Be Careful of What You Think
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of our thoughts and actions in shaping our spiritual lives and relationships with others.
Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'perfect' (teleioo) in the Bible, emphasizing the idea of accomplishing the intended goal, being complete, mature, and fully developed. In Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is described as the 'author and perfecter of faith,' signifying His role in reaching the goal of salvation through His suffering. The word group related to 'perfect' highlights the concept of wholeness, completeness, and maturity, both in a physical and spiritual sense, ultimately pointing to the goal fixed by God for believers.
Text
Ask yourself another question: "Am I using my money wisely? Am I using my money to bless people? Am I using my money to help find the lost sheep? Am I using my money to help feed the hungry children?" Here is yet anogther question: "Do I gossip about people? Have I been a troublemaker?" Some people are disease carriers who are not sick themselves. They carry some disease, but they are not ill--just carriers. There are some Christians who are carriers. They can say "amen" with the best can can sing "Nearer My God to Thee" with the loudest, but they are not around very long until suspicions begin to enter the minds of Christians. They are troublemakers and trouble carriers.
Then, "Have I judged other Christians?
Your present frozen condition may be a judgment of God, for as you judge others so you will be judged by God. Your present frozen condition may be that you have judged somebody else to be frozen, and the Lord allowed the thing to turn around on you." Am I heavenly minded or earthy minded? Where do my thoughts tend to stray when they are free to stray where they will? What do I brood over? Are my thoughts pure and charitable?" If you can find out what you brood over, you will know what kind of a Christian you are and what kind of a heart you have. We always brood over things that we love, or that we hate if we are holding a grudge against somebody.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of self-examination - Questions to consider about our actions - The impact of our thoughts on our spiritual condition
- II points: - The role of money in our lives - Using resources to bless others - Financial stewardship and its spiritual implications
- III points: - The dangers of gossip and judgment - Identifying troublemakers within the church - The consequences of our words and actions
- IV points: - Heavenly vs. earthly mindedness - The nature of our thoughts and their reflection on our character - Brooding over love and grudges
Key Quotes
“Your present frozen condition may be a judgment of God, for as you judge others so you will be judged by God.” — A.W. Tozer
“If you can find out what you brood over, you will know what kind of a Christian you are.” — A.W. Tozer
“There are some Christians who are carriers.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Regularly assess how you use your resources to ensure they align with God's purposes.
- Be mindful of your words and avoid gossip to foster unity within the church.
- Focus your thoughts on what is pure and charitable to cultivate a healthy spiritual life.