Gazing Upon Christ
A.W. Tozer warns against the dangers of self-assurance and encourages listeners to seek humility and repentance through reflection on their past and the cross.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of self-assurance and pride, illustrating how individuals can become blinded by their own qualifications and achievements, leading to a hardened heart and spiritual stagnation. He warns that when one believes they are above reproach, they risk losing touch with humility and the transformative power of the cross. Tozer urges listeners to reflect on their past and the sacrifice of Jesus, suggesting that true self-examination will reveal the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace.
Text
We have all seen the person who begins all arguments with the unassailable proposition that he is right and reasons from there. We have received a few letters which purported to settle all questions, not by bringing forth reasons, but by establishing the writer's qualifications to pronounce judgment. "How dare you question my actions," he says. "I am the foremost leader in my field. I have written this many books and spoken to this many people over a long period of this many years." Ergo, I am not to be trifled with, nor are my opinions to be questioned. If I do it, it is right. Ispe dixit. He has said it.
This kind of thing would be comical if it were not tragic.
We mention it only to point up the truth under present consideration and to show by horrible example what long continued self-assurance will do to a human character. Let the public accept a man as unusual, and he is soon tempted to accept himself as being above reproof. Soon a hard shell of impenitence covers his heart and chokes his spiritual life almost out of existence. The cure, if there is to be a cure, would be simple, of course. Let him look to his past and to the cross where Jesus died. If he can still defend himself after that, then let him look into his own heart and tell what he finds there. If after that he can still boast, close the coffin lid.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Self-Assurance
- The Importance of Humility
- The Cure for Self-Assurance
- Seeking humility and repentance
- Closing the coffin lid on self-righteousness
Key Quotes
“If he can still defend himself after that, then let him look into his own heart and tell what he finds there. If after that he can still boast, close the coffin lid.” — A.W. Tozer
“Let him look to his past and to the cross where Jesus died.” — A.W. Tozer
“Ispe dixit. He has said it.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should regularly examine our hearts and seek humility and repentance to avoid the dangers of self-assurance.
- Looking to our past and the cross can help us overcome self-assurance and cultivate a more humble spirit.
- Self-righteousness is a sign of a hardened heart and should be repented of.