Podcast Summary: Elevation with Steven Furtick – The Devil In 3D

Podcast Information:

• Title: Elevation with Steven Furtick
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: The Devil In 3D
• Release Date: July 25, 2025
• Description: Welcome to the weekly podcast of Elevation Church led by Pastor Steven Furtick. To learn more visit our website at elevationchurch.org or download the Elevation App.

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Devil In 3D," Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into understanding the true nature of the enemy as depicted in Christian theology. Drawing from personal anecdotes, biblical narratives, and contemporary examples, Furtick aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and tools to recognize and resist the devil's influence in their daily lives.

Theme and Scripture

Furtick anchors his message around 1 Peter 5:8-9, setting the tone for the discussion:

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." ([00:XX])

He emphasizes that the devil is not a mere cartoonish figure but a potent force that operates within the human mind, seeking to undermine faith and purpose.

Understanding the Enemy

Furtick explores the metaphor of the devil as a "roaring lion," clarifying that it's not about physical strength but the loud and destructive nature of negative thoughts:

"He's just loud like a lion. The place where he roars is in my mind. That's where he's the loudest in the thoughts I have. So he's looking for someone to devour." ([05:45])

He draws parallels between modern social media "feeds" and the biblical "feeds," illustrating how constant information consumption can lead to mental depletion and vulnerability to negative influences.

The Story of Moses at Meribah

Using the biblical story from Numbers 21, Furtick recounts the incident where the Israelites, led by Moses and Aaron, complained about the lack of water in the wilderness. This narrative serves as a foundation for his discussion on human frailty and the consequences of distrust in divine guidance.

Key Points:

• Moses' Leadership Challenges: Furtick highlights Moses' frustration with the Israelites' constant complaining, likening it to his own experiences as a parent dealing with children's frustrations.

• Divine Instruction vs. Human Impatience: God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Instead, Moses strikes the rock in anger, momentarily solving the problem but ultimately disappointing God. This act symbolizes a lack of faith and reliance on self rather than divine intervention.

Notable Quote:

"When you've run out of answers. That's when God's glory shows up. When you admit God. I'm powerless to do this on my own. I need you, God." ([15:20])

Personal Reflections and Lessons

Furtick intertwines his personal struggles with anger and frustration, drawing parallels to Moses' experience. He openly shares moments where he felt overwhelmed and resorted to behavior he later regretted, emphasizing the universality of such struggles.

• Anger as a Sign of Internal Struggle: By recounting instances of losing control and projecting anger onto others, Furtick illustrates how unresolved internal conflicts can manifest externally, mirroring Moses' moment of weakness.

• The Importance of Trusting God: He stresses that true strength lies in trusting God rather than relying solely on personal capabilities or tools (symbolized by Moses' staff).

The Three Ds: Deficit, Disappointment, Dependence

Furtick introduces the concept of the "Three Ds" to encapsulate common human struggles that the devil exploits:

1. Deficit:

   • Information Overload vs. Wisdom: In today's world, there's an abundance of information but a scarcity of true understanding and empathy.
   • Surplus of Opinions vs. Deficit of Empathy: Furtick points out that having more opinions doesn't equate to deeper understanding or compassion for others.

   Notable Quote:

   "We have a surplus of information and a deficit of wisdom. If we don't have insight into information, we will get caught up in highlights and headlines." ([30:10])

2. Disappointment:

   • Unmet Expectations: When reality doesn't align with expectations, frustration and disappointment ensue, leading to blame and conflict.
   • Impact on Relationships: Disappointment can strain relationships, causing individuals to lash out or withdraw, as Furtick describes through personal and biblical examples.

   Notable Quote:

   "When you are facing a deficit in your own life, you start looking for someone to blame." ([45:35])

3. Dependence:

   • Relying on Self vs. Trusting God: Dependence on personal strength or external tools (like Moses' staff) can hinder spiritual growth and reliance on divine providence.
   • Overcoming Dependence: Furtick encourages listeners to shift their dependence from self to God, emphasizing that true fulfillment and victory come from divine support.

   Notable Quote:

   "God said, I'm not looking for you to be what I need you to be. I'm looking for you to trust in what I already am." ([55:50])

Conclusion and Call to Trust

Furtick wraps up his message by reinforcing the importance of recognizing the devil's tactics and choosing to trust in God wholeheartedly. He urges listeners to shift their focus from managing their own expectations and frustrations to relying on God's promises and guidance.

Final Encouragement:

"He is my stable place. He is my solid ground. On Christ, the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." ([1:10:25])

Furtick invites listeners to embrace a life of trust, letting go of the need to control every aspect and allowing God to lead them into their promised destinies.

Key Takeaways

• Recognize the True Nature of the Enemy: Understanding that the devil operates within our minds can help in identifying and resisting negative influences.

• Trust Over Control: Like Moses, relying solely on personal tools and strength can lead to spiritual setbacks. Trusting in God ensures sustainable growth and fulfillment.

• Address the Three Ds: Being aware of deficits in wisdom, disappointment from unmet expectations, and dependence on self can help in overcoming the devil's strategies.

• Embrace Divine Guidance: By leaning into divine support rather than personal capabilities, individuals can navigate life's challenges more effectively and align with their true purpose.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "He's just loud like a lion. The place where he roars is in my mind. That's where he's the loudest in the thoughts I have. So he's looking for someone to devour." — Steven Furtick [05:45]

• "We have a surplus of information and a deficit of wisdom. If we don't have insight into information, we will get caught up in highlights and headlines." — Steven Furtick [30:10]

• "When you are facing a deficit in your own life, you start looking for someone to blame." — Steven Furtick [45:35]

• "God said, I'm not looking for you to be what I need you to be. I'm looking for you to trust in what I already am." — Steven Furtick [55:50]

• "He is my stable place. He is my solid ground. On Christ, the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." — Steven Furtick [1:10:25]

Final Thoughts

In "The Devil In 3D," Steven Furtick effectively combines biblical teachings with personal insights to offer a compelling message about the challenges of faith and the importance of trusting in God's plan. By addressing common human struggles and providing actionable takeaways, Furtick empowers his listeners to overcome negativity and embrace a life anchored in divine trust.