Podcast Summary: The Courage to Stand

Podcast: Ultimately with R.C. Sproul
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: December 31, 2025

Overview

This episode centers on the challenge facing Christians—and especially Christian leaders—in faithfully standing for biblical truth amid pressure to conform to secular culture. R.C. Sproul shares personal reflections and anecdotes addressing the temptation to seek acceptance from the world at the cost of core Christian convictions. Ultimately, the message is a passionate call to courage and steadfastness, emphasizing that true strength is found not in worldly approval but in God’s power.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Threat of Cultural Acceptance

• Main Idea:
  R.C. Sproul opens with the assertion that the greatest threat to the church today is the overwhelming desire among Christians to be accepted by secular culture.
  • "We want to be accepted. Nobody wants to be considered a fool. Nobody wants to be deemed stupid." (00:04)
• Impact on Academia:
  Sproul reflects on his personal experiences within the academic world, noting a particular weakness among Christian professors:
  • Many become intimidated by the world out of fear that they will be seen as "less than academically acceptable" if they uphold biblical truths like the inspiration of scripture or the exclusivity of Christ. (00:25)
• Common Result:
  The consequence is often a lack of courage or “wimping out,” with Christians compromising to avoid appearing weak or foolish.

True Strength in Weakness

• Paul’s Perspective:
  Sproul turns to the Apostle Paul, countering the perception of weakness with the biblical understanding that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness:
  • "Paul said, I’m with you in your weakness, and the strength of God is greater than weakness." (01:00)
• Personal Anecdote:
  He shares a poignant story about a close friend who is dying, relating how this man is facing death with faith, triumph, and joy—a model of true spiritual strength. (01:11)

The “Wimps” in Evangelicalism: A Challenge

• Conversation with James Boice:
  Sproul recalls a conversation with the late James Boice, a fellow evangelical leader, who lamented the lack of courage in the church:
  • “He looked at me and he shook his head and he said, ‘RC, we’re surrounded by wimps.’” (01:37)
• Personal Prayer:
  This statement left a deep mark on Sproul, leading to a repeated personal prayer:
  • “Oh God, don’t let me be a wimp. Don’t let me be a coward who runs when the world is hostile.” (01:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the danger of seeking approval:
  • "We want to be accepted. Nobody wants to be considered a fool. Nobody wants to be deemed stupid." – R.C. Sproul (00:04)
• On academic intimidation:
  • "The greatest moral weakness of Christian professors is their intimidation by the world for fear that they will be thought of as being less than academically acceptable if they hold such positions as the inspiration of the Bible or the exclusiveness of Christ..." – R.C. Sproul (00:25)
• Paul’s message on strength and weakness:
  • "Paul said, I’m with you in your weakness, and the strength of God is greater than weakness." – R.C. Sproul (01:00)
• James Boice’s lament:
  • "RC, we’re surrounded by wimps." – as recounted by R.C. Sproul (01:37)
• Sproul’s personal resolution:
  • "Oh God, don’t let me be a wimp... Don’t let me be a coward who runs when the world is hostile." – R.C. Sproul (01:49)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – 00:25: Opening thoughts on the danger of seeking cultural acceptance and its impact on the church
• 00:25 – 01:11: The pressure faced by Christian academics and the temptation to compromise
• 01:11 – 01:37: Personal story about a dying friend’s courageous faith
• 01:37 – 01:49: Conversation with James Boice and the call for courage
• 01:49 – 02:24: Sproul’s closing prayerful resolve against cowardice

Episode Takeaways

• The pursuit of acceptance from secular culture can undermine Christian conviction.
• True strength is found in relying on God amid our weakness, not in compromising for approval.
• A courageous stand for gospel truth—especially in an age rife with compromise—requires prayerful resolve and reliance on God’s grace.
• The episode ends as a heartfelt, urgent exhortation for Christians to stand firm and ask God for the courage to face opposition boldly.

This episode is a clarion call to hold fast to what matters most: faithfulness to Christ and the truth of Scripture, regardless of the cost.