========================================================================
  DETERMINING TO FOLLOW THE LORD
  by A.W. Tozer
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of moral determination in
following the Lord, using examples from the Bible to illustrate the
power of a determined will.

Topics: "Commitment to God", "Determination"
Scripture References: Genesis 28:20

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true religion is rooted in the will, not in
feelings, and that our spiritual direction is determined by our choices.
He illustrates this with examples from the Bible, such as Jacob's vow,
Daniel's purpose, and Jesus' resolute journey to the cross, highlighting
that moral determination is essential in serving the Lord. Tozer argues
that many biblical figures achieved spiritual greatness through a
steadfast commitment to God's will, despite facing challenges and
opposition. He encourages believers to set their sails with purpose and
determination, rather than being swayed by external circumstances.
Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deliberate choice to follow God
wholeheartedly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

That religion lies in the will is an axiom of theology. Not how we feel
but what we will determines our spiritual direction. An old poem states
it for us: "One ship drives east and another drives west with the
selfsame winds that blow; tis the set of the sails and not the gales
which tells us the way to go" (Ella Wheeler Wilcox}. Though we do not
hear much of it in this age of spineless religion, there is nevertheless
much in the Bible about the place of moral determination in the service
of the Lord.

Jacob vowed a vow, and it was the beginning of a very wonderful life
with God. The following years brought a great many vicissitudes, and
Jacob did not always acquit himself like a true man of God, but his
early determination kept him on course, and he came through victorious
at last. Daniel purposed in his heart, and God honored his purpose.
Jesus set His face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross.
Paul determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and
him crucified,? and in that determined spirit ignored the learned
philosophers, preached a gospel that was accounted foolishness and
earned himself a reputation for ignorance, though he was easily the
greatest brain of his generation.

These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have
left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly set to
do the will of God. They did not try to float to heaven on a perfumed
cloud, but cheerfully accepted the fact that with purpose of heart they
must cleave unto the Lord.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/determining-to-follow-the-lord/
========================================================================