Blame Someone Else
The sermon 'Blame Someone Else' by A.W. Tozer highlights the tendency to blame others for our mistakes and the consequences of this behavior, encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their actions.
A.W. Tozer addresses the tendency of humanity to shift blame for personal failures, tracing this behavior back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He highlights how Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent, illustrating the human inclination to avoid personal responsibility for sin. Tozer emphasizes that this blame-shifting is a significant sign of sin's presence in our lives, as we often point fingers at others instead of acknowledging our own shortcomings. He calls for self-reflection and accountability, urging individuals to confront their own guilt rather than deflecting it onto others. Ultimately, Tozer's message is a reminder that true growth and healing come from accepting responsibility for our actions.
Text
In the earliest day of failure and tragedy in the garden of Eden, Adam came out of hiding, knowing full well his own guilt and shame. Adam confessed: "We ate from the fruit of the tree that was forbidden-but it was the woman who enticed me!" When God said to Eve, "What did you do?" she said: "It was the serpent that beguiled me!" In that brief time our first parents had learned the art of laying the blame on someone else. That is one of the great, betraying evidences of sin-and we have learned it straight from our first parents. We do not accept the guilt of our sin and iniquity. We blame someone else. If you are not the man you ought to be, you are likely to blame your wife or your ancestors.
If you are not the young person you ought to be, you can always blame your parents.
If you are not the wife you ought to be, you may blame your husband or perhaps the children. Sin being what it is, we would rather lay the blame on others. We blame, blame, blame! That is why we are where we are.
Sermon Outline
- The Art of Blame
- The Consequences of Blame
- The Root of Blame
- Sin and its tendency to blame
- The cycle of blame and its effects
Key Quotes
“We do not accept the guilt of our sin and iniquity. We blame someone else.” — A.W. Tozer
“That is why we are where we are.” — A.W. Tozer
“Sin being what it is, we would rather lay the blame on others.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the tendency to blame others for your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions.
- Acknowledge your guilt and take ownership of your mistakes.
- Make amends when possible and work towards personal growth and improvement.