Growing in Experiential Union
We can grow in experiential union with God by overcoming human frailties and exercising robust faith in Scripture.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the nature of friendship with God, acknowledging that while God is perfect and capable of perfect friendship, human imperfections such as weak purpose and small faith hinder this relationship. Despite these challenges, Tozer encourages believers not to despair, as growth in grace is possible through self-discipline, obedience, prayer, detachment from worldly distractions, and strong faith in Scripture. He highlights that this journey towards a more complete experiential union with God is the most fulfilling experience available to humanity.
Text
God, being perfect, has capacity for perfect friendship. Man, being imperfect, can never quite know perfection in anything, least of all in his relation to the incomprehensible Godhead. Perfection lies on God?s side, but on man?s side there are weakness of purpose, lack of desire, small faith and numerous other impediments. These make for a friendship which, though it is the most wonder-filled experience possible to man, is yet short of that completeness we would enjoy if these impediments were removed or even reduced appreciably. Though the truth compels us to admit these imperfections on our side of the divine-human friendship, yet there is no reason to despair.
In spite of our human frailties we can grow in grace and move progressively toward a more perfect experiential union with God.
This we can do by firm self-discipline, quick obedience, unceasing prayer, utter detachment from the world and the exercise of robust faith in the truths revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
Sermon Outline
- The Imperfection of Human Friendship with God
- The Possibility of Growth in Experiential Union
- The Means of Growing in Experiential Union
- Robust faith in Scripture
- Exercise of faith in daily life
- Unceasing prayer and detachment from the world are essential
Key Quotes
“Perfection lies on God's side, but on man's side there are weakness of purpose, lack of desire, small faith and numerous other impediments.” — A.W. Tozer
“In spite of our human frailties we can grow in grace and move progressively toward a more perfect experiential union with God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must exercise self-discipline to grow in experiential union with God.
- Quick obedience is essential for a deeper relationship with God.
- Unceasing prayer and detachment from the world are necessary for spiritual growth.