Bowing to the Givers
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and not in uncertain riches, and warns against prioritizing human approval over pleasing God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of relying on God rather than on the wealth of individuals within the church. He warns against the temptation to cater to wealthy givers, asserting that true prosperity comes from God and not from human patronage. Tozer encourages ministers to prioritize the spiritual health of the church over financial concerns, reminding them that God's provision is sufficient for all needs. He concludes with a prayer of gratitude for God's generosity and faithfulness to both individuals and the church.
Text
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. --1 Timothy 6:17
Remember, my giving will be rewarded not by how much I gave but by how much I had left. Ministers are sometimes tempted to shy away from such doctrine as this lest they offend the important givers in their congregation. But it is better to offend men than to grieve the blessed Spirit of God which dwells in the church. No man ever yet killed a true church by withdrawing his gifts from it because of a personal pique. The Church of the Firstborn is not dependent upon the patronage of men. No man has ever been able really to harm a church by boycotting it financially. The moment we admit that we fear the displeasure of the carnal givers in our congregations we admit also that our congregations are not of heaven but of the earth. A heavenly church will enjoy a heavenly and supernatural prosperity. She cannot be starved out. The Lord will supply her needs. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 147.
"Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your incredibly generous provision and faithfulness--both to us as individuals and to the churches we lead. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Trusting in Riches
- The Importance of Trusting in God
- The Consequences of Prioritizing Human Approval
- Fear of human displeasure indicates an earthly congregation
- A heavenly church will enjoy supernatural prosperity
Key Quotes
“Remember, my giving will be rewarded not by how much I gave but by how much I had left.” — A.W. Tozer
“The moment we admit that we fear the displeasure of the carnal givers in our congregations we admit also that our congregations are not of heaven but of the earth.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should prioritize pleasing God in our giving, rather than seeking human approval.
- A heavenly church will enjoy supernatural prosperity, while an earthly congregation can be starved out by human boycotts.
- We should not fear the displeasure of human givers, but rather trust in God's provision and faithfulness.