Created for God's Glory
Man's unique capacity for worship is the distinguishing characteristic that sets him apart from all other forms of life on earth, and his worship is a response to a higher power.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the fundamental distinction between humans and animals lies in humanity's inherent capacity for worship. He argues that without recognizing God as the ultimate object of worship, humans lack a true understanding of their existence and purpose. Tozer asserts that this worship is essential for grasping the meaning of life, as it connects us to our Creator, God the Father Almighty. He encourages believers to approach God with faith, acknowledging His sovereignty and our need for allegiance to Him. Ultimately, Tozer's message is a call to recognize and fulfill our created purpose of glorifying God through worship.
Text
Philosophers have noted the vast difference between men and beasts and have tried to find that difference in one or another distinguishing characteristic. They have said, for instance, that man is the thinking animal, or that he is the laughing animal, or that he is the only animal with a conscience. The one mark, however, which forever distinguishes man from all other forms of life on earth is that he is a worshiper; he has a bent toward and a capacity for worship. Apart from his position as a worshiper of God, man has no sure key to his own being; he is but a higher animal, being born much as any other animal, going through the cycle of his life here on earth and dying at last without knowing what the whole thing is about.
If that is all for him, if he has no more reason than the beast for living, then it is an odd thing indeed that he is the only one of the animals that worries about himself, that wonders, that asks questions of the universe. The very fact that he does these things tells the wise man that somewhere there is One to whom he owes allegiance, One before whom he should kneel and do homage. The Christian revelation tells us that that One is God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, who is to be worshiped in the Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
That is enough for us. Without trying to reason it out we may proceed from there. All our doubts we meet with faith?s wondering affirmation: ?O Lord God, thou knowest,? an utterance which Samuel Taylor Coleridge declared to be the profoundest in human speech.
Sermon Outline
- Man's Unique Capacity for Worship
- The Implications of Man's Worship
- The Christian Revelation
- God the Father Almighty is the One to be worshiped
- Faith's affirmation: 'O Lord God, thou knowest'
Key Quotes
“Apart from his position as a worshiper of God, man has no sure key to his own being;” — A.W. Tozer
“The very fact that he does these things tells the wise man that somewhere there is One to whom he owes allegiance, One before whom he should kneel and do homage.” — A.W. Tozer
“'O Lord God, thou knowest,' an utterance which Samuel Taylor Coleridge declared to be the profoundest in human speech.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize and acknowledge your unique capacity for worship as a distinguishing characteristic of humanity.
- Respond to the higher power that you worship with faith and humility.
- Affirm your trust in God's sovereignty with the phrase 'O Lord God, thou knowest'.