Outline

Author David Powlison helps to prepare our hearts for today’s message. He writes, “That most basic question which God poses to each human heart is: ‘Has something or someone besides Jesus the Christ taken title to your heart’s functional trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear, and delight? To whom or what do you look for life-sustaining stability, security, and acceptance?...What do you really want and expect [out of life]? What would [really] make you happy? What would make you an acceptable person? Where do you look for power and success?’ These questions or similar ones tease out whether we serve God or idols, whether we look for salvation from Christ or from false saviors.”