This podcast episode explores the concept of "practical atheism," as discussed in Steven Charnock's "The Existence and Attributes of God." It examines how individuals might intellectually believe in God, yet live as if He doesn't exist, resisting His authority in everyday life. The conversation delves into how people can manipulate scripture to fit their desires, twisting God's attributes, such as patience, to justify sin. It also considers whether God's patience is always a sign of love or if it can mask His anger at rebellion.

The episode highlights how our resistance to God stems from our discomfort with His holiness, righteousness, and truth, which expose our shortcomings. Instead, people tend to gravitate towards things that feed their pride and self-interest, resisting the self-denial that God's will requires. The discussion moves to how people give God half-hearted service, offering Him the leftovers of their time and energy. Additionally, it's noted that people often abandon God when their expectations aren't met, serving Him with a "what's in it for me" attitude. This leads to a consideration of how individuals seek validation from unreliable sources and ultimately try to make themselves the rule of God.

The podcast outlines nine specific ways practical atheism manifests, such as resisting God's law, disapproving of His ways, being impatient with His timing, envying others, and offering self-serving prayers. It also discusses how individuals interpret God's judgments through their own biases, add their own rules to worship, twist scripture, and abandon God when His will clashes with their own. The episode emphasizes that this practical atheism leads to frustration and separation from God, but also offers hope through repentance and embracing the gospel. The discussion encourages listeners to pursue Christlikeness by cultivating habits such as daily prayer and scripture reading and seeking community with other believers. The episode concludes with the message that through Christ, people can break free from sin and experience true freedom and joy.