Condemnation or No Condemnation
A sinful man should be afraid of the consequences of his sins, but he can find peace and safety in fleeing to the mighty Savior.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the reality of fear for the sinful man, who faces the inevitable consequences of sin, including death and judgment. He warns against false teachings that encourage ignoring these dangers, labeling them as detrimental to the soul. True safety and peace come only to those who have sought refuge in Christ, who can deliver them from their fears and present them faultless before God. Tozer asserts that while fear is a natural response to danger, it is only the children of God who are called to cast their fears upon Him, as they have the assurance of His protection. Those who do not turn to Christ must confront their fears alone, without the hope of salvation.
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A sinful man should be afraid; he has plenty to be afraid of. The consequences of his sins, death, judgment and hell are all awaiting him and he cannot escape them by looking the other way. While he lives on earth there are dangers of every kind facing him and everyone he loves. Any religious teacher that exhorts him to ignore these dangers is unrealistic, false to the facts and a deadly enemy to his soul. The prophet of tranquility is indeed another source of danger to him and should be considered one more object of fear. Where there are mortal perils and no place to hide, fear is the only sane reaction. To dismiss fear while the danger still exists is little short of insanity.
Until the danger has been removed, fear should remain.
Only that man has a right to be unafraid who has fled for refuge to the mighty Savior. Such a man knows the danger is there, but he also knows that his Almighty Lord will bring him safely through and present him at last faultless before the presence of God. There are in the Scriptures innumerable exhortations to put away fear; but they are all addressed to Gods own children, never to the children of this world. Someone must care, and if a man has not cast his fears on Christ, he must bear them himself. The safety of the Rock is for those who have put their trust in the Rock. All others must face their enemies alone.
Sermon Outline
- The Reality of Fear
- The Unreality of False Comfort
- The Sanity of Fear
- The Solution to Fear
- Fleeing to the mighty Savior
- Knowing the danger is removed through faith in Christ
Key Quotes
“Where there are mortal perils and no place to hide, fear is the only sane reaction.” — A.W. Tozer
“Only that man has a right to be unafraid who has fled for refuge to the mighty Savior.” — A.W. Tozer
“Someone must care, and if a man has not cast his fears on Christ, he must bear them himself.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the dangers of sin and its consequences, and acknowledge the fear that comes with it.
- Flee to the mighty Savior for refuge and peace.
- Cast your fears on Christ, and He will bear them for you.