THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995)

Directed by: Bryan Singer
Written by: Christopher McQuarris
Studio: Gramercy Pictures
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Benecio Del Toro, Gabriel Byrne
Rated: R

About the film:
A suspicious explosion leads police to gather up five known criminals. During the questioning, the five agree to do a job together. Looming over them is the mysterious shadow of a legendary criminal figure known as Keyser Soze.

Movie Quote:
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”
Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) in The Usual Suspects (1995)

Bible Quote:
“Oh that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.”
Job 31:35 (KJV)

Commentary:
Job’s lament is an understandable one. Beset by problems and overwhelming trouble from an unseen and unknown adversary, he cries out for a way to understand why and how these problems are being visited upon him.

Our spiritual adversary is both wise and crafty. He hasn’t written a book and has no plans to reveal himself or his methods. He requires secrecy to accomplish his only goals which, according to John 10:10, are to “steal, kill, and destroy.” He wants this world to be ignorant of him because it makes us easier to deceive and defeat. That’s why the greatest trick he could ever pull is to convince people he doesn’t exist.

His desire for secrecy was thwarted because Jesus Christ came to open our eyes spiritually and show us the unseen spiritual warfare which rages all around us. We need not be ignorant of our spiritual enemy and his devices because even though he hasn’t written a book, our God had one written for us. It contains plenty of information on how to become spiritually aware of the devil and his lies. Not only do we know he exists, thanks to God and His son, Jesus Christ, we know how to beat him.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. It has been said that knowledge is power. Why is this true and how does it apply to our spiritual lives?
2. How can we defend ourselves from an unseen opponent? How do we know if and when we are being deceived by our spiritual enemies?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com