Just Do It
To experience God's presence and manifestation, we must become children, obey His commands, and witness boldly about our Lord Jesus.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of approaching faith with childlike simplicity and boldness, encouraging believers to openly acknowledge Christ in their lives. He suggests that by witnessing for Jesus in everyday situations, Christians can experience a transformative change within themselves. Tozer highlights that obedience to God's commands leads to a deeper revelation of Christ in our lives, urging believers not to delay action through excessive prayer when they already know what they should do. The sermon calls for a candid and fearless expression of faith, reminding us that true discipleship involves both belief and action.
Text
The Lord said to become children. If we all became children, how beautiful that would be. You could walk up to a man and shake his hand without wondering, "Do I know enough judo to handle him?" He would not hurt you. Christians here are not going to hurt anybody, so just be perfectly candid. This is one passage you can practice no matter who you are or where you are. It touches you right now. "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God." (Luke 12:8). This passage tells us we are to testify and witness boldly about our Lord Jesus.
If some of you would begin to quietly witness where you work, you would find a change coming over you. "Whoever has my commands and obeys them. . . [I will] show myself to him" (John 14:21).
You will get out of the rut when the Lord begins to manifest Himself to you. But you would rather go off somewhere and get down on your knees and pray. Now praying is right--I have taught and preached and practiced it since I was converted. But do not try to pray down something that the Lord is telling you to do. Do what you are told, and the Lord will be right with you. . . .
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Become Children
- The Importance of Bold Witnessing
- Obedience and Manifestation
- We must obey God's commands to experience His presence
- Praying is not a substitute for obedience
Key Quotes
“You could walk up to a man and shake his hand without wondering, 'Do I know enough judo to handle him?' He would not hurt you.” — A.W. Tozer
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them... I will show myself to him” — A.W. Tozer
“Do what you are told, and the Lord will be right with you.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be willing to obey God's commands, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones.
- Prayer is not a substitute for obedience; we must take action and then seek God's presence.
- Boldly witnessing about our Lord Jesus can lead to a change in our lives and a deeper experience of God's presence.