Questions We Ask
A.W. Tozer challenges listeners to move beyond mediocrity and seek the deeper life, prioritizing God's work and witness over security and convenience.
A.W. Tozer challenges the congregation to reflect on their commitment to Christ, criticizing the tendency to prioritize safety, convenience, and personal cost over genuine faith and obedience. He argues that asking about the consequences of following God reveals a mediocre Christian life, as true discipleship requires sacrifice and a willingness to move beyond comfort zones. Tozer emphasizes that the work of the Lord should not be contingent on our desire for security or ease, urging believers to fully embrace the call of God without hesitation.
Text
I am convinced that anyone who brings up the question of consequences in the Christian life is only a mediocre and common Christian! I have known some who were interested in the deeper life, but began asking questions: "What will it cost me-in terms of time, in money, in effort, in the matter of my friendships?" Others ask of the Lord when He calls them to move forward: "Will it be safe?" This question comes out of our constant bleating about security and our everlasting desire for safety above all else.
A third question that we want Him to answer is: "Will it be convenient?" What must our Lord think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the security and the safety and the convenience of His people?
No element of sacrifice, no bother, no disturbance-so we are not getting anywhere with God! We have stopped and pitched our tent halfway between the swamp and the peak. We are mediocre Christians!
Sermon Outline
- The Mediocrity of Questioning Consequences points: - Asking questions about the cost of the Christian life - Focusing on security, safety, and convenience
- The Nature of the Deeper Life points: - A life of sacrifice and effort - A life that prioritizes God's work and witness
- The Problem with Mediocrity points: - Stagnation and lack of progress - A life that is not fully surrendered to God
Key Quotes
“What must our Lord think of us if His work and His witness depend upon the security and the safety and the convenience of His people?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be willing to sacrifice and make effort for God if we want to experience the deeper life.
- Prioritizing security and convenience over God's work is a sign of a shallow faith.
- We must be willing to take risks and face challenges in order to grow in our faith.