Compromise Is Costly
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Church remaining separate from the world, as compromise leads to a hybrid church that is contrary to the New Testament pattern.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of compromise within Christianity, arguing that the Church's entanglement with the world leads to a loss of its true identity and purpose. He warns that such a union results in a hybrid entity that is both contemptible to the world and abominable to God. Tozer stresses that true Christianity is rooted in the new birth through the Holy Spirit, not in external affiliations or manipulations. He calls for a serious commitment to the Word of God, urging believers to recognize the spiritual essence of their faith. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for Christians to examine their relationship with the world and to uphold the distinctiveness of their faith.
Text
Christianity today is so entangled with this present world that millions never guess how radically they have missed the New Testament pattern. Compromise is everywhere-but actually no real union between the world and the Church is possible. When the Church joins up with the world it is the true Church no longer but only a pitiful hybrid thing, an object of smiling contempt to the world, and an abomination to the Lord! Nothing could be clearer than the pronouncements of the Scriptures on the Christian's relation to the world. The confusion which gathers around this matter results from the unwillingness of professing Christians to take the Word of the Lord seriously.
This whole thing is spiritual in its essence.
A Christian is what he is not by ecclesiastical manipulation but by the new birth. He is a Christian because of a Spirit which dwells in him. Only that which is born by the Spirit is spirit, no matter how many church dignitaries work on it!
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Compromise
- Christianity has compromised with the world
- Resulting in a hybrid church
- Contrary to the New Testament pattern
Key Quotes
“When the Church joins up with the world it is the true Church no longer but only a pitiful hybrid thing, an object of smiling contempt to the world, and an abomination to the Lord!” — A.W. Tozer
“Only that which is born by the Spirit is spirit, no matter how many church dignitaries work on it!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Christians must be willing to take the Word of the Lord seriously and not compromise with the world.
- The new birth is the result of the Spirit dwelling in us, and it is what makes us Christians.
- The Church must remain separate from the world to be true to its calling.