This episode spells out the consequences of "fooldom," where one prefers "foolish speculations" over the knowledge of God. Declaring in their hearts that "there is no God"(Psalm 14:1), the fool suppresses the available knowledge of God, speaking through creation and conscience. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, fools fill the void with futile speculations, ultimately aiming to "exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man." (Romans 1:23) Self-serving idolatry then is the objective behind the rationalizations and actions of fools, who in varying degrees, resist the knowledge of God in pursuit of their own ends and glory. A common theme of future broadcasts is that "fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) The underlying idolatry of the above "great exchange" anticipates hostile reactions to any who might correct the fool.
The Roaring Lion Is a Paper Tiger
This episode addresses the final weapon of the enemy to derail the work of God through Nehemiah by way of a false prophet. The "prophet" uttered words designed to so frighten Nehemiah that he would take matters into his own hands and "sin accordingly." When the enemy fails to frustrate ministry using diversions and slander, he sometimes employs carnal believers to provoke us to "protect" the work of God with our own efforts, based on fear. Believers, like Nehemiah, should reject the enemy's devices that inspire fear, even when coming through trusted believers. The recipe is again the same for all the schemes of the devil: regular intimate time with the Father who alone delivers us out of all our fears.
Can You Handle the Truth?
This episode begins the application of putting on the belt of truth in the context of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-18). It begins with the challenges of being led by the Spirit when confronting someone else with the truth, noting the necessity of relying on God's power and wisdom. Most can't handle the truth, so minimally believers need to wait on God's power and direction in confrontation. That most people resist the truth highlights the initial universal rejection of truth, according to Romans 1:18. Yet, in the case of believers, the Holy Spirit overcomes this resistance. The episode elaborates on the convictions of John 16:8-11 and explains how the Holy Spirit reverses the Great Exchange, where all of us exchange the truth of God for a lie.