Fleeing the Rut
The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call and coming out of a state of spiritual stagnation, or 'rut'.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgency of moving beyond spiritual stagnation, urging believers to flee from the 'rut' that hinders their growth. He illustrates the difference between a vibrant, responsive church and one that is lifeless, comparing it to a living tree that reacts to being pricked versus a dead one that shows no signs of life. Tozer challenges his audience to reflect on their spiritual state and encourages those who feel stuck to take action and seek renewal. He reassures that while some may not resonate with his message, there are many who are alive in faith and ready for transformation.
Text
If we call Him Lord, how dare we sit any longer in the rut! The Lord has called us to move on. But when people are in a rut, not even the angel Gabriel can help them if they will not come out of it. This is not an accusation but a suggestion. If you are not in a rut, don't get mad--somebody else is. But if you are in a rut you ought to get out of it. The difference between a wooden leg and a good leg is that if you prick a wooden leg the person would never notice. The difference between a church that has dry rot and a church that is alive is that if you prick the live church it will respond. If you prick the other kind, it is already dead. The tree that stands alive has lush, green leaves. Take a knife, scar the bark deeply and the tree will bleed.
It is alive.
The old dead tree just stands there, a watchtower for old sentinel crows. Take your knife and dig in as far as you want to, and nothing will happen because the tree is dead. So it is with my message. If you will get neither mad nor glad nor sad under my preaching, I know nothing can be done. But there are some who are alive, and I believe it is the majority.
Sermon Outline
- 'The Rut: A State of Spiritual Stagnation'
- The Call to Come Out of the Rut
- The Difference Between Life and Death in the Church
- The Signs of a Dead Church
- The Signs of a Living Church
Key Quotes
“If you prick a wooden leg the person would never notice.” — A.W. Tozer
“The difference between a church that has dry rot and a church that is alive is that if you prick the live church it will respond.” — A.W. Tozer
“If you will get neither mad nor glad nor sad under my preaching, I know nothing can be done.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the signs of spiritual stagnation in your life and take steps to respond to God's call.
- Be open to spiritual growth and renewal by being receptive to God's message.
- Avoid becoming complacent and stagnant in your spiritual walk.