Nothing but Sweetness
As Christians, we must be prepared to face bitterness and hostility when sharing the Word of God with others, but we must also continue to be faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual nature of God's Word, which is both sweet and bitter. While it brings delight and nourishment to believers, sharing it with those who reject it can lead to hostility and bitterness. He cautions against the overly simplistic view that the Word is only sweet, urging Christians to recognize the challenges of witnessing to a rebellious world. Tozer calls for prayer for those in the church who resist the transformative power of Scripture, choosing instead to follow their own agendas. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of embracing both the sweetness of God's Word and the reality of opposition in our witness.
Text
Let me caution you about the attitudes of some of the bubbly "happy! happy!" people in our congregations who will insist that the Word of God can never be anything but honey sweet! Fellow believers, when we digest, absorb and soak up the Word of the Lord, it becomes part and parcel of our daily lives. It is our delight. It is indeed honey and sweetness. But as we share that same Word in our witness to lost men and women, we will know something of bitterness and hostility, even enmity.
It will follow then in experience, that Christian believers who are intent upon being faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ may not always find sweetness and light in their contacts with evil, rebellious people.
We need to pray for men and women in our churches who have determined to set their own agendas-to live their lives as they please! They have determined to manage the influences of the Word of God in their lives.
Sermon Outline
- The Attitude of Some Christians points: - Expecting only sweetness and honey from the Word of God - Ignoring the reality of bitterness and hostility
- The Reality of Witnessing points: - Sharing the Word with lost men and women - Experiencing bitterness and hostility in response - The importance of being faithful witnesses
- The Need for Prayer points: - Praying for those who have set their own agendas - Praying for those who are managing the influences of the Word
Key Quotes
“When we digest, absorb and soak up the Word of the Lord, it becomes part and parcel of our daily lives.” — A.W. Tozer
“It will follow then in experience, that Christian believers who are intent upon being faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ may not always find sweetness and light in their contacts with evil, rebellious people.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, you must be prepared to face potential bitterness and hostility when sharing the Word of God with others.
- You should pray for those who have set their own agendas and are managing the influences of the Word of God in their lives.
- Being a faithful witness for Jesus Christ is a crucial part of living out your faith and sharing the love of Jesus with others.