Devotion to Things Holy
Spiritual greatness requires complete devotion to holy living, following the teachings of Christ and the prophets.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true success, whether in secular or spiritual realms, requires a significant commitment and sacrifice. He draws parallels between the dedication of musicians, scientists, and scholars to their crafts and the devotion needed for spiritual greatness. Tozer asserts that achieving holiness and spiritual eminence demands a level of commitment that many are reluctant to embrace. He encourages believers to heed the teachings of the prophets, apostles, and Christ, which outline the path to holy living. Ultimately, the pursuit of spiritual success is a worthy endeavor that comes at a cost.
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Success is any field is costly, but the man who will pay the price can have it.
The concert pianist must become a slave to his instrument; four hours, five hours each day he must sit at the keyboard. The scientist must live for his work. The philosopher must devote himself to thought, the scholar to his books. The price may seem excessively heavy, but there are some who consider the reward worthwhile.
The laws of success operate also in the higher field of the soul--spiritual greatness has its price. Eminence in the things of the Spirit demands a devotion to these things more complete than most of us are willing to give. But the law cannot be escaped. If we would be holy we know the way; the law of holy living is before us. The prophets of the Old Testament, the apostles of the New and, more than all, the sublime teachings of Christ are there to tell us how to succeed.
Sermon Outline
- The Cost of Success
- The Price of Spiritual Greatness
- The Path to Holy Living
- The teachings of Christ and the prophets provide the way
- The law of holy living cannot be escaped
Key Quotes
“Success is any field is costly, but the man who will pay the price can have it.” — A.W. Tozer
“Eminence in the things of the Spirit demands a devotion to these things more complete than most of us are willing to give.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Individuals must be willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve spiritual greatness.
- Complete devotion to holy living is necessary for achieving spiritual greatness.
- Following the teachings of Christ and the prophets provides the path to holy living.