Imitating the Imitators of God
Increased spiritual experience brings a strong desire to share the same grace with others and leads to an increased effort to lead them to God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of sharing spiritual experiences, asserting that true enjoyment of these experiences cannot be sustained in isolation. As we draw closer to God, our love expands, leading to a selfless desire to share His grace with others. This natural inclination fosters a commitment to guide others toward a deeper fellowship with God. Tozer highlights that humanity is interconnected, created for community rather than solitude, and that even solitary struggles ultimately benefit those around us. The essence of spiritual growth is not just personal but communal, reflecting God's design for society.
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Spiritual experiences must be shared. It is not possible for very long to enjoy them alone. The very attempt to do so will destroy them. The reason for this is obvious. The nearer our souls draw to God the larger our love will grow, and the greater our love the more unselfish we shall become and the greater our care for the souls of others. Hence increased spiritual experience, so far as it is genuine, brings with it a strong desire that others may know the same grace that we ourselves enjoy. This leads quite naturally to an increased effort to lead others to a closer and more satisfying fellowship with God. The human race is one.
God made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and He made the individual members of society for each other.
Not the hermit but the man in the midst of society is in the place best to fulfill the purpose for which he was created. There may be circumstances when for a time it will be necessary for the seeker after God to wrestle alone like Jacob on the bank of the river, but the result of his lonely experience is sure to flow out to family and friend, and on out to society at last. In the nature of things it must be so.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Spiritual experiences must be shared - The attempt to enjoy them alone will destroy them
- II points: - Increased spiritual experience brings a strong desire to share with others - This leads to an increased effort to lead others to God
- III points: - The human race is one, created for fellowship with each other - The individual's purpose is fulfilled in the midst of society
Key Quotes
“Spiritual experiences must be shared. It is not possible for very long to enjoy them alone.” — A.W. Tozer
“The nearer our souls draw to God the larger our love will grow, and the greater our love the more unselfish we shall become and the greater our care for the souls of others.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to share our spiritual experiences with others to help them grow in their faith.
- Increased spiritual experience should lead to a greater care for the souls of those around us.
- Our purpose in society is to fellowship with others and help them draw closer to God.