Do Things Possess Us?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's Creation and understanding materialism in order to live a life that is not deceived by the physical world.
A.W. Tozer addresses the confusion surrounding materialism in his sermon 'Do Things Possess Us?' He emphasizes that materialism arises when individuals, created in God's image, view physical matter as the ultimate reality. Tozer clarifies that the fight against materialism is not a literal battle but a call to recognize God's Creation and understand that material things are not the ultimate end. He encourages believers to see beyond the physical and to acknowledge the divine purpose behind creation.
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I think a lot of people in our congregations get confused when some learned brother advises us that we must all join in a fervent fight against "materialism." If men and women do not know what materialism is, how can they be expected to join the battle? Materialism in its crisis form occurs when men and women created in the image of God accept and look upon matter as "the ultimate"-the only reality. The advice, "We must fight materialism," does not mean that everyone should get a sword, and run after a fellow named Material, and cut him down.
What it does mean is that we should start believing in the fact of God's Creation and that matter is only a creature of the all-wise and ever-loving God!
The believer is not deceived into believing that the physical things we know and enjoy are the ultimate end, in themselves.
Sermon Outline
- Understanding Materialism
- The Battle Against Materialism
- The Christian's Perspective
- Physical things are not the ultimate end
- Matter is a creature of God
Key Quotes
“Materialism in its crisis form occurs when men and women created in the image of God accept and look upon matter as 'the ultimate'-the only reality.” — A.W. Tozer
“We must fight materialism by believing in God's Creation and recognizing that matter is a creature of the all-wise and ever-loving God!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that physical things are not the ultimate end, but rather a creation of God.
- Believe in God's Creation and live a life that is not deceived by the physical world.
- Understand materialism and its crisis form in order to live a life that is focused on God.