Personal Feeding on God's Word
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of personal engagement with Scripture for spiritual transformation and growth.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of personal engagement with God's Word, recounting the testimony of a Michigan farmer whose spiritual awakening came through dedicated study of the Scriptures, particularly the book of Ephesians. This man's experience illustrates that true spiritual growth and understanding arise from personal meditation on the Bible rather than relying solely on commentaries. Tozer urges ministers and teachers to prioritize direct engagement with Scripture, advocating for disciplined, concentrated study to experience God's presence and blessings fully.
Text
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. --Psalm 119:97
I remember James M. Gray, the noted Bible teacher, telling of a Christian brother, a Michigan farmer, whose spiritual life had suddenly blossomed until there was an overflowing of God's presence. Many in the man's community recognized the change in his life and personality and sought spiritual counsel from him. Dr. Gray had opportunity to ask the man about the transformation of his spiritual life and witness.
"Dr. Gray, I began to devote myself to the Scriptures for my own need," the man humbly explained. "Something happened when God opened my spiritual understanding as I studied the book of Ephesians. I cannot really explain what the Lord is doing for me and through me, but it has come through prayerful meditation in the Word of God."
None of us can expect to get the rich, transforming blessings from God apart from the Scriptures....
Too many of us ministers and Sunday school teachers are content to reach for a commmentary on the Scriptures. What we need most is to search the Scriptures for ourselves. Men Who Met God, 47.
"The commentaries are so convenient, Lord, and the time pressures so acute. Deliver me today from the short-cuts, and help me to discipline myself to long, concentrated study of the Scriptures themselves. Amen."
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The Importance of Personal Engagement with Scripture
- Transformational Power of God's Word
- The Role of Prayer in Understanding Scripture
-
II
- The Dangers of Relying on Commentaries
- The Need for Individual Study
- Developing a Habit of Meditation
-
III
- Examples of Spiritual Transformation
- Encouragement to Seek God's Presence
- Practical Steps for Daily Scripture Feeding
Key Quotes
“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” — A.W. Tozer
“None of us can expect to get the rich, transforming blessings from God apart from the Scriptures.” — A.W. Tozer
“Deliver me today from the short-cuts, and help me to discipline myself to long, concentrated study of the Scriptures themselves.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Dedicate time each day to read and meditate on the Scriptures.
- Pray for understanding and insight as you study God's Word.
- Avoid shortcuts and commit to deep, personal exploration of the Bible.