On August 31, 2025, during a vibrant combined English–Spanish service, Cole Tuck delivered a compelling sermon titled “Your Greatest Enemy,” with Charlie Rodriguez providing seamless Spanish translation. The sermon explored the profound idea that our greatest enemy is not external forces, such as bullies, adversaries, or circumstances, but rather ourselves—our own desires and tendencies toward sin. Drawing from biblical passages such as James 1:13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and Genesis 4:6-7, Cole emphasized that temptation arises from within, and we often deflect blame rather than taking responsibility.
He illustrated this with relatable anecdotes, including a humorous story about misunderstanding Spanish in Mexico and a poignant tale of an elderly woman mistaking her own hand for that of an intruder. He underscored that while we cannot eliminate sin, God does not expect perfection but calls us to persist in the fight against our sinful nature, relying on Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for salvation. The sermon concluded with a call to confess sins, trust in God’s grace, and keep fighting the internal battle, likening Christians to soldiers at the Alamo who fight valiantly despite inevitable challenges, knowing Jesus is the ultimate victor.
Talking Points
- The Internal Enemy: The greatest enemy we face is ourselves—our own desires and sinful tendencies, not external forces like people or circumstances.
- Biblical Foundation: Scriptures like James 1:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 teach that temptation stems from personal desires, but God provides strength and a way to resist.
- Blame and Responsibility: Referencing Adam and Eve in Genesis, Tuck highlighted humanity’s tendency to blame others for sin instead of owning up to personal failings.
- Persistent Struggle: Sin is ever-present, as noted in Genesis 4:6-7 and Romans 7:21-24, but Christians are called to keep fighting against it, even if they cannot fully defeat it.
- God’s Grace and Jesus’ Victory: God does not demand perfection but faithfulness. Jesus’ perfect life and sacrifice (1 John 1:5-9) provide forgiveness and hope, enabling believers to persevere.
- Practical Application: Christians must daily deny themselves, confess their sins, and rely on God’s strength to continue the battle against their internal enemy.