, you can really come to grips with how it is so often come to grips with how it is so often come to grips with how it is so often that the whole of evil is greater than that the whole of evil is greater than that the whole of evil is greater than the sum of its parts. Hannah Arendt Hannah Arendt went to see the trial of Adolf Eichmann went to see the trial of Adolf Eichmann went to see the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Israel in the early 1960s. I know it in Israel in the early 1960s. I know it in Israel in the early 1960s. I know it was 1961, I think it was. Adolf Eichmann was 1961, I think it was. Adolf Eichmann was 1961, I think it was. Adolf Eichmann had been one of the, you know, had been had been one of the, you know, had been had been one of the, you know, had been a major Nazi war criminal who had was a major Nazi war criminal who had was a major Nazi war criminal who had was was hiding out and they found him and was hiding out and they found him and was hiding out and they found him and they brought him back to Israel and he they brought him back to Israel and he they brought him back to Israel and he had done tremendous had done tremendous had done tremendous evil. evil. evil. And when he was being And when he was being And when he was being tried, Hannah Arendt was there and she tried, Hannah Arendt was there and she tried, Hannah Arendt was there and she was shocked at what she saw and she was shocked at what she saw and she was shocked at what she saw and she wrote a book, I mean a book, an essay wrote a book, I mean a book, an essay wrote a book, I mean a book, an essay about it called The Banality of Evil.

about it called The Banality of Evil. about it called The Banality of Evil. How banal this man was. She said, "This How banal this man was. She said, "This How banal this man was. She said, "This guy doesn't seem like a monster." But he guy doesn't seem like a monster." But he guy doesn't seem like a monster." But he is is he's a kind of a small-minded is is he's a kind of a small-minded is is he's a kind of a small-minded little guy and he just he, you know, he little guy and he just he, you know, he little guy and he just he, you know, he didn't really he he wanted to do well. didn't really he he wanted to do well. didn't really he he wanted to do well. He didn't care about other people. All He didn't care about other people. All He didn't care about other people. All he was trying to do was move ahead, but he was trying to do was move ahead, but he was trying to do was move ahead, but he was small, he was cowardly. he was small, he was cowardly. he was small, he was cowardly. You know, all he did was he said, "I see You know, all he did was he said, "I see You know, all he did was he said, "I see nothing. I know nothing." That kind of nothing. I know nothing." That kind of nothing. I know nothing." That kind of thing. thing. thing. And as it is and yet he did enormous And as it is and yet he did enormous And as it is and yet he did enormous evil and he didn't seem like a monster. evil and he didn't seem like a monster. evil and he didn't seem like a monster. No, the sum of evil is always greater No, the sum of evil is always greater No, the sum of evil is always greater than the parts. You know, if if you than the parts. You know, if if you than the parts. You know, if if you were part were part were part uh if you're old enough to know uh if you're old enough to know uh if you're old enough to know a a very evil social system like racial a a very evil social system like racial a a very evil social system like racial segregation in the South of the United segregation in the South of the United segregation in the South of the United States. States. States. If you're old enough to have been there If you're old enough to have been there If you're old enough to have been there and know that and know the kind of and know that and know the kind of and know that and know the kind of devastation that it caused to so much so devastation that it caused to so much so devastation that it caused to so much so many people. many people. many people. And yet, if you actually talked to the And yet, if you actually talked to the And yet, if you actually talked to the individuals who are in the system that individuals who are in the system that individuals who are in the system that supported the system, none of them supported the system, none of them supported the system, none of them seemed like such bad people. seemed like such bad people. seemed like such bad people. Why? Why? Why? The magnification.

There is a chaos in your and there is a There is a chaos in your and there is a chaos in the world. There is a spiritual chaos in the world. There is a spiritual chaos in the world. There is a spiritual darkness inside and there are super is darkness inside and there are super is darkness inside and there are super is supernatural darkness around and they supernatural darkness around and they supernatural darkness around and they the supernatural darkness, personal the supernatural darkness, personal the supernatural darkness, personal supernatural evil of the demonic, supernatural evil of the demonic, supernatural evil of the demonic, magnifies magnifies magnifies the evil inside of us and makes the the evil inside of us and makes the the evil inside of us and makes the world a a much worse place than it would world a a much worse place than it would world a a much worse place than it would be otherwise. Do you understand the depth and the Do you understand the depth and the complexity complexity complexity of evil? of evil? of evil? The Bible does. Okay, number one. Number The Bible does. Okay, number one. Number The Bible does. Okay, number one. Number two. two. two. I hope you have the world view of the I hope you have the world view of the I hope you have the world view of the Bible. I'll get back to that. Number Bible. I'll get back to that. Number Bible. I'll get back to that. Number two, we're also learning here when you two, we're also learning here when you two, we're also learning here when you look at what happens you you're all look at what happens you you're all look at what happens you you're all getting very serious. Okay, I better getting very serious. Okay, I better getting very serious. Okay, I better give you some hope. give you some hope. give you some hope. Let's let's let's figure out what the Let's let's let's figure out what the Let's let's let's figure out what the strategies of evil are. Now, one one of strategies of evil are. Now, one one of strategies of evil are. Now, one one of the things that's interesting about this the things that's interesting about this the things that's interesting about this passage it's very famous, but if we look passage it's very famous, but if we look passage it's very famous, but if we look at it, we're going to see some of the at it, we're going to see some of the at it, we're going to see some of the strategies of evil. strategies of evil. strategies of evil. How does evil How does evil How does evil mess you up? How does it take you down? mess you up? How does it take you down? mess you up? How does it take you down? How does it ruin your life? How does it How does it ruin your life? How does it How does it ruin your life? How does it happen?

happen? happen? How does the demonic work? How does the demonic work? How does the demonic work? Well, first of all, I'd like to show you Well, first of all, I'd like to show you Well, first of all, I'd like to show you a main one main strategy and then a a main one main strategy and then a a main one main strategy and then a couple of you might say weapons that couple of you might say weapons that couple of you might say weapons that evil has. A main strategy and a couple evil has. A main strategy and a couple evil has. A main strategy and a couple of weapons. The first the main strategy of weapons. The first the main strategy of weapons. The first the main strategy is what do all these temptations have in is what do all these temptations have in is what do all these temptations have in common? They all have in common that They all have in common that they are good things that are being held they are good things that are being held they are good things that are being held up to Jesus, not bad things. up to Jesus, not bad things. up to Jesus, not bad things. Satan is not Satan is not Satan is not asking Jesus to break one of the 10 asking Jesus to break one of the 10 asking Jesus to break one of the 10 Commandments. Commandments. Commandments. He is not saying, "I want you to commit He is not saying, "I want you to commit He is not saying, "I want you to commit adultery. I want you to lie. I want you adultery. I want you to lie. I want you adultery. I want you to lie. I want you to steal." You know, Martin Scorsese to steal." You know, Martin Scorsese to steal." You know, Martin Scorsese thought that the last temptation of thought that the last temptation of thought that the last temptation of Christ was Mary Magdalene. Christ was Mary Magdalene. Christ was Mary Magdalene. Satan didn't get the memo. Satan didn't get the memo. Satan didn't get the memo. Or even if he had gotten the memo, he Or even if he had gotten the memo, he Or even if he had gotten the memo, he would have known, "Give me a break. would have known, "Give me a break. would have known, "Give me a break. I know how to really destroy the I know how to really destroy the I know how to really destroy the Messiah. I know how to really destroy a Messiah. I know how to really destroy a Messiah. I know how to really destroy a person. Don't give me that. No, I'm not person. Don't give me that. No, I'm not person. Don't give me that. No, I'm not trying to say adultery is fine and I'm trying to say adultery is fine and I'm trying to say adultery is fine and I'm not trying to say that that lying is not trying to say that that lying is not trying to say that that lying is fine, but notice he is not going after fine, but notice he is not going after fine, but notice he is not going after Jesus in that way. He's not saying I Jesus in that way. He's not saying I Jesus in that way. He's not saying I want you to do bad things. What is he want you to do bad things. What is he want you to do bad things. What is he doing? He's taking good things doing? He's taking good things doing? He's taking good things and holding them up. What are the good and holding them up. What are the good and holding them up. What are the good things? Well, first of all, he says, things? Well, first of all, he says, things? Well, first of all, he says, "Aren't you hungry?

"Aren't you hungry? "Aren't you hungry? Let's use your miraculous power to turn Let's use your miraculous power to turn Let's use your miraculous power to turn these stones into bread." Is there these stones into bread." Is there these stones into bread." Is there anything wrong with bread? anything wrong with bread? anything wrong with bread? Is there anything wrong with bread? Is Is there anything wrong with bread? Is Is there anything wrong with bread? Is there anything wrong with food? No. there anything wrong with food? No. there anything wrong with food? No. Then look at the second thing. Then look at the second thing. Then look at the second thing. He says, "I can give you all the He says, "I can give you all the He says, "I can give you all the kingdoms of this world." Now, maybe you kingdoms of this world." Now, maybe you kingdoms of this world." Now, maybe you and I, that wouldn't be quite fair or and I, that wouldn't be quite fair or and I, that wouldn't be quite fair or right. I'm not sure you and I are cut right. I'm not sure you and I are cut right. I'm not sure you and I are cut out to be king or queen of the world, out to be king or queen of the world, out to be king or queen of the world, but but but Jesus was. I mean, in fact, Jesus had Jesus was. I mean, in fact, Jesus had Jesus was. I mean, in fact, Jesus had come to be king of the world. come to be king of the world. come to be king of the world. And so the second thing he offers him is And so the second thing he offers him is And so the second thing he offers him is also for Jesus a very good thing. also for Jesus a very good thing. also for Jesus a very good thing. And the third thing, of course, is what And the third thing, of course, is what And the third thing, of course, is what he's asking for as he says, "I want you he's asking for as he says, "I want you he's asking for as he says, "I want you to trust God for your safety. And I want to trust God for your safety. And I want to trust God for your safety. And I want you to see the whole world. I want to I you to see the whole world. I want to I you to see the whole world. I want to I want I want the whole world to see want I want the whole world to see want I want the whole world to see how you trust God and how God is how you trust God and how God is how you trust God and how God is faithful to you." So, he takes him up to faithful to you." So, he takes him up to faithful to you." So, he takes him up to the top and says, "Throw yourself off the top and says, "Throw yourself off the top and says, "Throw yourself off this pinnacle and let the world see the this pinnacle and let the world see the this pinnacle and let the world see the miraculous way in which God bears you miraculous way in which God bears you miraculous way in which God bears you up." up." up." Are these bad things? No. Are these bad things? No. Are these bad things? No. But in each case, But in each case, But in each case, Jesus would have to disobey God to get Jesus would have to disobey God to get Jesus would have to disobey God to get those things.

those things. those things. So, first of all, you say, "What's so So, first of all, you say, "What's so So, first of all, you say, "What's so disobedient about turning the stones to disobedient about turning the stones to disobedient about turning the stones to bread?" Doesn't that If you read the bread?" Doesn't that If you read the bread?" Doesn't that If you read the gospels, you know that Jesus never did gospels, you know that Jesus never did gospels, you know that Jesus never did anything like that. anything like that. anything like that. He never He never said to disciples, He never He never said to disciples, He never He never said to disciples, "Oh, it looks like it's raining. Watch." "Oh, it looks like it's raining. Watch." "Oh, it looks like it's raining. Watch." and then he snaps and suddenly there's a and then he snaps and suddenly there's a and then he snaps and suddenly there's a a roof over their head or something like a roof over their head or something like a roof over their head or something like that. Jesus never uses his power for that. Jesus never uses his power for that. Jesus never uses his power for himself. himself. himself. He only uses his power in sacrificial He only uses his power in sacrificial He only uses his power in sacrificial service for others cuz that's the service for others cuz that's the service for others cuz that's the mission. That's what he came to do. He mission. That's what he came to do. He mission. That's what he came to do. He came not to accrue power, came not to accrue power, came not to accrue power, but to give it up. He came not to be but to give it up. He came not to be but to give it up. He came not to be served, but to serve and to give his served, but to serve and to give his served, but to serve and to give his life. life. life. And therefore, this is a complete And therefore, this is a complete And therefore, this is a complete complete uh denial of that way in which complete uh denial of that way in which complete uh denial of that way in which uh he was supposed to use power. uh he was supposed to use power. uh he was supposed to use power. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, what's wrong with going up to the you what's wrong with going up to the you what's wrong with going up to the you know, getting all the uh know, getting all the uh know, getting all the uh uh the kingdoms of the world? uh the kingdoms of the world? uh the kingdoms of the world? Well, the only problem is Satan is Well, the only problem is Satan is Well, the only problem is Satan is saying, saying, saying, "I can get you the kingdoms of the world "I can get you the kingdoms of the world "I can get you the kingdoms of the world without you going to the cross. I can get you the kingdoms of the world I can get you the kingdoms of the world without suffering." without suffering." without suffering." And of course, that was part of the And of course, that was part of the And of course, that was part of the mission.

mission. mission. And so, what he was saying is, "I can And so, what he was saying is, "I can And so, what he was saying is, "I can give you this, give you this, give you this, but you have to disobey God, of course." but you have to disobey God, of course." but you have to disobey God, of course." I can give you this, I have to disobey I can give you this, I have to disobey I can give you this, I have to disobey God, of course. And even the last thing, God, of course. And even the last thing, God, of course. And even the last thing, where he's saying, "I want you to you where he's saying, "I want you to you where he's saying, "I want you to you know, I want you to see I want you to be know, I want you to see I want you to be know, I want you to see I want you to be a spectacle. I want you to show the a spectacle. I want you to show the a spectacle. I want you to show the world how great you are." And all that world how great you are." And all that world how great you are." And all that sort of thing. Again, what he's really sort of thing. Again, what he's really sort of thing. Again, what he's really trying to do is he's trying to knock trying to do is he's trying to knock trying to do is he's trying to knock Jesus off of his mission. Jesus off of his mission. Jesus off of his mission. And so, here is And so, here is And so, here is not not not Here's the the point. And of course, Here's the the point. And of course, Here's the the point. And of course, those of you who come to Redeemer know those of you who come to Redeemer know those of you who come to Redeemer know that this is one of the main themes of that this is one of the main themes of that this is one of the main themes of the Bible. It's one of the main themes the Bible. It's one of the main themes the Bible. It's one of the main themes of the preaching. of the preaching. of the preaching. And yet, I think that this is the most And yet, I think that this is the most And yet, I think that this is the most stark way we can put this. You've heard stark way we can put this. You've heard stark way we can put this. You've heard me say this before. I think this is the me say this before. I think this is the me say this before. I think this is the most vivid and stark and almost most vivid and stark and almost most vivid and stark and almost frightening way I can put it. frightening way I can put it. frightening way I can put it. Any good thing Any good thing Any good thing that becomes more important than God, that becomes more important than God, that becomes more important than God, that's what Satan's trying to do. He that's what Satan's trying to do. He that's what Satan's trying to do. He says, "These are good things. Don't you says, "These are good things. Don't you says, "These are good things. Don't you want these things?" But of course, if want these things?" But of course, if want these things?" But of course, if you have to disobey God to get them, you have to disobey God to get them, you have to disobey God to get them, what you're making them is that more what you're making them is that more what you're making them is that more important than God. Any good thing important than God. Any good thing important than God. Any good thing that is more important than God to you that is more important than God to you that is more important than God to you will become a demonic force in your will become a demonic force in your will become a demonic force in your life.

You'll be allying yourself with the You'll be allying yourself with the forces of evil and destruction. forces of evil and destruction. forces of evil and destruction. If you take any good thing and you If you take any good thing and you If you take any good thing and you elevate it so it's really more important elevate it so it's really more important elevate it so it's really more important than God, if you see for example, I've than God, if you see for example, I've than God, if you see for example, I've had plenty of people say to me over the had plenty of people say to me over the had plenty of people say to me over the years, years, years, "You know, I believed in God and I went "You know, I believed in God and I went "You know, I believed in God and I went to church, but then to church, but then to church, but then I asked for this and I asked for that, I asked for this and I asked for that, I asked for this and I asked for that, and he didn't give it to me. And I said and he didn't give it to me. And I said and he didn't give it to me. And I said what good is it to serve God if he won't what good is it to serve God if he won't what good is it to serve God if he won't even give me those things and I walked even give me those things and I walked even give me those things and I walked away. In other words, what are you away. In other words, what are you away. In other words, what are you saying? saying? saying? I had this in my life and I had God in I had this in my life and I had God in I had this in my life and I had God in my life and when I couldn't have both, my life and when I couldn't have both, my life and when I couldn't have both, what went? I decided get rid of God. I what went? I decided get rid of God. I what went? I decided get rid of God. I mean if God's not going to let me get to mean if God's not going to let me get to mean if God's not going to let me get to this, well in other words, this is more this, well in other words, this is more this, well in other words, this is more important than him. important than him. important than him. And honestly, friends, everybody does And honestly, friends, everybody does And honestly, friends, everybody does this. this. this. Unless you realize you do this, unless Unless you realize you do this, unless Unless you realize you do this, unless you stop doing this, you stop doing this, you stop doing this, I'm not talking to people say some of I'm not talking to people say some of I'm not talking to people say some of you who are really messed up, you know, you who are really messed up, you know, you who are really messed up, you know, you might fall into the clutches of you might fall into the clutches of you might fall into the clutches of devil. I'm saying that this is the devil. I'm saying that this is the devil. I'm saying that this is the trajectory of all of us. trajectory of all of us. trajectory of all of us. Unless you see that you're in this Unless you see that you're in this Unless you see that you're in this trajectory, trajectory, trajectory, you're going to be giving demonic forces you're going to be giving demonic forces you're going to be giving demonic forces free play in your life.

free play in your life. free play in your life. If you put your children If you put your children If you put your children over God, if that your children more over God, if that your children more over God, if that your children more important to you than God, if a spouse important to you than God, if a spouse important to you than God, if a spouse is more important to you than God, if a is more important to you than God, if a is more important to you than God, if a career is more important of course, but career is more important of course, but career is more important of course, but I mean if it even some great political I mean if it even some great political I mean if it even some great political or social cause, you're you're it's a or social cause, you're you're it's a or social cause, you're you're it's a great social cause but it's more great social cause but it's more great social cause but it's more important than God. important than God. important than God. If you don't have success in it, you If you don't have success in it, you If you don't have success in it, you know, know, know, you know, you know, you know, See, here here's how it becomes demonic. See, here here's how it becomes demonic. See, here here's how it becomes demonic. Anything that's more important than God, Anything that's more important than God, Anything that's more important than God, it's going to ruin your life, it's going it's going to ruin your life, it's going it's going to ruin your life, it's going to drive you, you're becoming an addict, to drive you, you're becoming an addict, to drive you, you're becoming an addict, you're actually already enslaved. See, you have to have it. See, you have to have it. You know, if career is more important You know, if career is more important You know, if career is more important than God, my career has got to go well. than God, my career has got to go well. than God, my career has got to go well. If my children more important than God, If my children more important than God, If my children more important than God, they've got to be okay. They've got to they've got to be okay. They've got to they've got to be okay. They've got to and you'll do anything to make it so. and you'll do anything to make it so. and you'll do anything to make it so. Including Including Including stepping on people, stepping on people, stepping on people, breaking the law, breaking the law, breaking the law, doing things immoral or illegal. doing things immoral or illegal. doing things immoral or illegal. You'll be filled with anger and You'll be filled with anger and You'll be filled with anger and bitterness toward anybody who gets in bitterness toward anybody who gets in bitterness toward anybody who gets in your way. your way. your way. Am I? Anything more important than God and Anything more important than God and that's you know, any good thing made that's you know, any good thing made that's you know, any good thing made more important than God becomes demonic more important than God becomes demonic more important than God becomes demonic and that you can see in the way in which and that you can see in the way in which and that you can see in the way in which Satan assaults Jesus. Also, we learn Satan assaults Jesus. Also, we learn Satan assaults Jesus. Also, we learn here two tools or or weapon I said here two tools or or weapon I said here two tools or or weapon I said weapons before, didn't I? Okay, two weapons before, didn't I? Okay, two weapons before, didn't I? Okay, two weapons that Satan uses, two specific weapons that Satan uses, two specific weapons that Satan uses, two specific weapons.

weapons. weapons. And the two weapons are temptation and And the two weapons are temptation and And the two weapons are temptation and accusation. accusation. accusation. Temptation and accusation. Now, one of Temptation and accusation. Now, one of Temptation and accusation. Now, one of the problems, I think, is that the the problems, I think, is that the the problems, I think, is that the English word here that is that English word here that is that English word here that is that translates the Greek word that probably translates the Greek word that probably translates the Greek word that probably should be translated test. should be translated test. should be translated test. It says 40 days he was tested by the It says 40 days he was tested by the It says 40 days he was tested by the devil. And devil. And devil. And the the Greek word here really means to the the Greek word here really means to the the Greek word here really means to put pressure on somebody, real pressure, put pressure on somebody, real pressure, put pressure on somebody, real pressure, to try to break them. to try to break them. to try to break them. But the fact is that the the things that But the fact is that the the things that But the fact is that the the things that Satan is doing to Jesus are not strictly Satan is doing to Jesus are not strictly Satan is doing to Jesus are not strictly only temptations. only temptations. only temptations. Jesus is being subject to both Jesus is being subject to both Jesus is being subject to both temptation and accusation. What is that? temptation and accusation. What is that? temptation and accusation. What is that? Well, temptation is what you think. Well, temptation is what you think. Well, temptation is what you think. It's an enticement to do something It's an enticement to do something It's an enticement to do something wrong. wrong. wrong. And generally speaking, temptation works And generally speaking, temptation works And generally speaking, temptation works through overconfidence. through overconfidence. through overconfidence. Uh the devil tempts you by saying, "Hey, Uh the devil tempts you by saying, "Hey, Uh the devil tempts you by saying, "Hey, everything will be okay. Just just do everything will be okay. Just just do everything will be okay. Just just do it. It'll be okay. You Nobody will know. it. It'll be okay. You Nobody will know. it. It'll be okay. You Nobody will know. Or if they do know, you can do this, you Or if they do know, you can do this, you Or if they do know, you can do this, you can do that. God will accept you. It'll can do that. God will accept you. It'll can do that. God will accept you. It'll be all right." You know, it it basically be all right." You know, it it basically be all right." You know, it it basically temptation is overconfidence.

temptation is overconfidence. temptation is overconfidence. And and playing down the holiness of And and playing down the holiness of And and playing down the holiness of God. Well, yes, it's probably wrong, but God. Well, yes, it's probably wrong, but God. Well, yes, it's probably wrong, but who knows? Other people believe this and who knows? Other people believe this and who knows? Other people believe this and that about it. Do it. Okay, that's that about it. Do it. Okay, that's that about it. Do it. Okay, that's temptation. temptation. temptation. Accusation is completely the other side. Accusation is completely the other side. Accusation is completely the other side. In accusation, In accusation, In accusation, uh uh uh Satan comes to you and said, "Look what Satan comes to you and said, "Look what Satan comes to you and said, "Look what you have done. Look at what a failure you have done. Look at what a failure you have done. Look at what a failure you are. Look at how awful. God cannot you are. Look at how awful. God cannot you are. Look at how awful. God cannot love you anymore. How can you even look love you anymore. How can you even look love you anymore. How can you even look at yourself in the face? at yourself in the face? at yourself in the face? You know, in the mirror. So, what you You know, in the mirror. So, what you You know, in the mirror. So, what you have to do have to do have to do is realize that these two things are is realize that these two things are is realize that these two things are almost opposite. In one case, you're almost opposite. In one case, you're almost opposite. In one case, you're being you're being made overconfident. being you're being made overconfident. being you're being made overconfident. Uh God is seen strictly as love, but not Uh God is seen strictly as love, but not Uh God is seen strictly as love, but not as holy. Oh, God will accept you. Go as holy. Oh, God will accept you. Go as holy. Oh, God will accept you. Go ahead and sin. ahead and sin. ahead and sin. In accusation, God again is being made In accusation, God again is being made In accusation, God again is being made one-dimensional. He's being seen only as one-dimensional. He's being seen only as one-dimensional. He's being seen only as a holy judge and not as a forgiving a holy judge and not as a forgiving a holy judge and not as a forgiving father. father. father. And uh And uh And uh actually, Thomas Brooks, actually, Thomas Brooks, actually, Thomas Brooks, uh 17th century Puritan, who wrote a uh 17th century Puritan, who wrote a uh 17th century Puritan, who wrote a great little paperback, which you can great little paperback, which you can great little paperback, which you can get very inexpensively, by the way, it's get very inexpensively, by the way, it's get very inexpensively, by the way, it's out there. It's called Precious Remedies out there. It's called Precious Remedies out there. It's called Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices.

Against Satan's Devices. Against Satan's Devices. Nice long sentence. Title. That's a Nice long sentence. Title. That's a Nice long sentence. Title. That's a title. title. title. And in it, he talks about the fact that And in it, he talks about the fact that And in it, he talks about the fact that very often temptation and accusation go very often temptation and accusation go very often temptation and accusation go hand in hand. hand in hand. hand in hand. Uh and it works like this. It's a Uh and it works like this. It's a Uh and it works like this. It's a one-two punch. one-two punch. one-two punch. Like that. One-two punches are very Like that. One-two punches are very Like that. One-two punches are very devastating, you see. devastating, you see. devastating, you see. The temptation goes like this. On your The temptation goes like this. On your The temptation goes like this. On your way into sin, Satan is saying, "Don't way into sin, Satan is saying, "Don't way into sin, Satan is saying, "Don't worry. Don't worry. God'll forgive you. worry. Don't worry. God'll forgive you. worry. Don't worry. God'll forgive you. God'll forgive you." And the minute you God'll forgive you." And the minute you God'll forgive you." And the minute you sin, he turns and says, "And you call sin, he turns and says, "And you call sin, he turns and says, "And you call yourself a Christian." yourself a Christian." yourself a Christian." God will never have anything to do with God will never have anything to do with God will never have anything to do with you now. One time too many. Go find some you now. One time too many. Go find some you now. One time too many. Go find some little hole somewhere, you shameful little hole somewhere, you shameful little hole somewhere, you shameful thing, and just curl up in a ball and thing, and just curl up in a ball and thing, and just curl up in a ball and die. die. die. See? So, first, everything'll be fine. See? So, first, everything'll be fine. See? So, first, everything'll be fine. You're fine. It's okay. Don't worry You're fine. It's okay. Don't worry You're fine. It's okay. Don't worry about it. As soon as you sin, you about it. As soon as you sin, you about it. As soon as you sin, you wretch. wretch. wretch. And some of you know some of you know what I'm talking about. what I'm talking about. what I'm talking about. Some of you know very very well what I'm Some of you know very very well what I'm Some of you know very very well what I'm talking about. talking about. talking about. There is somebody out there that does There is somebody out there that does There is somebody out there that does not like you. not like you. not like you. And you can't see him. And he does these And you can't see him. And he does these And you can't see him. And he does these things. things. things. And he's doing them to Jesus because on And he's doing them to Jesus because on And he's doing them to Jesus because on the one hand he's saying, "Don't you the one hand he's saying, "Don't you the one hand he's saying, "Don't you want this? I can make you king." On the want this? I can make you king." On the want this? I can make you king." On the other hand, he keeps saying what? "If other hand, he keeps saying what? "If other hand, he keeps saying what? "If you're the son of God, huh?" Twice he you're the son of God, huh?" Twice he you're the son of God, huh?" Twice he says, "If you're the son of God." What says, "If you're the son of God." What says, "If you're the son of God." What do you mean, "If you're the son of God?"

do you mean, "If you're the son of God?" do you mean, "If you're the son of God?" Well, are you sure God really loves you? Well, are you sure God really loves you? Well, are you sure God really loves you? How do you know? Don't you think you How do you know? Don't you think you How do you know? Don't you think you ought to prove it? I'm not sure. Are you ought to prove it? I'm not sure. Are you ought to prove it? I'm not sure. Are you really sure? See, he uses both really sure? See, he uses both really sure? See, he uses both temptation and accusation on Jesus. He temptation and accusation on Jesus. He temptation and accusation on Jesus. He will use both temptation and accusation will use both temptation and accusation will use both temptation and accusation on you. But the main thing he'll try to on you. But the main thing he'll try to on you. But the main thing he'll try to do is try to get you do is try to get you do is try to get you to take something good to take something good to take something good and make it a supreme thing, and make it a supreme thing, and make it a supreme thing, make it a god substitute, and then it make it a god substitute, and then it make it a god substitute, and then it will become demonic will become demonic will become demonic in your life. in your life. in your life. So, lastly, So, lastly, So, lastly, what are we going to do about this? what are we going to do about this? what are we going to do about this? But actually, my time is up and uh maybe But actually, my time is up and uh maybe But actually, my time is up and uh maybe I should just, you know, I have to get I should just, you know, I have to get I should just, you know, I have to get uptown and uptown and uptown and maybe I should just give you some maybe I should just give you some maybe I should just give you some further reading. further reading. further reading. No. No. No. What you should do about it and what's What you should do about it and what's What you should do about it and what's clear and I I told you we actually get clear and I I told you we actually get clear and I I told you we actually get back to this sometime later on in the uh back to this sometime later on in the uh back to this sometime later on in the uh in the preaching cycle later on this uh in the preaching cycle later on this uh in the preaching cycle later on this uh this spring actually. this spring actually. this spring actually. It's obvious what say what what Jesus It's obvious what say what what Jesus It's obvious what say what what Jesus does in every case. He uses scripture does in every case. He uses scripture does in every case. He uses scripture every time. It's very striking. every time. It's very striking. every time. It's very striking. And I want you to see why the way to And I want you to see why the way to And I want you to see why the way to defeat say uh the devil, the way to defeat say uh the devil, the way to defeat say uh the devil, the way to defeat evil, is through the means defeat evil, is through the means defeat evil, is through the means and the message of scripture.

and the message of scripture. and the message of scripture. The means The means The means and the message. and the message. and the message. The means is the scripture itself. The means is the scripture itself. The means is the scripture itself. Jesus quotes scripture every time and he Jesus quotes scripture every time and he Jesus quotes scripture every time and he uses the scripture to answer the things uses the scripture to answer the things uses the scripture to answer the things that Satan is saying. I'll get to that that Satan is saying. I'll get to that that Satan is saying. I'll get to that in a second. in a second. in a second. He quotes Deuteronomy 8 and Deuteronomy He quotes Deuteronomy 8 and Deuteronomy He quotes Deuteronomy 8 and Deuteronomy 6 and Deuteronomy 6. 6 and Deuteronomy 6. 6 and Deuteronomy 6. Very carefully he quotes them. And Very carefully he quotes them. And Very carefully he quotes them. And he's always doing this when in times of he's always doing this when in times of he's always doing this when in times of extremity, when in times of crisis. extremity, when in times of crisis. extremity, when in times of crisis. Whenever he's in times of crisis, he Whenever he's in times of crisis, he Whenever he's in times of crisis, he always gets out the scripture. And the always gets out the scripture. And the always gets out the scripture. And the most obvious place is when he's on the most obvious place is when he's on the most obvious place is when he's on the cross and he's dying on the cross. cross and he's dying on the cross. cross and he's dying on the cross. Do you know that he quotes scripture Do you know that he quotes scripture Do you know that he quotes scripture from the cross? from the cross? from the cross? "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" is a quotation from Psalm chapter me?" is a quotation from Psalm chapter me?" is a quotation from Psalm chapter 22 verse 1. 22 verse 1. 22 verse 1. And the last thing he says, according to And the last thing he says, according to And the last thing he says, according to the Gospel of Luke, the last thing he the Gospel of Luke, the last thing he the Gospel of Luke, the last thing he says, "Father, into thy hands I commit says, "Father, into thy hands I commit says, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." is actually a quote from my spirit." is actually a quote from my spirit." is actually a quote from Psalm 31:5. Psalm 31:5. Psalm 31:5. Now, Now, Now, thought experiment for a second.

thought experiment for a second. thought experiment for a second. Uh most of the time when you're with Uh most of the time when you're with Uh most of the time when you're with people, people, people, you are aware of who you ought to be and you are aware of who you ought to be and you are aware of who you ought to be and how you ought to be and so you pull how you ought to be and so you pull how you ought to be and so you pull yourself together, right? And you and yourself together, right? And you and yourself together, right? And you and you try to be the person you ought to be you try to be the person you ought to be you try to be the person you ought to be or the person you wish to be or the or the person you wish to be or the or the person you wish to be or the person you're expected to be. Don't you person you're expected to be. Don't you person you're expected to be. Don't you do so as much as you can. do so as much as you can. do so as much as you can. But if you're in agony, if you are in pain, if you are in pain, if you're in a crisis, if you're in a crisis, if you're in a crisis, if you're looking at death in the face, if you're looking at death in the face, if you're looking at death in the face, and you're screaming and crying out, and you're screaming and crying out, and you're screaming and crying out, you're not trying to be you're not trying to be you're not trying to be whoever you think you ought to be. You whoever you think you ought to be. You whoever you think you ought to be. You are just being who you are. At that are just being who you are. At that are just being who you are. At that point, whatever is in you is just coming point, whatever is in you is just coming point, whatever is in you is just coming out. The real you. There's no other out. The real you. There's no other out. The real you. There's no other There's nothing else The real you is There's nothing else The real you is There's nothing else The real you is coming out. And when Jesus Christ coming out. And when Jesus Christ coming out. And when Jesus Christ was in was in these was in was in these was in was in these times of crisis, and especially when he times of crisis, and especially when he times of crisis, and especially when he was in this astounding crisis, was in this astounding crisis, was in this astounding crisis, where he was screaming in the agony of where he was screaming in the agony of where he was screaming in the agony of pain, what was coming out? Scripture, pain, what was coming out? Scripture, pain, what was coming out? Scripture, which means he was completely and which means he was completely and which means he was completely and thoroughly permeated with and and thoroughly permeated with and and thoroughly permeated with and and saturated with scripture. It shaped his saturated with scripture. It shaped his saturated with scripture. It shaped his life. It would nurtured him. It life. It would nurtured him. It life. It would nurtured him. It It was his meat. It was his drink. It It was his meat. It was his drink. It It was his meat. It was his drink. It was his blood almost. He was literally was his blood almost. He was literally was his blood almost. He was literally bleeding scripture when he was speared bleeding scripture when he was speared bleeding scripture when he was speared and nailed.

and nailed. and nailed. It was that crucial to who he was. It It was that crucial to who he was. It It was that crucial to who he was. It was that crucial to how he thought. It was that crucial to how he thought. It was that crucial to how he thought. It was that crucial to how he felt. And that's the reason why he just And that's the reason why he just automatically, when when crisis hits, automatically, when when crisis hits, automatically, when when crisis hits, he goes to the word of God. he goes to the word of God. he goes to the word of God. And it guides him and it empowers him. And it guides him and it empowers him. And it guides him and it empowers him. And that's Jesus. And that's Jesus. And that's Jesus. But he doesn't simply, by the way, it's not just the means of scripture. it's not just the means of scripture. It's the message of the scripture. See, It's the message of the scripture. See, It's the message of the scripture. See, the scripture is not being used here as the scripture is not being used here as the scripture is not being used here as a a a Jesus is not just waving the book at at Jesus is not just waving the book at at Jesus is not just waving the book at at Satan, and Satan backs off like a Satan, and Satan backs off like a Satan, and Satan backs off like a vampire, you know, hissing. It's not vampire, you know, hissing. It's not vampire, you know, hissing. It's not like There's nothing magic about the like There's nothing magic about the like There's nothing magic about the book. It's not like, "Well, if I want to book. It's not like, "Well, if I want to book. It's not like, "Well, if I want to be okay with If I want to be safe from be okay with If I want to be safe from be okay with If I want to be safe from the Satan, I'll just put Bibles all the Satan, I'll just put Bibles all the Satan, I'll just put Bibles all around me, and I'll stand there, and around me, and I'll stand there, and around me, and I'll stand there, and then the Satan can't get to me. If he then the Satan can't get to me. If he then the Satan can't get to me. If he comes near and he tries to get in there, comes near and he tries to get in there, comes near and he tries to get in there, you know, he starts to burn there, you you know, he starts to burn there, you you know, he starts to burn there, you know, it's like, you know, there's all know, it's like, you know, there's all know, it's like, you know, there's all those horror movies, you know, Fright those horror movies, you know, Fright those horror movies, you know, Fright Night and things like that when the Night and things like that when the Night and things like that when the you know, so what? No.

you know, so what? No. you know, so what? No. No. No. No. Jesus Christ knows it's the message of Jesus Christ knows it's the message of Jesus Christ knows it's the message of the scripture. the scripture. the scripture. That's the reason why, for example, in That's the reason why, for example, in That's the reason why, for example, in verse 8 he says, "It is written, worship verse 8 he says, "It is written, worship verse 8 he says, "It is written, worship the Lord your God and him serve him the Lord your God and him serve him the Lord your God and him serve him only." only." only." He's not just quoting any old scripture. He's not just quoting any old scripture. He's not just quoting any old scripture. He's not just waving a book at Satan. He's not just waving a book at Satan. He's not just waving a book at Satan. He's saying, "You're lying. You're He's saying, "You're lying. You're He's saying, "You're lying. You're telling me that if I put this thing telling me that if I put this thing telling me that if I put this thing ahead of God, everything would be okay." ahead of God, everything would be okay." ahead of God, everything would be okay." And I want you to know that idolatry And I want you to know that idolatry And I want you to know that idolatry will destroy. will destroy. will destroy. See what he's doing is here's what he's See what he's doing is here's what he's See what he's doing is here's what he's doing. Satan cannot hurt you. doing. Satan cannot hurt you. doing. Satan cannot hurt you. In fact, nobody can hurt you. In fact, nobody can hurt you. In fact, nobody can hurt you. Unless he can get into your heart Unless he can get into your heart Unless he can get into your heart false beliefs and lies. false beliefs and lies. false beliefs and lies. What makes you what you are What makes you what you are What makes you what you are What what makes What what makes What what makes What determines how you think and how What determines how you think and how What determines how you think and how you feel and how you act is what your you feel and how you act is what your you feel and how you act is what your main beliefs are about God, about main beliefs are about God, about main beliefs are about God, about yourself. yourself. yourself. Your main commitments and hopes Your main commitments and hopes Your main commitments and hopes about life, about right and wrong. about life, about right and wrong. about life, about right and wrong. Whatever your most fundamental beliefs Whatever your most fundamental beliefs Whatever your most fundamental beliefs are, the things you believe, that are, the things you believe, that are, the things you believe, that is what determines who you are. And you is what determines who you are. And you is what determines who you are. And you know that to some degree.

know that to some degree. know that to some degree. If years ago, you know, your your father If years ago, you know, your your father If years ago, you know, your your father said, "You're never going to amount to said, "You're never going to amount to said, "You're never going to amount to anything." anything." anything." You may think, "Well, I don't believe You may think, "Well, I don't believe You may think, "Well, I don't believe that. I'm trying to make my And yet you that. I'm trying to make my And yet you that. I'm trying to make my And yet you know, to some degree you're driven. Why know, to some degree you're driven. Why know, to some degree you're driven. Why you driven? And you're upset and you get you driven? And you're upset and you get you driven? And you're upset and you get so upset about this and that. Why? Cuz so upset about this and that. Why? Cuz so upset about this and that. Why? Cuz you know that belief is down in there. you know that belief is down in there. you know that belief is down in there. And you haven't been able to get it out. And you haven't been able to get it out. And you haven't been able to get it out. And that's having an impact on your on And that's having an impact on your on And that's having an impact on your on on how you live, right? on how you live, right? on how you live, right? Nobody can hurt you unless they can get Nobody can hurt you unless they can get Nobody can hurt you unless they can get some belief, some main belief down, some some belief, some main belief down, some some belief, some main belief down, some some idea down into your heart that your some idea down into your heart that your some idea down into your heart that your heart believes. heart believes. heart believes. And Satan can't hurt you a bit unless And Satan can't hurt you a bit unless And Satan can't hurt you a bit unless you believe his lies. you believe his lies. you believe his lies. See, if he comes along and he whispers See, if he comes along and he whispers See, if he comes along and he whispers to you to you to you "If you're thin "If you're thin "If you're thin and if you have a great career, then and if you have a great career, then and if you have a great career, then then you'll be okay. then you'll be okay. then you'll be okay. Otherwise, you know, you're going to Otherwise, you know, you're going to Otherwise, you know, you're going to hate yourself and people are going to hate yourself and people are going to hate yourself and people are going to look at you funny. In other words, he look at you funny. In other words, he look at you funny. In other words, he comes and he puts these things down in comes and he puts these things down in comes and he puts these things down in you in in deep into you you in in deep into you you in in deep into you and you are not able to do anything and you are not able to do anything and you are not able to do anything about them unless you do what Jesus about them unless you do what Jesus about them unless you do what Jesus Christ did, which is he was so saturated Christ did, which is he was so saturated Christ did, which is he was so saturated with the scripture that the scripture with the scripture that the scripture with the scripture that the scripture went down in there and showed those lies went down in there and showed those lies went down in there and showed those lies to be what they were.

to be what they were. to be what they were. And the number one lie is this, And the number one lie is this, And the number one lie is this, that you can save yourself, that you can save yourself, that you can save yourself, that you can prove yourself. Why is it that you can prove yourself. Why is it that you can prove yourself. Why is it that Satan did not try to get Jesus to that Satan did not try to get Jesus to that Satan did not try to get Jesus to break the moral law or the Ten break the moral law or the Ten break the moral law or the Ten Commandments? Commandments? Commandments? He wouldn't mind if Jesus Christ was a He wouldn't mind if Jesus Christ was a He wouldn't mind if Jesus Christ was a moral example. He didn't mind if we moral example. He didn't mind if we moral example. He didn't mind if we looked to Jesus as our example and say, looked to Jesus as our example and say, looked to Jesus as our example and say, "I'm going to live like Jesus and then "I'm going to live like Jesus and then "I'm going to live like Jesus and then everything will be okay." Cuz as long as everything will be okay." Cuz as long as everything will be okay." Cuz as long as you're trying to save yourself, as long you're trying to save yourself, as long you're trying to save yourself, as long as you're trying to say, "If I do this as you're trying to say, "If I do this as you're trying to say, "If I do this and if I do that, then God will bless me and if I do that, then God will bless me and if I do that, then God will bless me and then I'll feel good about myself." and then I'll feel good about myself." and then I'll feel good about myself." As long as you as long as Jesus is only As long as you as long as Jesus is only As long as you as long as Jesus is only your example, your example, your example, Satan's got you right where he wants Satan's got you right where he wants Satan's got you right where he wants you. you. you. You'll be insecure, you'll be afraid, You'll be insecure, you'll be afraid, You'll be insecure, you'll be afraid, you'll always be trying to prove you'll always be trying to prove you'll always be trying to prove yourself because deep down inside you're yourself because deep down inside you're yourself because deep down inside you're going to believe the lie. And the lie goes something like this, And the lie goes something like this, "I'll only be lovable, I'll only be "I'll only be lovable, I'll only be "I'll only be lovable, I'll only be significant, I'll only be secure if I significant, I'll only be secure if I significant, I'll only be secure if I get this or I accomplish this or I get this or I accomplish this or I get this or I accomplish this or I accomplish this." accomplish this." accomplish this." The The thing that Satan wanted to stop The The thing that Satan wanted to stop The The thing that Satan wanted to stop Jesus from doing at all costs was to go Jesus from doing at all costs was to go Jesus from doing at all costs was to go to the cross.

He said, "I'll give you the kingdoms, He said, "I'll give you the kingdoms, but don't go to the cross." But he did go to the cross. But he did go to the cross. And because he went to the cross, see And because he went to the cross, see And because he went to the cross, see that was the big test. The real test was that was the big test. The real test was that was the big test. The real test was in the Garden of Gethsemane when it was in the Garden of Gethsemane when it was in the Garden of Gethsemane when it was dark and there was nobody around and he dark and there was nobody around and he dark and there was nobody around and he knew he was about to have to drink the knew he was about to have to drink the knew he was about to have to drink the big cup of divine wrath and he was big cup of divine wrath and he was big cup of divine wrath and he was supposed to take our punishment for us supposed to take our punishment for us supposed to take our punishment for us and that was the test. He didn't want to and that was the test. He didn't want to and that was the test. He didn't want to do it, but he said, "Thy will be done." do it, but he said, "Thy will be done." do it, but he said, "Thy will be done." And he went to the cross. And if you see And he went to the cross. And if you see And he went to the cross. And if you see him at not as your example, but as your him at not as your example, but as your him at not as your example, but as your savior. savior. savior. Dying for you. Dying for you. Dying for you. See, that's the one thing the devil does See, that's the one thing the devil does See, that's the one thing the devil does not want you to see not want you to see not want you to see and doesn't want you to understand. and doesn't want you to understand. and doesn't want you to understand. Because if you see Jesus Christ going to Because if you see Jesus Christ going to Because if you see Jesus Christ going to the cross for you, that ends your the cross for you, that ends your the cross for you, that ends your temptation. Why? Because you see your temptation. Why? Because you see your temptation. Why? Because you see your sin is so serious that Jesus had to die. sin is so serious that Jesus had to die. sin is so serious that Jesus had to die. Sin is not a light thing. Sin is not a light thing. Sin is not a light thing. Jesus gave his life. Why? He had to. Jesus gave his life. Why? He had to. Jesus gave his life. Why? He had to. Why? Because sin is so serious. Why? Because sin is so serious. Why? Because sin is so serious. See, Satan knows if you see that and it See, Satan knows if you see that and it See, Satan knows if you see that and it gets down deep into your heart, gets down deep into your heart, gets down deep into your heart, it's going to be hard for him to tempt it's going to be hard for him to tempt it's going to be hard for him to tempt you. But also, you. But also, you. But also, when you see that Jesus Christ died for when you see that Jesus Christ died for when you see that Jesus Christ died for you so that even when you screw up, God you so that even when you screw up, God you so that even when you screw up, God still loves you. He'll never ever, still loves you. He'll never ever, still loves you. He'll never ever, there's no condemnation for those who there's no condemnation for those who there's no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ.

are in Jesus Christ. are in Jesus Christ. Oh, then that's the end of the Oh, then that's the end of the Oh, then that's the end of the accusation, too. accusation, too. accusation, too. If that just sinks down into your heart, If that just sinks down into your heart, If that just sinks down into your heart, the gospel, the gospel, the gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of Jesus Christ, who's who's passing the test, who's who's passing the test, who's who's passing the test, not as your example, but as your not as your example, but as your not as your example, but as your substitute, as your savior. Three things. Three things. Number one, Number one, Number one, are you somebody who actually doesn't are you somebody who actually doesn't are you somebody who actually doesn't believe in the devil or supernatural believe in the devil or supernatural believe in the devil or supernatural evil and you think all evil is basically evil and you think all evil is basically evil and you think all evil is basically a matter of natural a matter of natural a matter of natural condition, social and psychological condition, social and psychological condition, social and psychological conditions. I urge you to change your worldview. Number two, if to change your worldview. Number two, if you say I'm a Christian and yet you say I'm a Christian and yet you say I'm a Christian and yet basically you haven't seen basically you haven't seen basically you haven't seen the radical costly grace of Jesus the radical costly grace of Jesus the radical costly grace of Jesus Christ, that hasn't sunk in how Christ, that hasn't sunk in how Christ, that hasn't sunk in how completely accepted you are because of completely accepted you are because of completely accepted you are because of what Jesus Christ did what Jesus Christ did what Jesus Christ did and what enormous cost and what enormous cost and what enormous cost that he bore in order to save you, that he bore in order to save you, that he bore in order to save you, then you are still going to find the then you are still going to find the then you are still going to find the temptation accusation is still got an temptation accusation is still got an temptation accusation is still got an awful lot of power over you. And number awful lot of power over you. And number awful lot of power over you. And number three, friends, three, friends, three, friends, if Jesus Christ could not did not think if Jesus Christ could not did not think if Jesus Christ could not did not think he could handle life without knowing the he could handle life without knowing the he could handle life without knowing the scripture, do you think we can?

scripture, do you think we can? scripture, do you think we can? If Jesus Christ didn't think he could If Jesus Christ didn't think he could If Jesus Christ didn't think he could handle life handle life handle life without memorizing and meditating on and without memorizing and meditating on and without memorizing and meditating on and having the scripture just dominate his having the scripture just dominate his having the scripture just dominate his his thought thoughts, his thought thoughts, his thought thoughts, he knew it inside out, it knew him he knew it inside out, it knew him he knew it inside out, it knew him inside out, and if Jesus didn't think he inside out, and if Jesus didn't think he inside out, and if Jesus didn't think he could handle life without it, what makes could handle life without it, what makes could handle life without it, what makes us think we can? How are you doing here? Jesus Christ said, "Heaven and earth may Jesus Christ said, "Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass pass away, but my words will never pass pass away, but my words will never pass away." Let's pray. away." Let's pray. away." Let's pray. Father, thank you for Father, thank you for Father, thank you for helping us. helping us. helping us. Thank you for giving us what we need. Thank you for giving us what we need. Thank you for giving us what we need. You've given us your word, you've given You've given us your word, you've given You've given us your word, you've given us your spirit, you've given us us your spirit, you've given us us your spirit, you've given us everything we need in order to handle everything we need in order to handle everything we need in order to handle the assaults of evil, but we are not the assaults of evil, but we are not the assaults of evil, but we are not using them as we should. We pray then using them as we should. We pray then using them as we should. We pray then you would you would you would help us. help us. help us. Because we Because we Because we it would heal our hearts and it would it would heal our hearts and it would it would heal our hearts and it would glorify you glorify you glorify you and would bring and would bring and would bring um it'd bring honor to your name. So, um it'd bring honor to your name. So, um it'd bring honor to your name. So, please accomplish this in our lives. please accomplish this in our lives. please accomplish this in our lives. For your name's sake, we ask it through For your name's sake, we ask it through For your name's sake, we ask it through Jesus in his name we pray. Amen.

Jesus in his name we pray. Amen. Jesus in his name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for reach of this ministry, so thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to make a your part in it. If you'd like to make a your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to gift today, go to gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because for your generous support because for your generous support because the gospel really does change the gospel really does change the gospel really does change everything.