Our Ultimate Teacher
Our understanding of truth is shaped by our past experiences and preconceptions, and it's essential to approach truth with humility to avoid misunderstanding.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the challenge of understanding spiritual truths, noting that our perceptions are often shaped by our backgrounds and theological frameworks. He illustrates this by comparing two individuals, one a Calvinist and the other an Arminian, both interpreting the same scripture, Hebrews 6:4-6, yet arriving at vastly different conclusions based on their prior teachings. Tozer argues that this inherent bias can distort our grasp of truth, leading us to unconsciously modify our understanding to fit our existing beliefs. He calls for awareness of these influences to better align our understanding with God's perspective rather than our own. Ultimately, Tozer encourages a humble approach to learning from the ultimate Teacher, God Himself.
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When we think about spiritual things there is always danger that we think like men instead of like God.
Theological truth cannot enter the mind as a separate substance or as an experience complete in itself. It must be grasped by the mind in an act of response; and the response is conditioned by everything that has gone before in the learner?s life. Whether or not we are conscious of doing so, we invariably add something to the truth as it enters (or take something away) to make it fit into the total body of ideas we hold and call ?truth.?
To show how this works let us imagine two men reading the same passage of Scripture, one a Calvinist who has been brought up on Calvinistic theology from his youth, the other reared in the Arminian tradition and thoroughly indoctrinated in Arminianism. The passage they read is Hebrews 6:4-6, ?It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened ? if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance.? The impressions the Calvinist receives from these words will differ radically from those received by the Arminian, yet neither one will be conscious of adding to, subtracting from or otherwise altering the passage in any way. Each will understand the words to mean exactly what he has been taught that they mean. The meaning he sees there will appear to him so natural, so logical and right that he will wonder how anyone can see any other. (And sadly enough each will more than likely think the other a hypocrite who receives his teaching from the devil. But that is not pertinent to this particular argument.)
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Spiritual Understanding
- The Role of Preconceptions
- The Danger of Misunderstanding
- Misunderstanding can lead to hypocrisy and division
- The importance of humility in seeking truth
- Response is conditioned by past experiences and life
Key Quotes
“Theological truth cannot enter the mind as a separate substance or as an experience complete in itself.” — A.W. Tozer
“We invariably add something to the truth as it enters (or take something away) to make it fit into the total body of ideas we hold and call ?truth?.” — A.W. Tozer
“The meaning he sees there will appear to him so natural, so logical and right that he will wonder how anyone can see any other.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be aware of how your past experiences and preconceptions shape your understanding of truth.
- Be willing to question your assumptions and be open to new understanding.
- Approach truth with humility, recognizing the limitations of your own knowledge.