A Prayer of Concern
The speaker prays to avoid becoming complacent and losing the ability to hear God's voice, despite being exposed to Bible truths.
A.W. Tozer expresses his deep concern as a pastor for those who fail to hear God's voice despite repeated exposure to biblical truths. He reflects on the danger of spiritual complacency, drawing parallels to the Jews of Jesus' time who, despite their heritage, rejected the Messiah. Tozer implores God for a responsive heart among believers, emphasizing the need for genuine listening and openness to God's guidance. He warns against the presumption that can lead to spiritual blindness and urges a return to humility and receptiveness to God's Word.
Text
Gracious Father in heaven, I am a pastor in the flock of God and I confess that I am a troubled man. It is too late in my ministry for me to be engaged week after week with men and women who do not hear Thy pleading voice. O Lord, we often wonder if Thou wilt be forced to turn from those who have heard all of the Bible truths over and over again, in order to find willing and responsive listeners elsewhere? We recognize that Thou hast given us plain warnings in Thy Word. We remember all too well that the Jews of Jesus' day held stubbornly to their attitudes of presumption: "We are Abraham's descendents.
We know who we are.
If God is going to bless anyone, He is going to bless us." Yet at that very time those same self-serving men were planning to kill their promised Messiah, the eternal Son whom Thou hadst sent in the fullness of time. We pray earnestly, 0 God, that we may not be found among those with hardened hearts, no longer able to hear Thy voice.
Sermon Outline
- The Troubled Pastor's Prayer
- Recognizing the Warning Signs
- The Dangers of Presumption
- The Consequences of a Hardened Heart
Key Quotes
“We often wonder if Thou wilt be forced to turn from those who have heard all of the Bible truths over and over again, in order to find willing and responsive listeners elsewhere?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must remain vigilant and not become complacent in our faith, lest we lose the ability to hear God's voice.
- Regularly examine our hearts to ensure we are not holding onto attitudes of presumption.
- Make a conscious effort to stay responsive to God's voice, even when faced with challenging truths.