'Born of God!'
The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord and having an inward revelation that tells us we are born of God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound transformation that occurs when one is 'born of God,' highlighting the inner illumination and revelation that confirms our identity as children of God. He reflects on Charles Wesley's hymn, illustrating that true Christianity is not about convenience but about recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. Tozer asserts that genuine faith leads to a willingness to do God's will, even at great personal cost, and that this revelation is accessible to all who earnestly seek it.
Text
I think most of us remember with assurance the words of the Charles Wesley hymn which was his own personal testimony: His Spirit answers to the blood, And tells me I am born of God! Wesley testified here and in many other hymns to an inner illumination! When I became a Christian, no one had to come to me and tell me what Wesley meant. That is why Jesus taught that whosoever is willing to do His will shall have a revelation in his own heart. He shall have an inward revelation that tells him he is a child of God. Too many persons try to make Jesus Christ a convenience. They reduce Him simply to a Big Friend who will help us when we are in trouble. That is not biblical Christianity!
Jesus Christ is Lord, and when an individual comes in repentance and faith, the truth flashes in.
For the first time he finds himself saying, "I will do the will of the Lord, even if I die for it!"
Sermon Outline
- The Assurance of Being Born of God points: - Jesus Christ is the source of this assurance - Through an inward revelation, we know we are children of God
- The Problem of Reducing Jesus Christ points: - Making Jesus a convenience is not biblical Christianity - Jesus Christ is Lord, not just a friend
- The Result of Repentance and Faith points: - The truth flashes in and we know we are born of God - We are willing to do the will of the Lord, even if it costs us
Key Quotes
“His Spirit answers to the blood, And tells me I am born of God!” — A.W. Tozer
“Too many persons try to make Jesus Christ a convenience.” — A.W. Tozer
“Jesus Christ is Lord, and when an individual comes in repentance and faith, the truth flashes in.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and not just a friend who helps us in trouble.
- Be willing to do the will of the Lord, even if it costs us.
- Apply the message of this sermon to your life by having an inward revelation that tells you you are born of God.