Faith Identification With Christ
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of personal involvement in Christ's death and resurrection for true Christian faith and effective evangelism.
Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'phronesis' as practical understanding and discernment of everyday needs and problems, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning and carefulness in dealing with resources. The ultimate goal is to seek divine bestowal of 'phronesis,' as true understanding is an attribute of God. Through the study of 'phronesis' in Proverbs and various philosophical contexts, we learn that it is the ability to govern one's life wisely, showing prudence, caution, and spiritual discernment.
Text
If we would be followers of Christ indeed we must become personally and vitally involved in His death and resurrection. And this requires repentance, prayer, watchfulness, self-denial, detachment from the world, humility, obedience and cross carrying. That is why it is easier to talk about revival than to experience it.
To avoid personal involvement with the cross we have become adept at finding or creating religious projects to soothe our conscience and make things look good. Among these may be named evangelism and foreign missions. These are good, scriptural activities, incumbent upon all Christians, but all presuppose that they who engage in them should be holy, Spirit-filled and totally committed to God.
To carry on these activities scripturally the church should be walking in fullness of power, separated, purified and ready at any moment to give up everything, even life itself, for the greater glory of Christ. For a worldly, weak, decadent church to make converts is but to bring forth after her own kind and extend her weakness and decadence a bit further out.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Personal involvement in Christ's death and resurrection - The necessity of repentance and prayer - Watchfulness and self-denial
- II points: - Detachment from the world - Humility and obedience - The call to carry the cross
- III points: - The difference between talking about revival and experiencing it - The dangers of religious projects - The need for a holy and Spirit-filled church
- IV points: - The implications of evangelism and missions - The importance of being committed to God - The consequences of a weak church
Key Quotes
“If we would be followers of Christ indeed we must become personally and vitally involved in His death and resurrection.” — A.W. Tozer
“To avoid personal involvement with the cross we have become adept at finding or creating religious projects to soothe our conscience.” — A.W. Tozer
“For a worldly, weak, decadent church to make converts is but to bring forth after her own kind.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Engage in daily repentance and prayer to deepen your relationship with Christ.
- Evaluate your involvement in church activities to ensure they stem from a genuine commitment to God.
- Cultivate humility and obedience in your life to better reflect Christ's character.