Persistence in Going On
In this sermon, A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of persistence and spiritual vigilance in our walk with Christ, warning against the dangers of settling down and complacency.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of complacency among Christians, warning that settling into comfortable routines can stifle spiritual growth and adventure. He highlights how God continually reaches out to awaken His people from spiritual slumber, urging them to resist the temptation to conform to the status quo. Tozer points out that true faith requires persistence and the courage to move forward, rather than succumbing to the pressures of others or the comfort of familiarity. He cautions that yielding to external pressures reflects weakness, which ultimately hinders one's ability to persist in faith. The call is clear: Christians must strive to break free from spiritual ruts and continue their journey with Christ.
Text
Israel allowed themselves to settle down and became contented with circumstances that were all right, but which could and did break their spirit of adventure and cause them to accept the status quo as being final for them. Every once in a while through prophet, apostle or psalmist, God stretches out His hand and tries to arouse His people from their sleep. Somebody once said that man is made of dust and dust tends to settle. People tend to settle down and do the same things year in and year out, slowly going around in a circle. When this gets into religion, it is deadly and evil. The majority of Christians are asleep and in a spiritual rut.
Sometimes Christians who realize they are in a rut put pressure on others to adopt their viewpoint.
But even if truth does not convince and persuade a man or woman, nobody has the right to set up a pyschological squeeze on someone else. If people yield under pressure, it shows that they are too weak to resist. If they are too weak to resist, and if they take a religious position because they are too weak to resist, they will also be too weak to persist. When we follow Christ there must be persistence. We must go on.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Settling Down
- God's Call to Action
- The Necessity of Persistence
- The Dangers of Weakness
- The Importance of Spiritual Strength
Key Quotes
“People tend to settle down and do the same things year in and year out, slowly going around in a circle.” — A.W. Tozer
“When this gets into religion, it is deadly and evil.” — A.W. Tozer
“If people yield under pressure, it shows that they are too weak to resist.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be vigilant and aware of the dangers of settling down and complacency in our spiritual lives.
- We must be strong in our convictions and not yield to pressure or persuasion, instead allowing the truth to convince us.
- Persistence is necessary when following Christ, and we must be committed to overcoming obstacles and staying true to our faith.