Determining to Follow the Lord
The sermon emphasizes the importance of moral determination in following the Lord, using examples from the Bible to illustrate the power of a determined will.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true religion is rooted in the will, not in feelings, and that our spiritual direction is determined by our choices. He illustrates this with examples from the Bible, such as Jacob's vow, Daniel's purpose, and Jesus' resolute journey to the cross, highlighting that moral determination is essential in serving the Lord. Tozer argues that many biblical figures achieved spiritual greatness through a steadfast commitment to God's will, despite facing challenges and opposition. He encourages believers to set their sails with purpose and determination, rather than being swayed by external circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deliberate choice to follow God wholeheartedly.
Text
That religion lies in the will is an axiom of theology. Not how we feel but what we will determines our spiritual direction. An old poem states it for us: "One ship drives east and another drives west with the selfsame winds that blow; tis the set of the sails and not the gales which tells us the way to go" (Ella Wheeler Wilcox}. Though we do not hear much of it in this age of spineless religion, there is nevertheless much in the Bible about the place of moral determination in the service of the Lord.
Jacob vowed a vow, and it was the beginning of a very wonderful life with God. The following years brought a great many vicissitudes, and Jacob did not always acquit himself like a true man of God, but his early determination kept him on course, and he came through victorious at last. Daniel purposed in his heart, and God honored his purpose. Jesus set His face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross. Paul determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,? and in that determined spirit ignored the learned philosophers, preached a gospel that was accounted foolishness and earned himself a reputation for ignorance, though he was easily the greatest brain of his generation.
These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly set to do the will of God. They did not try to float to heaven on a perfumed cloud, but cheerfully accepted the fact that with purpose of heart they must cleave unto the Lord.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Moral Determination
- The will determines our spiritual direction
- Examples from the Bible: Jacob, Daniel, Jesus, and Paul
Key Quotes
“One ship drives east and another drives west with the selfsame winds that blow; tis the set of the sails and not the gales which tells us the way to go” — A.W. Tozer
“The will determines our spiritual direction” — A.W. Tozer
“They did not try to float to heaven on a perfumed cloud, but cheerfully accepted the fact that with purpose of heart they must cleave unto the Lord” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be willing to take action and make sacrifices to follow God's will.
- A determined will is crucial in staying on course and achieving spiritual greatness.
- We can learn from the examples of Jacob, Daniel, Jesus, and Paul by being determined to follow God's will and trusting that He will honor our purpose.