Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and best-selling author Dr. Paul David Tripp

connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

In some way this week, you were probably provoked to anger.

What was it that provoked you?

In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul is provoked, not by selfish circumstances, but because the city of Athens was full of idols.

Are you provoked by the idolatry of your culture?

In today's episode, we'll hear a sermon from Paul Tripp as we finish his series, Loving Your City.

And in this final message, he argues that true ministry begins with the provoked hearts of the people of God.

Now, here's Paul with the sermon, the blessings of being provoked.

Well, somehow, some way, with someone or in some circumstance, it happened to you this week.

You were provoked.

Maybe it happened to you many times this week.

You were provoked.

I would just invite you this evening just to think back on your week.

What were the things that provoked you?

What were the things that had the power to change your emotional temperature?

To cause you to be angry.

That drew out of you emotion and some kind of response.

Maybe it was being confronted as a parent that, in fact, your children are less than perfect.

Maybe it was faced with the fact that your husband or wife still has sin inside of them.

Maybe it was somebody who bumped in front of you in the line at the grocery store and you just couldn't believe their audacity.

Maybe it was that the cable guy didn't show up when he said he was going to show up.

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