Renewal Prayer
A.W. Tozer calls the church to renewal by grieving for the affliction of others and being anxious and bothered for the state of the church.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the stark contrast between the wisdom of the world and the complacency of the children of light, urging believers to recognize the profound gifts offered by God, including holiness, righteousness, and the power of prayer. He warns against the dangers of complacency, drawing parallels to Israel's indifference to their spiritual decline, as depicted in Amos 6:1-7. Tozer calls for a renewal of passion and concern for the state of the church, encouraging believers to grieve for the afflictions of others and to actively seek God's presence and power in their lives. He challenges the audience to move beyond a life of comfort and indulgence to one of spiritual urgency and action.
Text
The children of the world are sometimes wiser than the children of light. . . . We have been offered the face of God and the glory of Christ. We have been offered holiness and righteousness and indwelling by the Spirit. We can have our prayers answered and have hell fear us because we have a hold on God who invites us to draw on His omnipotence. We are offered all this, and yet we sit and play second violin without ambition. Israel was once in that condition, and an old prophet with shining eyes came to them and said, "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, . .
You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror. You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away onyour harps like David and improvise onmusical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile." (Amos 6:1-7). Israel was in a rut, and they did not want anybody disturbing their calm.
They liked music and food and beds of ivory, and they anointed themselves with ointment. They had everything that we call sumptuous living. But they were not grieved at the affliction of Israel. They didn't care. Let us not rest upon beds of ivory. By the grace of God let us begin to grieve a bit for the affliction of Joseph and be anxious and bothered in the Holy Spirit for the state the church is in.
Sermon Outline
- The State of the Church
- The Consequences of Complacency
- A Call to Renewal
- Grieving for the affliction of others
- Being anxious and bothered for the state of the church
Key Quotes
“We have been offered the face of God and the glory of Christ. We have been offered holiness and righteousness and indwelling by the Spirit.” — A.W. Tozer
“Let us not rest upon beds of ivory. By the grace of God let us begin to grieve a bit for the affliction of Joseph and be anxious and bothered in the Holy Spirit for the state the church is in.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be more concerned about the spiritual state of others and take action to help them.
- Do not be satisfied with the status quo and be willing to take risks to help others.
- Grieve for the affliction of others and be anxious and bothered for the state of the church.