Be Widely Read
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of Christian leaders being widely read and humbly authoritative in their specialty, while also prioritizing relationships with God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being widely read for Christians, particularly ministers, to effectively teach and guide their congregations. He warns against the dangers of ignorance coupled with arrogance, which can lead to ineffective ministry and spiritual harm to the listeners. Tozer advocates for humility and a commitment to learning, recognizing that a deep relationship with God is paramount. He acknowledges the challenge of keeping up with diverse knowledge but seeks to be well-read and authoritative in his understanding of God. The sermon calls for diligence in studying the Word and being prepared to share it wisely.
Text
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. --2 Timothy 2:15
All else being equal it is desirable that Christians, especially ministers of the gospel, should be widely read. It is a disagreeable experience to present oneself before a teacher for religious instruction and discover in less than three minutes that the said teacher should have changed places with his listeners and learned from them rather than they from him. If he is a humble man and sticks close to the small plot of ground with which he is familiar, he may, if he loves God and men, succeed in ministering to the spiritual needs of his flock. If, however, his ignorance is exceeded by his arrogance, then God help his hearers. If he boasts of his ignorance and scorns learning, show me the nearest exit! I can learn more from a child laughing on the lawn or a cloud passing overhead. The Size of the Soul, 28-29.
"Lord, I'll never be able to keep up in knowledge of every field from which my hearers come. But as someone once wrote, 'I'm trying to be a specialist in relationships with God.'* Help me at least to be well read and humbly authoritative in my speciality! Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Being Widely Read
- The Benefits of Being Widely Read
- A Humble Approach to Learning
- Recognizing the Limits of One's Knowledge
- Seeking to Be a Specialist in Relationships with God
Key Quotes
“If he boasts of his ignorance and scorns learning, show me the nearest exit!” — A.W. Tozer
“I'm trying to be a specialist in relationships with God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Christian leaders should strive to be well-read and knowledgeable in their area of expertise.
- Humility is essential for effective Christian leadership, recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and seeking to learn from others.
- Prioritizing relationships with God is crucial for Christian leaders, as it enables them to effectively minister to their flock.