Moratorium on Activity
A.W. Tozer advocates for a period of silence and self-examination among Christians to prepare for a spiritual awakening.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity for Christians to pause their religious activities and engage in deep self-examination, urging believers to search their hearts and confront any wickedness within. He highlights the current state of the Church, noting a lack of reverence and spiritual power, and calls for a period of silence to prepare for a divine outpouring. Tozer prays for church leaders to encourage this introspective time, recognizing that constant activity can hinder true spiritual growth and connection with God.
Text
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. --Psalm 139:23-24
I suppose my suggestion will not receive much serious attention, but I should like to suggest that we Bible-believing Christians announce a moratorium on religious activity and set our house in order preparatory to the coming of an afflatus from above. So carnal is the body of Christians which composes the conservative wing of the Church, so shockingly irreverent are our public services in some quarters, so degraded are our religious tastes in still others, that the need for power could scarcely have been greater at any time in history. I believe we should profit immensely were we to declare a period of silence and self-examination during which each one of us searched his own heart and sought to meet every condition for a real baptism of power from on high. The Pursuit of Man, 94.
"Lord, I do pray that You would move in the hearts of leaders in churches everywhere to prompt this time of silence and self- examination. So often activity feeds on itself and it takes a conscious effort to step off the treadmill to re-evaluate. Stimulate our hearts, and quiet us today to hear from You. Amen."
Sermon Outline
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I
- The need for a moratorium on religious activity
- The current state of the Church
- The importance of self-examination
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II
- The call for silence and reflection
- Preparing for a divine encounter
- The dangers of constant activity
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III
- Seeking a baptism of power
- The role of prayer in spiritual renewal
- Encouraging church leaders to lead this initiative
Key Quotes
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — A.W. Tozer
“So carnal is the body of Christians which composes the conservative wing of the Church, so shockingly irreverent are our public services in some quarters.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, I do pray that You would move in the hearts of leaders in churches everywhere to prompt this time of silence and self-examination.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Take time each week for personal reflection and prayer to assess your spiritual health.
- Encourage your church leaders to incorporate moments of silence in services to foster deeper connections with God.
- Consider stepping back from routine activities to focus on spiritual growth and renewal.