Podcast Summary: Ultimately with R.C. Sproul – "Wait for God"

Host: Ligonier Ministries (featuring teachings of R.C. Sproul)
Episode Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief episode delves into the challenge and necessity of waiting for God—living not merely with intellectual assent to God's existence but with active trust in His promises. Drawing from a legacy of biblical reflection, the teaching focuses on the tension between human impatience and the steadfastness of true faith. Ultimately, listeners are called to embrace a faith that seeks fulfillment in God’s timing rather than immediate gratification.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Distinction Between "Believing In" and "Believing" God

• R.C. Sproul begins by acknowledging the struggle Christians often experience: "Do you ever find it difficult to wait for God to live your life on the basis of trusting his promises?" (00:00)

• Sproul stresses the importance of moving beyond mere belief in God’s existence. He argues that authentic Christian faith is found in believing God—taking action based on God’s promises.

  "It is all the difference in the world between believing in God and believing God." (00:10)

The Test of Faith: Trust Versus Immediate Satisfaction

• The heart of the episode revolves around the tension between the immediacy of worldly desires and the patience required by faith.

  "Where the crunch comes in our life is where we seek our own happiness and our own satisfaction, right here, right now, in ways that deny our trust in God's way." (00:32)

• Sproul addresses the human inclination to demand fulfillment and happiness on our own terms, rather than awaiting God’s provision and timing.

The Biblical Mandate to Wait

• Drawing from scripture, Sproul reinforces the call to patience:

  "The Word of God says, though it tarries, wait for it. That's what men and women of faith do." (01:14)

• This is presented as a defining mark of genuine Christian trust—choosing to trust God’s promises even when fulfillment seems delayed.

Closing Reflection

• Sproul concludes by inviting listeners to embrace a life marked by obedient waiting, tying the message back to the broader mission of the podcast: deepening knowledge of God and prioritizing ultimate realities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of true faith:

  "True faith, the Christian faith is not about believing that God exists, but it has to do with believing God, living your life on the basis of trusting in the promises that he has made." (00:16)

• On impatience and human desire:

  "I want it now. I want it here. I just can't wait for it." (00:52)

• Biblical encouragement:

  "The Word of God says, though it tarries, wait for it. That's what men and women of faith do." (01:14)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & the difficulty of waiting for God’s timing
• 00:10 – The vital difference between “believing in God” and “believing God”
• 00:32 – The struggle between immediate satisfaction and patient trust
• 01:14 – Scriptural charge: “Though it tarries, wait for it”
• 01:20 – Conclusion and encouragement for listeners

Tone & Style

R.C. Sproul’s teaching is gentle yet challenging, combining deep theological reflection with practical pastoral advice. The episode is concise, direct, and profoundly rooted in scripture, inviting the listener to pause, reflect, and renew trust in God’s promises—whatever the wait may require.

For those seeking a grounding word on faith, patience, and hope, this episode delivers a succinct and powerful reminder: God’s promises are worth the wait.