Faith Must Be Restored
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of faith in God's existence and reward as the way back to a restored relationship with God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for restoring faith, illustrating how alienation from God mirrors the breakdown of trust in human relationships. He points out that many people do not openly express their lack of confidence in God, yet their actions often reflect a deep-seated unbelief. Tozer reassures that Christianity offers a path back to faith, highlighting that coming to God requires belief in His character and His willingness to reward those who seek Him. He reminds us that God took on our wrongs to facilitate our salvation, underscoring the depth of His love and grace.
Text
The Bible tells about man's being alienated from and an enemy to God. Should this sound harsh or extreme you have only to imagine your closest friend coming to you and stating in cold seriousness that he no longer has any confidence in you. "I do not trust you. I have lost confidence in your character. I am forced to suspect every move you make" - such a declaration would instantly alienate friends by destroying the foundation upon which every friendship is built. Until your former friend's opinion of you had been reversed there could be no further communion.
People do not go boldly to God and profess that they have no confidence in Him and they usually do not witness publicly to their low view of God.
The frightful thing, however, is that people everywhere act out their unbelief with a consistency that is more convincing than words. Christianity provides a way back from this place of unbelief and alienation: "He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." God took the wrong upon Himself in order that the one who committed the wrong might be saved!
Sermon Outline
- The Alienation of Man from God
- The Consequences of Unbelief
- The Way Back to God
- Christianity provides a way to overcome unbelief and alienation
- Believing in God's existence and reward is essential
Key Quotes
“He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” — A.W. Tozer
“God took the wrong upon Himself in order that the one who committed the wrong might be saved!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the consequences of unbelief and alienation from God in your life.
- Seek to restore faith in God's existence and reward through prayer and Bible study.
- Understand that God's love and redemption are available to those who seek Him with faith.