On Being Seekers and Servers of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of moral energy in spiritual growth and warns against confusing feebleness and timidity with righteousness.
The preacher delves into the origin and significance of the term 'Christian,' which was initially a term of ridicule given by pagans to followers of Christ but eventually embraced by believers as an honor. The term 'Christian' signifies being an adherent of Christ, one who belongs to or is devoted to Him. Believers are encouraged not to be ashamed of bearing the name of Christ but to glorify God in suffering for His name.
Text
Sins of great magnitude may indicate an energy of soul which if turned in a right direction can lead far up the way toward spiritual perfection. Conversely, there is a meanness of soul that inhibits and restricts the scope and intensity of even the most common activities. When such a soul is converted, it may be only to mediocrity.
On his own testimony Paul before his conversion was a great sinner (1 Timothy 1:15). He persecuted Christians with great violence and wrought havoc with the followers of Christ. After his spectacular about-face he turned his magnificent equipment over to the Lord and the whole world knows the result. The same energy of soul that had made him a dangerous enemy of the Christian faith made him a powerful advocate of that faith once his eyes had been opened.
From this we may learn that feebleness and timidity are not to be confused with righteousness. To sin but weakly is not the same as to do good. Lack of moral energy may prevent a man from enjoying himself in sin, but he is in sin nevertheless. His weak effort at neutrality does not deceive God who knows the secrets of every man's heart.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Relationship Between Energy of Soul and Spiritual Perfection
- A. Great magnitude of sin can indicate great potential for spiritual growth
- B. Conversely, meanness of soul can restrict even common activities
- II. The Example of Paul's Conversion
- A. Paul's testimony of being a great sinner before conversion
- B. His energy of soul was turned from persecution to advocacy of the faith
- III. The Importance of Moral Energy
- A. Feebleness and timidity are not the same as righteousness
- B. Lack of moral energy may prevent sin, but does not excuse it
Key Quotes
“Sins of great magnitude may indicate an energy of soul which if turned in a right direction can lead far up the way toward spiritual perfection.” — A.W. Tozer
“Feebleness and timidity are not to be confused with righteousness.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lack of moral energy may prevent a man from enjoying himself in sin, but he is in sin nevertheless.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that great magnitude of sin can indicate great potential for spiritual growth if turned in a right direction.
- Understand that feebleness and timidity are not the same as righteousness, and that lack of moral energy may prevent sin but does not excuse it.
- Seek to turn your energy of soul from sin to serving God and enjoying spiritual perfection.