A.W. Tozer warns against the danger of being mired down in a spiritual rut, and encourages Christians to strive for more than a half-way Christian life.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of engaging with the Word of God through reading, studying, and obeying it, as this is how God communicates with us. He warns that many Christians remain stagnant in their spiritual growth, failing to progress in their relationship with God since their conversion. Tozer challenges the notion of a 'common' Christian life, urging believers to seek a deeper connection with God rather than settling for mediocrity. He highlights the tragedy of Christians who do not realize the fullness of life that Christ offers, encouraging them to strive for more in their faith journey.
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God will speak to us if we read and study and obey the Word of God! But when He does speak, we should speak back to Him in prayer and devotion. Otherwise, we are among the Christians who are mired down right where we are. Many in our congregations have grown older and yet are not one inch farther up the mountain than on that day when the sun first arose on them in conversion. In fact, some are not even as far advanced along the way with God as they were a few years ago. If these things are true, I can only conclude that there are "common" Christians, men and women who no longer hear the Lord speaking to them as they should. Can they really think that this half-way Christian life is the best that we can know?
In the face of what Christ offers us, how can we settle for so little?
It is a tragedy of our time that so many are settling for less than the Lord is willing to give!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Hearing God's Voice
- The Problem of Being Mired Down
- The Consequences of Settling for Less
- A half-way Christian life is not the best
- We should strive for more than what Christ offers
Key Quotes
“God will speak to us if we read and study and obey the Word of God!” — A.W. Tozer
“It is a tragedy of our time that so many are settling for less than the Lord is willing to give!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to read, study, and obey God's Word to hear His voice more clearly.
- Be intentional about growing spiritually and advancing in your walk with God.
- Don't settle for a half-way Christian life, but strive for more than what Christ offers.
