(Audio Book) Alone With God
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital necessity of withdrawing into quiet solitude with God to be spiritually recharged and truly effective in ministry and life.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of solitude and quietness in the presence of God to be spiritually prepared for serving others. It highlights how Jesus withdrew to a mountainside with his disciples before performing miracles, showcasing the need for alone time with God. The message underscores the significance of being charged with God's Spirit through silence and meditation before engaging in religious activities, enabling one to be truly prepared by God for service.
Full Transcript
And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. John 6-3 just prior to this miraculous multiplying of the bread and fish, Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples 6-3. That fact is noteworthy.
It seems plain that Jesus withdrew purposely from the great press of people who had been pursuing him. There are some things that you and I will never learn when others are present. I believe in church and I love the fellowship of the assembly.
There is much we can learn when we come together on Sundays and sit among the saints. But there are certain things that you and I will never learn in the presence of other people. Unquestionably, part of our failure today is religious activity that is not preceded by aloneness, by inactivity.
I mean getting alone with God and waiting in silence and quietness until we are charged with God's Spirit. Then, when we act, our activity really amounts to something because we have been prepared by God for it. Now, in the case of our Lord, the people came to him, John reports, and he was ready for them.
He had been quiet and silent. He had sat alone with his disciples and meditated. Looking upward, he waited until the whole hiatus of divine life moved down from the throne of God into his own soul.
He was a violin tuned. He was a battery recharged. He was poised and prepared for the people when they came.
Faith beyond reason, 130,133. Lord, I'll spend a lot of time in the company of people today, but just now I come in quietness and silence to wait for you to fill me. Amen.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Example of Jesus
- Jesus withdrew to the mountain to be alone
- He sat quietly with his disciples before ministry
- His solitude prepared Him for the crowds
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II. The Necessity of Aloneness
- Certain spiritual lessons require solitude
- Religious activity without prior quietness is ineffective
- Waiting silently for God's Spirit is essential
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III. Being Recharged for Service
- Jesus was like a tuned violin and recharged battery
- Solitude leads to divine life flowing into the soul
- Preparedness enables effective ministry to others
Key Quotes
“There are some things that you and I will never learn when others are present.” — A.W. Tozer
“Unquestionably, part of our failure today is religious activity that is not preceded by aloneness, by inactivity.” — A.W. Tozer
“He was a violin tuned. He was a battery recharged. He was poised and prepared for the people when they came.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Set aside regular times of quiet solitude to seek God’s presence and renewal.
- Avoid rushing into ministry or religious activity without first being spiritually prepared.
- Emulate Jesus by balancing fellowship with intentional times of waiting on God alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tozer emphasize solitude with God?
Because true spiritual preparation and renewal happen in quietness away from distractions, enabling effective ministry.
Is fellowship unimportant according to the sermon?
No, fellowship is valuable, but some spiritual insights and preparation require solitude.
What does it mean to be 'charged with God's Spirit'?
It means being spiritually renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit for service and ministry.
How does Jesus serve as a model in this sermon?
Jesus exemplifies withdrawing to solitude to meditate and prepare before engaging with people.