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  PRACTICING THE TRUTH
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for Christians to align
their actions with biblical truth despite the challenges involved.

Topics: "Commitment to Christ", "Truth in Action"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:21, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 3:17, James 1:22, 1 John 2:4, Revelation 3:1

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the disconnect between Christians' emotional
appreciation for truth and their reluctance to apply it in practice. He
critiques the church for tolerating unscriptural practices and
highlights the need for a genuine commitment to Christ that aligns both
emotions and actions. Tozer questions whether many believers have truly
experienced inward renewal, as they often prefer the comfort of feeling
right over the challenge of living right. He warns that merely having a
reputation of being alive, as noted in Revelation 3:1, can mask a deeper
spiritual deadness.

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CONTENT
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Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful truth, only to draw
back from that same truth when it comes to the difficult job of putting
it into practice! Actually, the average church simply does not dare to
check its practices against biblical precepts. It tolerates things that
are diametrically opposed to the will of God, and if the matter is
pointed out to its leaders, they will defend its unscriptural practices
with a casuistry equal to the verbal dodgings of the Roman moralists.
Can it be that there is no vital connection between the emotional and
the volitional departments of life?

Since Christ makes His appeal directly to the will, are we justified in
wondering whether or not these divided souls have ever made a true
commitment to the Lord?

Or whether they have been inwardly renewed? It does appear that too many
Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but not willing to
endure the inconvenience of being right! Jesus Himself left a warning:
"Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead" (Revelation 3:lb).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/practicing-the-truth/
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