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  BE WIDELY READ
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of Christian leaders being
widely read and humbly authoritative in their specialty, while also
prioritizing relationships with God.

Topics: "Humility in Ministry", "Knowledge"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 18:15, Ecclesiastes 12:12, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:5, 1 Peter 3:15

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being widely read for
Christians, particularly ministers, to effectively teach and guide their
congregations. He warns against the dangers of ignorance coupled with
arrogance, which can lead to ineffective ministry and spiritual harm to
the listeners. Tozer advocates for humility and a commitment to
learning, recognizing that a deep relationship with God is paramount. He
acknowledges the challenge of keeping up with diverse knowledge but
seeks to be well-read and authoritative in his understanding of God. The
sermon calls for diligence in studying the Word and being prepared to
share it wisely.

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CONTENT
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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not
need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. --2 Timothy 2:15

All else being equal it is desirable that Christians, especially
ministers of the gospel, should be widely read. It is a disagreeable
experience to present oneself before a teacher for religious instruction
and discover in less than three minutes that the said teacher should
have changed places with his listeners and learned from them rather than
they from him. If he is a humble man and sticks close to the small plot
of ground with which he is familiar, he may, if he loves God and men,
succeed in ministering to the spiritual needs of his flock. If, however,
his ignorance is exceeded by his arrogance, then God help his hearers.
If he boasts of his ignorance and scorns learning, show me the nearest
exit! I can learn more from a child laughing on the lawn or a cloud
passing overhead. The Size of the Soul, 28-29.

"Lord, I'll never be able to keep up in knowledge of every field from
which my hearers come. But as someone once wrote, 'I'm trying to be a
specialist in relationships with God.'* Help me at least to be well read
and humbly authoritative in my speciality! Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/be-widely-read/
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