Heart-Seekers
To progress spiritually, we must separate ourselves unto the things of God and concentrate on them to the exclusion of worldly distractions.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of dedication and discipline in the spiritual life, comparing the lack of commitment among Christians to the rigorous training required in music, sports, and science. He argues that spiritual progress demands a focused separation from worldly distractions, urging believers to cultivate their relationship with God in solitude and silence. Tozer warns that spiritual triumphs require hard work and cannot be achieved through idleness, likening the church's complacency to an undisciplined army that would easily fall to its enemies. He calls for Christians to actively engage in the kingdom of God as diligent workers, much like farmers and miners in their fields.
Text
The amount of loafing practiced by the average Christian in spiritual things would ruin a concert pianist if he allowed himself to do the same thing in the field of music. The idle puttering around that we see in church circles would end the career of a big league pitcher in one week. No scientist could solve his exacting problem if he took as little interest in it as the rank and file of Christians take in the art of being holy. The nation whose soldiers were as soft and undisciplined as the soldiers of the churches would be conquered by the first enemy that attacked it. Triumphs are not won by men in easy chairs.
Success is costly.
If we would progress spiritually, we must separate ourselves unto the things of God and concentrate upon them to the exclusion of a thousand things the worldly man considers important. We must cultivate God in the solitudes and the silence; we must make the kingdom of God the sphere of our activity and labor in it like a farmer in his field, like a miner in the earth.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Importance of Diligence in Spiritual Growth - The Consequences of Spiritual Indifference
- II points: - The Need for Concentration on Spiritual Things - The Importance of Separation from the World
- III points: - Cultivating a Relationship with God - Laboring in the Kingdom of God
Key Quotes
“Triumphs are not won by men in easy chairs.” — A.W. Tozer
“Success is costly.” — A.W. Tozer
“If we would progress spiritually, we must separate ourselves unto the things of God and concentrate upon them to the exclusion of a thousand things the worldly man considers important.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must prioritize spiritual growth and make it a central part of our lives.
- Separating ourselves from the world and concentrating on spiritual things is essential for progress.
- Laboring in the kingdom of God requires dedication and hard work.