Practicing the Truth
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for Christians to align their actions with biblical truth despite the challenges involved.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the disconnect between Christians' emotional appreciation for truth and their reluctance to apply it in practice. He critiques the church for tolerating unscriptural practices and highlights the need for a genuine commitment to Christ that aligns both emotions and actions. Tozer questions whether many believers have truly experienced inward renewal, as they often prefer the comfort of feeling right over the challenge of living right. He warns that merely having a reputation of being alive, as noted in Revelation 3:1, can mask a deeper spiritual deadness.
Text
Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful truth, only to draw back from that same truth when it comes to the difficult job of putting it into practice! Actually, the average church simply does not dare to check its practices against biblical precepts. It tolerates things that are diametrically opposed to the will of God, and if the matter is pointed out to its leaders, they will defend its unscriptural practices with a casuistry equal to the verbal dodgings of the Roman moralists. Can it be that there is no vital connection between the emotional and the volitional departments of life?
Since Christ makes His appeal directly to the will, are we justified in wondering whether or not these divided souls have ever made a true commitment to the Lord?
Or whether they have been inwardly renewed? It does appear that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right! Jesus Himself left a warning: "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead" (Revelation 3:lb).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The disconnect between emotion and action - The challenge of practicing truth - The role of the church in upholding biblical precepts
- II points: - The danger of unscriptural practices - Defending wrong practices with flawed reasoning - The need for accountability in leadership
- III points: - The importance of true commitment to Christ - The necessity of inward renewal - The consequences of living a divided life
- IV points: - The thrill of feeling right vs. the inconvenience of being right - Jesus' warning about false appearances - The call to genuine discipleship
Key Quotes
“Christians habitually weep and pray over beautiful truth, only to draw back from that same truth when it comes to the difficult job of putting it into practice!” — A.W. Tozer
“It does appear that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right!” — A.W. Tozer
“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Reflect on areas in your life where your actions may not align with your beliefs.
- Seek accountability within your church community to uphold biblical practices.
- Commit to a deeper relationship with Christ that transforms both your heart and actions.